The sounds of the soldiers’ footsteps and casual banter slowly faded in the distance, replaced by the sounds of the forest. Confident they were alone once more, the trio stood up. Elisa took a breath and looked at her compatriots.
“That was close.”
Jason nodded. “Yeah, we should be careful. There might be more of them at the road.”
Elisa had considered that, but was hoping to cross that bridge when and if they came to it. Before they could begin their trek, she heard shouts in Spanish off in the distance, from the direction Elisa and her friends initially came from. It was too far to make out exactly what they were saying, but Elisa had a pretty good idea what they found: the remains of their parachutes.
“We have to move!” shouted Elisa.
The three myth hunters darted in the opposite direction of the screams, splitting off in different directions. Elisa pumped her legs, but nearly tumbled in trying to stop when she saw more soldiers advancing on them. The other squad must have radioed in when they found the parachutes.
“Kill them!” shouted a commander in Spanish.
The soldiers responded, raising up their rifles and opening fire. Elisa moved quick, jumping to the side and rolling amongst the plants to try and lose them. She stayed low, rushing through the foliage, bullets whizzing overhead.
Gunshots came from nearby and she saw Jason using a tree for cover, moving out and returning fire with his handguns whenever he had the opportunity to. He caught sight of her and tossed her one of his Berettas.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“There’s a platoon of them and more closing in on us, and they’re all armed,” said Jason. “Sorry, but I don’t think kukri will cut it this time.”
“Yeah, but they’ve got rifles and all you have is a pair of handguns.” Elisa picked up his weapon and handed it back to him. “You’re going to need this more than me.”
“And what about you?”
“I’ll get my own,” said Elisa. “Cover me.”
“Cover you? What—” Jason went quiet as he saw Elisa quickly climbing up a tree, using her kukri when she needed leverage to pull herself up.
***
Asami jumped from her position, her reflexes and speed lightning-quick. She bounded off a tree trunk and then another and another. Each spring brought her up higher, the soldiers failing to follow her trail with their weapons.
She sprung off a branch and soared above three of the soldiers. Asami opened her mouth wide and her eyes burned brighter than usual. In the center of her mouth, a spark formed, which rapidly grew into an orb. Asami pushed it forward and it flew from her mouth, streaking downwards at her opponents.
The orb enlarged, growing into a giant ball of fire. When the soldiers saw what was coming, they tried to run for cover, avoiding the orb before it struck the ground. But upon impact, it triggered an explosion, taking many of them with it and knocking several more down.
Asami landed in a crouch and instantly moved again. She charged into a soldier firing his rifle, her movements enabling her to dodge the bullet. Once within striking range, she tore through his clothes and flesh with razor-sharp claws.
She could sense another soldier behind. Asami jumped over the one she’d just torn into and crouched behind him, using him as a human shield. The soldier who approached her opened fire, his bullets slamming into his compatriot.
Asami shoved the dead soldier at the firing one. Distracted, he moved to avoid the body, and that distraction enabled Asami to charge into him. She grabbed the gun and wrestled with him, kicking him in the torso as she tore it from his hands. He stumbled back, hitting a tree. Asami tossed the gun to the side and dragged a clawed finger across his throat before he could make another move.
She heard the sound of guns cocking behind her. Asami groaned and cast a fiery stare at them. There were about five soldiers with their rifles trained on her. But her lips curled into a smile as she saw a figure move in the treetops above them.
Elisa dropped down behind one of the soldiers, slicing his throat with the kukri. She took his rifle just as he began to slump and pulled the trigger. Before he hit the ground, Elisa had already pumped bullets into the other four soldiers and they all collapsed in a heap.
“Nice shooting,” said Asami, changing back into her human form. “Wasn’t even sure you knew how to use one of those things.”
“I can manage if need be.” Elisa bent down and picked up a second rifle. “You want one?”
Asami shook her head. “No thanks, I prefer the close kill.”
“Suit yourself.”
Elisa and Asami back-tracked, where they met Jason, and Elisa offered him the second rifle. He holstered his Berettas and accepted the gift with a nod of thanks. Asami looked off into the distance, her eyes narrowing.
“The others are coming back this way. They’ll be here soon.”
Elisa and Jason raised their rifles, checking to make sure they were prepared to fire.
“Hope we’ll be ready,” said Jason. “Fan out, we have to try and—”
An explosion went off, followed by gunfire and the sounds of screams. Elisa, Jason, and Asami all exchanged confused looks among them.
Asami ran forward, shifting into her kitsune form as she darted through the forest. Elisa and Jason chased after, although she was too fast for them to keep up.
The kitsune came to a stop when she saw the bodies of the soldiers lying around the forest. They’d been completely decimated in a very short amount of time. Elisa and Jason came up behind her.
“What happened?” asked Elisa.
Asami shook her head. “Dunno.” Her nose twitched as she picked up a scent. “But we’re not alone.”
Asami looked up and the others followed her gaze. There was a sloping ridge that ended at a plateau only about ten feet above them. Standing on the plateau was a group of armed people dressed in casual clothing. And standing at the forefront was a man in khaki pants, black t-shirt, and with shaggy, sand-colored hair. He had several days’ worth of stubble lining his face and green eyes.
“Oh my god…” muttered Elisa, staring up at the man. “Lucas Davalos?”
CHAPTER 6
Lucas Davalos, Elisa’s former partner. They’d worked against each other almost as often as they’d worked together. In the interest of putting some distance between them and the military before back-up arrived, they elected to save all but the quickest of introductions for later.
They traveled in old, beat-up pick-ups and jeeps up into the mountainous region of Corbaton. Armed men and women stood guard at the perimeter, wielding stolen rifles, shotguns, and handguns, with bandoliers of bullets, magazines, and grenades strung about their bodies.
The vehicles came to a stop and Elisa, Asami, and Jason climbed down from the bed of the pick-up they’d rode in. Lucas emerged from the driver’s seat, slamming the door behind him and he examined them closely, his gaze lingering on Jason as he lit a cigarillo.
Elisa looked around the rebel camp. It was a small town filled with small, old houses that looked like they’d seen better days. A few children ran around playing, but the guards kept their eyes on the perimeter, remaining tall, silent sentries.
“So, what brings you kids to my neck of the woods?” asked Lucas.
“What brings you to a rebellion?” asked Asami.
Elisa turned from her inspection of the town and joined the conversation. “This is a little strange, even for you, Lucas.”
Lucas plucked the cigarillo from his mouth and exhaled. “What, a man can’t change?”
“Not if that man’s you.” These were the first words Jason offered.
Lucas cast his gaze at the Freemason, staring him directly in the eyes. Jason never faltered under the look, the two men sizing each other up like alpha dogs fighting for dominance. Elisa half-expected Lucas to begin snarling. Instead, he just asked a simple question.
“And you are…?”
“Jason Shroud.” He didn’t offer his hand.<
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“Freemason, right? You’ve got that whole ‘holier-than-thou’ air about you,” said Lucas. “Well, I’m—”
“I know who you are, Davalos.”
Lucas scoffed and took a drag on the cigarillo. He faced Elisa. “Charming new boyfriend you got there, Elsie.”
“We don’t have time for this, guys. We’ve got more important things to worry about.” She pointed at Lucas. “For starters, just what the hell are you doing with the rebels?”
“Helping us take back our country.”
A new player stepped onto the board. A tall, beautiful woman with tan skin and long, dark hair tied behind her head. She looked just under forty, but could easily give a far younger woman a run for her money. She walked over to the group, wearing cargo pants and a tank top.
Lucas removed the cigarillo from his mouth and gestured to the woman. “I’d like to introduce you to Tanya Acosta. She’s the leader of the rebellion. Tanya, this is—”
“Elisa Hill,” said Tanya, walking up to the myth hunter and offering her a warm, friendly smile. “Yes, I suspected. Lucas has told me much about you.”
“Did he tell you how surprised we’d be to find him working with the rebellion?” asked Asami.
Tanya addressed the kitsune. “Lucas has not been with us long, only a few weeks. But in that time, he has proven himself to be a very valuable asset to our cause. Before he came, we were in danger of being crushed by Sandoval’s forces. It was Lucas who helped bring us back from the brink.”
“Is that so?” asked Jason, still casting a distrustful eye on Lucas.
“Thanks to Lucas, we have the opportunity to end this war,” said Tanya. “There is a…weapon, of sorts. Very powerful. If we can get our hands on it, we can defeat Sandoval and return Corbaton to the people. But if Sandoval discovers it first…”
“He’ll wipe us out,” said Lucas.
“Tanya, do you mind if we have a word with Lucas alone?” asked Elisa. “There are a few things we need to clarify.”
Tanya nodded. “Of course. Come find me when you are done.”
Once the leader left, the three myth hunters folded their arms across their chest, almost in unison, and all cast glares in Lucas’ direction. The mercenary just calmly puffed on his cigarillo and leaned against the hood of his pick-up.
“If you’re not careful, your faces will freeze like that.”
“You are unbelievable, Davalos,” said Elisa.
“’Scuse me?”
“Don’t play dumb with me, you’re here for the same reason we are,” said Elisa.
“And it sure as hell’s got nothin’ to do with overthrowing the evil empire,” said Asami.
Lucas took a deep breath. “After we finished off Clarke, I went to Costa Rica to lie low for a bit. About a month or so back, I heard a story about some freakish storms happening around Corbaton. Some rumor about a hammer. So I bartered with a smuggler for passage to Corbaton on one of his drug runs. That’s when I ran into Tanya.”
“And you decided you could manipulate her and her cause in order to get what you want,” said Elisa.
“What?”
“Who are you working for?” asked Jason.
“I got no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Bull,” said Jason. “You’re a mercenary, Davalos. Your only loyalty is to your checkbook.”
Lucas took another drag, glaring at the Freemason. He blew the smoke right into Jason’s face. The only reaction from Shroud was to close his eyes.
“You don’t know me, boy scout,” said Lucas.
“I beg to differ,” said Jason. “The Freemasons have a file on you—a thick one.”
“So why don’t you take that file and shove it right up your ass.” Lucas flicked the cigarillo at Jason.
Jason flinched as the lit end struck his jacket. He brushed any loose embers off himself and his face contorted in rage. He advanced on Lucas, who held his ground. But before a fight could break out, Asami grabbed hold of Jason by the back of his collar and Elisa blocked Lucas.
“All right, zip-up and put away your rulers, boys,” said Asami.
“And Jason’s got a point.” Elisa stood in front of Lucas, holding a hand to his chest to keep him at bay. “Maybe you’re not working for anyone, but you’re not exactly the altruistic type, either. So what’s your angle here?”
Lucas sighed. “We’re talking about one of the most powerful weapons in creation. I figured if I could get my hands on it, I could see to it that the Order stays off my back.”
“And the rebels? You using them to save your own ass?” asked Jason.
Asami tugged on his collar again and he quieted. “Let her ask the questions.”
Elisa looked up into Lucas’ face, waiting for his response.
He avoided her gaze and shook his head. “This is embarrassing.” He took a step back. “It started off as just a way to get the hammer. But then…”
“What, your heart grew three sizes?” asked Asami.
“These people need help, Elsie,” said Lucas. “I know that sounds strange comin’ from me, but it’s the truth. Tanya’s doin’ the best she can to keep things together, but they’re running low on options. If they don’t win this war and soon, Sandoval’s going to crush them. Then he’s going to go after their families, torture and kill anyone they were associated with.”
Lucas sighed and fished another cigarillo from his pockets. “I may be a bastard, may have done some shady crap in my life, but this…” He shook his head as he flicked open his gold lighter.
Elisa studied Lucas’ face. She’d seen many sides of this man over the years. She’d seen just about every trick Lucas Davalos was capable of, and she’d gotten to know his tics and tells. As strange as it seemed to her, there was something in his eyes that told her he was telling the truth about his motives.
“Say we help,” she began, “there’s still the problem of the hammer. Wade escaped from the Freemasons and he’s out there somewhere, possibly planning something big. We think the hammer might have something to do with it or at least give us a way to stop it. And we’re not about to leave Corbaton empty-handed.”
Lucas looked up at her and puffed on his cigarillo. “Well…if it’s the Order you’re after, then I guess that solves my problem with them.”
“So we’re agreed? Once Sandoval is taken care of, we take the hammer.”
Lucas offered his hand. “You’ve got yourself a deal, Elsie.”
CHAPTER 7
Elisa had her bag open on the cot spread out in the small room Tanya was able to provide her. There was enough space for her, Asami, and Jason to have their own sleeping quarters, although they were more like closets than rooms. She sifted through the weapons she’d brought, judging which of them would be acceptable for this mission.
“You can’t be serious about this.”
She looked up from the bag and saw Jason standing in the open doorway to her room. One arm was braced against the frame and he leaned against it, the other hand on his hip.
“Look around, Shroud—does it look like we’ve got an abundance of options?”
“Lucas Davalos is playing these people. And now, he’s playing you,” said Jason.
Elisa shook her head. “You don’t know him.”
“Of course I do.”
She snapped her head up. “No, you don’t. You read his file, that’s not the same thing.”
Jason clicked his tongue and looked down at the floor in annoyance.
“I spent years working with Lucas, fighting by his side.”
“And he betrayed you!”
Elisa blinked. “Yeah, yeah he did. But then he helped me.”
“A debt you repaid, or have you forgotten about the Sebastian Clarke affair?”
“I know it’s hard for you to understand, but I believe him.” Elisa sat on the edge of the cot. “Underneath the cheap cigars and all that bravado, there’s a good man. He may not always do the right thing, but he’s certainly capable of it.”
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Jason scoffed.
Elisa looked at him. “No one forced you to come along. If Lucas’ involvement is a deal-breaker, then you can leave. No hard feelings. But we’re going to need some help if we plan on doing this, and he’s got us an in with the rebels.”
Jason rolled his eyes and stood up straight. “I don’t like it and I don’t trust him. But you’re not wrong about the hammer being useful. And after those storms we saw on the way in, I think it’s only a matter of time before Sandoval gets his hands on it.” He turned to walk out the door, but shot a parting glance over his shoulder. “But if I’m right about Davalos, I’ll put a bullet in his head myself.”
“If that happens…” Elisa reached in her bag and took out a kukri, drawing the sheath off the razor-sharp blade. “You’ll have to get in line.”
***
Elisa, Jason, and Asami walked through the front doors of an old church located in the center of the small, mountain village. The church was the largest building in town, but even still, it was fairly small by most standards.
They approached the dais, where a table had been set up. Spread out on the table were maps of different areas of Corbaton. Lucas stood beside Tanya, his hands braced on the table as the two of them looked over the maps. There was another man in there, his arms crossed and looking down at the maps, too. He looked up at the newcomers—he was in his mid-thirties and had impressive muscle mass on his body. His head was shaved clean and he had a dark, thin goatee.
“Ah, you’re here,” said Tanya, realizing their guests had arrived.
The trio ascended the few steps to the dais and lined up on the table opposite Tanya and Lucas. The bald man eyed them with a suspicious gaze. He relaxed somewhat when he felt Tanya’s hand on his arm.
“It’s okay, they’re friends.” Tanya smiled at him and then addressed Elisa and her allies. “This is Jorge, one of my best men.”
“Don’t take his attitude personally, he doesn’t trust outsiders,” said Lucas. “I’ve been here a few weeks and he still thinks I’m a piece of shit.”
Hammer of the Gods (The Myth Hunter Book 5) Page 3
