by S. S. Segran
“It’s not a spirit!” Hajjar boomed. “It’s one of them! Our targets!”
Beside Marshall and Aari, Kody chuckled. “The looks on these guys’ faces, man. I think they’re starting to wonder what they got themselves into.” He slowly stiffened. “Oh, no.”
“What?” Aari asked.
“There’s blood on the ground. And the mercs just spotted it.”
Dominique’s voice sounded in Marshall’s head, breathless from panic. Marshall, Marshall, they got me. Too many bullets flying. I couldn’t get away fast enough.
Where are you hit? he asked, hoping he sounded calm.
My . . . my thigh.
Did it go clean through?
No.
Marshall watched, mind racing, as the ring of blood grew. This was not how the plan was supposed to go. Domi, you need to put pressure on it. Hang tight. We’ll get you out of there.
Marshall, they see the blood. They’re moving toward me.
The mercenaries had waded halfway across the stream. From the other side of the gulch, Marshall heard Hajjar’s firm command to hold their fire. To Aari, the Sentry said, “As long as they don’t know who it is, they won’t shoot to kill. Don’t lose your hold on Domi.”
Dominique’s voice was in his head again, pleading. Oh, God, it hurts so much to move.
He tried to form a response but his mind went blank when he saw Hajjar whip out his tranquilizer gun and level it. Then, a powerful, shrill whistle came from above.
A crowned eagle soared over the mercenaries. It tucked its six-foot wingspan and dive-bombed Hajjar, talons raking the giant’s arm until crimson trailed over his tattoos. The brownish-black bird yanked the gun away from the man’s weakened grip and flew to Dominique’s position. As the other mercenaries fired at the winged attacker, the eagle released the weapon.
Nice one, Tegan! Marshall said.
Thanks! she replied. I enjoy being a menace!
When Hajjar saw the gun rise from the ground, seemingly out of its own volition, he jumped into the stream. The dart flew past, hitting one of the mercenaries. He dropped like a fly.
The gun only had one round! Dominique cried.
They have to be loaded each time, Marshall said. I know it hurts, Domi, but can you move toward the incline behind you?
I’ll try!
The three men kept firing at the eagle as it maneuvered around them. Out of the corner of his eye, Marshall saw the immense spherical boulder on the lip of the rock wall tilt over the side and roll down, gaining momentum. At the sound of the approaching threat, the mercenary closest to the danger yelled a warning. He made a jump to safety but was too slow. The boulder rumbled over him, crushing one of his legs. He brayed, the sound amplified by the gulley. His two comrades tried to get the boulder off him but Hajjar shouted, “Worry about him later!”
Was that your handiwork, Mariah? Marshall asked.
You betcha, she said. Although gravity did most of it.
The eagle circled around, grabbed the pinned man’s submachine gun and flew toward the waterfall. The two pairs of mercenaries on both flanks of the rock wall fired at it, their bullets crisscrossing but never hitting the mark. Marshall looked up as the raptor approached, and scrambled out of the way as the gun was dropped where he had just laid.
Delivery for probably the only person here who knows how to use this, Tegan said.
You’re a wonder, Tegan. Marshall picked up the futuristic-looking gun, feeling the weight of it in his hands, then thought to himself, Never seen this before . . . Maybe Phoenix’s armaments or defense subsidiary supplied them? At least the poor shmuck reloaded before his leg got crushed.
Out loud, the Sentry asked, “Kody, you got a headcount?”
“Six down, three in the gulch, two coming up the rock wall on our right, and two more on the left but I’ve lost sight of them,” Kody reported. “And my thermal vision is completely gone now. Also, just heard Hajjar on his radio telling the guys on the right flank of the wall to check out the heat signatures behind the boulders. And . . . oh. He just told the other two in the gulch to tranquilize Domi.”
Marshall made sure the selector switch on the gun was set to fully automatic and that the suppressor was screwed on properly, then said, “You guys stay low. I’m gonna cross over to the other side of the waterfall so when I start shooting, that’ll give away my position and hopefully not yours.”
Keeping low, he rock-hopped across the water and crouched down. Scooping mud off various parts of his body, he packed it against his ears into makeshift earmuffs, then looked down the gun’s sights. He tapped the trigger in short bursts, feeling the rapid recoil against his shoulder. Hajjar and the two mercenaries dodged behind the boulder that had their now-unconscious comrade pinned.
Tegan, two guys are coming up my right, Marshall said. They’re looking for you and Mariah but now they’ll come for me too. Can you take them out?
In response, the eagle swooped over his head. He stole glances at it as he kept suppressive fire on the men behind the boulder, keeping them away from Dominique. The raptor grabbed one of the mercenaries by the shoulders and dragged him toward the edge of the rock wall. The man, hysterical, tried to pull away. Unable to gain purchase, his feet left the safety of the ground but as he fell, he grabbed the eagle, pulling it down with him. The eagle screeched, wings flapping laboriously. It scratched the man’s face and he let go, falling the rest of the way and landing in the bushes. He didn’t get up.
Tegan couldn’t get to the second man in time. Marshall fired the last of his ammo and in the next breath, turned and hurled the gun at the mercenary ten feet away from him. The man reflexively dodged and Marshall used the diversion to tackle him. As they tussled, a dart slipped out of the mercenary’s pouch. Marshall snatched it up and jabbed it into his opponent’s chest, then pushed off.
He was torn. The boys wouldn’t be able to defend themselves if he left; Kody was weak and Aari had to focus on giving Dominique cover. But a ghost from the past haunted him; Gwen’s failing voice as she lay dying echoed in his ear. She’d been shot trying to rescue the girls from their abductors a few months before. Marshall had been too far behind her to save her. And Dominique’s tears when he’d explained what had happened to her cousin . . .
No.
He wouldn’t lose Dominique too.
Gathering up the mercenary’s SMG and additional magazines, Marshall made his way along the rock wall. He peppered the mercenaries’ boulder with occasional shots but knew he wouldn’t last long. If this was Hollywood, I’d never run out of ammo, he griped. To Tegan, he thought, There are two mercs unaccounted for on the left flank. Make sure they don’t get to Kody or Aari.
On it, she replied.
Marshall reached out to Dominique. I’m coming for you, Domi. I think I know where you are.
The blood would be a good indicator, she told him.
You’re in pain. Stop being sarcastic.
I think I learned it from the Chosen Ones.
Marshall trekked down the wall’s incline and went prone behind a few knee-high rocks. Dominique was at least a dozen feet straight ahead, and he was down to his last magazine. It wouldn’t last him half a minute. Can you drag yourself closer? he asked.
I-I’m trying.
Tegan knocked on Marshall’s thoughts. I’m still searching for the two mercs but the boys are safe.
Good. Keep at it. I’m gonna get Domi.
What? Not on your own, you’re not.
The eagle’s silhouette blocked out the sun as it flew toward the mouth of the gulch. Marshall waited for it to swoop over the mercenaries, readying himself to run into the open. But when he glanced at the growing pool of blood, the space near it started to shimmer—and Dominique became visible.
They stared at each other, terror slashed on their faces when they realized he could see her. Marshall’s head snapped up toward the ledge by the waterfall. Instead of mud-covered teenagers, two muscular mercenaries stood in their place. The Sentry c
ried out as they threw limp forms over their shoulders and hurried out of sight.
Tegan! he blasted. They got the boys! You need to help them!
I can’t leave you!
Yes you can! I got this! Get our boys!
Marshall bolted out, firing at Hajjar and his men, keeping his bursts short to conserve ammunition. As he neared Dominique, he held his hand out and she grabbed it. He dragged her by her arm toward the rocks, hearing her groans of pain in the quiet between bursts of gunfire.
He pulled her to safety and saw the eagle nearing the boys’ last location, then looked at Dominique as they lay behind the rocks, both of them covered in mud. An apology brimmed in her gray eyes. He shook his head. “Not your fault,” he murmured.
As he kept suppressive fire on the mercenaries, Mariah spoke in his head. The guys you’re fighting are distracted. I think I can step out of cover and deal with them. Okay?
I just ran out of ammo. Do it. But stay close to your cover.
Alright. I’ve got an idea but it’s gonna give me a ginormous headache.
The massive boulder the mercenaries hid behind started to vibrate, slowly at first. It rose into the air as if a giant hand had picked it up. It wobbled precariously over the mercenaries’ heads. The crouching men scattered, staring up at the boulder incredulously. It hung, suspended high in the air for several moments, then dropped. The earth shook as though a god had struck it.
The mercenaries flinched and one by one their guns were torn away, lobbed over the rock wall behind them. Marshall saw his break. He scrambled toward the stream where the mercenaries Dominique had rendered unconscious lay. He picked up one of the submachine guns, aiming at the now-unarmed men. He hesitated, finger twitching on the trigger. Then he threw the weapon aside, picked up two tranquilizer guns and shot the remaining Tanzanians in the gulch. He didn’t wait to watch them drop and fished around for another dart.
A shot rang from afar and a scream came from behind the boulder where the girls hid. Marshall looked up just as the crowned eagle above the rock wall plummeted. One wing worked to keep itself in the air but it crashed to the ground.
Tegan! What happened?
The teenager’s voice was shaky. One of the mercs shot the eagle in the wing. It hurt . . . it hurt so much. I had to let go of the mind-link. Marshall could feel her working to steel herself. Then she said, Mariah and I are going after the boys.
Be careful, you two.
We will.
Marshall found a dart, sensing movement ahead. Hajjar charged over the stream toward him. Marshall fought with the tranquilizer gun as it refused to load properly. Get in, dammit!
He jumped out of the way but Hajjar clipped his hand, knocking the gun out of reach. The giant was too close to the mercenaries’ guns for Marshall’s liking. The Sentry flicked out his tactical switchblade. As he wiped the filth off his face, a disconcertingly pleasant smile grew on Hajjar’s lips and his black irises glinted. The dark, jagged scar from his forehead to his chin complimented his eyes. When he spoke, his voice was deep, cavernous.
“Well, hello again, hero.”
Marshall said nothing.
Hajjar’s gaze darted to the guns a few feet away, then back to the Sentry. “I nearly ended you in New Mexico during the summer. Remember that? I’ve been looking forward to meeting you again ever since.”
“As have I.” Marshall flung his blade and it embedded itself into the hulk’s bulletproof vest. Hajjar tutted, looking down as he pulled the knife out. “For a former Marine, I thought you’d know better.”
A fist to his meaty throat sent him stumbling back. Marshall, his arm extended, smirked. “I do.”
He struck out with his foot, catching the giant in the stomach, followed by a deft uppercut. He knew brute force wouldn’t work with Hajjar, his assumption confirmed when the man socked him in the face. Marshall shrank back. Gonna have a pretty black-and-blue soon. Need to play smart. And keep him away from the guns.
Marshall moved on his toes, increasing distance every time the giant came in for a strike.
“I see what you’re doing, hero,” Hajjar rumbled, “but I promise, you’ll wear yourself out before you do me.”
The Sentry hopped farther back, closer to the guns. When Hajjar followed, Marshall sprang upward and grabbed the giant around the neck. Locking his arms, he used his momentum to flip himself over the bigger man’s head. He pulled Hajjar down with him, making the ground quake with their combined impact. Hajjar, short of breath, struggled to get up but wasn’t fast enough. Marshall swung on top of him, winding his arm back to deliver a knockout blow, but was thrown clear off when Hajjar bucked.
The Sentry tumbled a few times before coming to a stop. Slightly dazed, he pushed himself up and rested on all fours. At the far end of the gulch, he saw Tegan and Mariah using the vines to scale the rock wall. They pulled themselves over, then hurried across the water. He swallowed, relieved.
A massive arm suddenly hooked around his neck and another around the back of his head, squeezing. The force cut off the air in his windpipe, choking him. Hajjar sneered into his ear. “I could do this the proper way and have you asleep in five seconds, but then there’d be no suffering. We’ve been watching you since Israel, you know? Of course you do. We see how those kids dote on you. Maybe I should wait till we capture all of them, then make them watch as I put a bullet between your eyes. That’d be fun. I’d love hearing them scream.”
Pressure grew in Marshall’s neck and built up in his head. His chest tightened and his sight darkened. He feebly tried to sink his teeth into Hajjar’s arm but the giant tightened his hold. “None of that.”
Losing what little air he had left, Marshall desperately kicked his foot back twice, rapidly, catching the giant in the groin and the kneecap. Hajjar wheezed, his hold loosening slightly. That was enough for the Sentry. He twisted away, gripping the other man’s wrist, and torqued the outstretched arm before driving himself into Hajjar’s shoulder.
The giant roared as his arm popped out of place and hung uselessly. His eyes reflected a frenzied light. The Sentry backed away. As Hajjar leaned in to follow, Marshall moved toward him, grabbed his drooping arm and yanked it back. The giant lurched forward and tripped over one of Marshall’s extended legs, landing roughly.
The second Hajjar rolled onto his back, the Sentry was on top of him, punches flying. The frustration of everything—the never-ending chase for the seeds, the rampaging virus, Reyor, the teenagers being forced into a prophecy they never wanted, Dominique, Kody sinking deeper into the grips of the disease—all came out in every blow he landed.
At last he sat back, taking in Hajjar’s barely-conscious, battered appearance. The Sentry had trouble breathing; the giant’s neck hold had taken a toll. His vision faltered, still dark around the edges. He toppled off Hajjar and onto his side, most of his energy gone. The only sound to be heard over his ragged breaths was the waterfall. He closed his eyes, taking in the reprieve, and hoped the girls were okay.
57
Tegan and Mariah shadowed the two mercenaries through the trees, moving quickly and silently. Even with the boys on their shoulders, the men walked fast as though they’d just seen specters. Tegan couldn’t blame them; she’d be unnerved, too, if she had to fight an enemy with abilities like the friends possessed.
Beside her, Mariah mopped up blood from her nose with her sleeve. She’d said that lifting the boulder hadn’t been as hard as she’d thought it would be, especially after her feat with the buses in Egypt, but clearly it still hurt.
Tegan was almost spent as well. Her stunt with the wild animals at the resort had severely drained her, but she was determined to push on. In the back of her mind, she hoped Marshall was alright. She’d reached out to him but he faded in and out as he assured her that he was fine.
The girls communicated via thoughts to keep their presence hidden from the mercenaries. Tell me when you’re good to go, ’Riah, Tegan said.
Mariah pinched her nose and tilted her
head back. Give me another minute.
The two men retreated down the slope behind the gulch, evidently content enough with their catches to not check for followers. They must’ve had a rendezvous point pre-established, Tegan said, in case things didn’t go as planned.
Probably. Okay, I’m ready.
The girls broke into a run, rubber-soled shoes hardly making a sound, until they were within a few yards of the mercenaries. Mariah held up a hand and the gun slung around the body of one of the men jerked, its strap pulling him backward. He yelped as he fell, his hold on Kody lost. The boy dropped with a thud.
The second mercenary turned to help his partner but when he noticed the girls, he made a move for his tranquilizer gun. Mariah flicked her fingers and the weapon flew out of his holster toward her. She grabbed it, aimed, and fired. He collapsed and Aari limply rolled off.
The first man recovered and jumped up but couldn’t withdraw his own tranquilizer in time. Tegan flung dirt into his face. As he angrily dusted it off, she grabbed one of his wrists and yanked it backward until he yelled. The gun dropped and he swung his other fist at her skull. She dodged beneath his twisted wrist and drove the top of her head under his chin. His head jolted back; she heard his teeth crack together. Sharp pain exploded in her dome and her eyes watered. Through the haze, she jammed the heel of her palm against his nose.
He staggered, recovering his footing, but by the time he made a grab for her, she’d already scooped up his tranquilizer gun. Her confidence skyrocketed at the unamused look he wore as she shot him in the shoulder. His legs buckled and he fell face-first.
The girls scurried over to Kody and Aari, grabbing them by their arms and dragging them toward the mouth of the gulch. On the way, Tegan found her downed eagle. She ran to it, hoping it was still alive, but the bird had died from the fall after its injury. She thanked it sorrowfully and the girls continued on. By the time they arrived at the gulch, their upper bodies were almost numb.