Nathan’s head came up, his eyes wary and calculating. “They’re attacking now,” he calmly stated.
Terrified, Riley blurted, “What makes you so sure? Maybe they left.”
“Nope! Ever heard of the calm before the storm? Well, the storm is just about to begin.” Maneuvering for better vision, he crouched, waiting.
“Riley,” he said low, gesturing to the rocks directly behind him, “take position there and let me know if anything moves.”
Riley jumped into position, her heart hammering so hard, she was sure she could hear it reverberating against her ribs.
“I don’t see anything yet!”
Nathan’s unruffled voice reached her. “Just remember what I taught you and stay loose. Remember, you have nothing to fear but fear itself.”
Snorting derisively at his ridiculous comment, Riley stomach lurched as she caught movement at the outer reaches of the clearing. “They’re coming,” she whispered, “I count three coming from the south, about 100 yards out.”
“Keep me posted as to what they are doing. I’ve got five working their way down from the north. Still too far to waste any arrows on them.”
Arrows rained down periodically, providing cover for the belly-crawling raiders. Nathan’s lightweight shield deflected most of them, but dodging the rest became a lesson in agility; and with each deadly shower, the attackers crept closer. Nathan had yet to return fire, saving their weapons for closer encounters. The newcomers were reluctant to advance within Nathan’s archery range, having learned their lesson well by the earlier sortie. Their fallen comrades’ bodies lay baking in the sun, buzzards circling and swooping down to gouge bites from the already bloating cadavers. Though Riley was glad the newcomers’ numbers had dropped, the condition of the corpses was absolutely sickening and she was glad her vantage point precluded viewing them too often. Somewhat ridiculously, she almost wished they would finally attack—waiting was the worst part, and her imagination was going wild with vivid images of what they could expect. Though her back was to Nathan, she edged closer, resting against him, comforted by the simple contact. Demon wedged alongside, guarding and seeking their protection as well. Riley gently petted the dog, trying to infuse some reassurance into the animal.
“They’re almost within perfect target range,” Nathan whispered. “Just a few more feet and two more will go bye-bye.”
“I hope you’re as good as you imagine you are,” she whispered back.
“Are you questioning my expertise?” he growled, mildly affronted.
“Don’t get all excited,” she placated reasonably. “You don’t want to mess up your aim.”
“My aim is perfectly fine. You just pay attention to your side of the job.” Riley almost fell backwards as she felt him stiffen up and pull away. Immediately, the bow twanged repeatedly. “Got them!” he yelped gleefully.
Riley twisted to see, “Where? How many?”
“Two—to the right of that big rock!”
Nathan’s brutal proficiency with the bow had hit pay dirt again, or in this instance, the dirt was human. Mortally wounded, one newcomer was desperately trying to crawl back to the tree line, a river of blood staining the ground as he inched away. By the look of things, he wouldn’t make it. Feeling as though she was going to throw up, Riley turned away, forcing down the bile that rose in her throat.
“You are just too good,” she commented when she could talk again, awed and amazed by Nathan’s battle skills and ingenuity.
“I told you I would take care of you. I meant that.” Hugging her swiftly, he resumed his post. Screams and howls rent the air again, more attempts at intimidation, but the voices were fewer this time. Demon grew increasingly restless as the noise grew, his ears twitching nervously, low growls rumbling softly in response to the seemingly endless cacophony.
“Okay, by my count, we’re down to nine! Not bad.” Nathan’s voice resounded cheerfully in the din. “See anything on your side?”
“Not since the movements earlier. There’s not much to hide behind over here. We would see them long before they got close.” Riley hoped her assessment was correct, their very lives depended on it.
They crouched there, waiting for the newcomers’ next move.
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
A pack animal broke into the small clearing from the tree line, running wildly, eyes rolling in terror, supplies and equipment bouncing and jostling with every movement. From the shadows, a large, sinister looking creature stalked the panicked horse but, sensing the intruders, quickly retreated to the safety of the trees. As the terrified animal attempted to run by them, Jonas leapt forward and grabbed the animal’s flapping lead rope, almost losing his grip as the startled horse reared in confusion and fear.
Several other individuals jumped in, grabbing the horse’s halter, and forcing the animal down, speaking soothingly as they held on. The sweating and trembling animal slowly quieted, belabored sides heaving as the small horse fought to breathe.
“Easy, boy,” Jonas crooned, rubbing the small horse’s soft nose, “calm down, boy. You’re safe now.”
“Looks like we’re getting close,” Geena commented unnecessarily. “He wouldn’t have run too far carrying that load.”
Micah cleared his throat and spat a mouthful of phlegm. “Depends on who or what was chasing him.” Several nodded in agreement.
“Still,” Jonas concluded, “the explosion came from this direction, and here he is.”
Allie busied herself checking the packs. “All the packs contain food and equipment—no weapons.”
“Nathan would have held onto his weapons before anything else.” Jonas handed the lead rope to Allie. “Bring him with us. Everyone, let’s keep moving. They aren’t going to wait for us to show up before starting the dance.”
The small rest stop and the realization that they were close to their goal infused the team with new energy. They moved off as one, hope and determination shining on each face, the small horse contentedly following behind Allie. He was not alone in the cruel world anymore.
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
“What about the other three?”
“They’re still dug in. Haven’t moved since I nailed the other two.”
Neither had the three Riley kept tabs on. “If you counted right, there are still three unaccounted for. Wonder where they’re at?”
“I imagine they’ll show up real soon. I’ve got this itchy feeling they’re closer than we know.”
Skin suddenly crawling, Riley perused the landscape. The original three were huddled down...waiting. “I don’t see anything different over here.”
“Something isn’t right, I can feel it.” Nathan’s uneasy comment was laced with concern.
To the west of their position, approximately fifty yards out, a gully bisected the small valley. Close enough to be a problem, but so far, the newcomers hadn’t taken advantage of its cover. Nathan eyed the arroyo. That had to be where they would come from. Nothing else made any tactical sense. Attacking from three directions wouldn’t leave him with many options. Riley was still too inexperienced with the bow and arrow to be of much help. Her hand-to-hand combat skills were very good, but he worried that if the time came, she couldn’t or wouldn’t land a killing blow.
The newcomers’ fighting style was based mostly on brute strength, but even that was very effective under the right circumstances. Riley was a robust, physically healthy woman and had proven more than once that she could hold her own with even odds, but if several of the newcomers made it into the rock enclosure, she would go down fighting—and God help her if she did! He knew her too well to believe she would willingly submit to the newcomers if he didn’t survive. Nathan pulled a large hunting knife from his boot, tapped Riley on the shoulder, and handed it to her without comment.
Riley’s fingers closed around the hilt, eyes glued to the sinister blade. “What’s this for?” she croaked.
“Just in case,” Nathan replied, too casually for comfort.
“Have I told you today that I love you?” Tears threatened to spill down her cheeks.
“Yeah—you did, but that’s okay, I like hearing it. I love you, too.”
Dismally, Nathan checked his dwindling supply of arrows. Only six left—not good—but they still had the cocktails and the single grenade, as well as an assortment of knives, axes and war clubs. It would have to be enough.
Demon barked wildly, eyes shining red with fury. The newcomers charged, running low, screaming and howling in rage. Riley yelped a warning, diverting Nathan’s attention for one split second, and in that second, three men erupted from the gully, fanning out and sprinting, weaving back and forth in an effort to ward off Nathan’s deadly aim. Hands shaking, Riley clutched the war club, breathing a swift prayer of deliverance. Nathan’s bow sang, but the attackers were more alert this time, ducking and dancing as they rushed forward.
The men from the gully drew nearer, well within throwing range. Making a split decision, Nathan palmed the grenade, pulled the pin and threw. The resounding explosion took out one of the raiders, staggering the other two, but not stopping them.
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
The explosion boomed from the clearing below, near enough that they could see dust and debris floating on the breeze. Jonas raised a hand, halting the team’s advance. Speaking low, he motioned them down. “We’re right on them! Micah—Geena—fan out and do a quick recon. You two,” motioning to the other team members, “follow me. Allie, stay with the horse.”
Allie gasped in indignation. “Not on your life! I’m coming with you.”
Jonas’ face flushed. “Don’t argue with me! I don’t have time for this!” he growled, exasperated beyond reason with her inability to follow orders.
Allie whirled, stomping back to the horse, all the while muttering to herself.
“And I mean stay here,” Jonas snarled. “There’ll be hell to pay if you don’t!”
Geena hastened back, urgency stamped on her tense features. “Looks like they’re hunkered down in some rocks at the center of the valley, and they’ve got attackers coming from all sides. We’ve got to move fast or they won’t make it.”
“Shit!” Barking orders, Jonas waved the small group forward. Allie waited just long enough for them to get somewhat ahead, and then surreptitiously followed.
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
Two men reached the rocks and leapt over, howling and screaming, faces painted with stripes of red and ocher. Demon jumped forward, teeth gnashing, flecks of foam flying from his open maw. Riley froze as Nathan’s blades flashed, whirling and slashing, taking the first down, then spinning to face the second man. Demon dove in, making sure the first man would not rise again, viciously ripping his throat, blood spurting in great gouts from the open wound. The second man, who appeared more seasoned, approached Nathan warily, his eyes narrowed in hate, a sneer twisting his ugly face. Nathan danced sideways, putting himself in front of Riley, his eyes never leaving his opponent.
“Riley,” he warned, “move! Don’t just stand there.”
Demon dove for the second man’s leg, throwing him off balance long enough for Nathan to move in. The clash of knives rent the air as the men fought furiously, streaks of blood dripping from the small cuts they inflicted on each other.
Demon leapt past Riley, growling and snapping as another warrior entered the circle of rocks. Riley faced him, knees shaking and palms sweating. His lips twisted in a cruel smile as he stalked her, amused by her show of bravado. Demon dove in, only to be knocked away by a blow from the warrior’s battle club. Demon went down hard—and stayed down!
“You killed him!” Riley screamed, suddenly enraged. “You ugly son-uv-a-bitch! I’ll kill you.” She moved into a defensive crouch, Jonas’ and Nathan’s training giving her strength and confidence. Laughing, unconcerned by her petty challenge, the warrior swung his battle club—missing completely as Riley ducked and then twisted, landing her own solid, bone-crunching strike to his ribcage. He bent over, clutching his side, snarling in disbelief, eyes maddened with fury and pain. More combatants entered the rock enclosure, circling around the battle Nathan waged with their comrade, urging him on and cheering whenever he drew Nathan’s blood. Soon tiring of the sport, they moved in.
Riley’s opponent strode forward, feinting to the right and then landing a jarring slap to Riley’s cheek, knocking her to the ground. Rolling with the blow, she sprang to her feet, facing him defiantly, refusing to give him the satisfaction of knowing she was shaken by the blow. From the corner of her eye, she saw Nathan go down amidst a throng of warriors, fighting to the last. She spun, her eyes finding his, reading sadness and regret in their warm caramel depths.
“Nooooo!” she screamed. “Noooooo!” Raising her club, she brought it down, again and again, striking and smashing, drawing blood with every blow, a Viking berserker gone wild. Her vision swam through a haze of red. The newcomers gaped, shocked by her ferocious attack. Violently she struck, vengeance infusing her with the rage to destroy each and every one of them. She would make them pay for every hurt they had caused her family.
Riley gasped in pain as her skull cracked with a jarring blow from behind. Falling, her vision murky and uncertain, she reached towards Nathan, longing to touch him one last time, waiting for the final blow—which didn’t come. Instead, a small whirlwind blew by, punching, slapping and kicking unbelievably fast. Chaos reigned as bodies fought. A warrior fell near Riley, the small whirlwind stabbing and slashing, face obscured by a veil of long dark hair. When the warrior no longer moved, the small figure stood, turned and leaned down, a grin spreading her full lips.
“Anyone call 911?” she quipped before she spun to join the battle. Incredulous, Riley could only stare, positive that she was dead and this was the angel of death in the flesh—and she spoke English!
Screams of pain along with the clash of weapons rent the air. Her eyesight clearing, Riley watched the grisly battle scene in disbelief. These new people, women as well as men, fought hard and well; the newcomers decimated by the onslaught of this fighting force. A figure drew her attention. Jonas! It was Jonas! Om-i-gawd—it was Jonas!
The fierce battle waged, bodies dropped before the deadly onslaught of Jonas’ team. Ruthlessly, they routed the beleaguered newcomers, giving no quarter, and when the last newcomer had been dispatched to that primeval hunting ground in the sky, the team finally rested.
Pushing up, Riley crawled across the blood-stained earth, reaching the spot where Nathan last fell. Shoving dead bodies to the side, she found him at the bottom of the gruesome pile. His colorless face—ashen and unmoving—terrified her. Crushing his bloody and bruised head to her breast, she gently rocked, willing him to be alive. “Nathan,” she moaned, “Nathan, don’t die!” Blinding tears fell in a river, raining down on Nathan’s pale, still face. “Please don’t leave me,” she begged, “not now.” Kissing his brow over and over, she wept uncontrollably, wailing her grief to the heavens.
“I’m drowning here,” Nathan’s weak voice complained. His eyelids fluttered open and those warm caramel eyes met hers.
“Nathan, Oh-mi-gawd, you scared me to death!”
“You think you were scared!” he coughed. “Watching you fight was the scariest thing I ever saw! You should have seen yourself! I didn’t know you had it in you!”
Tenderly, she brushed his hair back, admitting ruefully. “They made me really mad.”
“Remind me never to upset you or I won’t feel good about turning my back on you ever again.”
A fierce growl drew their attention. Demon planted himself between them and Jonas’ team, teeth bared, eyes burning red from a bloody, brutalized skull.
“Nathan! Call off your damn dog—I assume he’s your damn dog!” Irritation skewed Jonas’ face. The huge dog growled again, moving one stealthy step forward, hackles up, tense, waiting for Jonas to make one wrong move.
Giddy with overwhelming relief, Riley laughed. “He really is a big sweetie. Just give him a few days,
and he’ll be sitting on your lap!”
“It’s the few days in between I’m worried about.”
Totally understanding, Riley giggled. “Been there, done that!”
The dog took another step, growling viciously, sharp canines snapping in warning.
“Damn it, Nathan, call off your damn dog!” Jonas snapped, inching backwards, his eyes glued to the monstrous animal.
“Demon—sit! It’s okay, boy, he’s a friend.” The dog relaxed immediately, but stayed put, refusing to allow anyone near his people.
Riley patted him on the rump, amazed the dog had survived. “You’re such a good puppy! Mommy loves you,” she crooned. Demon’s tail wagged in response, though his eyes remained focused intently on the new intruders.
Jonas’ eyes narrowed, glaring at her. “And how many times did I tell you never and I mean never turn your back on an opponent!” Demon huffed a small warning.
“Sorry,” she muttered contritely, looking away. “Things just got out of hand and I forgot Rule Number One.”
“Leave her alone,” Nathan grumbled. “If you hadn’t taken your sweet time getting here, there wouldn’t have been a problem.”
Laughing, the team drew close. “Old guy just couldn’t keep up with the rest of us.” Geena’s cheeky comment drew a fierce scowl from Jonas.
“Old guy!” Jonas sputtered. “You’ll think ‘old guy’ while your fat butt does night patrol for the next three weeks.
“Oooooooo! Geena make big man mad.” Cackling, Allie added her two bits.
“And you,” Jonas whirled. “I told you to stay with the horse. How many times do I have to tell you?”
“More than once—less than a thousand.” Unrepentant, Allie shrugged, sauntering away.
“And who is that?” Nathan’s eyes followed Allie.
“A big pain in the butt,” Jonas growled. “How she ever made it on this team is beyond me.”
Riley's Journey Page 24