“Is something…going on with you?” Seth asked, pulling back a little.
“Nope. Not a single thing. I love you, Seth. I love all of you. Every single piece,” she whispered.
“I love you too,” he said, squeezing the breath from her lungs until stars exploded in front of her eyes.
Lost in his embrace, she thought back to her dream. That was the first time she saw him, and the day of his banishment from Prime. Suddenly, she realized how much that day had influenced all of his decisions and why he always fought so hard to be free. It made his willingness to tie his fate to hers even more precious than before. He’s mine, and I’m his because we chose each other. We chose to be together.
Chapter 2 - Kat
Kat swung her feet over the side of the bed and pushed herself upright. Her head hung low on her chest, and she heaved for air after the slightest exertion. Only a couple of days had passed since she’d discovered she was ill. Two days, and already she was growing weak, scarcely able to make it across the room by herself.
The Red Flux was a formidable enemy. Cruel and deadly. One that had invaded her body and now sought to destroy it from within. Gathering her strength, she stood up and moved toward the bathroom.
A sudden bout of nausea brought her to a halt, and she pressed one hand to her stomach. The sensation of butterflies assured her that her baby was still there, still alive. But for how long? How long could the growing fetus survive the onslaught of the disease?
Biting back a cry, Kat stumbled into the bathroom and splashed cold water onto her face. She stared at her reflection in the mirror. Already, she could see the hand of death in the deep hollows beneath her eyes. Her skin was translucent, stretched thin over the bones of her skull, devoid of the crimson blush of life.
A harsh cough wracked her frame, and blood speckled the white handkerchief she pressed to her lips. Each spot was a cruel reminder of the fate that awaited her and the baby within her womb. This can’t be happening.
But it was.
Kat raised one hand to touch the rash that marred her neck and chest. It crept across her skin like poison ivy, claiming more territory with every passing hour. After a few seconds, she forced herself to look away from the grizzly sight.
With gritted teeth, she opened the shower taps and waited. Nothing emerged but a slow trickle of lukewarm water, and she closed her eyes with despair. Despite volunteers working around the clock to restore the hotel and infirmary’s water supply, it was an uphill battle.
Kat knew she shouldn’t be ungrateful. It was more than many other people had. Most of the city now relied on wells, hand-pumps, and outhouses. It was a desperate situation, especially with the Red Flux decimating the population.
Moran and Patti had a line of water carts delivering to the areas that were struck the hardest, but with more people falling ill by the minute, labor was a problem. At least the mortuary was functioning once more. They had burned and buried all the corpses in a mass grave with another one dug open and waiting. Some families weren’t happy with the arrangements, but there wasn’t much choice.
With a sigh, Kat stripped off her sweat-soaked clothes and got into the shower. It wasn’t much, but she cleaned herself with a sliver of soap. Feeling better, she pulled on a clean shirt and crawled back into her bed. Within minutes, she drifted off into a deep slumber.
But terrible nightmares disturbed her sleep. The kind where she lost both her baby and Callum to shadowy forces that lurked around the edges of her mind. It was with the utmost relief that she woke up to a knock on the door. “Who is it?”
The door opened a crack to reveal Sandi. “It’s me. I brought you something.”
“What is it?” Kat asked, struggling to sit upright. A bout of coughing stole her breath, and she felt weak and dizzy once it passed.
Sandi hurried to her side, carrying a bowl of steaming water and a cloth. The smell of pungent herbs filled the air. “I made this to help clear the phlegm from your lungs. I tried it on a couple of other patients, and it seems to help.”
“It won’t harm the baby?” Kat asked.
“I don’t think so. It’s a folk remedy that I got from an old lady, but you have to try something,” Sandi said. “If you don’t…”
“If I don’t we’ll both die,” Kat said, saying what Sandi couldn’t.
“I also made this poultice to rub onto your rash,” Sandi said.
“Thank you,” Kat said, and she meant every word.
Ever since she’d found out she was sick, Sandi had been nothing but a blessing. She’d ushered Kat into her bed and waited on her hand and foot. She also took over Kat’s duties in the infirmary, running herself ragged to oversee everything and everyone.
“Here. Let me.” With a gentle touch, Sandi applied the poultice before placing the bowl in Kat’s lap. After draping the cloth over Kat’s head, she sat down in a nearby chair. “How do you feel?”
“Like death,” Kat quipped.
When Sandi failed to reply, she peeked out from underneath the material. “What? Too soon?”
A sad smile tugged at Sandi’s lips. “No, I have a sense of humor. It’s just hard. So many are dying every day now.”
“I know, and it’s awful,” Kat said, sucking in a deep breath. The medicinal steam filled her lungs, and she coughed again. A wad of slime came up, and she spat it into a waiting handkerchief with a grimace.
“Keep breathing,” Sandi instructed. “Get it all out.”
“I’m trying,” Kat said as another bout of coughing wracked her figure. It hurt. A lot. Every lungful of oxygen was a fight for survival, and every move sent stabbing pains through her chest.
“Are you in pain?” Sandi asked.
“A little,” Kat said, averting her eyes.
“Just a little?” Sandi said, her voice insistent.
“Okay, a lot,” Kat admitted.
“Can I get you something?” Sandi said. “I know we’re running low, but—”
“No,” Kat said with a shake of her head. “Save it for the other patients. Besides, the fewer medicines I pump into my body the better for the baby.”
Sandi sighed. “If only we had antibiotics. This is all so frustrating. I can’t stand to watch you suffer.”
“I’m okay,” Kat said, ducking back underneath the cloth. She focused on the bowl of water, allowing the warm steam to penetrate deep into her lungs. The herbs soothed the ache in her chest and eased the constant need to cough.
After twenty minutes, she handed the cooling bowl of liquid to Sandi. “Thanks. It might smell like crap, but this stuff works. It’s easier to breathe now.”
“Good. I’ll bring by a fresh batch in a couple of hours,” Sandi said. “We need to keep your lungs clear.”
“You don’t have to bring it here yourself,” Kat protested. “You must be exhausted.”
“I’m okay,” Sandi said, waving off her concern. “Paul has been a huge help to me.”
“He has?” Kat asked.
“Yes, he’s really stepped up to the plate lately. This morning, he fixed the wiring in the kitchens, and he helped clear out a couple of storerooms.”
“What for?”
“To make space for more patients. We’ve got people lying in the hallways, dying,” Sandi said with a stricken expression.
“I’m sorry this happened,” Kat said with a sudden stab of guilt.
“What do you mean?”
“This,” Kat said, waving a hand at herself. “Me getting sick right when I’m needed the most.”
“Stop worrying about it,” Sandi said. “All you need to do is rest and get better.”
“I know but—”
“No buts. Remember your baby,” Sandi said with a stern look.
Kat lay down on her pillows and blinked as sudden tears welled up. She pressed both hands to her stomach. “I’m scared, Sandi.”
“There’s nothing to be scared about. I won’t let anything happen to you, I promise,” Sandi said. Fussing about, she fluffe
d up the cushions and tucked the blankets around Kat’s form. “Now, you need to get some rest. I’ll come by again in a couple of hours.”
Kat reached out and grabbed Sandi’s hand. “You’re the best friend anyone could ask for, you know that?”
“That’s sweet of you to say,” Sandi said with a gentle smile.
“It’s the truth,” Kat said. “I don’t feel so alone when you’re around.”
“You don’t need to feel alone at all. You have lots of friends. People who love and care for you,” Sandi said.
“I know, and I’m grateful to you all,” Kat said.
“But? I’m sensing a but,” Sandi said, standing back.
“But I miss Callum,” Kat admitted, fresh tears welling up in her eyes. “I just… I don’t think I can do this without him. I can’t cope. I’m… What if I die? What if our baby dies?”
“Oh, sweetie. You can’t think like that. You can’t,” Sandi cried out. She sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled Kat into her arms. Rocking back and forth, she smoothed one hand over Kat’s hair while crooning a soft lullaby.
To Kat, it felt like a dam broke loose inside, and she sobbed her heart out. “Oh, Sandi.”
“Sh, it’s okay. It’s okay,” Sandi said.
“No, it’s not,” Kat cried. “Nothing is okay anymore. It’s all wrong.”
Ever since Kat had learned she was sick, she’d tried to be strong. Both for the baby and for everyone else. But she didn’t feel strong, or brave, or determined. She felt ill and weak, ready to give up and lie down. Burying her face in Sandi’s plastic overcoat, she allowed her emotions free rein.
It was a strange sensation, to be that open and vulnerable in the presence of someone other than Callum. All her life, she’d fought tooth and nail no matter how bad things got. Even when she’d almost died at Dorian’s hands, she refused to give up. Not this time. Callum, I’m so sorry. I can’t do this. I just can’t. I’m not strong enough.
Then Kat pictured his face and imagined what he’d feel like if he came home to a dead girlfriend and child. The sheer devastation. The grief. I can’t do that to him. I have to fight, no matter how much I want to give up.
Sucking in a deep breath, she wiped away her tears and sat up. With an embarrassed laugh, she cleaned her face and managed a tremulous smile. “Thank you, Sandi. I’m alright now. It was just a moment of weakness. Silly of me, really.”
“It’s not silly, at all,” Sandi said. “My mother always believed that a good cry could fix just about anything.”
“Smart woman,” Kat said with a small laugh. Leaning over, she rummaged through her bedside table for wipes and a bottle of disinfectant. After cleaning her hands, she handed the stuff to Sandi. “There. I snotted all over your clothes.”
“That’s what protective clothing is for,” Sandi said, but she wiped her gloves and overcoat. “Just for the record, Kat. You’re not weak. You’re one of the strongest women I know.”
“You really mean that?” Kat said but laughed when fresh tears poured from her eyes. “See? Now you’ve got me bawling like a baby again.”
“You’re not the only one,” Sandi said with a chuckle.
For a few minutes, they sat together in silence and enjoyed a rare moment of fellowship. It was a time of renewal for them both. A brief respite from the horrors of the Red Flux and the world outside the door.
With her sudden bout of frailty behind her, Kat smiled at Sandi. “You can go now. I’ll be alright.”
“Are you sure?” Sandi asked. “I can stay longer.”
“I’m sure. I could use the rest anyway,” Kat said with a firm nod.
“Okay,” Sandi said, standing up. After adjusting her mask, she gathered her things. “I’ll be back to check on you in a couple of hours.”
“Deal,” Kat said, snuggling up underneath her blankets. “And bring more of that magic herbal stuff with you. It really helps.”
“Will do,” Sandi said, exiting the room.
Once she was gone, Kat blew out the candle next to her bed and closed her eyes. With a deep sigh of contentment, she drifted off into a deep, dreamless sleep. Just what the doctor ordered.
Chapter 3 - Callum
Callum rode at the head of the convoy with his second-in-command, O’ Neill at his side. The sun shone warmly on his back, but a chill breeze tugged at his collar. Winter was on its way, and the thought solidified his determination to push ahead. The trip had to be a success. Both the Primes and the Exiles depended on it. “Come on, O’ Neill. Let’s pick up the pace.”
“Yes, Sir,” O’ Neill said, waving at the line behind them. “Move it, folks!”
The creak of the wagons increased as the drivers urged the animals onward. They were almost at the river where Ric and the Exiles waited to meet them, and the morning was half-gone already.
“We still have a long way to go,” O’ Neill said. “How far do you think we’ll get today?”
“Tis depends,” Callum said. “The river crossing might take longer than expected.”
“I didn’t think of that.”
“Always expect the unexpected,” Callum said.
“Wise words, Sir. Wise words,” O’ Neill said, urging his horse forward.
The roan sped up, and Goliath took it as a challenge. With a toss of his head, Goliath overtook the smaller animal. As a full-blooded stallion, he was not about to let a mere gelding show him up, and sped ahead.
“Whoa there, Goliath,” Callum cried, reigning the horse in. “Easy there.”
While he wanted the convoy to move faster, the track was rough, and he didn’t want any of the animals to get injured. Shadowed by O’ Neill, Callum set the pace. As they moved through a patch of tall growth, a cloud of blood-sucking midges rose into the air. The tiny insects enveloped the men and animals alike, swarming over every patch of exposed skin.
With a muttered curse, Callum slapped at the insects. “Bloody hell.”
“Little fiends,” O’ Neill echoed as he scratched himself raw.
The midges pestered them until they reached a stony field, driving them all mad. Finally, the swarm retreated to the bushes, much to Callum’s relief.
They continued onward until they could hear the Willamette river in the distance. The air cooled and grew moist as the ground sloped downwards. Mud squelched underfoot, and the exotic shrubs flowered beneath tall trees.
Soon, they reached the crossing where Ric and his men waited with the rafts. On the opposite side of the river lay their encampment.
“Ric,” Callum called. “Tis good to see ye.”
“You’re late, MacNamara,” Ric replied, his eyebrows drawn into a glower. He walked over, and they shook hands.
“Sorry about that. The track was rough, and I didn’t want to risk the wagons,” Callum said.
“Where we’re going, things are only going to get worse,” Ric said as they shook hands. “I hope you’re ready for that.”
“Tis true, I know,” Callum said, excited despite himself. Many dangers lay ahead, but he looked forward to the adventure. The only thing he didn’t like was being apart from Kat and their unborn child.
But needs must, and both his family and his people needed supplies to see them through the winter. While he hoped Seth and Rogue’s venture would be successful, he wasn’t about to bank on it. It’s up to us to make sure we survive. No one else.
“Are ye ready to take us over?” Callum asked, pulling up next to Ric.
“We are,” Ric said, waving a hand at the waiting flotilla of boats and rafts. “As you can see, I already took my men and wagons across. Now it’s just you lot.”
“Excellent. I’ll get them moving,” Callum said.
Cantering back down the line, he ordered the wagons onto the rafts. They lumbered past him, one after the other, under the warm sun. Harnesses creaked, and steaming piles of animal dung dotted the path.
The bullock-drawn wagons went first, trundling across the rough gangway. They were ferried across one by o
ne, and Callum grew to admire the expertise of the boatmen. Despite the swift current, they were calm and efficient, and the crossing went well.
Wary of predators, he placed a squadron of gunmen on guard duty. While the area was free from most of the large carnivores, it paid to be careful. He wasn’t about to let his convoy be taken by surprise.
With the orders given, he returned to the front and dropped to the ground. Looping Goliath’s reins around a bush, he helped to load a couple of mule-drawn carts. It was a laborious process, and not all the animals were eager to step onto the shaky rafts. One mule, in particular, refused to budge despite Callum’s entreaties. “Come on, boy. Ye can do it.”
The mule snorted and pulled back on the reins. When Callum urged it forward, the animal flashed him the evil eye and stepped on his foot. “Ow, damn it! Get off ye mangy beast.”
Ric snorted with amusement. “Try covering its eyes.”
“Ye think?” Callum asked, eyeing the recalcitrant mule.
“Works for me,” Ric said with a shrug. “Just tie a cloth around its eyes. That should do the trick.”
“Sounds like it’s worth a try,” O’ Neill said, walking his roan onto the same boat.
“I guess so,” Callum said.
He removed the handkerchief tied around his neck and put it onto the mule. With a little encouragement, the animal got onto the raft. “Finally, ye stubborn jackass.”
Once the mule was tied in place, Callum took the chance to inspect his foot.
“How bad is it?” O’ Neill asked.
“Tis not broken, but bruised,” Callum said.
“Can you walk?”
“Yeah, tis fine,” Callum said with a grimace. He sat down on the edge of the boat and flexed his foot.
“Sit down and rest a bit,” O’ Neill said. “I can oversee the rest of the crossing.”
“Including Goliath?” Callum said with a chuckle. “I’d love to see ye try?” Sitting down on a nearby barrel. He flexed his foot with a grimace of pain.
“Taking it easy already, MacNamara?” Ric shouted from across the river.
“Taking it easy, my arse!” Callum replied. “You worry about your side of things, and I’ll worry about mine.”
The Extinction Series | Book 7 | Primordial Earth 7 Page 2
