The kitten peered at Raven with large yellow eyes.
Monique nodded, eyes wide and fearful. She ran after Liz and Rocky.
Raven turned back to her brother. “You ready?” she asked, steeling herself for the confrontation to come, harnessing her fear.
“Let’s do this,” Henry answered.
They crept diagonally toward the growing pack of undead, numbering in the teens now, not wanting to come at them head on. The zombies milled about, stumbling from the trees. There were all types, tall and lean, short and fat; their skin ran the gamut from dark to light, but they were all covered in blood and dirt. Those telling red lines ran across the skin of every one. Their clothes were tattered, some wearing hardly any and others covered in the full dress of winter. The noises that the individual undead made, grumbling and growling and moaning and snapping their jaws, were multiplied tenfold, sounding like a crowded room full of deranged mental patients.
“You ready, sis?” he asked in a low voice.
By some miracle the zombie horde had not seen them and she meant to keep it that was as long as they could.
“Yes,” she responded in the same pitch.
“How do you want to approach?” Henry asked.
The zombies were all in front of them now, milling about. Their numbers kept increasing. They would need to do something soon.
“Let’s stay together,” Raven said. She was sure that didn’t surprise Henry.
His mouth twitched into a smile. “Fine, sis,” he answered.
She held his gaze for a moment, memorizing the features that she had seen most of her life. Her brother was dear to her and she did not want him to die today. Try to keep yourself alive too, her grandfather’s voice whispered through her mind.
“Ready, steady,” Henry spoke.
Raven smiled thinly and nodded. She broke into a run and Henry was right by her side. Raven lunged at the closest undead, swinging her axe and slicing through the skull of a short woman wearing a blue Afghan-like dress. She fell to the side and immediately another zombie took her place. Slamming her axe into the side of his neck for he was very tall, Raven cursed. The man growled and snapped his jaws menacingly, reaching for her with outstretched arms. She pushed him away and slashed through the meat of his face. His skin sloughed off and his eyeballs popped but he didn’t go down. He leaned forward and his weight brought her to her knees. Jaw snapping and spittle flying, the undead grabbed for her and missed, blood slicked fingers losing traction against her skin. With a grunt, Raven pushed him away and regained her feet. The ground was soft but at least it wasn’t raining; water made things slipperier. She yelled and brought her axe down on his head, splitting the zombie’s skull in two. He slumped toward the group and fell, bringing down two small undead children. Henry was there and he jabbed them in the skull with his blade.
Raven glanced at him and grinned; more of a baring of teeth. Henry mirrored her expression and held up four blood-stained fingers. Raven frowned.
“The last two didn’t really count,” she spoke. “My kill pinned them down.”
Henry shrugged. An undead man with skin the color of coffee with a hint of cream and cinnamon grabbed Henry by the hair and pulled him onto his toes with bearlike strength. Her brother’s face went comically blank and Raven snorted. She pushed away an undead woman, wearing a pale flower print dress and a large sun hat that sat askew on her head. The woman stumbled, hands outstretched and reaching, jaws snapping. Raven swung her axe and removed the woman’s head completely, severing her long chicken neck. Raven turned to the large zombie man and jumped; burying her axe into his skull with such force his decaying eyes fell from their sockets. They dangled by sinuous nerves and blood vessels. Her axe stuck and Raven had to leap again to pull it free. The light went out of his eyes and he crumpled, letting go of Henry. Her brother sidestepped out of the way, gasping for air. The zombie fell with a crash that shook the ground. Crows cawed indignantly and took flight like a large black cloud from the nearest tree.
Raven held up four fingers, smiling broadly. Henry laughed and ducked his head, acknowledging that they were now tied.
The undead still poured from the trees, thirty strong and they were all focused on Henry and Raven.
Raven back peddled rapidly to avoid their reaching hands. “There’re too many,” she yelled to be heard over the grumbling din.
“I know,” Henry spoke. His face was covered in a spattering of brains and he sported a large goose egg on his forehead. Raven was sure she didn’t look much better. She could feel the drying blood crusting on her face.
“I say we lead them away, into the trees,” Raven said. She backed away the whole time she spoke.
“Agreed,” Henry said, keeping pace with her. His voice shook as he jogged backwards.
The horde of undead marched toward them, arms extended and fingers reaching. Their noises had increased, grunts and snarls becoming all Raven could hear.
“Go!” she said and sprinted into the trees.
Her boots smacked the ground, squelching a little in the mud. Raven ducked beneath a low hanging branch and saw Henry in her peripheral, keeping pace easily. The zombies followed more slowly, catching their limbs on branches and roots.
“We’re losing some of them,” Henry panted.
Raven glanced back and saw they were still followed closely by ten or twelve zombies. “Not enough,” she spoke.
“This way,” Henry said, gesturing to the right. He grabbed the low branch of an oak and vaulted, landing easily in the tree. “Come on,” he said, reaching his hand down for Raven.
“Shit,” she said. Raven hated climbing but didn’t see much choice.
She wasn’t a runner and Henry knew that. They couldn’t outrun the undead forever and she could feel her muscles in her arms aching from the exertion of swinging her axe. She grabbed his hand and scrambled into the tree. The bark was uncomfortably rough beneath her fingers but she ignored the sensation.
“Come on,” he said, climbing to the next branch. “We need to go a little higher.”
“Fucker,” Raven hissed, irritated and amused simultaneously. When they were children, Henry was like a monkey, scaling the trees in their backyard easily. Raven was always jealous of it.
They climbed the oak, ascending thirty feet into the air. The horde of undead stopped momentarily at the base of the tree, their jaws snapping audibly and they scented the air. After a few minutes that felt much longer they continued to stumble further into the trees and away from the Mom and Pop.
“Jesus,” Henry exclaimed, lying back onto a large branch. He threw his arm over his eyes, knife still held loosely in his grasp. “That was a workout.” His chest heaved.
Raven laughed weakly and could only agree. “Why didn’t they run like the others?” she asked, curious.
Henry sat up and stared after the undead. “That’s a good question,” he spoke, scratching the stubble on his chin. “Maybe it has something to do with the degree of rot. Those zombies stunk like corpses. I haven’t noticed that before with any of the others.”
“Huh,” Raven said. “Maybe the longer they’re undead the weaker they become. Their skulls spilt more easily than a live person’s would.”
Henry laughed. “And you know that how?” he asked, chuckling.
Raven smiled. “I assume that’s the case anyhow.” She punched her brother in the shoulder.
Henry grinned. “Let’s wait a little longer to make sure they’re gone.” he said. He pulled his knees to his chest and settled more comfortably against a large branch.
“Sounds good,” Raven spoke, hoping that Liz and Rocky were all right. She wasn’t sure if she trusted this Monique woman but there was little choice right now.
They watched the zombie horde stumble through the forest, heading north into the mountains. The sun shone down through the tree canopy, casting the undead in speckled shadows.
Chapter Eight
Trouble Finds Liz
Liz
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nbsp; Liz stood in the front of the store, hands pressed against the glass. She kept one eye out for Raven and Henry and the other on the new woman. Rocky sat by Liz’s side, panting. She could feel his comforting weight against her leg. Neptune hid beneath the cash registers, feigning sleep. Liz had opened a can of tuna and split it between Rocky and the cat, taking only a little on some crackers for herself.
The woman, Monique, stood by the cash registers looking unsure. Her face was very pretty and Liz liked her long blond hair but she could tell that Raven didn’t trust her. Liz hadn’t made up her mind yet, deciding to be watchful and see.
“I hope they’re all right,” Monique spoke.
Her voice was soft and her hands were dainty when she placed them on the countertop. It seemed like her nails had been done recently, hot pink polish chipping a bit on the ends but otherwise they still looked nice. Liz glanced down at her own hands, dirty nails and grubby fingers, and hid them in the folds of her sweatshirt. Monique’s brow crinkled when she frowned and Liz wondered how old she was.
“I-I’m sure they’ll be fine,” Liz answered, desperately hoping that was true. If Henry and Raven were killed she’d be stuck with this strange woman. A shiver coursed down her spine and Rocky growled. “It’s okay, boy,” Liz assured, patting him on the head. She felt reassured that Rocky would protect her no matter what happened.
Monique glanced nervously at the dog and Liz hid a small smile behind her hand. She wondered where Monique lived before all the madness broke out. She didn’t look like anyone Liz had ever seen outside of television. Monique was well groomed and her clothes looked expensive. Liz could see unfamiliar brand names embroidered on the hem on her shirt; magenta material offset with blue stitching. Her ski pants were tight fitting; the type that Liz saw on the newscasters when they reported something high up in the mountains. Though bright orange wasn’t a color she’d seen anyone wear before. Even Monique’s hair was perfectly brushed and shining — she’d unbraided it and took much care combing through it. Of course it was straight hair like Raven’s; curls didn’t behave in the same manner.
Monique glanced at her and smiled. She opened her mouth to speak then shut it again, looking pensive. Her blue eyes darkened and she sighed, crossing her arms beneath her breasts.
Liz pushed back an unruly mass of curls and resumed looking out of the window. Rocky leaned into her leg and sighed, thumping his tail on the floor. She petted him absently, stroking the soft fur on his head.
“Where did you live before, Liz?” Monique asked, walking to the window and hunkering down next to Liz.
Liz glanced shyly at her and shrugged, afraid to hold eye contact.
Monique waited a beat then spoke again. “I lived in Forest Grove. It’s a large city by the bay.” Her voice was haughty and she smiled. Monique glanced at Liz and when the other kept silent she continued. “I lived with my aging mother. She couldn’t care for herself any longer, you see, and she needed me there. My father was a very wealthy businessman when he was alive and before his death he made sure to set enough money aside to care for mother and me. I never had to work and swam every day in our large infinity pool.” Her expression was joyous and her eyes took on a faraway look.
Liz glanced at Monique and frowned. This woman sure loves to talk about herself, she thought. I hope Raven and Henry come back soon. She resumed staring through the glass and Monique kept talking.
“Oh, you should have seen the pool. It was surrounded by large rocks and ferns and there was a gorgeous waterfall that cascaded down into endless blue.” Her voice was animated and her delicate hand traced a pattern in the air. She continued to drone on about her life before and Liz tuned her out, watching the woods.
Presently, the sun rose higher into the sky. The clouds had migrated into the mountains, taking the rain with them. Liz loved it when it rained but was glad for a day of sunshine. It would be warmer today. She could feel the heat through the glass. Liz pressed her cheek against it, closing her eyes.
Rocky barked and her eyes sprang open. “There they are!” she yelled. Before Monique could say anything, Liz shot out of the door and raced toward Raven. They were a good distance down the road and Rocky shot toward them, much faster than Liz could run. She saw Raven wave, a tiny arm in the distance. Liz waved back, smiling broadly.
Suddenly she heard a deep rumble. It took her a moment to realize what the sound was. “A car,” she spoke, turning and looking over her shoulder.
The road continued past the Mom and Pop, winding down the hills and into a beautiful valley. Liz had never seen it but heard Henry talking to Raven about it and how it was filled with different flowers year round; even in the winter. They had lived in a town called Hollow something or other; Liz couldn’t quite remember the name. She thought that the valley was on the way to their home.
Up that road trundled a large truck. Freshly painted an army green, it had a canvas tent stretched over the truck bed. It rumbled closer and Liz stood transfixed. She heard Raven screaming but couldn’t seem to focus. Her heart sped in her chest and she watched the truck slow. Liz couldn’t move, couldn’t think; she was petrified but couldn’t run. It was like her feet were glued to the ground. Vaguely, she heard Henry yelling and Rocky barking.
The deuce and a half rumbled to a stop just in front of Liz. The window rolled down. A man leaned out. His face was sallow and thin, amber eyes bugged out of his head, making him look slightly fish-like. He licked his tongue across chapped lips and peered at Liz.
“You alone here, girl?” he asked in a voice that cracked like a teenager’s. He wasn’t old but his skin was weathered.
Liz swallowed audibly, but still couldn’t speak. She took a step back and the man reached out lightning quick and snatched her wrist. His eyes were hungry and he licked his lips again.
“Now, now,” he said, grinning sickly. “Where’re you goin’, girl?”
Liz yanked at her arm but was unable to break free. She was panting, close to hyperventilating. Her vision ran with streamers of darkness. She felt her knees buckle and heard boots on the ground. Her body was lifted then everything went dark.
Raven
She’d seen the truck pull up and broke into a run. Henry followed at her side. Raven watched the stranger take Liz but was too far away to help. Her body was tired from fighting zombies and she knew Henry must be too. Her knees ached and she pushed them to move faster.
The truck flipped a bitch and roared back the way it came, sending exhaust and dust into the air. Rocky reached the spot where Liz had been. He sniffed the ground and whined, staring after the rapidly disappearing vehicle.
“Motherfucker!” Raven screamed, falling to her knees and hanging her head. Her leather coat belled out, covering part of the road. She held the axe loosely in her hand. There was something shiny in the road and Raven reached for it. “Shit,” she spat, picking up Liz’s knife. Despair washed over her, but she pushed it back. Raven stowed the knife in her pocket.
Henry placed his hand on her shoulder. “How did this happen?” he murmured.
Raven sighed. “We weren’t fast enough,” she said. Her hair hung over her face like a silken curtain. She pictured Liz’s visage and anger filled her, giving her new strength. Raven stood. “Where is Monique?” she spoke, voice intense. “She was supposed to be watching Liz.” Glowering, Raven strode toward the store.
“Now, Raven,” Henry began, touching her lightly on the shoulder. “It wasn’t …”
She rounded on him before he could finish. “Wasn’t her fault?” she shrieked. “I fucking told her to watch Liz and now she’s been kidnapped. How is it not her fault?” Raven was fuming. She shook off Henry’s hand and stomped toward the Mom and Pop.
Monique saw her coming and disappeared from the window, seeking refuge within.
“We’ll get her back,” Henry said cautiously. He walked alongside Raven. “Come on, Rocky,” he said, whistling.
Rocky howled but did not move. He stood where Liz had been.
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br /> Raven turned around. “Come here, boy,” she coaxed, patting her thigh. The knife shifted in her pocket, feeling heavier than it should.
Rocky peered down the road in the direction the deuce and a half had gone then looked at Raven.
“Let’s go, dude,” she said, barely keeping herself from yelling. Her anger washed through her hot and scalding. Monique would pay for her inattention and then they would go after Liz. There weren’t many roads going down the mountains, just a few small towns between here and the valley. They would get her back, of that she was certain.
Henry jogged ahead and entered the Mom and Pop through the front door, which Liz had left unlocked in her haste. He walked inside and Raven saw Monique peek out around the shelves. Her face was ashen and she looked terrified.
“I want you scared, bitch,” Raven spoke hotly.
Rocky padded to her side, bumping into her lightly. She reached down and touched his head, gripping the axe in her other hand. Raven walked inside and stopped, glaring at Monique.
“What the fuck did I tell you?” she spoke in a controlled voice. Her body trembled with rage.
Henry stood next to Monique, glancing between the woman and Raven. His face showed a mixture of emotions.
“Raven,” he said, holding his hands out.
“Don’t Raven me,” she responded, imitating her brother’s tone. She glared at him fiercely. “She was supposed to watch out for Liz.” Raven moved her threatening stare to Monique.
Monique cowered against Henry. Her blond hair fell into her face and she brushed it aside.
“We were just here talking,” Monique stammered. “Then she ran outside. I saw you two and thought everything was fine, then that truck pulled up.”
“I know all that!” Raven yelled, losing a little control. “Where the fuck were you when he snatched her?” Her eyes were cold blue fire.
Monique frowned, bottom lip trembling. “How was I supposed to fight him off,” she exclaimed, finding anger of her own. “I’m just a woman!”
Undead Series (Book 1): Blight of the Dead Page 13