Concerned, I blurted out before Steve could respond, “What men?”
This time, his face betrayed worry. “Just after sunrise yesterday, about twenty men approached us. All of them were armed. We didn’t offer to let them in, and they didn’t ask. We told them we had no food to spare as we were running out ourselves and they eventually left. There was something about them, though, which worried me. They were friendly enough, but they were asking too many questions about how many of us there were and other things. It was a bit odd, that’s all. They wouldn’t tell us where they’d come from or where they were heading to, just that they were in the area. At first, we thought it might have been you, because as I’ve just said, we haven’t seen anyone since this began and with you flying over us a few days ago and then them turning up, the coincidence made it an easy assumption.”
“I can assure you they were nothing to do with us,” Steve replied, his voice calm and full of reassurance. “And as for the lack of help, I can only apologise on behalf of the Government, but as it stands,” he then indicated to the other uniformed men behind him, “we are the only known combat effective force left on the mainland UK.”
He left the statement to hang in the air as Stuart processed what he’d said. He staggered slightly with shock when he comprehended it fully.
“What? Just you? There must be more of you. You’re the bloody British army, for God’s sake. We knew things were bad from what we’ve seen, but we’ve been hanging on to the hope that help would arrive from the government at some point. It just has to.” His face then filled with despair and fear as he continued. “Is it as bad as that?”
Soberly I replied, “Yes, it is. Now, shall we go inside so we can talk properly?”
The Broughs had farmed the land for generations. Fate had led the entire family to be there the day the outbreak occurred as they had gathered to celebrate Stuart’s birthday. All three of their children, two of them married with partners there, along with three grandchildren, had gathered for what they expected to be a weekend of celebrations. Shocked, they’d watched the news story unfold on the television and listened to the radio, any ideas of having a celebration forgotten.
Abiding by the instructions on the government broadcast, they’d stayed together, continually monitoring all forms of media for updates and despaired when one by one, they went off air. They only left the farm to tend to the dairy herd that was grazing in their surrounding fields. Eventually and desperate to know what was going on, and with no other way of finding out, Stuart and his sons decided to go and check out the area around them. The trip had almost ended in disaster when they’d become surrounded by zombies in the nearest village. When Stuart recognised some of the zombies, the truth hit home and to save their lives, they were forced to drive over and through his former friends and acquaintances. Driving straight back to the farm, they began fortifying their home. Their grandchildren proved useful as they had more zombie experience from watching movies and television shows and told them what needed to be done.
For their safety, since they didn’t know if they would be attacked, the cows were brought into their sheds and had been there ever since. Over the weeks, though, despondency had begun to settle over them all as their isolation weighed heavily on them and they tried to stretch out their dwindling food supplies.
Stuart had a tear in his eye when he explained they’d begun to consider the need to slaughter some of his beloved herd in order to feed themselves. It was only when they’d spotted our plane flying overhead and they’d read our messages that they realised they were not alone, and the cows had a reprieve. They decided to delay the decision until we showed up as we had promised we would.
“Did the food survive the drop?” I inquired.
His wife, Helen, replied with a smirk, “Most of it did, yes. Thank you so much, it really lifted our spirits just when we needed it. We’ve been so excited waiting for you to arrive. I could tell from your note that you’re good people and now we’ve met, you’ve just confirmed it for me.”
They were desperate to hear our story and so much had happened, it took quite some time to tell it, with different people adding their tales at relevant parts. They all knew Warwick Castle and marvelled at the scrapes we’d got into on our journeys there to make it a secure sanctuary. When Steve told them the news from the Royal Navy and the ongoing operation to make the Scilly Isles a base of operations, you could see their spirits lifting even more. They were not alone anymore and that gave them such a psychological boost. Knowing that others were not only surviving, as they were doing, but proactively working to help others, got the better of some of them. Emotion overcame them and tears of joy and relief flowed from eyes all around us.
Before any more discussions took place, Charles insisted on saying a few words. Not a prayer, but an acknowledgment of the struggles everyone had gone through and thanks for us uniting and our group being able to offer help to others.
The knowledge that a group of armed men were in the area worried us greatly. It didn’t take much imagination to believe they’d be up to no good, because otherwise, they would have acted differently when they approached the Broughs. Our concern naturally turned to their security, so we asked them to first give us a tour of the property to see if we could suggest any improvements that could be made.
As we walked around outside, we could tell that with what they’d done by raising their walls and reinforcing the gates, the place was reasonably secure against zombies. It might not stand up to a vast horde of them but as yet, most likely due to their remote location, not one had even been seen in the area.
They’d always kept a lookout posted during the day by using ladders placed against the walls to see over them. We suggested a few improvements, such as the need to post a twenty four hour watch now; to build platforms to use as firing steps and to improve the fences and walls in the surrounding fields to keep any zombies that might be in the area from getting close in the first place. It was clear, though, that the property needed better defences against human attack, especially after the recent visit. These details we handed over to the military contingent amongst us and with their permission, Steve commanded the sergeants to start planning and constructing what they could with whatever materials they could find.
As the work began, we got on with the main purpose of our visit. Did they want to come back to the castle with us now or in the future, or would they prefer to stay where they were? We told them that if they chose to stay, we would be able to supply them with enough food and other essentials and be able to offer what help we could with improving their defences. Stuart did have two shotguns and a rifle which he used to control the vermin on his land and was very happy when we told him he could help himself from the quantity of both rifles and shotguns we’d brought with us. Their guns had been easily accessible before, but they hadn’t felt the need to keep them close to them until the visit by the group the day before.
The family was torn by the choices we gave them. Not having to worry about food would ease the burden on them enormously, but as their numbers were not great, would they be vulnerable to attack by both the dead and the living? We couldn’t choose for them and sat quietly as the family debated what they wanted to do. Listening to them, it was clear they were torn between the two options.
Even though I was concerned for their safety, I liked the idea of another secure location being established and it was obvious that it could provide us with a good tactical advantage. We could extend our area of operations by using the farm to enable us to reach further afield and have a safe sanctuary to use, if need be. As their discussion continued, I decided to get Steve’s attention and indicated I wanted a word with him.
We both walked outside. “What’s up?” he asked. “By the look on your face you have a plan.”
“Well, not a plan exactly,” I responded. “Just an idea I wanted to run past you first before it goes any further.” I paused to get the idea straight in my own head before continuing. “Wi
th the numbers they have here, they are vulnerable, especially now we know about the other group. My question is, could this place be fortified to act as an outpost?”
Steve looked at me and then at his men, who were working in the yard building defensible bunkers from hay bales and other materials. He was silent for a few minutes before he spoke.
“Anything can be made defensible if we have the tools and equipment, I suppose. It’s manpower they lack. Even if the older child can use a gun, they’ll still only have eight shooters and it’s a big perimeter to defend. They could be in trouble if a horde finds them and we don’t know exactly how many are in this group from yesterday. It doesn’t take a military genius to work out they could easily be overrun.”
“I thought so,” I replied quietly. “I think we should recommend they come back to the castle with us. Unless there are more of them, their safety here can’t be guaranteed. Unless, that is…” I stopped and looked at Steve.
“Unless what?” he filled in the silence.
I spoke slowly, unsure as to whether it was a good idea or not. “Unless we station a few of your boys here, that is.”
Silence.
I stammered a reply to fill the silence. “We are more than capable of defending the castle with a few less. There are dozens of us who can fire guns. Here their defences are no way near as strong and they have far fewer numbers. If we balanced that out, do you think it would work?”
Eventually, his furrowed brows lifted, and he smiled at me. “That, Tom, is not a bad idea. Okay, then, they’ll need some up-armoured vehicles and more of us to help bolster the defences until I’ll be happy to station them here. If we start regular runs between both places, we can swap shifts when necessary…”
I held up my hand to stop him as I could tell he was getting into full flow. “Whoa there. It was only an idea I wanted to check was feasible first. It’s not our home, so don’t you think we need to see if they’ve made a decision yet?”
“Yes, of course,” he replied, his voice now full of excitement at the prospect of another mission. “But I think it would work. Let’s go in and talk to them.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Inside the farm no decision had yet been reached about what the best course of action was for the family to take. Steve therefore asked for quiet so he could put forward a proposition.
“I understand that it’s a difficult decision, but Tom has had an idea and I want to run it past you first.” He waited until he had everyone’s attention before he continued. “Now this is just an idea for now and nothing more. How about if I station a few of my men here to bolster your defences? I know we’ve only just met, but I hope you believe me when I say you can trust us, and that your ongoing safety is my primary concern.”
“That’s a generous offer,” Stuart said cautiously. “Why would you offer that as well as everything else you’ve said you’ll give us. As you say, you don’t know us at all.”
Charles spoke up, “You see, it’s simple. It’s not really ours to give. We already have more than enough to feed and equip ourselves for a long time and still we keep gathering more. Not because we are greedy, but because we have the skills and experience to do so in the full knowledge that others in the future may need what we’ve gathered. You’re the first we’ve found and that lifted our hearts more than you could ever know. All our efforts haven’t been in vain and at last, we can reach out and offer the hand of friendship.”
He waved towards Steve, Eddy and Woody. “As for the idea of men being stationed here, I have known the two sergeants and the Captain for some time now and yes, they may swear at you when they catch you holding a gun wrong…”
Woody interrupted him with a snort of laughter.
“But you don’t do it anymore, do you, Vicar?” he asked.
“Well, actually no I don’t, so thank you, Sergeant, for your recent lack of profanities and the excellent training you’ve given me. But as I was saying, they are all as good a set of people as I have ever met. Most of us didn’t know one another before all this began and now, we’ve formed a community I am proud to be part of. If any of the soldiers are stationed here, I can vouch for their character with no hesitation.”
When he’d finished I noticed Stuart cast a glance towards his wife, who nodded in return. He then looked at the rest of his family, who were gathered around the table. “Does anyone have any questions?” he asked them all.
His son spoke up, “Dad, I know how much this place means to you; to all of us, in fact. It’s been our home as well, you and mom raised us here and I know you’ve both said the only way you’ll leave the place is in a coffin. But will we be safe here, even with the extra manpower?”
Stuart looked at me and Steve for an answer.
“Yes,” I began, “I believe with a little time, we can make this place a small version of a castle. Within our group we have the skills and ingenuity to do most things. What you’ve achieved so far is impressive, we can just help you improve it. This farm could become an important link in the chain when, hopefully, we start to try and claim our country back. I imagine we’ll need staging posts to start missions from and places to shelter and rest. I warn you, though; this place might get very busy at times.”
His son nodded to me in thanks. “In that case, Dad. I think we should give it a go. If there aren’t many of us left alive in this world, don’t we owe it to everyone remaining to do what we can?” Then he laughed at himself. “Just look at me talking. A few days ago, we were talking about slaughtering Dad’s cows so we could stay alive and now we’re looking months and maybe years ahead. And his cows are safe! I can’t believe it.”
Stuart stood up and looked at his family. “Are we all in agreement?” All his family nodded in reply. He turned to us. “The answer is yes. We will stay here and accept your generous offer.”
There was a general cheering and clapping from everyone in the room and the two groups merged and shook hands, smiles on the faces of us all. Steve sought out Stuart, saying, “Do you want to come and meet my men? I’ll ask for volunteers and knowing them, there will be no shortage of those.”
When he replied, “Of course. I’ll be glad to,” they walked outside and Steve called out to Sergeant Gallon to call his men together.
The sergeant was a stickler for discipline and a zombie apocalypse was not going to stop him fulfilling his duties as he chivvied the men into formation, his strong Geordie accent and standard sergeant phrases making Stuart chuckle.
“Ah, that takes me back.”
“Have you served?” Steve asked.
“Yes,” he replied, his gaze now looking to the distance as memories came back. “Did a few years in my younger days until I decided to take over the farm when my father was ill. Northern Ireland mainly, but I did sneak in the Falklands before I decided to get back to civvy street.”
Steve looked at the man with new respect. If he’d served in Northern Island at the peak of the troubles and took part in the recapture of the Falkland Islands, he was a tough individual, probably with plenty of valuable experience. He could sense from him, though, that he would probably not get much more from the man as many did not like to talk about their time in service. His comments marked him out as a Marine and he made a note to tell both Woody and Eddy about it. As fellow Marines, they would both enjoy meeting a former member of their elite band of brothers.
Steve shook his head with respect. “Not that I expect any resistance from them, but if they know you’re one of us, so to speak, I’ll expect even less now. Do you mind if I tell them you served?”
Stuart thought for a moment. Steve could imagine memories of his time in uniform flashing across his mind before, with a sigh, he responded.
“No, I don’t mind. I just don’t think about it much myself, really.”
The men were now lined up before him, standing to attention with the sergeant eyeing them severely.
“At ease, men,” he began, waiting a few seconds for them to change position be
fore continuing. “Mr Brough has generously allowed us to begin establishing his farm as an outpost. A place that can offer sanctuary for patrols and enable us to eventually extend our area of influence. Mr Brough, as it happens, is one of us. He is a former Marine with active service experience, so he can probably teach us youngsters a thing or two.” He smiled at them as he saw them all turn their eyes towards Stuart, who returned their gaze with a firm nod.
“Yes, chaps,” Steve continued, “I know that means more hard work for all of us and for that I apologise.” He waited for the polite chuckles and mock groans of the men to subside. “But as you know, we are it at the moment. I have no one else to call upon, so the burden once again falls on us few. To that end, I would like volunteers to come forward to act as the first garrison and to help to improve the security of this location. The details haven’t been sorted yet and all I can promise you is more hard work with no real rewards, apart from the knowledge we’re doing our utmost and continuing to honour the memories of the loved ones we’ve all lost.”
Sergeant Gallon waited to be sure he had finished speaking before issuing his next command. “All volunteers, one step forward.”
“Thank you, men,” Steve replied after taking a few moments to control his emotions when every one of the men stepped forward as one. “We won’t need all of you but once the details are sorted you will all get an opportunity to serve here.” He took a moment to study the work that had already been started to help improve the defences of the farm. “You’ve worked hard in the short time we’ve been here. Please come inside for a well-earned mug of tea and a break while we plan the next step. Come and meet the rest of the family properly.”
Following a short break, we formed a human chain and unloaded the supplies and other equipment we’d brought with us. The Broughs were delighted with the large pile of food once it was stacked in the boot room next to the kitchen, and we had to keep deflecting their continued offers of thanks. Stuart was also impressed with the firearms we unloaded. He picked up and studied one of the SA80 assault rifles.
Zombie Castle Series (Book 4): ZC Four Page 18
