The building they were led to was not the one Rogue expected at all. Instead of the dark, smelly dungeons, they were marched to the Prime Hotel. Although it was after dark, the front doors remained open and golden light spilled from the entrance.
The interior was a hive of activity. Doctors and nurses bustled about tending to the many patients waiting in line: Men, women, and children, all presenting with bloody injuries.
“What happened to them?” Rogue asked.
“They’re casualties of the siege,” the guard explained, much to her surprise. “The catapults are causing a lot of damage to our infrastructure, and some of the buildings are falling apart. It doesn’t take much. Even the vibrations are enough, it seems.”
“That’s awful,” Rogue said. Already her head was beginning to ache from the constant noise. It drummed into her skull and set her teeth on edge. She couldn’t imagine listening to it for another hour, let alone days. These poor people.
“Indeed,” the guard said, hustling them up the stairs. They were shown to a room and ushered inside. “Please, wait here.”
Rogue inspected the space. It reminded her of an old-fashioned parlor. A mantlepiece above an empty fireplace was decorated with porcelain figurines, and a couple of overstuffed couches graced the floor. A lamp burned on a side table, while a long-dead chandelier hung from the ceiling. “As prisons go, this isn’t too bad.”
“I don’t think we’re prisoners,” Moran said. “Once I told them who I was, I think he recognized me.”
“Well, let’s hope so. It would make things much easier,” Rogue said.
“It would, and it gives me hope that the rebels got rid of Douglas and his supporters,” Moran said.
“I don’t see Douglas opening the hotel up to the sick or injured,” Bruce pointed out. “Nor did we see any of the fawning hussies that used to hang out here.”
“That’s true,” Moran said.
Suddenly, the door opened, and Patti stormed in. “Moran? Is it really you?”
Moran gasped. “Patti, I can’t believe it.”
“You’d better believe it because if you don’t, this is all just a dream. Come here and give me a hug,” Patti cried.
The two women hugged for an eternity before Patti moved on to the rest of them. “Bear, Steven, Bruce, and Rogue. You’re all here, safe and sound.”
“That’s right, and this is the new man in my life, Seth,” Rogue said, introducing him.
Patti raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean new? Shouldn’t it be first?”
Rogue rolled her eyes. “Thanks a lot, Patti. I was trying not to look like a desperate spinster, but now you’ve gone and spoiled it.”
“Hardly, my dear. I’m sure you could manage that all on your own,” Patti said.
The group snickered, and Rogue rolled her eyes. “Bunch of unmannered trolls.”
Seth ignored them all and focused his deep, brown eyes on Patti. “Nice to meet you, Ma’am.”
Patti raised her eyebrows. “You’ve got manners, and you’re good looking too. Positively dashing. I daresay you’re good enough for our Rogue.”
“We’ll see about that,” Moran said. “I haven’t decided yet.”
Everyone laughed until Patti held up one hand. “Much as I’d love to continue this reunion, we don’t have a lot of time.”
“What’s going on?” Moran asked.
“Have you heard anything since you left?” Patti said.
“Nope, nothing.”
“Then let me fill you in.”
But before she could speak, the door opened, admitting Callum and Kat.
Moran stared at Callum, her mouth agape. “MacNamara?”
“The one and only,” he said with a laugh.
“Oh, yes. I forgot to tell you that our old informant, Callum, is now in charge,” Patti said.
“How did that happen? And what are you doing here, Kat?” Moran said.
“As I was about to tell you,” Patti continued.
“Oh, right. Carry on,” Moran said, waving a hand.
Patti went on to tell them about Douglas’ sudden end followed by the General’s brief reign. “Of course, his greed got the better of him, and he set off to conquer the Exiles.”
“I hope he failed,” Callum interjected.
“It’s a long story,” Moran said. “Patti, you finish first.”
Patti filled them in on the rest, then it was Moran’s turn. Once they were all up to date, a sudden silence fell.
“So, what now?” Rogue said, unable to keep quiet for long.
All eyes turned to Callum.
He sighed. “Since our plan failed, we’ve tried to think of alternatives.”
“And?” Moran asked.
“There’s only one I can come up with,” he said. “We fight.”
“Fight?” Moran said with a doubtful frown. “Don’t they outnumber us?”
“They do. Five to one.”
“Those are long odds,” Bruce said, shaking his head.
“Aye, but we have no choice. The siege cannot continue much longer. The wall won’t hold.”
“Plus, the people are growing restless. If desperate enough, they might accept the general back in favor of an end to the war,” Patti said.
“That’s insane!” Moran cried.
“It is what it is,” Callum replied.
“We can go back and ask the Exiles for their help again,” Rogue said. “Maybe this time they’ll listen.”
“There’s no time, lass,” Callum said. “We have to do something now, and the people have already agreed. They’re willing to fight.”
“Then, that’s it? We throw everything we have into a roll of the dice?” Moran asked.
“Not quite. We’ll surprise them tomorrow at dusk, the time of day they’ll least expect it,” Callum said. “They’ll be tired and settling down after a long, hard day.”
“And we’re equipping small parties with all the guns we’ve hidden over the years,” Patti said. “They’ll launch counterattacks using the three drainage pipes that lead out of the city.”
“That’s clever,” Bruce said.
“Aye, and it might just tip the scales in our favor,” Callum said. “So, what do ye say? Are you in, or out?”
“We’re in, of course,” Moran said.
“So am I,” Rogue said.
“No, you’re not,” Seth immediately answered. “You’re staying here.”
“Most certainly not,” Rogue said, her cheeks heating up. “I’m going, and that’s final.”
Seth studied her through glittering eyes.
“You might as well give in, lad. Once a woman makes up her mind, there’s no changing it,” Callum said with a low laugh.
“Fine, you can fight, but only if you promise to stay by my side,” Seth said.
“Yes, I promise,” Rogue said.
“Alright. It’s settled. I’ll show you to your rooms, and I suggest you get as much rest as you can,” Patti said. “We’re holding a private meeting tomorrow morning at ten, followed by a town meeting at noon. At dusk, we attack.”
Callum bid them all goodnight, as did Kat, and they left. Rogue was left wondering what happened to the woman. “Did you see her scars?”
“I did,” Seth said.
“Was it the general?”
“No, it wasn’t,” Patti said, overhearing them. “But it’s her story to tell, not mine. You’ll have to ask her yourself.”
Rogue nodded. “Of course. I won’t say anything.”
“Good, now come with me, all of you.” With Patti leading the way, the rest of them shuffled off to get some well-earned rest.
Rogue and Seth lingered behind the rest, and he said, “I’m not happy about this. You could die tomorrow.”
“I know, but I have to do this,” Rogue said.
“And nothing I say will sway you from this decision?”
“No, I’m sorry.”
He gave her the cold shoulder for the rest of the night, but it didn�
�t change her mind. Whether he understood or not, this was something she had to do. Whatever tomorrow brings, I can’t watch from the sidelines, even if it kills me.
Chapter 18 - General Sikes
A satisfied grin wreathed General Sikes’ face. The siege was going well, better than he’d expected. A row of catapults hurled chunks of rock at the walls of Prime. The missiles delivered fearsome damage, and long cracks ran through the crumbling structure. Soon, it’d be reduced to rubble, nothing more than a relic of the past.
With its destruction would come the dawn of a new era. A time when the city would grow past its boundaries and extend out into the world. It would be the jewel in his crown. The lynchpin around which the rest of his kingdom took shape. And it’ll be mine. All mine.
The constant bombardment had to be taking its toll on the inhabitants as well. The nonstop noise and vibrations were enough to put anyone on edge. He could only imagine what it must feel like to be on the receiving end, and he wondered how long they’d last. Would the city surrender, or would he have to march over its crumpled remains? Either way, he didn’t care. He’d win in the end, and that was all that mattered.
Feeling pleased, Sikes decided to take a stroll through the camp. It was a fine day. The constant rain had stopped, and the sun shone down with benevolent force. Phelps had managed to fix the latrines, and the stench was gone.
In its place was that peculiar blend of aromas that made up the smell of an army: Strips of meat drying over the fire, kettles of tea brewing on the flames, damp leather, stinky boots, and sweaty armpits.
He nodded at the men as he passed them by. A few were off duty and loitered around small cooking fires. They busied themselves with menial tasks such as polishing their boots and mending their clothes. A couple poked at the flames with sticks, and most appeared to be in good spirits. All jumped up and saluted the general when he passed them by.
“Good day, Sir!”
“General, Sir.”
“Goo…goo… good day, Milord,” one young boy stuttered, much to the amusement of his squad.
“At ease,” the general commanded, feeling generous.
A recent bumper catch of fish had filled out their food stores, and one of the hunting parties had cornered a herd of Parksosaurus. They killed several of the beasts and carted the bodies back to camp for slaughter. Each of the dinos provided around eighty pounds of meat, enough to last for a few days. That meant no more half-rations, and the mood among the men lifted.
All looked forward to an end to the siege. An end the general assured them was fast approaching.
When the wind shifted, it brought with it the scent of rotting flesh. Without realizing it, his feet carried him to the execution grounds. There, the heads of his enemies were displayed for all to see. The latest ones were the group from Prime. Spies sent by Callum to sow the seeds of discontent. They gaped up at the sky with shocked surprise, their empty sockets a mockery of the flesh.
Sikes’ lips curled back from his teeth, and anger unfurled in the pit of his stomach. Callum, you bastard. You’re a canny one, but not as much as you think. I’ll always outwit you. Outwit and outlast you.
He was reminded of his plans and decided to return to his war tent. It was almost time to put those strategies into place, and he’d better get ready. Along the way, he spotted Phelps and yelled, “Captain. Follow me.”
“Yes, Sir.” Phelps fell in beside him, and they strode toward their headquarters.
Sikes made sure to avoid the women’s quarters, taking a circuitous route. Unlike the men, they made him feel uncomfortable with their level stares and half-assed salutes. He had the feeling that deep down, they hated him and were only pretending to serve.
If it were up to him, he’d ban women from the army. They were independent by nature and couldn’t be relied upon to follow orders. Even worse, they asked questions and were far too intuitive for their own good. He hated the way they seemed to know exactly what he was thinking and what secrets he hid.
He couldn’t prove it, though, and some of them were married to the soldiers under his command. Though they lived apart when in camp, they fought together, and he’d have a riot on his hands if he tried to forbid it. I’ll tolerate it for now, but once the siege is over, those women are going back where they belong: Their homes and their children.
Once he was back at the tent, Sikes demanded a progress report. “What news on the wall? Are we getting close?”
“Yes, Sir,” Captain Phelps said, pointing at two spots on the map. “The engineers report severe structural weakening over here and here.”
“Excellent. I want you to concentrate all our firepower on those two points. Don’t let up for even a second. As one catapult fires, get the next one loaded up and ready.”
“Yes, Sir,” Phelps said, bobbing his head. “But what happens if we break through the wall?”
“Get a team together and have them stand by. A squad of the very best, around twenty or thirty,” Sikes explained. “Equip them with ladders, grappling hooks, and guns. The moment that the wall comes down, they are to rush inside and open the gates. Understood?”
“I’ll give the orders, Sir,” Phelps said.
“At the same time, you must ready the army to charge,” Sikes said. “That will be our chance. Callum and the Rebel Faction will try to stop us from entering, and we must not let them succeed.”
“I’ll see to the arrangements, Sir,” Phelps said. “But what if we run into civilians?”
“I don’t care what happens to them as long as we achieve our goal,” Sikes said, his voice grim. “No matter what, we have to retake the city.”
“Kill civilians, Sir?”
“The end justifies the means, Captain,” Sikes said, growing impatient. “Don’t tell me you’re growing soft?”
“No, Sir,” Phelps said, jumping to attention.
Sikes shot him a baleful glare. “One more thing.”
“Yes, Sir?”
“I want Callum taken alive, you hear me?” Sikes said. “He’s mine, and mine alone.”
Chapter 19
Rogue stared at the massive gates of Prime with wide-eyed fascination. She’d never seen them open before, and this was a first for her. All her life, they’d been locked, lying dormant like some great slumbering beast. They were a gateway to a prehistoric world that both scared and excited her.
Now, she’d experienced that world firsthand, and it was no longer a mystery. She knew she could survive out there, and that knowledge strengthened her. It bolstered her confidence and made the walls of Prime seem less imposing. Maybe it was because she’d changed. She was no longer a scared young woman, hiding from the powers that be. I’ve grown, and I’m not done yet. I still have much to learn.
In front of her stood Moran, Bear, Bruce, and Steven. They waited next to other Rebel Faction members, all of whom looked to Moran to lead them. It was as it should be, and Rogue was glad she wasn’t the general. Moran had it in for him, and he’d be a fool not to fear her wrath. Especially with Bruce by her side.
Rogue shifted from side to side, a bundle of nervous energy. She itched to move and eyed the men and women around her with interest. Their forces were an odd mixture of rebels, volunteer civilians, and remnants of the Watch.
Seth stood next to her, a steadying influence. He still disagreed with her presence but had been unable to dissuade her from joining. She was there to stay, there to fight, and she’d stick it out until the end. This was her home, even though her mother was an Exile. I’m a citizen of Prime, and these are my people.
For that reason, she’d fight. She’d fight so that Prime could have a future free from the shackles of the past, free from the influence of tyrants, and able to forge its own path. For better or worse, the people of Prime needed to step up and take responsibility for their own lives. Just like the Exiles had. It’s the only way.
A soldier on the wall waved a red flag, and the gates cracked open with a ponderous groan. They swung outward inch b
y inch, revealing a large open field flanked by the ruins of Portland. In the distance, the city rose and fell across the skyline, the broken silhouette of a once-thriving hub of humanity.
But no one was looking at the remnants of a distant past. Instead, their attention was focused on the encampment sprawled across the field. Tendrils of smoke rose from the fires, and rows of rough shacks and shelters lined the interior. A low wall protected the inhabitants from the beasts of the forest, cobbled together from scavenged rubbish.
Numbering a few thousand strong, they had the upper hand. Or so it seemed. Now the tables were turned, and they were on the defensive, no longer the aggressors. The moment the gates of Prime opened, a change occurred.
Cries of consternation rose within the camp. One by one, the catapults seized their barrage, and the noise died away. A thick silence fell over the city, the first one in days. It was a strange sensation, the utter lack of sound. It played games with Rogue’s mind, and her ears sang nonstop.
Rogue shook her head before sticking her index fingers into her ears. She rolled them around vigorously before yanking them out again. After pulling her face a couple of times, the buzzing stopped. That’s better.
Within the enemy camp, chaos reigned. An alarm sounded, and the soldiers scrambled about like ants. Officers attempted to rally them, but they were slow to react. By the time a shaky defensive line had formed, it was too late.
Callum gave the signal to charge. With their weapons raised above their heads, the Prime army stormed across the field. Rogue was among them, a fierce battle cry trilling from her lips. It chased away the butterflies in her stomach and gave her the courage she needed to forge ahead. Adrenalin took the place of fear, and she pumped her arms and legs as fast as she could. The distance closed, shrinking fast.
One hundred feet.
Fifty feet.
Thirty feet.
Twenty.
Ten.
Zero.
Chapter 20 - General Sikes
Sikes lounged in his chair with his legs stretched out before him. After a long and tiring day, he was taking a well-deserved break. The siege was progressing well, and Phelps had express orders to call him should the wall crumble. But for now, he relished a rare moment of quiet, shut away in the confines of his private tent.
The Extinction Series | Book 4 | Primordial Earth 4 Page 11
