Fire City

by Bali Rai

  ‘Tyrell?’ asked Jonah.

  ‘Something happened,’ Negus told him. ‘He was taken away by a soldier called Boyd and some female medic. The order came from another man – probably the doctor you spared at the camp. I couldn’t hear too clearly when they took him, but I know they were going south. To someone called Senator Wise.’

  ‘What could they want from Tyrell?’ asked Mace.

  Jonah looked away. He knew of Boyd – an evil, cantankerous mercenary whose blood ran colder than ice. And he knew what they might want from Tyrell too, yet he kept his counsel. There were too many paths to walk already, without setting off down another. And there were things that Mace and the others didn’t need to know, things that they’d never comprehend. Not that he’d abandon his friend. No, going after Tyrell would just have to wait.

  ‘I’m leaving Fire City after we get back,’ Jonah told them. ‘I’ll go south and find Tyrell.’

  ‘But what about our plans?’ asked Mace, surprise evident in his eyes.

  ‘You’ll have everything you need,’ replied Jonah. ‘Once I’m done, you won’t need me anyway.’

  ‘Why not?’

  Jonah’s expression hardened. ‘Because you won’t,’ he declared.

  ‘But—’

  ‘Enough talking,’ snapped Jonah. ‘We need to move!’

  The arms were hidden in an isolated farmhouse about three hundred metres into a small copse of ash and oak trees. They approached with caution, Jonah parking the jeep and going ahead on foot, scouting for threats. When it became clear that they were safe, the passengers climbed out of the truck and stretched their legs. One or two did seem weak, and Jonah checked them over. Jodie helped him, tearing up rags to use as dressings and giving them all water. She seemed calmer now, following Jonah’s instructions and asking question after question, most of which went unanswered.

  Negus and Mace loaded the truck with as many guns, grenades and ammunition as they could manage. The arms cache was large, part of a shipment that had been ambushed by the rebels. Soon they’d loaded enough weapons to start a small war. However, taking the passengers as well limited the space available, so they decided they would have to ignore some rocket-propelled grenade shells they found. Until Jonah joined them, that is.

  ‘We have to take those,’ he said.

  Mace shook his head. ‘Not enough room,’ he explained, ‘and they’re too heavy.’

  Jonah approached the weapon, crouched and rubbed dirt from it. ‘No discussion,’ he insisted.

  Both Mace and Negus asked him why.

  ‘Just leave them here,’ Negus added. ‘We’ve got more than enough for now.’

  Jonah shook his head. ‘We can’t leave these,’ he said. ‘These are thermobaric bombs.’

  Mace blew out his cheeks and joined Jonah. He’d seen these weapons in action during the War, felt the shock waves they created. ‘Wow.’

  Jonah nodded, happy that Mace understood his reasoning. ‘Bring the launcher too,’ he replied. ‘I can reconfigure these to detonate without the firing mechanism but it might be useful anyway.’

  ‘These things were crazy,’ Mace explained to Negus. ‘Even at this size, they’ll take out an entire block of buildings. The really big ones flattened whole towns. Only the battlefield nukes were more deadly in a localized fight.’

  Negus looked at the bombs and shook his head. ‘I used to be a peaceful man,’ he said with sorrow. ‘Before the demons came, I mean. Never believed in no violence, you understand. But these things? Man, I’d give my right bollock to use one of these on the Hell-kin.’

  ‘You two help the passengers back onto the truck,’ said Jonah. ‘I’ll load these into the jeep.’

  ‘You need some help lifting them?’ asked Mace.

  Jonah shook his head.

  ‘Stupid question,’ the giant muttered.

  Jonah pulled Mace to one side as Negus left them, his grip surprisingly powerful. ‘They don’t know,’ he said. ‘About my . . .’

  ‘Understood,’ Mace told him. ‘Your secret’s safe with me.’

  ‘That applies when we get back too,’ Jonah added. ‘You can’t tell anyone – not even Martha.’

  Mace shrugged. ‘Martha likes you, son – really likes you. I’m sure she’d understand,’ he pointed out, but Jonah shook his head vigorously.

  ‘No one,’ he insisted. ‘This has to remain between you and me.’

  ‘OK,’ Mace replied. ‘No problem. But I want to know more about what’s going on in your head. Deal?’

  Jonah nodded reluctantly. ‘Deal.’

  40

  THE MAYOR FELT a renewed sense of self-worth as he stood in the market square, outside Valefor’s lair. Even the presence of a brooding Mias and his patrollers failed to shake him free of his good mood. He had what the demon lord wanted and had proved his worth yet again. This time he would demand respect, not ridicule, and Valefor would once again understand that he was an important player.

  As he waited for the demon lord, his thoughts turned to his errant stepdaughter and what he had in store for her. A small cruel smile played across his lips as he imagined Martha begging for her life, offering him whatever he wanted. He’d already decided to resign his post, to talk to the senators in the capital and relocate to the south coast. He’d offer her one last chance to save herself, and if not, if she denied him, then she would die. A wealthy man of his standing would have his pick of women. Martha could either become what her mother would not, or join her. Each option excited the Mayor as much as the other.

  ‘Where is your master?’ he demanded from Mias.

  The simian underlord showed signs of surprise at the Mayor’s tone. ‘You should watch how you address me,’ he warned.

  The Mayor smirked. ‘Should I?’ he parried. ‘Why would that be, then, underlord?’

  The demon stepped towards the Mayor, drawing a blade, his face stony. A small bead of sweat dropped from the Mayor’s hairline onto his brow, but he remained calm.

  ‘Because you are human,’ Mias growled at him.

  ‘And I am also higher up the ladder than you.’

  Mias looked taken aback. ‘Pah!’ he spat. ‘That is of no consequence here. I could crack open your skull with my teeth right now, suck on your brain, and no one would care.’

  The Mayor winced at the mental image Mias’ words had created but held his nerve. ‘I’m sure the senators would enjoy that,’ he countered. ‘One of their favourites, a loyal defender of the government, killed by some rogue half-wit with more fleas than brain cells.’

  Mias readied himself to attack but something stopped him in his tracks. A shadow loomed over the Mayor. He turned slowly, feeling the air pressure grow around him, crushing his personal space. Valefor, his giant wings fully spread and row after row of razor teeth glinting in the fast-fading light, had appeared from nowhere.

  ‘I—’

  The roar sent even the patrollers scrambling as Valefor lifted the Mayor off his feet, claws tight around the human’s neck.

  ‘YOU DARE TO SPEAK TO MY KIN SO?’ he bellowed, so powerfully that nearby walls vibrated and the atmosphere seemed to buzz with electricity.

  The Mayor, fearing a coronary, tried to keep calm. Looking down into the purple eyes and gore-encrusted jaws of an ancient warrior of Hell, however, made that difficult. Valefor was merely toying with him. The demon lord could have ripped the Mayor in two had he wanted it so.

  However, Valefor was hot-headed and vengeful but he wasn’t stupid. He sensed that the Mayor had information for him, and that even with his demon senses he could not penetrate the Mayor’s deepest thoughts. The Mayor had learned early that you could deflect thought-reading by thinking of other things, in this case a woman’s breasts. He also understood that demons sensed emotions better than thoughts. The trick was to imagine a beautiful woman, and most men could easily manage that.

  ‘I feel your anger,’ the Mayor managed to spit out. ‘But you . . . need me.’

  Valefor grunted and threw
the Mayor to the floor, winding him. Mias stood over him, ready to kill.

  ‘Let him up,’ ordered the demon lord. ‘Let us hear what he has to say.’

  The Mayor got to his feet slowly, holding his left side. A sharp pain cut through his chest, the result of two cracked ribs. He took short, shallow breaths as he spoke. ‘The information you requested? I have it.’

  ‘Then tell all,’ demanded Valefor. ‘It may warrant your continued existence.’

  ‘I doubt even you would kill me,’ the Mayor replied in defiance. ‘My role is sanctioned by the government.’

  ‘I care not for your human leaders,’ Valefor warned. ‘The only thing that will save your skin is the information you hold, nothing else.’

  ‘The rebels have a stronghold,’ revealed the Mayor. ‘A place in which they hide.’

  ‘I discerned as much myself,’ replied the demon lord. ‘If that is the extent of your knowledge, then you die.’

  ‘There is more,’ the Mayor added quickly, his newfound confidence beginning to ebb. ‘Much more.’ He took a few more breaths and told Valefor everything Stone had discovered, failing to mention the mercenary once. Once he’d finished talking, the demon seemed to relax.

  ‘This is better than I imagined,’ he said to the Mayor. ‘You have excelled yourself.’

  ‘Thank you, my lord.’

  ‘Perhaps I have misjudged you recently.’

  The Mayor shrugged. ‘I have only ever done my duty,’ he pointed out. ‘We have worked well together for many years. Yet I seem to lack your respect. I should not have to defend myself against your minions. The power rests with you, Valefor, and then in me as your next in command.’

  The demon considered his words before nodding his agreement. ‘I believe you are correct,’ he told him. ‘Once the rebel problem has been dealt with, and I have this stranger, you and I will sit and reconsider your role.’

  The Mayor sighed. ‘That’s just it,’ he admitted. ‘I no longer wish to continue. I want to retire, to find a peaceful place to see out my years. I have worked long and hard and I am growing old.’

  ‘You seek my recommendation to the senators and the council?’

  ‘Yes – that is my reward for your information. I want nothing more.’

  Valefor looked into the Mayor’s eyes. ‘Then it will be done,’ he replied. ‘You have my word on that.’

  ‘Will you require my men to help you against the Resistance?’ asked the Mayor, knowing Valefor’s word meant nothing and deciding that he’d approach the council himself.

  ‘No,’ said Valefor. ‘Mias will handle it. Tonight.’

  The Mayor asked if he was free to leave.

  ‘Yes,’ Valefor replied. ‘You may go.’

  Mias approached his master a few moments later.

  ‘You can kill him,’ said Valefor. ‘Tomorrow, after we have dealt with the rebels. The Mayor wishes a parting gift from me, and he shall have it.’

  ‘Thank you, Lord Valefor,’ replied Mias. ‘And tonight?’

  ‘Send them a message, Mias. Leave no one alive . . .’

  ‘As you wish, sire.’

  ‘Now go and prepare your troops,’ ordered Valefor. ‘This stranger is dangerous, so take no chances. Take Saarl with you. If you require my assistance, I will be here, waiting.’

  41

  AS MIAS PREPARED his troops, some thirty kilometres to the northeast, Negus guided the small convoy into a dark field. In the distance eight giant towers loomed, like colossal pepper pots that seemed to hold up the sky. Around them, an invisible shroud buzzed and crackled, a protective field conjured up by the demons. Mace noticed the towers immediately.

  ‘It’s a power station,’ Negus told him. ‘Heavily guarded. Two human platoons are permanently stationed there, plus the workers, a demon lord and his creatures.’

  ‘And you live within sight of it?’ asked Mace, amazed.

  ‘Last place they’d look,’ said Negus. ‘Besides, our efforts are a little more sophisticated than just hiding in a hedge.’

  They drove across the field until they reached a small brook. A single rickety bridge provided the only crossing into a vast expanse of trees, so Mace pulled up.

  ‘On foot from here,’ Negus informed him, ‘and quickly. They could send troops at any minute. We need to get everyone into the woods.’

  Above them a jet roared past, too high to see. Mace ran to the rear of the truck.

  ‘Jodie!’ he yelled. ‘Get everyone out quickly.’

  The young woman jumped down and stretched her legs before helping everyone else out.

  ‘Across the bridge,’ Mace added.

  ‘OK,’ she replied, her voice calm. ‘Will the other one be OK?’

  ‘Who?’

  ‘The big black man,’ she explained. ‘He helped me when we got caught.’

  ‘His name is Tyrell,’ Mace told her. ‘And the honest answer is I don’t know.’

  ‘Oh,’ she said, her face falling.

  ‘He can look after himself,’ Mace quickly added. ‘And your job is to help these people. It’s what Tyrell would do.’

  ‘Yeah,’ she replied. ‘Will you let me know . . . if he turns up or whatever? I want to thank him. I was mean to him before he left and . . .’

  ‘No time,’ he said. ‘We’ll talk later.’

  Jodie nodded as Negus joined them.

  ‘I’ll go across,’ he said. ‘Gather some men. If the passengers wait just inside the tree line, I’ll send someone to escort them.’

  Mace asked him how close their base was.

  ‘You don’t get it,’ said Negus. ‘Just wait.’

  He turned and jogged across the bridge, disappearing into the trees. Somewhere an owl hooted and a fox cried out. Jonah, who had circled the field to look for threats, pulled up.

  ‘What now?’ he asked.

  Mace pointed into the woods. ‘Negus has gone in there,’ he explained. ‘Said he’d be back with help.’

  ‘It feels too open out here,’ Jonah replied. He watched Jodie leading the passengers across, each face bewildered and scared. It was understandable. Forests and other dark areas were perfect hunting grounds for wild animals. At night, only the brave or the foolhardy ventured near them.

  She stopped just inside the tree line and turned to face Jonah. ‘What now?’ she shouted across the brook.

  Behind them another owl hooted, causing a monkey to howl in return, and Jonah understood. Several heat signatures, about the size of adult men, approached through the darkness. They had been the source of the animal calls.

  ‘They live in there,’ said Jonah. He watched Jodie give a start as Negus and another man, tall and thin with similar matted and twisted hair but lighter skin, appeared at her side.

  ‘Shall we join them?’ asked Mace.

  Jonah shook his head. ‘No – we need to watch the weapons.’

  As they drew closer the heat signatures in Jonah’s vision morphed into human beings, eight in total, all of them male. Negus led his friends across the bridge and pointed to the vehicles.

  ‘Get everything,’ he told them. ‘Quickly!’ He turned to Mace and Jonah. ‘The tribe,’ he said, his smile warm and wide.

  ‘You live in the woods?’ asked Mace.

  ‘Not in them,’ explained Negus. ‘We live as part of them. Come on.’ He ran to the truck, grabbed a handful of weapons and urged Mace and Jonah to do the same. Then he led them across, telling Jodie to follow with the others.

  The foliage was dense but it was just about possible to pick out a path through the undergrowth. They walked for a few metres, until Negus stopped by an oak tree and pulled apart some bushes. He knelt and lifted a hatch, before vanishing down into a tunnel. A lamp of some sort threw hazy yellow light up into the world. Mace peered in and saw the face of a young boy with ginger hair.

  ‘Follow me,’ the kid ordered.

  Mace turned to Jonah. ‘Wow,’ he said.

  ‘Let’s do what he said,’ replied Jonah. ‘Jodie, you go fir
st with the others.’

  The girl sat at the edge of the opening and dropped down with a soft thud. One by one the others followed her. Jonah went last, right after Mace’s lumbering frame. The tunnel was damp and redolent with the metallic tang of soil. Reinforced with wooden braces every few metres like the tunnels back in Fire City, this one wasn’t high enough to stand upright in. Instead, everyone half crouched and edged forwards, one after the other. Jonah wondered where they would end up. It seemed absurd that Negus’ tribe would have built an entire cave system under the earth, unless of course there was already an existing cavern.

  ‘These remind me of the entrances to the Haven,’ he heard Mace say. ‘They must lead to caves or something.’

  ‘That’s exactly what I was thinking,’ Jonah admitted. ‘But the angle isn’t steep enough. We’re still close to the surface, and the way it twists and turns means that they’ve dug around the tree roots.’

  ‘Beats me, then,’ Mace admitted.

  Jonah wondered if the giant man had noticed the hatches every ten metres, openings that gave numerous access points. He knew that if he were walking above ground, none of them would be visible, hidden by bushes and dense undergrowth. No wonder they didn’t fear being caught. A few moments later Mace stopped abruptly.

  ‘We’re going up again,’ he said.

  Jonah followed him, back out into the woods. This time there were several lamps and he realized that the tunnel was merely a secret route to the main camp, which sat shrouded on all sides by trees and bushes. Even the canopy seemed roof-like, the dampness of the ground suggesting that very little light penetrated. Jonah saw the floor was covered in flattened bark and leaves, as though people walked about the area daily. To the far left he saw a rope hanging down from some branches. Negus stood by the tunnel opening with Jodie and the taller man. A giant oak stood over them, its branches thicker than most of the other tree trunks.

  Jonah walked over to Negus. ‘Where are the shelters?’ he asked.

  ‘Look around,’ came his reply.

  To his right, ten metres or so away, one of the thick bushes came forward, revealing a wooden shelter behind. A woman wearing a red headscarf and carrying a baby on her hip came out and smiled. The baby gurgled with delight.