The War Priest

by Ann Aguirre

  The time ticked away slowly. Please don’t wake, Joss.

  Signaling to the hawk shifter, Callum cut across to greet him. “Can you scout for us?”

  “Easily. But you won’t understand my reports.”

  “Simple code. One screech for all-clear, two for danger ahead.”

  “I do not screech.” But the monk nodded and promised to keep watch from the skies.

  Soon, it was time to go. And Joss was still nowhere to be seen, thankfully. She must be exhausted.

  “Good luck out there,” Jere said.

  He hesitated. “Joss wanted to come. I didn’t wake her. It may be…well. Never mind. Try not to let her follow. It would mean a lot to me to know that she’s safe.”

  “I’ll do my best,” Jere promised.

  “Outside the walls, single file, step where I step. Let’s not lose anyone to our own mines.”

  There were no words that could prepare anyone further for what lay ahead, so he led the way to the front of the hold. No need for the secret exit with the enemy preparing to attack the factory. Quietly Callum undressed and shifted, then the guards opened the gates.

  For such a large group, they left silently, mostly bears, but half of the brothers were present as well offering a small mix of cats and wolves. Callum pushed forward and thankfully, the ragtag army followed in an orderly line. He didn’t breathe easy until they reached the forest, well clear of the walls, both because of the mines and because he feared a certain wildcat might come racing from the hold, ready to bite his nose off.

  But there was another reason for his relief too. If Joss was in the field with him, he would be constantly distracted, worried about where she was, if she was safe, if she was scared, and that diffusion of focus might cost Burnt Amber everything. In battle, she was a weakness he couldn’t afford.

  Callum had cut out his own heart by leaving her, protected behind Burnt Amber’s walls.

  25.

  Joss yawned and stretched, awakening in increments from the best sleep she’d had in weeks. The hold was strangely silent, and when she opened her eyes, a ray of sunlight slanted across—

  Sunlight?

  That couldn’t be right. We were supposed to leave last night. Suddenly, she knew exactly what had happened. He left. Went to war without me.

  Anger and fear overwhelmed her in a drowning rush, to the point that she might explode. Joss came up on her knees and screamed, screamed and pounded the mattress with her fists, screamed until she had no breath left and she was in danger of damaging her throat. Only the latter threat quieted her, but the dark emotions rioting inside her didn’t abate.

  I could hate him for this. How could he? How?

  She threw on some clothes and stumbled into the sitting room on shaky legs, hardly knowing what she ought to do next. Where she found a letter neatly folded. This proved Callum had executed a planned deception. It hadn’t been a momentary impulse. He took me to bed and cuddled with me, knowing he meant to leave me.

  Glaring at the note, she considered burning it unread, but in the end, she couldn’t stand to do that, and she unfolded the page with tears streaming down her cheeks. When she scanned the words he had left, she cried harder and hugged the paper to her chest. It was all too real now, an immutable truth. Though they had a long lead, it might be possible for Joss to catch up, as she could move with more speed than a large group. Certainly, it wouldn’t be difficult to track them as she had done with the Gols.

  But he asked me to stay and comfort our people.

  That was the one solace she had—that he’d used that word and asked for her help. It wasn’t the role she wanted to play, but he was right about one thing. She didn’t truly want to go and kill, but she hadn’t wanted to be left behind either. Part of her was furious that he’d replaced her with a fucking drone. A machine couldn’t have saved the people in Bright’s Landing. Hell, her emotions were all over the place, and there was no making sense of them. Joss cried until her eyes felt sore.

  At some point, Renna tapped on the door and came in without waiting for Joss to answer. “I heard…well, it was loud. Are you all right?”

  “I’m fucking fantastic,” Joss snapped. “You can see that, I’m sure, from the way I’m curled up on the floor crying.”

  “You’re upset because they left without you.”

  With effort she restrained a hateful response. None of this was Renna’s fault. She had stolen meds and given them to the enemy, but considering the larger issues, theft didn’t seem like such a big deal anymore. “Very much,” she muttered.

  “I don’t know if this will help at all, but Callum was fighting tears when he left you.”

  Joss raised her chin, unable to believe what she’d heard. “Are you serious?”

  “He looked absolutely wrecked. I meant to ask him if you’d…spoken to him, but I could tell it wasn’t the time. And I don’t think you have.”

  She shook her head. “Not to minimize your crime, but we have more pressing issues. I hope you weren’t expecting immediate resolution.”

  “I just…I want my family back. But I don’t think that’s possible.”

  Joss reached out and took Renna’s hand. “If they’ve been captured, we’ll negotiate for their release the moment that’s possible. I don’t believe the Eldritch loyalists ever had any intention of doing that. They were just…”

  “Making use of me,” Renna finished.

  “Maybe I wouldn’t have put it precisely like that. They took advantage of your fear, your loneliness, and perhaps most reprehensibly, your hope.”

  “But they sent me pictures. And they must have communicated with my parents. How else would they have known where to find me?” Renna sighed and bowed her head. “I suppose it doesn’t matter now. It’s over.”

  “If it makes you feel any better, I doubt the loyalists have the power to get your family executed in Golgerra. They might not have had the ability to get them extricated either. To me, this seems like a crime of opportunity.”

  “You may be right. I wish I’d had someone to talk to about this. I’ve been so alone here since Beren died.”

  “I’m sorry.” She enfolded the other woman’s hand in both of hers. “And I’m sorry for what they’re saying about you. That’s actually why I was looking for you when I caught you with the meds.”

  “To make sure I was all right?” Smiling, Renna pulled her into a hug, and Joss held on, hard. “I’m the furthest thing from it, but not because of a little gossip. Besides, they’re not doing you any credit either with their speculation.”

  “I’m easily seduced but at least I bring with me the potential for an alliance.”

  “For what it’s worth, I’ve known about you and Callum for a while.”

  Startled, Joss sat back to regard Renna with bemusement. “You did?”

  “I noticed that the two of you were spending private time together. As someone with a secret, I worried that you’d noticed something or he had. So I…”

  “Spied on us?” Joss guessed.

  “Basically. And I discovered that I’m not the only one with secrets.”

  “But you didn’t tell anyone. You could have ruined Callum’s reputation, destroyed his chance at leading Burnt Amber.”

  Renna raised a brow. “Why would I? I’ve never wanted to lead. I didn’t even wish for that when Beren was alive. The only thing I want is to find my family.”

  “I’ll help you,” Joss declared. “At the least, I owe you for protecting us when you didn’t have to. I mean, I swear we didn’t do anything—”

  “I don’t care. Whatever passed between you, nobody needs to know and Callum’s been released as a brother. There are no barriers to your happiness now.”

  Joss laughed, a bitter sound that held no humor. “Nothing but a few thousand Gols bent on subjugation.”

  “We have to win. I don’t know how it will happen, but the goddess won’t allow this to happen.”

  If Renna truly believed that, she had more faith t
han Joss. “I hope you’re right. Have you eaten yet?”

  “I was on my way when I heard you…protesting. And I dithered a bit while you cried because I wasn’t sure you’d want comfort from me after what I’ve done.”

  Joss rubbed the other woman’s shoulder. “Of course! I’m grateful that you checked on me. You’re a good person, and I hope we’ll be close friends once all the dust settles.”

  “We already are.” In a graceful motion, Renna stood and offered her hand. “You need to wash your face and show Burnt Amber that you’re not fazed. If you act natural, even if you don’t feel confident, others will find strength to carry on.”

  That’s what Callum asked of me too.

  “You’re right. And even if you never wanted to lead, I think you would have done a wonderful job alongside Beren.”

  Renna smiled. “Thank you but it’s just common sense.”

  While Joss held no official standing, most people already knew that she was Callum’s woman. If she went to pieces, it would impact everyone. She washed her face and put on a little makeup. Fortunately, Animari healing covered for crying jags too, so her eyes weren’t red or puffy any longer. She put her hair up and tidied her clothing, tucked the only love letter she’d ever cared enough to keep into the pocket of her trousers, then she turned to Renna.

  “All set. Ready to show the world how unbothered we are?”

  “Most definitely. I heard the cooks are putting us on rations, so don’t expect too much from breakfast.”

  Joss waved that away, linking arms with Renna as they left. “Is that meant as a profession of faith? That they believe the soldiers will return soon and we’ll need the provisions.”

  “I suspect so.”

  “Oh, I like that. Then let’s go savor our gruel with big, adoring smiles. Do our part for the war effort and all that.”

  “And tonight, you can keep spirits up by performing as usual. I’ll be in the first set of tables, cheering you on.”

  Callum marched all night and into the morning.

  They rested periodically but never for long. And just past noon, as they neared the factory, a tremendous boom rocked the ground. The Gols reached the warehouse. Wonder how many enemies the explosion took out. Even from a few klicks out, he spotted the plume of smoke rising from the wreckage. Hopefully the survivors and employees were long gone.

  This would ruin the bear economy, though. Before, during peacetime, they exported most of the weapons and mines they produced. Humans spent ridiculous amounts on the accoutrements of war and the stockpile that had just gone up in a fiery blast had been overdue for delivery in the south. Now they’d have to pay penalties for failing to fulfill the contract and they’d probably lose the profitable trade agreements already in place.

  Maybe it was for the best. Before, he hadn’t cared if they supplied humans the means to kill one another, but now he’d seen the scars of war up close and personal. Hell, the minefield around Burnt Amber was new too. When the Pax Protocols were honored, they had no need for such measures. He had to believe that the war would end—and not with the Animari conquered by Tycho Vega. When peace returned, Burnt Amber should produce something else, turn the factory to other purposes.

  They won’t expect an attack, he said in bear. Not now. The Gols are likely disorganized while their leaders decide what to do, now that the factory has been stricken as a resource. We hit them hard from behind and then fall back. Do not give chase. Do not allow them to retaliate. Our goal is to thin their numbers. We cannot win in a single pitched battle. They’ll destroy us once they shift, and they outnumber us two to one. Do you understand?

  Growls of assent came from all directions. Hopefully, they all followed instructions. He knew damn well his “army” was made up mostly of townsfolk, some of whom had come from Bright’s Landing thirsty for revenge. They’d left the children behind in the care of others and trusted him to coax a victory from the jaws of probable obliteration.

  Goddess, if I earned any favor during my years of service, I could use your blessing now.

  He led the force quietly, and they struck without warning.

  One minute the Gols were talking amongst themselves, the next, they were being savaged by angry bears. Callum attacked the nearest, raking open his throat so blood sprayed everywhere. He bit the next savagely and tore him apart with his full strength. Huffing a challenge, he pounced the next and crushed the enemy with his weight, then slashed until entrails spilled out. He took out six this way, but the enemy was already starting to rally.

  “Attack! Change and defend!” calls rang out.

  As soon as the Gols began to shift, the tide of the battle would turn. Callum immediately called the retreat, and they lost ten of their own to bloodlust, bears who didn’t leave fast enough. The Gols chased them for half a klick, until their leaders called them back, fearful of an ambush. There were no more forces lying in wait, but they didn’t know that.

  They might be able to fight like this for several days, but eventually the Gols would realize that there was no cunning plan, no hidden resources, only absolute desperation. And then they’ll come for us. He put that from his mind. Living in the moment was the only way to survive.

  Once he was sure they’d eluded pursuit, he paused to speak. Solid strike. We can’t hide and hunt in a group this large, though. Trini will take one squad. Emilia another. I’ll head up the last. We split up to eat and reconvene here at nightfall. Stay away from the Gols. We keep moving. Make them hunt for us.

  Trini added, if they’re searching for us, they’re not retaliating against another settlement. We just need to winnow them down to more manageable numbers.

  That was a much taller order than it might seem. Surviving in the wild with no supplies would tax the environment, but he saw no alternative. Supplies were scarce thanks to the Gol blockade. Maybe it would be worthwhile to strike there in hopes that their brethren might send aid even if they couldn’t send troops.

  That’s assuming we can stay alive long enough.

  Callum didn’t feel confident about that because they couldn’t afford to pitch camps and getting enough food to sustain this many shifted bears wouldn’t be easy. They risked death from starvation as much as being slaughtered by the Gols. Once more, he locked down these dire thoughts.

  Joss must be awake by now. Bet she’s fucking furious.

  He couldn’t afford to think of her right now either or the comforts of home. Count off in threes. Group one with Trini. Group two, Emilia. Three is with me. The bears sorted themselves efficiently and they split up to hunt.

  As he’d feared, the pickings were slim, thanks to the extended Gol occupation. They had been eating the local game for weeks, and Callum’s group didn’t find much, certainly not enough to sustain them long term. Eventually they’d start to digest their own muscle mass and wouldn’t be able to hold in bear form.

  Then I’ll be leading a bunch of weak and naked people into battle. Without weapons. Such a macabre thought, one that would core out his resolve if he let it. On some level, death was death, but it seemed worse to let them die slowly, devouring themselves from within. Without Joss, he tended toward a decidedly dim and gloomy bent, pessimism untouched by hope.

  I left that with her, along with all the brightness I’ve never known.

  His people were still hungry when they rendezvoused with the rest of the force. By the smell of it, the Gols had been here searching but they’d moved on when they didn’t find the bear resistance. This is what it’s come to, an armed game of hide and seek. It was all so pointless, and he was coming to believe in Joss’s definition of evil, born of fear, unquestioning obedience, or indifference, those willing to commit atrocities to save their own skin.

  Callum could tell from the rumbling stomachs that the others had fared no better, but there were no complaints. He suspected that those who had volunteered had done so fully accepting that this might be their final act, a gesture of complete defiance in the face of destruction. It wasn’t
cold at least; nor was it raining. Their fur was more than ample to keep them warm on such a fine spring day.

  What’s our next move? Trini asked, seeming confident that he had a plan.

  Oh, you sweet, innocent child.

  Yet the words came, as if from some untapped font of knowledge. There’s a hot spring to the north. We can rest there, though not for long. We must keep them angry, off-balance, and hunting relentlessly for us. Otherwise they’ll turn their wrath on the nearest settlement and that’s what we’re trying to avoid.

  Understood, Trini said. Moving now. Fall in!

  How long could they function without support? Without food or rest? Hell if he knew, but according to Anwen’s Ride, the saint had gone for twenty days on grit and faith alone. For him, the latter was in short supply, but he had plenty of the former, largely fed on spite.

  We will not go quietly, he told Tycho Vega silently. We will fight you with the last breath in our bodies.

  26.

  For the next few days, Joss carried out Callum’s will. Not in the sense that she was completing his last work, but more that she was adhering to his request. In the evening, she offered cheerful, upbeat shows and encouraged audience participation. Tonight, she would take requests and sing a duet with a lucky audience member who won the lottery Nayan was running.

  During the day, she worked with Renna on conservation efforts, reducing waste so their supplies would last longer. But gods, when she glanced around, the hold was so quiet and empty. Those who had remained behind were silent and subdued, likely because everyone knew that the longer the defenders were gone, the less likely it became that they would all return.

  Every morning, she checked the signal machine to see if there was any news from Pru. So far, it had been ominously quiet. Her phone had lit up mysteriously with a bunch of messages from Ash Valley, but it wasn’t transmitting any longer. When she asked Jere about it, they said Callum had turned the wireless on briefly to contact the factory before he left.