My eyebrows probably were through the roof but I couldn’t let on that I was surprised. He was watching me too intently. I shrugged. “You're not as stupid as I thought.”
“Now we’re back to the discussion of respect,” he grumbled. “In the real world, I’d find it very hard to believe you survived this long if you trash talked everyone like this. ”
“I am the shark out here,” I snapped. “Besides, you don’t exactly talk respectfully to each other, fart face. Or is that nickname reserved for Argon’s lips only? Are pet names common military jargon? You forget I was trained in combat long before I got into this line of work-”
“Yes, how does a young MoiRaine warrior wind up in Niguel Antigo’s hands?” he asked, openly curious.
“Fortune or misfortune, depending on how you look at it,” I said, shifting uncomfortably. After a moment, I decided to tell him against my better judgment. I needed to earn his trust and this might do it. “I went to Mercaine to get an idea of what I needed to do to clean up Nacin. I figured if I screwed up my plans in one city, I could reinvent myself in the other. I was walking at night in the market and took a shortcut through an alley. A group of men came up with bad intentions. I tried to send them away, but they wouldn't listen.”
He leaned in closer to listen since I dropped my voice. I looked down to the ground and drew abstract patterns in the sand. “They were dead at my feet with a few swipes of my blade. I didn’t know Antigo was in the shadows. He sought me out the next day and the rest is bloody murder… no pun intended.”
“What did they want with you?”
“You’re a sly male figure,” I muttered. “Do the math. A back alley where no one would hear my screams… A young woman walking alone in the dark… Irresistible for a predator, wouldn’t you agree?”
A look of utter revulsion crossed his face. “No wonder you hate people. You’re misanthropic at best. And yet,” he said slowly, nodding back in the tent. “The kids have your cloak.”
I took a deep breath. “Why are you really being nice to me, Cain?”
“Say my name,” he said with a lopsided grin. “No, I should be honest. You’re right. It’s because you won my squad’s respect and mine. You saved my life so I’m sucking up to you, hoping you’ll return the favor.”
“Finally a straight answer.”
He stared at me hard for a minute, then pointed one finger at me. “You’re just one big mind maze, aren't you? Nothing you say is genuine. It's all just one big, calculated front.”
I saw red. “I just poured out a great deal of my life’s story to you, you over-starched turkey.”
“No, I meant personality wise,” he said waving me off. “It’s all one big show. Tell you what? I'm going to make a deal with you. No more shit from either party. Deal?”
I rolled my eyes. “What makes you think you’re that important that I’d put on a show for you? You’re just a bloody nuisance. You don't hold nearly as many cards as I once thought.“
He threw his head back and laughed, until I whacked him with the back of my hand. He was talking too loud. Fortunately, Max and Lily slept on. He grinned at me. “Truth or dare, sweets. Is it all about the money or is Argon correct? Do you have conscience, Rain? I need to know. Consciences make people harder to predict. Morality is often even worse.”
I smiled at him derisively. “You’re just morbidly curious and fishing for information.”
“There. I have my answer,” he said, eyes glinting mischievously. “That was a yes.”
“You’re a sociopath.”
“And you aren’t, sweetheart?” he chuckled.
“I’m not into power mongering or whatever complex it is you’ve got around yourself. I don’t care what ‘daddy issues’ you have. I’m not playing into it.”
His expression darkened into thunderclouds for a second before smoothing back into a cloying smile. “This is going to be fun. We’ll get along just fine, Rain.”
I gave him a scathing look that he returned with a grin of sheer and utter satisfaction. I mirrored his smug expression mockingly. “Whatever makes you sleep better at night, Cain. Then again not everyone has a platoon to guard their ass every night like you do.”
“Either way, you are perfectly welcome to bunk with me. No seriously,” he said, putting his hands up at my look of utter disbelief. “I won’t drug you again. That backfired royally. I know you won’t bother me. Besides Argon and your lover boy Michael, I'm pretty much the only friend you've got out here.”
“Friend?” I sniffed disdainfully.
“If you’d like. You said you wanted an ally, and I only ally myself with friends, so…”
He eyed me knowing he had me again. I sat back, not taking the bait. “Mr. McRattin, keeping me on your friend’s list is a wise choice, but an artificial one. Let's call this out for what it is. Don’t think for one moment you’re safe with your squad to guard you if I was forced to-”
“Threats again,” he said with a groan. “Look, I know you're good. You’d steal in, silently, do the deed, and they wouldn't know until it was too late. I get it. I'm not bothered by it.”
This was entirely too unsettling to me. I blinked, hearing in his voice that it was the truth. “But- but then why would you-?”
“Because the ball is in your court, Rain,” he interrupted impatiently. “We can be friends. We can be enemies, but I refuse to be the one who dictates. It’s your decision. Choose wisely.”
He stood quickly and vanished back into the tent. I could hear him rustling around and then sitting down to sleep. But while I couldn’t see him, his words left me very troubled and for a long time.
Sleep didn’t come easily that night. In fact, it didn't come at all. And I doubted that if I stayed in McRattin - Cain’s - company for much longer, it ever would again.
The same questions kept playing over in my mind. Did he really mean that or was this just another ploy? Was it another mind game like the ones he had played before he drugged me? For once, I wasn’t sure. And that was what concerned me most.
Chapter Twelve 04:09:23:19 to potential nuclear explosion
The journey to Moor En was surprisingly quick. McRattin had sent Argon with us on the bikes. Michael had happily driven with me sitting in front with the baby all the way while Argon had the kids with him. We were at the outskirts of the busy village before high noon.
I really was uneasy about being here. Seeing the humble cottages and busy storefronts was dragging up the worst in me. The dusty street corners cast in shadows from the mountains behind them were all too lulling. Nostalgia was calling my name and I was having a hard time resisting it. I had spent many afternoons down here during my youth and they had been much happier times than the present. The desire to stay here was winning out over doing what was needed of me. I needed to get out of here as soon as possible.
I quickly spoke with one of the shop owners and, much to my dread, I learned that getting a guide for the children wasn’t necessary. One of the MoiRai was already down in the village today and who it was had me in knots. Apparently Dantenn and I were meant to cross paths again. And that terrified me.
As we waited at the base of the path to the temple in the mountains, I shifted uncomfortably. I was a nervous mess on the inside. I hadn't seen Dantenn in years and had left without saying goodbye. I was probably not looked upon fondly.
“You seem tense,” Michael stated. “I thought you said this guy was one of your friends.”
“I don’t have friends,” I said stiffly.
“Ooh, so you’re trying to warn me off, right? Not going to work. I don't scare easy.”
“Say that again once you get a real look at me,” I said under my breath.
“By the way, did you like the drawings? I saw the pages were out of order,” he winked.
I smiled despite myself. “I did enjoy the one where I had Cain at gunpoint. It was almost close to the truth.”
“What was inaccurate about it?”
I wasn't going
to answer that. I had been naked at the time and he hadn’t known that. “Never you mind. But are you the faceless man like Cain suggested?”
He looked down. “I didn't want to ruin the drawings. I always get myself wrong anyway. I hope I haven’t offended you. I found a muse to keep me busy. So sue me. I like the real life version better anyway.”
I rolled my eyes. “We’ll see.”
“You’re really down on yourself.”
“So says the faceless man,” I snapped back.
We were quiet after that. He sat down with a huff and Argon glared out over the houses. I knew he didn’t like being out in the open like this. He was watching the villagers with a scrutiny that made a few of them cringe away. The children sat behind me. Lily had picked daisies and was making a wreath with them. She put it on Max’s head when she was finished and started giggling. He good naturedly put up with it and left it on as she made another one. Michael wasn't as good a sport. He shook his off immediately.
I was beginning to worry that Dantenn had already ascended the mountain. The sun was shifting into late afternoon. We would have to return soon to the camp. Then I saw a shadow part the crowds. The crimson handle of the falchion peeking over the person’s shoulders told me who was coming. I gulped as he came into view.
He had a young, fair-haired girl with him, laughing at something she had just asked. He seemed well. The stocky, dark-eyed kid I had known was gone. He was in great shape and had only gotten bigger since I had last seen him. That in itself was a contrast to me. I had only gotten thinner.
He looked up when the girl pointed at us. His smile froze in place when his dark eyes landed on me. I stopped leaning on the bike and straightened my shoulders. No time to be shy. I walked forward to greet him and saw a new tattoo peeking out from under his shirt collar. He had planned to get one there since childhood and now I saw he had. I bowed respectfully to him, avoiding his eyes. “Master.”
I looked up when I heard his laugh, seeing a smirk on his lips. “How odd to have you bowing to me. The last time I saw you bow was when you invited me to kiss your ass. From what I remember, you weren't too pleased when I all too happily obliged your request.”
I straightened, somewhat relieved that he was taking the civil route. “Lesson learned. Never antagonize a teenage boy with a challenge.”
“This coming from a newly resurrected woman,” he said conversationally, black eyes sparkling. “Your execution was reported and then rescinded equally fast. I’m disappointed it took all that to get you home, but I’ll take it. Sensei will be so happy to see you. Who are your friends? Or are they escapees, too?”
I glanced back at where Michael, Argon, and the others were standing, and then back to him. “The children are new recruits. The other two are… comrades at this point, I suppose. But I’m not staying.”
His warm smile crashed. “Come again?”
“I’m on a mission with the Confederate Army-”
“Not according to the dossier demanding your head!” he exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air. “Or are you with the blacklisted General McRattin? What have you gotten yourself into now?!”
“We’re hunting a terrorist cell,” I said in a hushed tone. “They’re going to detonate an old, unexploded nuke in the city if we can’t get to them first. The army recruited me to be a guide through the desert. These kids are refugees and needed help. I’m hoping this won't be too much of an imposition.”
He narrowed his eyes as I dared him to object. “You know the kids are welcome. I’m just wondering when it’s going to whack you over the head that you should come home. I don't care what you’ve been up to in the city. Look at what good it’s gotten you. When one devil goes down, another pops up in its place and I know you well enough to know that it still hurts you. You’re not made of stone, Sierr.”
I opened my mouth to reply and the baby’s wail came out. Argon bounced her up and down and cooed. She only wailed harder. I held my finger up to Dantenn, went over and picked her up out of his arms. She gurgled and waved up at me. I turned back to him. “I can’t come home now. I’m needed to track that ticking time bomb down. I just came to bring those two and this little one to safety.”
He came and stood over me, staring down at the baby. “My God, I always suspected you’d have a way with children, but geez. That kid is infatuated with you.”
“I know the feeling,” I heard Michael mutter under his breath so low I’m sure he thought no one would hear.
Dantenn looked back at him. “Aren't you Xorratti’s son? I’ve seen you in the society pages.”
“I was,” Michael growled back, raw antagonism rolling off him.
I stared at Michael in surprise. I wasn’t sure why he had taken such a dislike to Dantenn. But Dantenn wasn’t offended. He turned back to me, clearly amused. “Is he a drop off, too?”
“No!” Michael exclaimed loudly before I could reply. “I’m with her. End of story. I will not be ditched like a spare piece of luggage.”
Argon sat quiet as a mouse surveying the whole thing until he was eyed next. “I’m with the army. I’d love to see the temple, but my lover will be less than pleased if I don’t return with her soon. Cain does love his new favorite toy,” he drawled, making my cheeks burn as he gestured at me.
Dantenn looked back to me, no longer amused. I shook my head.
“Don't listen to him,” I muttered, noting his sulky expression. “He’s probably fishing to see if you’d be jealous.”
He chuckled. “And if I am? Color me intrigued. You do look good, Sierr. But you’re never going to come home, are you? We're not enough to hold you here.”
“I’m not needed here.”
He brushed my hair back. “Says you. I’ve never missed being ignored so much.”
I was very uncomfortable now. He may have hidden it with humor, but there was nothing funny about that statement. If the tender look in his dark eyes was anything to judge by, he meant it. I looked down at the ground as I whispered back, “You’re right. I haven’t changed, Dantenn.”
Silence fell for a second. Fortunately, Argon interrupted. He cleared his throat. “Um... Daylight’s wasting and nuclear countdown is imminent. Let’s go.”
Dantenn dropped his hand. I peeked up. His business front was back up, eyes hidden behind a mask of nonchalance. “Of course. I’ll pass your best regards to Master then. I’ll take the kiddies up to the top. We’ll take good care of them.”
I nodded and tried to pass the baby to him, but she stirred and started to whine. I carefully disentangled myself from her, strangely sad to see her go. “I don't know her original name, but I’ve been calling her Evangeline.”
He nodded. “I’ll remember that. Are you two coming?”
Lily shyly hid behind Max who had stood when addressed. He looked at me for reassurance and I nodded. He squared his jaw. “Yes, sir. Miss Sierrenna said you would watch over us.”
Dantenn’s eyes glinted with approval. “She is correct.”
Max nodded and came forward. Lily had yet to emerge so Dantenn peeked over his shoulder. “You have quite the shadow, kid. A pretty one, too. Is she the one who made you the crown?”
Max looked up, having forgotten the flowers. He blushed and shrugged. Dantenn chuckled and turned back to me.
“Well, I suppose I can't detain you forever,” he said, looking wistful. “Do me a favor and don't get yourself blown up. Despite your general unfeeling nature-” he coughed mockingly on that one. “I’m not like that. I might have to avenge you then, not to mention the cost of shipping your remains back out of a nuclear blast zone.”
I punched his arm lightly. “You got it.”
He eyed me shrewdly. “Once all this madness has passed, do come home for a visit. We’ll see if I can’t convince you to stay.” He kissed me on the cheek quicker than I could stop him and started walking. “Nice to meet you all. Regards to your lover, Sergeant. Mr. Xorratti. You coming, kiddies?”
Lily took one frightened look a
t me before obediently falling in step behind him. The apprentice who had been silently watching the whole conversation with interest stuck her hand out. Lily took it and shook on it. They giggled at something said between them. She would be fine.
Max surprisingly was the one who looked upset. He took one look at Lily’s fleeting back and then at me, clearly torn. He ran at me, hugged me around the waist, and then took off. He waved over his shoulder at me when he reached them. There were tears in his eyes, I was sad to say. I had never known such an odd child. He had been so aloof and yet now he seemed so sad. I had thought Lily would be the one to be weepy.
I looked up at the mountain obscuring the view of the temple. A smile came to my lips. Perhaps I would visit someday soon but for now I had work to do. I turned back to the two men before me and started walking back toward the bikes. They fell into step behind me.
As we rocketed off, I looked back at the sleepy village I had often visited in my youth. Warmth swept through me.
Yes. I would someday return.
* * *
There was a ruckus when we got to the camp... what was supposed to be the camp, that is.
It was gone. Everyone was gone. Except for the stones in a circle where a fire had burned the night previous, there were no signs anyone had been here. Argon stomped over to the remnants of the camp’s fire, having tried unsuccessfully to radio them. “Damn! Where the hell did they go?!”
Hairs stood up on the back of my neck. I felt like we were being watched. Michael kicked the stand down on his bike and looked at me. “Now what?”
“I have no idea,” I said warily, looking around at the old ashes from the fire scattered at my feet. “We should leave. If there were a capture, they’d still be waiting for us.”
Argon swore angrily and got back on his bike. I pulled my seldomly used emergency pistol out of my utility belt and put it in Michael’s pocket. “Just in case.”
But before we could go, disturbing sounds came to our ears. We ran to the crest of a dune and halted. Sounds of gun shots echoed off the glen. Below us a furious battle raged on. There were three different parties. One being Xorratti’s troops; another being our squadron. My stomach dropped with dread. The third was flying Tiranshyck’s colors.
War Machine: Book One in the Destiny In the Shadows Series Page 15