Dark of Dawn 4Horsemen: Book one in the Dark of Dawn Series

by Sebastien Woolf

  Minutes fused to hours as Nikita’s evening deteriorated into a nauseating blur. She was repeatedly forced by the man and his friends throughout the night. There was a savagery about the brutal assault; it was ferocious, animalistic and unrelenting. With complete disregard for their victim the men satisfied their desires, defiling her body and spilling their seed inside her.

  The little semblance of humanity hanging by a thread in Nikita’s life was completely stripped from her that night. When the frenzy ceased the room went silent, nothing stirred as Nikita lost herself in the emptiness. One after another the men dressed and exited without a word. Nikita extinguished the candle, welcoming the dark, finding solace in the disquieting shadows that swallowed her. Curling herself up again she sat alone in the void, staring blankly into the gloom as a sense of hopelessness washed over her.

  37

  Rage and Fury

  In a daze Tyler woke. Bright sun streamed through the skylight and he welcomed the warm glow as it touched his face. Glancing down the hallway he was immediately startled by the carnage that lay before him. He stared stupefied with horror at the blood at his feet, the puddle had long since dried and it glistened brightly in the morning sun. Cogs whirred inside his head as he recalled the events of the night before, feelings of shame washed over him.

  Death had become nothing more than an illusion to him, a vile act of trickery on those living in this cruel new world. Tyler had long wrestled with the notion of death; when mankind was obliterated and the dead became the living, it only compounded his struggle. On this night, for the first time since the turn he had awoken to a fresh perspective and he had learned so much during his night of terror, trapped and alone in the city.

  Leaving the hallway where he had managed only a few hours sleep, Tyler retraced his steps towards the main exit. As he strode without caution he passed by the various exhibits inside the museum and the many corpses that had been laid out in orderly rows in every room. They had been executed and rearranged with their feet to the wall in a scene that resembled a mass extermination.

  With each step he took the events that occurred the night before flashed though his mind. Visions of the undead appeared, pain and suffering etched across their many faces. The image of a man wearing a blue blazer burst into his head, grotesque and bloodied, before abruptly vanishing. Seconds later a woman in a red dress lunged at him before bursting into a bright white flame; she too disappeared in an instant. Time and time again haunting images flickered then receded, each representing a life form that had existed the night before. All were now well and truly dead.

  Despite taking the quickest and most dangerous route, Tyler met little resistance on his way back to the Stadium. He felt invigorated, recharged and filled with energy. He also had insight and clarity, his step had a spring in it, enabling him to make good time as he pressed on with ardent purpose.

  As the morning sun began to peek into the Stadium it reflected brightly off the colored seats in the stands, the hubbub of the awakening throng inside greeted Tyler as he approached the gates. Punctually they opened at the precise time they were scheduled to that morning, distractions at other points outside the Stadium leading the creatures away, thus providing a window of opportunity for people to come and go without fear of attack.

  Tyler approached the gate exhausted, yet surprisingly refreshed, satisfied that he had made it back in one piece. As the lone survivor returning that morning he was met with a hearty welcome by one of the guards on duty. There was a slight look of disbelief on his face as he questioned how this thin, pale, red-haired young man with glasses could have survived a night alone outside the wall.

  A familiar voice came from within the crowd that had gathered at the gate. “Tyler!”

  The sound of his name at first seemed almost surreal to the youngest of the Armstrong children. Turning his head he searched through the throng to find the source as he pushed his way inside and entered the Stadium. Large numbers had gathered that morning in readiness to head out to forage and Tyler had to work had against the tide to eventually reach the rear of the exiting pack.

  Suddenly he was gripped in a bear hug and lifted into the air. “Bro,” came the distinctive voice of his older brother. “You had me so worried man.” Josh squeezed Tyler in a loving embrace, a smile of delight and utter relief was etched across his face.

  “I’m fine,” Tyler said, squirming free, pushing his way clear.

  Josh sighed heavily. “Well, it is good to have you back in one piece.” He had been up all night worried sick for his brother and unable to sleep he had been waiting at the gate since first light. Josh had felt guilty for leaving him behind, convincing himself that if Tyler did not return he could never be forgiven. “Let’s get you cleaned up man.”

  People everywhere were purposefully going about their morning business generating a gentle hum through the lower concourse. The two brothers passed many who were on their way to the markets to barter for their breakfast whilst others inside the playing arena who had just risen were stretching their weary limbs outside their tents.

  Suddenly, the morning lull was shattered by a terrifying guttural scream, which was followed soon afterwards by a loud ruckus around the Stadium. Onlookers everywhere had stopped what they were doing and were staring up towards the roof, shielding their eyes against the glare of the morning sun. High above, the silhouette of a woman could clearly be made out standing precariously near the edge. As she took a step forward to move within a whisker of falling, the crowd below gave a collective sigh.

  Intrigued to see what all the fuss was about the two brothers elbowed their way onto the playing surface of Tent City. Josh shielded his eyes to join the masses gawking at the woman perched precariously above. There was something familiar about her and he moved to gain a better view, his jaw dropping the moment he recognized her.

  “Nikita!” Josh could not believe his eyes.

  “What is she doing?” asked Tyler, who had spotted her as well.

  “I haven’t got a clue, but it can’t be good.”

  Word spread quickly, like wildfire throughout the Stadium and before long people everywhere had clambered out of their shelters and were craning their necks peering skyward. Many stood with mouths agape and brows furrowed, struggling to comprehend what they had awoken to. Muffled gasps rumbled in all directions.

  An eerie silence descended inside the Stadium.

  “We need to tell the others,” Josh said, with urgency in his voice. Tyler nodded in agreement and the two of them set off to find the rest of their group, wrestling their way through the pensive crowd. As they walked they found themselves bouncing off people around them like pinballs.

  Tyler glanced upwards frequently to check on Nikita. He had grave concerns for her safety.

  Dropping his shoulder the armed guard burst his way through the exit door and set foot onto the rooftop, two others joined him on the narrow walkway. Moments later another man stepped forward purposefully from the dark stairwell, pushing his way past the others. He paused to light a cigarette, taking a long drag before audibly expelling a thick plume of toxic smoke from his mouth. Lifting his head he fired a biting stare at the woman in front of him.

  “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he asked in a bitter tone.

  Nikita recognized the husky voice as that of her tormentor from the night before. Numbed, she did not flinch at all. She did not care for him or any of them, she did not care for anything. It had taken all her courage and inner strength to escape, slipping away silently in the dark. With stealth she had made her way to the vantage point she found herself at in this early hour of the morning.

  “Did you not hear me?”

  A blast of crisp morning air passed over the rooftop, cutting though clothing like a dagger. Everyone shivered, except Nikita. The man cupped his cigarette to protect the ember from the breeze before inhaling again, scowling once more to visibly express his anger and disdain. He was convinced that once the Commissioner le
arned of this mess all hell would break loose, so there was an urgent need for him to put an end to this situation as quickly and painlessly as possibly in order to avoid repercussions.

  “Look, I’m not in the mood for this shit today,” the man said angrily. It was clear though his speech and body language that self-preservation was his number one priority. He felt no guilt or remorse for what he had done to this woman, or to the others before her. He had long since lost the ability to feel for anyone else but himself, earning a reputation as a harsh bully with a heart of stone. Many around him jokingly referred to him as ‘the lifeless one’. The irony was totally lost on him.

  Tensions on the rooftop rose further when the man’s protestations went unanswered. Not a word had come from Nikita and no-one moved for an age, the only sound on the rooftop was that of the slight wind gusts that billowed over the Stadium. As the standoff continued the man became more impatient, he was becoming increasingly desperate to end this situation as quickly as possible.

  It was Nikita who broke the deadlock. She had become so withdrawn, this world had become nothing but a blur. Rory appeared again in front of her, his infectious smile warmed her throughout. “Come to me my love,” he said softly, beckoning her forward. Awash with emotion and a deep yearning for her soul-mate Nikita took a small step towards him, her toes wiggled over the edge. From below another collective sigh rose up like a squall gushing past those on the rooftop.

  “Tyler, thank God you’re alright.” Olivia hugged her baby boy with glee. Whilst she always believed in her heart that he would return safe and sound, there was always that nagging feeling of dread that would never go away, the one all mothers have for their children. “Do not ever do that to me again,” she said sternly. Squeezed him once again in a tight motherly embrace.

  Blushing, Tyler turned his eyes skywards to stare at Nikita once again. “What the bloody hell is going on here?”

  Olivia sighed before explaining to him the full situation as she knew it. She told of how Nikita would not allow the Collector to take any of their remaining possessions for rent, instead offering herself up for payment. “They said that she would be put to work and so she went without any fuss. We haven’t seen her since yesterday… until now.” Olivia looked up at Nikita and clearly became emotional. With a waver in her voice she added, “We have all been worried sick about her. And about you too son.”

  Jon stepped forward into the gathering. “Tyler,” he said, acknowledging his son in a staunch, masculine way. “Good to have you back.”

  Tyler pressed his lips together curtailing a smile, gave a slight nod. Whilst he was extremely pleased to be back he felt different inside, he did not know what it was he just felt different. There was a new level of awareness, clarity and insight within him and he felt that he was now able to fully comprehend and process all that was happening around him. Everything came to him on a higher level than ever before and for the first time in his life he truly felt alive.

  Turning to Rebecca, Jon asked, “Is everyone here?”

  Silently she counted heads then nodded. Everyone was there, all except Nikita. Tensions were mounting as the dramatic situation unfolded before them and the entire group was on edge.

  “Guys,” said Jon, taking charge. “Our number one priority right now is to get up there to save Nikita. She was taken yesterday and given the rumors and her current mindset I have grave fears for her safety.”

  “What rumors?” asked Tyler.

  Jon gave a sigh. “We have heard some unsavory things from other people here. There is talk that the sanctuary we thought we had found is a nothing but a ruse. They offer us safety and security, when in actual fact it is a vicious trap. They sell us a dream, but in reality they force us to give up everything. They make us risk our lives scavenging outside the walls, just so they can live in luxury. They simply use us to fund their lifestyle.” He froze in place when he was done speaking, pointing at the corporate box area.

  From behind the glass in his elevated suite the Commissioner stood watching the disturbances below. The playing surface was teeming with people, all of whom were gaping up to the roof where the real show was unfolding. Drawing the glass door open he stepped onto the balcony. Real frustration was evident on his face as he glanced at the different factions and groups that had gathered in various locations. Out of the corner of his eye he caught a glimpse of a tall man who was pointing in his direction. Placing his hands on the railing he leaned forward and snarled a grimace in response.

  “Things are not what they seem,” continued Jon, lowering his arm and turning his attention back to his group. “From what we are led to believe when we cannot pay rent they target our women and then take them under the pretense of making them work.” Paused. “Instead, they are simply given to the guards for their sexual entertainment.”

  A look of disbelief spread through the group, eyes bulged and jaws dropped. As each of them digested and processed what Jon had just said feelings quickly turned to anger.

  Sensing the shift Jon set to quell the gathering. He spoke rationally with calm in his voice. “I know this all sounds disgusting and unbelievable but we have to keep our heads here. I fear that this is possibly what has happened to Nikita and we simply have act now and help her.”

  “That is so messed up,” said Zoe, sickened by what she had just heard. “We have to do something.”

  “We do.” Jon felt nothing but contempt and scorn for the Commissioner and his cohorts, but did well to maintain his composure. “Despite what they say we are not safe here anymore. I really do think we should pack up and leave once we have sorted Nikita out.”

  “And go where?” asked Gerard.

  “Anywhere but here,” came a voice from outside their circle. They all turned to see Vincent standing there alongside Lily. “Sorry for the intrusion and for eavesdropping, but we have just had the same discussion amongst our people. Many have already started to pack. We just wanted to come and let you know that we are going to make a dash for the docks today. There simply has to be a ship coming,” he said with conviction, “and we are prepared to take our chances on it being there.” Vincent offered his hand to Jon. “We hope to meet up with you there,” he added, over the handshake, “or maybe somewhere along the way.”

  “Sounds good Vincent. It gives us some direction to head to once we take care of business here. It is always good to have a plan. You are good people, great people… look after yourselves.”

  With that Vincent and Lily smiled, turned on their heels and headed back to their companions from the Oasis. They were quickly devoured and lost in the crowd disappearing from sight almost immediately.

  Jon started to put his plan into action. He did not want his people to overthink the situation which might result in an overreaction. There was now some hope and purpose to their lives, something they had been devoid of since arriving at this place.

  “Let’s move guys, pack what you can carry and then meet at Olivia’s tent as soon as you are ready. Josh, I need you, Eric and Colin to head up to the roof and bring Nikita back safely. As soon as you return we will head off.”

  Through a veil of cigarette smoke the man bellowed yet again. “Get your God-damned arse back here now, before I really lose my temper!” It was already too late, he was fuming as again received no response. His tirade echoed like a crack of thunder, rage coursing through his veins.

  Once again Rory appeared, this time within touching distance of Nikita. A hazy white glow surrounded him as he hovered in front of her and reaching forward she tenderly and lovingly brushed her hand on his face. “It’s time,” he said softly. “It is time for us to be together again, for all of eternity my love.”

  Siobhan and Zoe ran to Olivia’s tent as fast as they could, they were met by the others who had also hurriedly gathered together all they could carry. Backpacks, satchels and swags were already overflowing with clothing, food, drink and an assortment of personal items. Boots and shoes had been laced and slung through shoulder st
raps, loosely packed trinkets and weapons clinked and rattled as the bags were laid on the ground at their feet.

  “As soon as we have Nikita back here,” said Jon, “and the others have returned safely, we will make our way to the exit in the lower concourse, the one just before the markets. It is our best chance of getting away unnoticed. That exit door is unattended and is able to be opened from the inside. From there we have a straight shot into the city away from here.”

  Tyler, who was crouched over his rifle forced the last bullet into a magazine, clipped it to his gun belt to join the others he had reloaded. “Don’t let anyone stand in your way,” he said, in a cutting tone. “These people are bastards, evil and wicked. They deserve everything that is coming to them.”

  A series of piercing screams rang out. All eyes turned skyward just in time to witness Nikita’s final act. Reaching for Rory she embraced him and prepared herself to join him in the next life. Taking one last step forward amidst a hail of shrieks and wails from onlookers around the Stadium, her human form plummeted to the ground below.

  With a sickening thud Nikita’s body hit the ground, she died instantly. Horrified onlookers gasped at the scene struggling to comprehend what had just happened. In this new world death was ever present, but this was something completely different. Mothers shielded their children’s eyes from the horrific scene forcing them back inside their shelters, grown men cringed and felt sick to their stomachs.

  Olivia held her hands over her mouth gasping, muffling a scream. There was no such muting Rebecca’s reaction, her high-pitch wail ringing out loudly as she yelled out Nikita’s name in despair. The Armstrong’s stood in a state of shock frozen in time. None of them could have foreseen this tragic event ever occurring, nor could they have anticipated the cataclysmic events that would follow.

  An uneasiness swept over the population. For many this was the first time they he felt even a twinge of vulnerability since their arrival. Confusion gave way to fear as the residents of Tent City began to panic.