by Gavin Zanker
‘I’m just out doing some shopping before the mission,’ Aiden said, studying her face closely.
‘Same here,’ she said, holding up a plastic bag.
‘Who were you talking to over there?’ Aiden nodded back towards the alley.
‘Oh. Er. It was just some kid looking to cause trouble.’ Blanc’s eyes widened as she stammered. ‘We saw him hanging around so me and Adam sent him on his way.’
‘You seem nervous, are you okay?’
‘I’m fine. Just don’t like crowds much,’ she said as she stepped around Aiden and rushed away. ‘See you back at the barracks then.’
Adam jumped up and hurried after her with long strides and Aiden watched them disappear through the market. He could not figure out what she was trying to hide, and as he headed back to find Faye his brow furrowed as he realised that he had no idea who Blanc really was.
UNDER THE LIGHT of the crescent moon, Aiden and Faye headed up to the redoubt with Hitch in tow. Most of the team, roughly fifty Seekers, were already milling around outside the steps leading into the Grand Arena. Kane soon appeared, and after a roll call he led the team out through the city gates and along the road leading north. An energy passed around the team as they began their trek, all smiles and good moods. Aiden wondered how long it would take before the novelty of the trip wore off.
They were only a few hours out of the city when Aiden recognised the stretch of road they walked along. It was where he had been picked up by the city police. He checked under the rusted lorry cabin and sure enough, he found his old, battered canteen which he had tossed. Faye gave him a puzzled look as he scooped it up and dropped it in his pack. He just flashed her a grin with no explanation.
They made camp away from the road that night, with Kane assigning people shifts to keep watch. Faye slept near to Aiden, and he caught sight of Jordy watching them from a distance, his face still swollen and bruised. The temperature dropped sharply as they set out on the second day, and soon people were complaining about the cold. Aiden enjoyed the change in weather, having never been comfortable in the heat.
On the afternoon of the third day, Faye came jogging back to the group after scouting ahead with Hitch. ‘Five Kiln Boys about twenty minutes up the road,’ she said to Kane, hands on knees as she caught her breath. ‘The road is clogged up by an old traffic jam, cars and lorries and the like so I couldn’t get a clear view. It looks like they’re just sat out in the open though, waiting for any easy pickings that come their way.’
‘About time we found some of them. We can get a quick first strike in and thin out their numbers,’ Kane said, his voice rising as he turned to address the team. ‘Sack up, ladies and gents, we’ve got our first Kiln Boys up ahead and we’re going straight through them!’
The team picked up the pace as Kane took the lead, anxiety and excitement mounting at the prospect of the imminent conflict. The team were confident though, their numbers boosting morale. The stretch of road was well on its way to being reclaimed by nature, with patches of grass breaking through the concrete, and trees growing thickly on either side of the road.
Kane pulled Faye and Aiden aside. ‘Take a side each,’ he told them. ‘Scout along the edges of the road. If it’s clear, give a signal and we’ll make our move.’
‘I’ll whistle once for danger, twice for the all clear,’ Faye said as she jogged away.
‘What do you want, Blanc?’ Kane asked the approaching girl as Aiden turned and set off with Hitch running alongside him.
The undergrowth grew thicker as he moved forward, until he was forced to draw his knife and cut a path through. Eventually, he found a way through and spied the five Kiln Boys sitting on a burned out car in the middle of the road. He dropped low, grabbing Hitch’s collar as he moved forward with his pistol drawn.
Before Aiden had time to move around behind the men, Blanc walked into view on the road with Kane behind her leading the Seekers. Aiden cursed, wondering why they had moved without a signal. The Kiln Boys rose and stared at the Seekers in silence, unfazed by the small army approaching them. Aiden frowned at their reaction to the threat, and knew something must be wrong.
One of the Kiln Boys put his fingers to his mouth and whistled. Aiden watched as an impossible number of Kiln Boys appeared from behind the mass of vehicles in the road, all armed with everything from old firearms to spiked clubs and rusted lawnmower blades.
CHAPTER 30
AIDEN CREPT TOWARDS the tree line for a better view, careful to keep out of sight. Revealing his position now would be a mistake, so he stayed hidden and waited. At least from here he might be able to get the drop on a few of the Kiln Boys once the fighting started.
A tall man wearing a knee length brown jacket strode forward from the ranks of the Kiln Boys. Aiden saw the scar across his face and knew immediately it must be Trent Reid.
‘Kane, long time,’ the man said, stopping a few paces ahead of his men.
Kane stepped forward to meet him. ‘Trent. And here I was hoping I’d never have to lay eyes on your traitorous hide again.’
‘Traitorous, I like that,’ Trent said. ‘Except it wasn’t me who betrayed the group because I couldn’t follow orders was it?’
‘I don’t follow orders to massacre women and children. It was just the last command of a desperate man.’
‘Well you took care of him didn’t you. I suppose I should thank you for taking out Old Clifford really. Without a leader, the old squad was ripe for me to take over. Especially without you around to meddle.’
‘I figured as much,’ Kane said, his eyes sweeping over the Kiln Boys. ‘And then you formed this rabble of bandits and thieves.’
‘Harsh. These are all respectable men who had enough of being pushed around. So we keep the peace in our neck of the woods, and all we ask is to be left alone. Your Dawnist bitch couldn’t accept that though could she? She had to come up here and stick her nose where it wasn’t wanted.’
Kane’s jaw rippled as he ground his teeth together. ‘You laid your hands on her, and now you’re going to face the consequences.’
‘Consequences?’ Trent laughed. ‘What consequences are they then? It looks to me like you’re in a spot of bother, doesn’t it? I suggest you drop those pretty weapons of yours and march yourself back to that rat-infested hole in the ground you call home.’
‘You know I won’t do that,’ Kane said, his hand moving to rest on the pistol holstered at his belt.
Trent rolled his eyes. ‘Well, if you’re going to be stubborn, my boys can take them off your hands. It’ll be no bother.’
A tall man carrying a recurve bow stepped forward, an arrow already loosely knocked to the string. ‘Those are some nice boots you’ve got there. I’ve been looking for a new pair.’
‘Kane, meet my deputy Wesley. Best shot with a bow you’ll ever see.’
Kane ignored the man and scowled at Trent. ‘You’re bandit scum, and I’m going to make you pay for laying a hand on Emily.’
‘Emily?’ Trent rubbed his chin, looking puzzled. ‘Oh is that her name? Yeah I taught her a good lesson. Looks like I’m going to have to teach you one now too.’ He turned and headed back towards his men. ‘Oh,’ he said, turning on his heel, ‘you didn’t ask.’
‘Ask what?’
‘Don’t tell me you aren’t curious how we knew you were coming?’ Trent smirked. ‘Seems like someone on your team didn’t fall for your moral crap. You’ve got to love a traitor, haven’t you? They do keep things interesting.’
Kane snarled and drew his pistol, firing a shot at Trent. The bullet went wide and took a nearby Kiln Boy in the chest. Trent dove behind his men as gunfire erupted everywhere.
Aiden aimed his pistol from the trees, trying to calm his breathing. He used his second hand to steady his aim, and now released, Hitch shot off towards the fighting. Aiden squeezed the trigger, but his shot went high. He fired again, this time finding his mark, and dropping a Kiln Boy. Then another, taking out a man’s kneecap. He continued
until his pistol clicked empty.
He tossed his pistol to the ground and pulled out his knife, scanning the fight for Trent. He wanted nothing more than to chase him down and bury his blade in the man’s heart, but he was nowhere in sight and the team needed help. Taking a deep breath, he charged out of the trees and made a line straight for the centre of the raging battle. After only a few steps, he felt a sting in his left hip and he stumbled to the ground. Confused, he put his hand to find his fingers came back red.
He tried to rise, but there was no strength in his left side. Looking ahead, he saw most of the team had fallen. The Kiln Boys were surrounding the last handful of them, laughing and taunting them. Aiden recognised the towering figure of Adam, swinging a length of wood in sweeping circles to keep his attackers away.
Aiden caught sight of Trent again as he approached the remaining Seekers with Wesley trailing behind him. ‘The crows will feast well tonight,’ he said, glancing up at the tree tops. ‘Any of you cultist lapdogs feel like deconverting, or would you rather help feed the scavengers along with the rest of your friends here?’
Aiden felt a swell of pride when no one answered him. Trent turned to Wesley and said something Aiden could not make out. Wesley nodded, then nocked an arrow and loosed it, taking Adam in the ankle causing him to stumble and fall. Then Aiden watched in horror as the Kiln Boys charged forward and the last Seekers fell to the sounds of breaking bones and screams being cut short.
Trent moved away, stopping to kneel by the fallen figure of Kane. ‘Guess you weren’t anything to be worried about after all, old man,’ Trent said, as he drove a knife up under the man’s ribs. Kane’s hands weakly tried to grasp Trent’s neck before they fell limply to the ground.
Aiden managed to get his feet beneath him, and staggered towards the woods. Hitch was nowhere to be seen, and he assumed the worst. His only chance was to hide, before anyone realised he was still breathing. Trying to attack Trent now would just be throwing his life away.
He risked a glance back and saw the Kiln Boy leader looking directly at him, then motion to his men. Aiden made it a short distance into the tree line before collapsing against the far side of a trunk. When he heard footsteps approaching, he held his breath and stayed as still as possible.
‘He looks dead to me,’ a voice came from nearby.
‘Check him,’ another said. ‘Trent doesn’t want any prisoners.’
Aiden heard the sound of leaves rustling as one of the men stepped towards him and reached down to touch his neck. Aiden surged upwards, his eyes flaring open as he sliced his blade across the man’s throat. Hot blood sprayed across Aiden’s face, splashing into his mouth as the dying man slid to the floor. Keeping his momentum, he rammed into the second man who was frozen in shock. Landing on top of him, Aiden plunged his knife in the man’s neck before rolling away on to his back.
His breath came in shuddering gasps as he continued to bleed. White spots floated on his vision as he stared at the patches of grey sky through the tree canopy. He felt himself teetering on the verge of unconsciousness.
‘Well, well,’ a familiar voice said. ‘I should’ve guessed a coward like you would survive.’
Aiden rolled his head to the side and squinted. Jordy came in to focus, his Seeker uniform ripped and covered in gore. He clutched his side and as he limped, fresh blood seeping between his fingers. Aiden struggled to rise but slumped back down, weak from the blood loss.
‘That was an impressive move. Taking down two men like that. It’s almost a shame I came along isn’t it?’
Jordy stood over him now with a pistol in hand. ‘This is how it ends then?’ Aiden said, his voice hoarse. ‘Killed by a member of my own team?’
‘You were never part of the team. After you arrived everything just went to shit. Remember cause and effect? Well, I’m here to show you some effect. Something you’re long overdue.’ He levelled the pistol at Aiden’s head, swaying as he spoke. ‘Any last words before I end you?’
‘You punch like a little girl,’ Aiden said, his laughter turning to wincing as pain flared. He closed his eyes and waited for the bullet.
Aiden heard a scuffle and the sound of something hitting the ground hard. He opened his eyes to see Hitch on top of Jordy, snarling in his face. The man tried to aim the pistol at the dog, but Hitch bit his wrist causing him to drop the gun. Weaponless and panicking now, Jordy tried to keep the snapping jaws away from his face. Wounded though, he did not have the strength. Hitch latched his teeth around the man’s neck and tore his throat out with a nauseous, ripping sound.
Jordy’s body convulsed as blood arced from where his throat had been. Covered in blood and whining, Hitch crawled over and pushed his muzzle under Aiden’s hand. Using the last of his strength, Aiden put his arm over his dog, then passed out.
CHAPTER 31
TRAVIS STEPPED THROUGH the heavy studded doors of the Zenith Gate, nodding to the two guards as he passed. He followed the white corridors, twisting left and right as they led him deeper underground. He passed few people, just some white uniformed staff as they hurried about their duties. A distant scream echoed down the hall as he passed the readjustment wing, but it was quickly silenced.
Eventually he came to the set of double doors with circular windows leading to the medical wing. Seeing Travis, the guard stepped aside to let him through. Travis put his hand on the door but hesitated. Putting this off would only make it worse, but the thought did not make it any easier. He pinched the bridge of his nose and pushed the swing doors open.
His nose was filled with the overpowering smell of disinfectant as he entered. He glanced around and saw all of the medical beds were empty except one. He walked over and perched on the edge of the bed. Emily stirred at the movement and woke up.
‘Hi,’ she said, her eyes lighting up as she saw him.
‘Hey, Em,’ he said softly. The bruises on her face were slowly fading now, though the sight of her injuries still roused his anger. ‘How are you doing? Are they looking after you all right in here?’
‘I’m fine. Bored mostly. How are things out in the city?’
‘I already spoke with Samuel. We were in agreement.’
She nodded. ‘Kane?’
‘Right. He’s already led his team north.’
‘I hope he’ll be okay. Trent is a dangerous man. I saw something in his eyes. Something that scared me.’
Travis reached for his wife’s hand and grasped it firmly. ‘Em, there’s something else you need to know,’ he said, his face burning as he forced the words out.
‘What’s wrong?’ She leaned forward, placing a delicate hand on his shoulder. ‘You can tell me.’
‘You’ve been classified as a category five.’ Emily’s eyes widened as he spoke. ‘You won’t be permitted to leave the inner compound, and from now on you’ll be placed under permanent guard.’
‘I know what category five means,’ Emily snapped. ‘Was this your idea?’
‘It’s been decided that in your current state, you’re a vulnerability to the Church. We can’t afford to have any weaknesses during this critical time. There are too many parts in play to risk your safety.’
Emily snatched her hand back from his grasp, and Travis winced at the rejection. ‘They sound like Samuel’s words,’ she said. ‘How long is this going to last exactly?’
‘A time frame hasn’t been decided,’ Travis said, his voice cracking slightly. ‘Em, I-’
She lay back on the bed and rolled away from him. ‘I’d like you to leave me now.’
Travis stood and looked at the outline of his slender wife under the blanket. They both knew there was nothing he could do, but she would never forgive him. And he did not blame her.
‘I’ll visit again soon,’ he said, unsure what else he could say.
His eyes stung with tears as he turned and left the medical wing. A few minutes later he approached a wood panelled door at the end of a corridor. He slid a key into the lock, and entered, clicking the door shut be
hind him.
His quarters were a stark contrast to the austere corridors he just left behind. Soft lighting, natural wood, and plush carpets. Emily had taken great care and attention to make the place a home for them.
He stepped up to the oval mirror hanging on the wall and stared at his reflection. He grimaced at the man looking back at him. Tossing his keys on the nearby shelf, he headed into his study and dropped heavily into his black office chair. He rummaged through the lower drawer of his desk, pulling out a bottle of pre-Dawn whisky and a glass tumbler. Tipping the aged bottle, he found it empty save for a few remaining drops.
He exploded in frustration, jumping out of the chair and throwing the bottle across room. It shattered against a bookcase, scattering shards of glass over the carpet.
Slumping back into his chair, he drew deep breaths through his nose to calm himself. He had sacrificed far too much for the church already, and he did not know how much more he could give. With a sinking dread in his stomach, he knew that more would be asked of him before the end came.
CHAPTER 32
AIDEN OPENED HIS eyes to see a wooden ceiling. The sound of birdsong drifted to him from nearby. He blinked a few times, floating somewhere between sleep and awake. He turned his head slightly and saw that he was in a small wooden cabin, but could not remember why. He forced himself to concentrate through the drowsiness as his mind tried to sink back into the depths of sleep. There had been a battle. A battle with the Kiln Boys. People had tried to kill him. Trent had been there.
Trent. The man who murdered his wife.
The sound of an axe splitting wood came to him from outside. He forced himself to sit up, immediately regretting it as pain radiated through his side. He pulled the blanket away to reveal a bandage wrapped around his torso. Fresh blood seeped through the woven cloth.