A shout behind her tore Larissa’s gaze back the way she’d just come as First Officer Dudek and Second Officer Crosslander came jogging up with a wide-eyed Cadet following close behind. Both Officers still wore their heavy dark-blue uniforms, but now with steel cuirasses covering their chests. In their hands’, they carried a long saber and small metal shield. Coming to a stop, both men snapped to attention flourishing their sabers in salute.
Sean gave both Officers a solemn nod as George came to attention before him. “Cadet MacSweeney, you will take your orders from Doctor Evans as if they were my own in the operation of this ship.” Looking back and forth between them both for emphasis, Sean continued. “You both know the drill. Batten down the hatches and pass out weapons to everyone who knows how to use one. Who knows how bad this is going to get before it’s over, but ...” Coming to an abrupt stop, Sean eyed George sternly. “Cadet MacSweeney, at the first sign of trouble I expect you to get the Triumph out to sea no matter what’s happening with us. Do you understand, lad?”
Clicking his heels together, George saluted smartly. “Aye aye, Captain.”
“Take good care of them lad and may Ukko protect you.” Returning the young man’s salute, Sean swept his gaze to his waiting men as Jonathan Rickshaw, Tony’s father, burst onto the deck yelling urgently. “Larissa, you’ve got to see this …” Stumbling to a stop with eyes big as saucers the words died on Jonathan’s lips as he took in the gathered armed crewmen. With one last look at Larissa, Sean called to his men, “Let’s do this!” and moved out at a fast trot heading for the cavern. Watching the crew head out, Jonathan lowered his voice.
“What’s going on Nara?”
Silently stepping up to the railing with Jonathan trailing at her heels, Larissa saw the squad of Navy Seals guarding the pier turn away from the sounds of gunfire coming from the dig. All but one man began backing up nervously as the runes on the Triumph crews’ skin and armor began to suddenly glow. Even from this distance, Larissa could clearly see Chief Petty Officer Riggs’ smirking face. As the rest of his men brought their assault rifles up nervously, Riggs’ voice called out mockingly.
“Seriously, you’re bringing a bunch of axes and swords to a gun fight?”
Riggs’ smirking face suddenly changed into an angry frown as Sean’s voice bellowed over the water. “There is no time for games, son. Move aside or join us.”
Whipping his assault rifle up Riggs’ aimed the weapon at Sean’s head. His face a frozen mask of rage as the clunking sounds of heavy machine guns firing began filling the air. For a long second Larissa was sure Sean was going to have to kill the bloody bastard, but, at the last second, the Chief Petty Officer lowered his weapon and fell back. Without a second look at the soldiers, the Triumph’s crew passed through their ranks and headed up the hill. As the last man passed, Riggs fell in with them ordering his men to follow. Forcing herself to look away, Larissa went to work.
“Mr. MacSweeney.”
“Ma’am?”
“Have the lines loosened in case we need to leave in a hurry. I want three armed men on deck and one in the engine room at all times. Otherwise, stay on the bridge and keep an ear on communications. If you hear anything important, let me know immediately.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
As George headed off at a run, Larissa turned to Tony’s father whose eyes were still wide as saucers. “Jonathan, what’s up?”
Shaking himself out of his trance Jonathan’s eyes were bright with hero worship as he took in the automatic and bowie knife that he and his son had gifted her strapped to Larissa’s waist. Gripping her arm excitedly, Jonathan started pulling her back the way he’d come.
“Nara, you’ve never seen anything like this before.”
Ripping her arm free, Larissa forced Jonathan to stop. “What are you talking about?”
“Just before we lost power I saw it. The Gorgones, she’s alive, and we have the video to prove it!”
***
Location Earth / Beth Kurwoski:
Beth jerked suddenly awake as someone hurriedly pushed their way through the narrow aisle heading to the cockpit of the plane. Blinking the sleep from her eyes, Beth momentarily looked around confused as she took in the cargo hold and the men prepping their gear until she remembered once again where she was. Wiping the drool off her cheek, Beth sat up looking for Ryan only to find the seat next to her empty. Alarmed she rose unsteadily to her feet, bracing herself against the turbulent flight as Klaus looked up at her in surprise. Clearing her dry throat, Beth yelled to be heard over the roar of the engines.
“Where’s Ryan?”
“What?”
“I said, where’s Ryan?”
Nodding his head in an exaggerated headshake Klaus pointed towards the cockpit mouthing his answer as he yelled back. “Something’s wrong. Agent Moss went to find out what.”
Giving him a thumbs up Beth began making her way towards the cockpit using both hands to brace herself. Coming up behind Ryan, she realized he was holding a radio headset to his head with both hands over his ears screaming into the MIC. “Rear Admiral Wright, you are not rerouting our flight to the USS Abraham Lincoln or the USS Wasp. You will order these pilots to deliver my team to the Island of Nea Kameni.”
Flipping the dial on her headset, Beth found the channel they were talking on as she heard a pissed off older man dressing down Ryan. “You are out of line Agent Moss. SAD holds no authority over this Task Group. I make the decisions of where you and your team will be going. For right now your base of operations will be the USS Wasp until this situation has been resolved.”
Seeing Beth’s questioning look, Ryan leaned forward covering the MIC with his hand as he quickly brought her up to speed. “Reports started coming in that the dig was under attack by an unknown force when our flight was rerouted to the USS Wasp. I’m trying to get Rear Admiral Wright to let us land onsite to deal with the situation, but he’s refusing.” Ryan’s voice suddenly lowered to a harsh whisper. “Honestly, from the combat chatter we’ve been hearing it sounds like another incursion.”
“They can’t confirm the enemy?”
“No one has been able to confirm Jack, except that the attack originated from inside the central cavern of the dig.”
Coming to a decision, Beth pulled Ryan’s MIC to her lips reaching for the small envelope inside her BDU’s that Doctor Strafford had given her before leaving Washington. “Rear Admiral Wright, this is Agent Kurwoski. By order of the Secretary of Defense, U.S. Strategic Command has furnished our team special dispensation in regards to this operation and Task Force 60.”
“Special dispensation?”
“I believe Agent Kurwoski meant special orders.”
Ripping the envelope open Beth began reading out loud. “The authorization codes for Operation Forward Defense are as follows: Alpha-Tango-Charlie-Zulu-Three-Uniform-November-Niner.” Ignoring the sudden swearing in her headphones Beth continued speaking calmly into the MIC. “Once again, the authorization codes for Operation Forward Defense are Alpha-Tango-Charlie-Zulu-Three-Uniform-November-Niner.”
“Operation Forward Defense?” There was a pregnant pause of silence as Rear Admiral Wright had his people verify the special order’s codes as the pilots studiously avoided looking at them both. Cocking his head to the side Ryan's eyebrows rose questioningly at the small envelope held in her hand. “When did Strafford give you that?”
“We came up with this option when you were working out the travel details in case this turned into a complete clusterfuck. I didn’t want to pull this out unless I had to, but Wright’s refusal left me no choice. We have to know what’s going on down there. If this is another incursion-”
Following her train of thought, Ryan completed her sentence. “We need to know now before it’s too late. It’s not like we have Startüm to bail us out this time …” Ryan’s voice slowly died away as he saw the look of anguish that suddenly cross her face. “Hey there, I didn’t mean anything by that. I know he did what h
e could for us. I know … I’m sure he’s okay.”
Holding up a palm to shut him up Beth sucked in a ragged breath as she struggled to push down the storm of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her from within. It wasn’t Ryan’s fault. He’d been neck deep in that rollercoaster of horror right along with her. It was just everything that had happened that night. The dread of not knowing if Startüm was dead or alive, the terrible feelings of guilt whenever she thought back to that final battle … Startüm had saved them all.
If they’d only have had a little more time together, maybe she could have … Wiping the tears of frustration away with the back of her hand Beth’s hard eyes held Ryan’s as her soul screamed out in anguish. Whatever it took she would find him. Wordlessly Ryan gripped her shoulder as the crack of static snapped her thoughts back to the present. “Agent Kurwoski, Northern Command has confirmed your authority and Operation Forward Defense. How can Task Force 60 assist your team?”
There was no question that the Rear Admiral was pissed. Ignoring the man’s hostile tone Beth proceeded as if nothing had changed. “If you can direct your Marines to deliver our teams to the entrance of the dig we’ll handle it from there.”
Biting off each word Rear Admiral Wright addressed the Osprey’s head pilot. “Captain Scott, you will deliver your combat teams to Nea Kameni and then report to Major Jensen for further instructions.”
“Lima Charlie, over.”
“USS Abraham Lincoln, over and out.”
As the radio went dead, Beth leaned her head against the steel frame breathing a sigh of relief. For a long moment, the only sound was the roar of the twin engines. Opening her eyes, she suddenly realized everyone was looking at her expectantly. At first, she didn’t understand what they were waiting for when suddenly she stood up straight. Digging out her smartphone, Beth gave the coordinates to the pilots.
“We’ll be on-target in fifteen, Ma’am.”
“Thank you, Captain. Would you have the pilots in the other Osprey inform my team of our ETA?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Please inform them that we will be going in hot.”
“Roger, Ma’am.” As the plane began banking sharply for the new course, Beth followed Ryan back into the cargo hold to gear up.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Location Irlendria / Tathar Cúthalion:
“Pull your scouts back now Dínendal!”
Ignoring Tathar completely, Dínendal pushed past the young shaman calling out orders to his Elven warriors. “Chain the disgusting beasts now!”
Pulling a strand of long blond hair from his face Tathar stalked after the insane scout leader as his temper began to flare. Being one of the youngest shamans of the tribe, he was used to the disdain from the older warriors, even though he had completed the Trial of Na'ii'ees almost a year ago. For the veterans of the Clan, the ones that had fought in the Great War, the trials weren’t enough to prove his place amongst the warriors of the tribe. For them only the trial of battle would attest his worth in their eyes, but no matter what they thought of him, they were going to follow his orders now.
Tathar had promised his clan sister that her charges would be protected until she could return with the Spirit Mother. There was no way he was going to let their arrogance make an oath breaker out of him.
Lranel’s mental voice sounded in Tathar’s head as he felt his spirit sister come up behind him. Silently he gave thanks for her support. When they were this close to one another, the link was so strong that he could almost read Lranel’s thoughts as if they were his own. A silver flash to his right marked Nixus, Lranel’s soulmate, moving into position as the warmth of Anon’s confidence flowed through their link. Now was the time for action.
Immediately Tathar sprang in front of Dínendal. Before the Scout Leader could react to the Wenci’s presence, Anon’s front paw smashed the Elf to the ground at Tathar’s feet. Meeting Dínendal’s enraged face, Tathar’s voice held the promise of violence.
“Call your scouts back now Dínendal!”
“You dare to threaten me, pup? I’ll gut you where you stand.”
Without saying a word, Anon’s six-inch claws sprang from their sheaths. Quicker than the eyes could follow the large paw slammed Dínendal flat on his back as a low growl began rumbling deep within the Wenci’s furry chest. Smiling grimly into the Elf’s fearful eyes, Tathar studied the fresh blood oozing from the Scout Leader’s neck where the deadly claws had broken the skin.
“Call your scouts back now Dínendal or Anon will decide the Áskorun before the Spirit Mother comes. Have I made myself clear?”
Before Dínendal could answer a scream of rage and agony rang out behind Tathar. Spinning around towards the prisoners, the young shaman watched in horror as the scouts began pummeling the small children they’d pulled from the Centaur’s back with the butts of their spears.
Immediately everything fell apart in the flick of a tail. Bellowing in anger the unarmed Minotaurs and Centaur tore into the Wild Elves surrounding the girls as the rest of the scouts rushed forward. Before the prisoners could make it to the children, a bestial roar rang out across the glade freezing everyone in their tracks.
A split second later blood sprayed across Tathar’s faces as the Elves that were pummeling the children were suddenly thrown into the air. The scouts blood curling screams of fear and pain were cut off abruptly as they slammed to a stop near the edge of the clearing. Rising up in their place was a massive armored warrior.
Broken chains clanked where they dangled below the long bloody claws that flexed in rage as the warrior’s glowing yellow eyes menacingly raked across the clearing. Even though the male’s face was horribly battered, the feral ferocity radiating out from the warrior hit Tathar like a physical force as the weight of that gaze settled on him a moment later.
Through his link with Anon, Tathar felt his soulmate’s terror as she instantly recognized the creature standing before them. Throughout the eleven years he’d been spirit-bound to his Wenci sister, this was the first time he’d ever known her to be afraid. Although the meaning in the Wencis’ language was different than the Wild Elf’s, none the less Tathar understood in essence what stood within their midst.
If Anon was correct, the creature was a Werewolf, one of the beasts from the deep forest to the far west whose immense power and ferocity were legendary. Rarely did the monsters leave their territory high in the mountains, but if the old stories held any truth, the Werewolves were extremely protective of their young. A prepared war party might be able to defeat one of the monsters, but not a small scouting patrol.
Tathar had never heard of Werewolves wearing armor like a civilized race, but some psychic premonition deep within his soul warned him that the lives of his people within the glade were at risk if he didn’t stop this insanity. Meeting those ferocious yellow eyes, Tathar held up his open palms in a sign of truce as he called out to the Elven warriors around him.
“Scouts, I command you to sheath your weapons and step back to the perimeter.”
Behind him, Tathar heard Dínendal scream in anger as he sprang to his feet. “Kill them all! I am your leader, not this untested youngling –“ Tathar’s backhand lifted Dínendal off his feet in mid-shriek as the force of the blow flung the Elf to the ground several feet away.
“Áskorun has been called by the Wencis making this a point of Benda Heimild.” Tathar felt Lranel stand next to him giving her physical support as his eyes swept the scouts around them. “As shamans of the Clan, we have the right of predominance.”
Unflinchingly Tathar met the dark looks from his clan mates. “You will not engage further unless I command it.” Pausing for emphasis Tathar addressed the Elves facing off with the captives. “Is there any further questions assistant scout leader Aliya?”
Tathar could see the distress warring in Aliya’s eyes as she took in the injured Elves scattered around the clearing being hel
ped by her comrades after the brief fight. “You’re going to protect these beasts even after they attacked our people?”
Before he could respond Tathar heard Anon’s thoughts reverberate in his head as his soulmate broadcasted her thoughts around the glade.
Ignoring the angry glares Anon’s mind-speak continued without remorse.
Urgently Tathar focused his thoughts trying to get Anon to shut up. It wasn’t that he was surprised at his soulmate’s words. The Wencis’ protectiveness of their young was well known throughout the Clan. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the best time for that discussion.
“Anon, that’s not helping.” Raising his voice in command Tathar hurriedly overrode his soulmate’s mind-speak. “Sheath your weapons and withdraw to the perimeter now!”
Holding his eyes for a second longer, Aliya finally spat in disgust. If she had caught the exchange between him and Anon, she ignored it. Turning away, she began ordering her scouts back when she froze as a shriek of rage rang out behind Tathar.
Instantly pain exploded in Tathar’s chest as he suddenly lost control of his body. He could taste blood in his mouth as everything seemed to tilt. A second later the ground slammed into his face. In his peripheral vision, Tathar could see Lranel collapsed next to him unmoving with a stunned look on her face. On the opposite side, he felt Anon’s shock as she fell mewling in agony next to him.
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