Grabbing Riley by the arm, Nate hurtled forward, leaving behind everything but the weapons. Adrenalin providing the impetus, Riley flew behind him, hot on his tail. In the intervening time, the newcomers regrouped, stampeding en masse in their wake.
“Time to hand out a few surprises.” Pulling the pin and counting slowly, Nathan whirled and tossed a grenade, at the same time yanking Riley down and dropping full length across her, providing what protection he could from the impact. Momentarily hesitating as the grenade landed in their midst, the pursuers halted, jeering and laughing derisively at the seemingly harmless object, but just long enough for the grenade to detonate, spewing rocks and body parts with satisfying force. Springing up, Nathan hustled Riley along, racing towards an outcropping of boulders, as death screams echoed in the aftermath of the explosion.
Whistling shrilly, Nathan summoned Demon, who dashed after them, limping slightly from a small leg wound.
“They hurt him!” Riley cried angrily as she charged to the dog’s side. “He’s hurt!”
Grimacing at the hold up, Nathan growled. “We don’t have time for this! Let’s just keep moving. We can doctor him later.”
Rubbing her hands lightly across the dog’s back and withers, she quickly checked for injuries. Demon stood quietly, rewarding her ministrations with one delicate lick of his raspy tongue. Satisfied that he sported no other wounds, Riley sped after Nathan, running as if her life depended on it—which it did!
Unscathed, they reached the rock outcropping and jumped for cover, huddling down while Nathan assessed the strength of the remaining force. Uneasy, the newcomers milled about uncertainly, all the while casually ending the suffering of the mortally wounded, but periodically glancing nervously in their direction. Nathan and Riley crouched, closely watching the newcomers’ actions, praying the newcomers would be panicked enough by the strange explosive death dealer to just depart. Unfortunately, by the look of things, the newcomers were recovering their bravado with alarming speed. Of the group left standing, Nathan counted nine uninjured, or slightly injured combatants. The odds were getting better, but overall, not good.
“Why can’t they just go away and leave us alone?” Riley whispered.
“I think we injured their pride or something.” Who knew what motivated the ancients—couldn’t be anything he or Riley possessed, they didn’t have that much worth having.
Disgusted, she nonetheless agreed. “Sounds like a man thing to me!”
Speaking low, Nathan’s low voice rumbled jokingly. “If I were them and I knew this lone guy had a babe who looked like you, and I knew what was waiting at home, I wouldn’t give up either.”
Dealing a swift punch to his uninjured arm, Riley couldn’t help chuckling, despite their current predicament. “So I’m the prized possession! I don’t think so! Just remember, if push comes to shove, I chose you. I don’t care what they want!”
Serious again, Nathan pulled her close. “It won’t come to that! We’re getting out of this together, one way or the other.”
Taking a deep breath, Riley reiterated, “Just don’t leave me alone.”
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
Even with Geena’s remarkable skills, tracking on the rough, rocky terrain had taken time. Still convinced that they were following Nathan and the girl, Geena chanced upon the cave sheltering the abandoned sheep. Clearing the cave opening, they stepped in only to scramble wildly out as a rather large, bad-tempered ram charged, his head braced for contact. Dodging the sharp pointed horns and wrestling the testy animal down, Jonas fingered the animal’s halter, noting each intricate and carefully contrived knot, elated at the discovery. Nathan liked to brag about his Boy Scout skills and knot tying was on the top of his somewhat dubious list. Here was the first real indication that they were on the right track. Water and food had been left with the animals and the entrance had been well-covered, leaving Jonas to believe they planned to return at some point and retrieve the sheep.
The pace of the forced march was taking its toll on everyone. Exhaustion lined their faces and several of the women and men would not be able to continue unless they rested for a longer period. Worried that they were falling farther behind with each passing moment, and frustrated by what he felt were unnecessary delays, Jonas made a tactical decision. Too much time had been lost and the only possible way that they would make it up would be to leave the weaker individuals behind. Fortunately, the cave provided good cover, and the stronger members could move on at a faster clip. A short discussion ensued and it was decided that Jonas, Geena, Micah and two of the other Black Ops team members were the most physically capable of continuing. Surprisingly, Allie stepped forward, laying a small hand on Jonas’ arm.
“I’m coming with you,” she began.
“Not on your life!” he ground out, jerking his arm away. If Allie thought she was tagging along, she was in for a big disappointment. “You wouldn’t be able to keep up!” Without wasting any more breath on her ridiculous overture, he turned away, ignoring her angry retort.
“I will keep up! And I’m coming with you! Try to stop me!”
Startled by her unexpected outburst, Jonas spun around. “Are you arguing with me? You forget. My word is law and I say you aren’t going!”
“Why? Why not me?”
“You don’t have the stamina to keep up and I’m not going to allow you to jeopardize our chances of success!”
Furiously, she stepped in front of him, the top of her head barely reaching chest high. “If you leave me, I’ll just follow! And then it’ll be your fault if something does happen to me.”
Jonas ground his teeth in frustration. God! The woman irritated the hell out of him. Maybe it would serve the little chit right if he did let her come along. “Fine!” he grumbled, not wanting to waste any more precious time arguing with her. “Come with us—but it’s your funeral if you lag behind—or have you forgotten the size of the animals in the petting zoo out there?”
“I haven’t forgotten and I won’t fall behind.” Backing away, she began separating her gear. Uneasily, Jonas eyed the young woman. She was too small and too delicate to keep up, and if she couldn’t, then what would he do? Leave her behind, that’s what, he vowed, confused by unwanted emotions as she bent over, long dark hair cascading down in a silken waterfall.
The team carried weapons and only enough rations and water for a few days’ time, recognizing that time was of the essence, and any added weight would only slow them down. When all was in readiness, they stepped into the open, concealing the entrance to the cave once again, and moved silently out on Jonas’ command.
They had been traveling fast, taking only a few short rest stops when Geena, at point, uncovered an abundant array of tracks that were, at most, only a few hours old. Confident they were closing in, Jonas pushed the team even faster, hoping to close the gap before nightfall. Sweating from exertion and gasping for air, they had stopped briefly to rest just as an explosion sounded in the distance.
“Did you hear that?” Geena yelped excitedly. “Unless I’m losing it—that was a grenade!”
Nodding, Jonas drolly agreed. “Appears as though we aren’t the only ones who made it here with smuggled goods.” Grinning saucily, eyes downcast, Geena’s face flushed red, guilt evident in her uncharacteristically submissive demeanor.
Got you! Jonas mentally made a note to frisk her later on—might have to frisk the entire group! Not that he really cared, what’s done was done, but he didn’t want to be the one to erroneously change the future of the entire world!
Dismissing everything from his mind but the present situation, Jonas focused on the facts. That Nathan had openly detonated a grenade confirmed his suspicion Nathan and the girl were in serious trouble. He would not have so easily given away their position unless there was no other choice. Picking up the pace even faster, Jonas forced the team on, his mind conjuring the worst possible scenarios when they finally overtook the forward groups.
Loosely following the downward pat
h traveled by the earlier passersby, they edged along the banks of a huge crevasse, anchored together by only one small safety rope. If one of them lost their footing, it would have to be enough, and better than nothing.
Caution thrown to the winds, they picked the most direct route, hampered by ground made slick from mist drifting from the raging torrent below, literally crawling at times over slimy, moss encrusted rocks.
Grim determination hardened every visage as they fought to maintain the grueling pace—one false step now would be one too many! No one spoke, reserving for later even that small amount of energy. Interestingly, so far, Allie had easily kept up.
The canyon finally behind them, traveling was less hazardous and the team was able to move at a much faster clip, keeping to a steady, ground-covering jog.
Little or no effort had been made to cover the earlier groups’ tracks at this point, and since the detonation sounded to the south, some time was gained by not having to search for a warm trail.
Still too slow and way too far behind! Jonas mentally cringed at the unwelcome thought. To have come so far and then fail at the last moment was unacceptable!
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
Hooting and catcalling, the newcomers let loose a shower of high-arcing arrows, pinging off the rocks and embedding in the soft dirt. Several more waves flew as the newcomers tested the distance and their accuracy. Bolder individuals ran forward, spear throwers whipping, hurling sharp pointed projectiles which crashed harmlessly before reaching their hiding place behind the rocks. Still too far away to be of any real danger, Nathan had no doubt they would work themselves into a frenzy and attack before long.
Methodically, he laid out their weapons, checking each one carefully, and strategically placing them within easy reach. Riley watched his concentrated labor, focusing on his actions, hoping to distract her mind from the inevitable confrontation. Muscles rippled along his back, and though he was still healing, his movements belied any weakness. As she watched, admiration, love and respect washed through in a tidal wave of emotion. Longing for his touch and comfort, she refrained from actual contact, knowing too well the present circumstances ordered that he not have any interruptions right now, not even friendly ones. She contented herself with simply watching, aiding him whenever possible and waiting for the newcomers’ assault on their tenuous position.
Nathan glanced up, his eyes catching and holding hers, warmth and love emanating from their caramel depths. “How’re you holding up?”
“I’m okay I think—just scared.”
Reaching for her hand, he lifted it to his lips, placing a light kiss in the center. “Its okay to be scared,” he soothed, tenderly caressing the delicate, fine-boned fingers, “keeps you frosty and alert. Only an idiot wouldn’t be—and your intelligence has never been in question.”
Of its own volition, her hand gently cupped his face, relishing the feel of his raspy whiskers scratching against sensitive skin. Rubbing his face against her hand, he savored the moment, inhaling her womanly scent—subtle jasmine combined with her own uniquely personal fragrance. Heady and erotic!
“I was really proud of you today! You fought well—better than most.”
Pleased, Riley’s faced pinked at the compliment. “You didn’t do too badly yourself.”
Nathan’s mouth quirked in amusement. “We make a good team—too good for these losers!”
Riley blithely retorted. “Let’s pack our toys up and go home! They can find somebody else to play with.”
“I wish!”
Demon’s low growl alerted them to the newcomers’ new tactics. Small numbers were branching out, moving stealthily through the underbrush along the high side of the small valley in which they were currently ensconced.
Watching, Nathan grinned in amusement. “Not very good, are they?” Though efforts had been made to disguise their sneak attack, most were easily spotted. “I’m guessing they haven’t run into any real opposition over the years and simply make up for experience in sheer numbers.”
“It’s the ‘sheer numbers’ that has me worried.” Glumly, Riley scrutinized the newcomers’ progress. “How many?” she asked, her lips tightening to a firm line.
“I’m guessing fifteen total. More arrived after the first attack, but that’s only the ones I have seen.”
“Fifteen!” she gasped. “How can we hold out against fifteen?”
“It’s more than I would like, but not more than we can handle.” Hoping to calm her, he continued. “We have a good defensive position. To get to us, they have to cross open spaces on all sides, and I’m betting they won’t be too eager to try that. They already know I’m an expert archer. I never miss,” he stated smugly. “And on top of that, we still have one grenade and all the Molotov cocktails. By the way, we’d better get a fire going so we can light those when the time is right.”
“I don’t suppose you have any matches hidden in your surprise package?”
“No,” he grinned, “but I’ve got the most modern fire starting equipment.” Reaching into his weapons pack, he pulled out two flint rocks and soon had a small fire burning.
Mentally preparing for the fight that would soon commence, Riley inhaled deeply, oxygen energizing her tired system. Her stomach grumbled hungrily. How could anyone be hungry at a time like this? But, then, every prisoner on death row gets one last supper! She should be entitled to the same consideration. Biting off a small piece of jerky, she waited, allowing saliva to soften the hardened chunk, and sharing a portion with Demon.
“You’d better eat some, too.” Handing Nathan a piece, they chewed contentedly, all the while keeping watchful eyes on the surrounding open areas. The newcomers were still testing distance, none willing so far to venture too close. Taking a drink from the water bladder, Riley swallowed hard. “Why haven’t they attacked yet?”
“Don’t be in a hurry,” Nathan warned with some humor. “They will.”
“That’s what I was afraid of,” she returned darkly.
“They’re probably just waiting for the right moment. Right now, the sun is to our backs and it gives us the advantage. Nightfall is still several hours away and they won’t be able to see clearly enough if they attack too soon, at least those out front. The ones circling around will probably wait for a signal from this group,” he said, casually waving towards the archers.
“So we’re just stuck here waiting until they make their move?”
Shrugging noncommittally, he muttered. “That’s about the size of it.”
Riley’s attention wandered. The majesty of their surroundings, though craggy and harsh, was overwhelming. Lush vegetation littered the small valley, gouged out by glaciers over the course of thousands of years. Game trails broke the landscape, attesting to the large numbers of herbivores and, no doubt, predators which regularly chanced on the small valley. The air was clean and crisp, the clear sky a dazzling blue—a truly beautiful day!
“You know,” she commented sadly, “my only real regret is that we didn’t have more time together.”
“Forget that!” Nathan blurted. “We’ve only just begun to live—isn’t that what the Carpenter song says?”
“I don’t know! I never listened to them. They were way before my time!” Grinning, Riley waited for his response.
Disgruntled, Nathan rolled his eyes, amused by her subtle insult.
“Was it the Vikings or the Indians who coined the term ‘it’s a good day to die’?” she casually asked.
Nathan groaned. “Would you quit with the dying stuff? It’s depressing me!”
“Oh! Well, excuuuse me! Like this whole thing isn’t depressing!”
“Yeah, well—”
An arrow ziinnnged by, narrowly missing Riley’s ear. Startled, she barely had time to gasp as Nathan shoved her down. A hail of arrows followed. The newcomers were finally attacking! Nathan rolled to the weapons, selecting a long bow and a full quiver, and rose to a crouch, loosing four arrows with lightening speed, then ducking back down.
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br /> “Well, that’s four who won’t be bothering us again. The odds are getting better,” he commented smugly.
Riley grasped her handy cudgel, battle-ready, her demeanor outwardly cold and dangerous.
Demon rose up, stiff-legged, hackles springing up along his spine, a low growl rumbling from his chest.
“Down, boy!” Nathan whispered, waving him back. “Not yet.”
Riley placed a restraining hand on the dog’s head, willing him to obey. Tensely, they waited for the newcomers’ next move. From his vantage point, Nathan scanned the perimeter, his eyes narrowed as he strained to catch even the slightest movement. Strewn haphazardly across the open basin, four of the newcomers’ bodies lay in eerie repose, undeniable proof of Nathan’s lethal proficiency with a bow and arrow. Those left standing regrouped, just beyond the sheltering tree line, hidden from sight while they plotted their next move.
“Got them thinking at least,” Nathan grinned. “A few more hits like that and they might decide we aren’t worth the effort.”
Riley scowled at his self-satisfied comment. “I guess you haven’t noticed we’re surrounded!” Granted, they were dug in like a tick on a dog’s butt, but if they came from all sides, it wouldn’t matter.
Taunting howls and shrieks echoed from the tree line, spine-chilling and sinister. Shuddering unexpectedly, Riley grimaced as goose-bumps sprouted on arms suddenly cold. The noise was just too creepy! Praying for it to stop, she gripped the battle ax more firmly, oddly comforted by its weight and lethal purpose.
“They’re trying to intimidate us. Don’t let it get to you.” Unconcerned, Nathan continued with his recheck of the weapons.
“Hate to tell you—but they’re doing a good job.” Maybe Nathan could ignore the noise, but she couldn’t. It boomed through the quietude—on and on until Riley thought she would scream or go crazy. Without warning, the noise abruptly stopped, followed by a more disturbing dead silence—even the birds ceased their friendly chirping.
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