Riley's Journey (31 page)

“Why? Why not me?”

“You don’t have the stamina to keep up and I’m not going to allow you to jeopardize our chances of success!”

Furiously, she stepped in front of him, the top of her head barely reaching chest high. “If you leave me, I’ll just follow! And then it’ll be your fault if something does happen to me.”

Jonas ground his teeth in frustration. God! The woman irritated the hell out of him. Maybe it would serve the little chit right if he did let her come along. “Fine!” he grumbled, not wanting to waste any more precious time arguing with her. “Come with us—but it’s your funeral if you lag behind—or have you forgotten the size of the animals in the petting zoo out there?”

“I haven’t forgotten and I won’t fall behind.” Backing away, she began separating her gear. Uneasily, Jonas eyed the young woman. She was too small and too delicate to keep up, and if she couldn’t, then what would he do? Leave her behind, that’s what, he vowed, confused by unwanted emotions as she bent over, long dark hair cascading down in a silken waterfall.

The team carried weapons and only enough rations and water for a few days’ time, recognizing that time was of the essence, and any added weight would only slow them down. When all was in readiness, they stepped into the open, concealing the entrance to the cave once again, and moved silently out on Jonas’ command.

They had been traveling fast, taking only a few short rest stops when Geena, at point, uncovered an abundant array of tracks that were, at most, only a few hours old. Confident they were closing in, Jonas pushed the team even faster, hoping to close the gap before nightfall. Sweating from exertion and gasping for air, they had stopped briefly to rest just as an explosion sounded in the distance.

“Did you hear that?” Geena yelped excitedly. “Unless I’m losing it—that was a grenade!”

Nodding, Jonas drolly agreed. “Appears as though we aren’t the only ones who made it here with smuggled goods.” Grinning saucily, eyes downcast, Geena’s face flushed red, guilt evident in her uncharacteristically submissive demeanor.

Got you! Jonas mentally made a note to frisk her later on—might have to frisk the entire group! Not that he really cared, what’s done was done, but he didn’t want to be the one to erroneously change the future of the entire world!

Dismissing everything from his mind but the present situation, Jonas focused on the facts. That Nathan had openly detonated a grenade confirmed his suspicion Nathan and the girl were in serious trouble. He would not have so easily given away their position unless there was no other choice. Picking up the pace even faster, Jonas forced the team on, his mind conjuring the worst possible scenarios when they finally overtook the forward groups.

Loosely following the downward path traveled by the earlier passersby, they edged along the banks of a huge crevasse, anchored together by only one small safety rope. If one of them lost their footing, it would have to be enough, and better than nothing.

Caution thrown to the winds, they picked the most direct route, hampered by ground made slick from mist drifting from the raging torrent below, literally crawling at times over slimy, moss encrusted rocks.

Grim determination hardened every visage as they fought to maintain the grueling pace—one false step now would be one too many! No one spoke, reserving for later even that small amount of energy. Interestingly, so far, Allie had easily kept up.

The canyon finally behind them, traveling was less hazardous and the team was able to move at a much faster clip, keeping to a steady, ground-covering jog.

Little or no effort had been made to cover the earlier groups’ tracks at this point, and since the detonation sounded to the south, some time was gained by not having to search for a warm trail.

Still too slow and way too far behind!
Jonas mentally cringed at the unwelcome thought. To have come so far and then fail at the last moment was unacceptable!

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

H
ooting and catcalling, the newcomers let loose a shower of high-arcing arrows, pinging off the rocks and embedding in the soft dirt. Several more waves flew as the newcomers tested the distance and their accuracy. Bolder individuals ran forward, spear throwers whipping, hurling sharp pointed projectiles which crashed harmlessly before reaching their hiding place behind the rocks. Still too far away to be of any real danger, Nathan had no doubt they would work themselves into a frenzy and attack before long.

Methodically, he laid out their weapons, checking each one carefully, and strategically placing them within easy reach. Riley watched his concentrated labor, focusing on his actions, hoping to distract her mind from the inevitable confrontation. Muscles rippled along his back, and though he was still healing, his movements belied any weakness. As she watched, admiration, love and respect washed through in a tidal wave of emotion. Longing for his touch and comfort, she refrained from actual contact, knowing too well the present circumstances ordered that he not have any interruptions right now, not even friendly ones. She contented herself with simply watching, aiding him whenever possible and waiting for the newcomers’ assault on their tenuous position.

Nathan glanced up, his eyes catching and holding hers, warmth and love emanating from their caramel depths. “How’re you holding up?”

“I’m okay I think—just scared.”

Reaching for her hand, he lifted it to his lips, placing a light kiss in the center. “Its okay to be scared,” he soothed, tenderly caressing the delicate, fine-boned fingers, “keeps you frosty and alert. Only an idiot wouldn’t be—and your intelligence has never been in question.”

Of its own volition, her hand gently cupped his face, relishing the feel of his raspy whiskers scratching against sensitive skin. Rubbing his face against her hand, he savored the moment, inhaling her womanly scent—subtle jasmine combined with her own uniquely personal fragrance. Heady and erotic!

“I was really proud of you today! You fought well—better than most.”

Pleased, Riley’s faced pinked at the compliment. “You didn’t do too badly yourself.”

Nathan’s mouth quirked in amusement. “We make a good team—too good for these losers!”

Riley blithely retorted. “Let’s pack our toys up and go home! They can find somebody else to play with.”

“I wish!”

Demon’s low growl alerted them to the newcomers’ new tactics. Small numbers were branching out, moving stealthily through the underbrush along the high side of the small valley in which they were currently ensconced.

Watching, Nathan grinned in amusement. “Not very good, are they?” Though efforts had been made to disguise their sneak attack, most were easily spotted. “I’m guessing they haven’t run into any real opposition over the years and simply make up for experience in sheer numbers.”

“It’s the ‘sheer numbers’ that has me worried.” Glumly, Riley scrutinized the newcomers’ progress. “How many?” she asked, her lips tightening to a firm line.

“I’m guessing fifteen total. More arrived after the first attack, but that’s only the ones I have seen.”

“Fifteen!” she gasped. “How can we hold out against fifteen?”

“It’s more than I would like, but not more than we can handle.” Hoping to calm her, he continued. “We have a good defensive position. To get to us, they have to cross open spaces on all sides, and I’m betting they won’t be too eager to try that. They already know I’m an expert archer. I never miss,” he stated smugly. “And on top of that, we still have one grenade and all the Molotov cocktails. By the way, we’d better get a fire going so we can light those when the time is right.”

“I don’t suppose you have any matches hidden in your surprise package?”

“No,” he grinned, “but I’ve got the most modern fire starting equipment.” Reaching into his weapons pack, he pulled out two flint rocks and soon had a small fire burning.

Mentally preparing for the fight that would soon commence, Riley inhaled deeply, oxygen energizing her tired system. Her stomach grumbled hungrily. How could anyone be hungry at a time like this? But, then, every prisoner on death row gets one last supper! She should be entitled to the same consideration. Biting off a small piece of jerky, she waited, allowing saliva to soften the hardened chunk, and sharing a portion with Demon.

“You’d better eat some, too.” Handing Nathan a piece, they chewed contentedly, all the while keeping watchful eyes on the surrounding open areas. The newcomers were still testing distance, none willing so far to venture too close. Taking a drink from the water bladder, Riley swallowed hard. “Why haven’t they attacked yet?”

“Don’t be in a hurry,” Nathan warned with some humor. “They will.”

“That’s what I was afraid of,” she returned darkly.

“They’re probably just waiting for the right moment. Right now, the sun is to our backs and it gives us the advantage. Nightfall is still several hours away and they won’t be able to see clearly enough if they attack too soon, at least those out front. The ones circling around will probably wait for a signal from this group,” he said, casually waving towards the archers.

“So we’re just stuck here waiting until they make their move?”

Shrugging noncommittally, he muttered. “That’s about the size of it.”

Riley’s attention wandered. The majesty of their surroundings, though craggy and harsh, was overwhelming. Lush vegetation littered the small valley, gouged out by glaciers over the course of thousands of years. Game trails broke the landscape, attesting to the large numbers of herbivores and, no doubt, predators which regularly chanced on the small valley. The air was clean and crisp, the clear sky a dazzling blue—a truly beautiful day!

“You know,” she commented sadly, “my only real regret is that we didn’t have more time together.”

“Forget that!” Nathan blurted. “We’ve only just begun to live—isn’t that what the Carpenter song says?”

“I don’t know! I never listened to them. They were way before my time!” Grinning, Riley waited for his response.

Disgruntled, Nathan rolled his eyes, amused by her subtle insult.

“Was it the Vikings or the Indians who coined the term ‘it’s a good day to die’?” she casually asked.

Nathan groaned. “Would you quit with the dying stuff? It’s depressing me!”

“Oh! Well,
excuuuse
me! Like this whole thing isn’t depressing!”

“Yeah, well—”

An arrow
ziinnnged
by, narrowly missing Riley’s ear. Startled, she barely had time to gasp as Nathan shoved her down. A hail of arrows followed. The newcomers were finally attacking! Nathan rolled to the weapons, selecting a long bow and a full quiver, and rose to a crouch, loosing four arrows with lightening speed, then ducking back down.

“Well, that’s four who won’t be bothering us again. The odds are getting better,” he commented smugly.

Riley grasped her handy cudgel, battle-ready, her demeanor outwardly cold and dangerous.

Demon rose up, stiff-legged, hackles springing up along his spine, a low growl rumbling from his chest.

“Down, boy!” Nathan whispered, waving him back. “Not yet.”

Riley placed a restraining hand on the dog’s head, willing him to obey. Tensely, they waited for the newcomers’ next move. From his vantage point, Nathan scanned the perimeter, his eyes narrowed as he strained to catch even the slightest movement. Strewn haphazardly across the open basin, four of the newcomers’ bodies lay in eerie repose, undeniable proof of Nathan’s lethal proficiency with a bow and arrow. Those left standing regrouped, just beyond the sheltering tree line, hidden from sight while they plotted their next move.

“Got them thinking at least,” Nathan grinned. “A few more hits like that and they might decide we aren’t worth the effort.”

Riley scowled at his self-satisfied comment. “I guess you haven’t noticed we’re surrounded!” Granted, they were dug in like a tick on a dog’s butt, but if they came from all sides, it wouldn’t matter.

Taunting howls and shrieks echoed from the tree line, spine-chilling and sinister. Shuddering unexpectedly, Riley grimaced as goose-bumps sprouted on arms suddenly cold. The noise was just too creepy! Praying for it to stop, she gripped the battle ax more firmly, oddly comforted by its weight and lethal purpose.

“They’re trying to intimidate us. Don’t let it get to you.” Unconcerned, Nathan continued with his recheck of the weapons.

“Hate to tell you—but they’re doing a good job.” Maybe Nathan could ignore the noise, but she couldn’t. It boomed through the quietude—on and on until Riley thought she would scream or go crazy. Without warning, the noise abruptly stopped, followed by a more disturbing dead silence—even the birds ceased their friendly chirping.

Nathan’s head came up, his eyes wary and calculating. “They’re attacking now,” he calmly stated.

Terrified, Riley blurted, “What makes you so sure? Maybe they left.”

“Nope! Ever heard of the calm before the storm? Well, the storm is just about to begin.” Maneuvering for better vision, he crouched, waiting.

“Riley,” he said low, gesturing to the rocks directly behind him, “take position there and let me know if anything moves.”

Riley jumped into position, her heart hammering so hard, she was sure she could hear it reverberating against her ribs.