Clouds of Tyranny Page 17

  After breakfast, Alex went back to the women’s dorm to use the lavatory and when she came out she saw that one of the archers from Velxeer was a female and was sitting on her bed above Ruthie’s. Alex walked over to the girl, “Hey there, I’m Alex.” They shook hands professionally as the woman answered, “Ten.” Alex’s eyes widened, “Excuse me?” “My number is Ten.” “Oh, I get it. What was your birth name?” The woman froze for a minute like she was shocked at the question, or maybe she just couldn’t remember her name. “We go by number.” “I’ll address you as Ten in public. Come on, what’s your name?” Ten thought hard for a moment, “Jillian.” “Much prettier.” Jillian smiled at the compliment; it was obvious she didn’t get talked to like a human very often. “Come on, Ten,” said Alex walking toward the door leading out of the dorm. Jillian leaped off the bed and followed.

  It was early afternoon as Locke and Ray were sitting at a dining table looking over a map of Harmon. “What do ya think?” asked Ray. “I like it. Okay so there it is: you and Clyde at the rear, Pearl and Lars take the side, Terra, Ruthie, and myself at the front gate for a surprise assault, and Alex on the north roof with the snipers, and Captain corned beef on the east roof with his men. And the rest will be scattered among the town.” “What about the Retriever?” “He’ll be everywhere as always.” Suddenly the two of them heard chattering coming from the tunnel entrance that led to the wayfarer’s wall. They stood up ready to greet more fellow Returners; people they haven’t seen in years. In walked close to thirty bodies, only a few being female. “Welcome to headquarters,” said Ray putting his hands up. Locke greeted them all one-by-one; some of which he was meeting for the first time. “What kind of moron would make you second in command?” said a deep voice from behind Locke. “Ask your uncle,” joked Locke referring to Smith as he opened his arm, “Come here you SOB.” Locke hugged the older gentleman that was about Locke’s height with a clean shaved face and head, an eye patch over his right eye; beneath the eye patch was a scar that peeked out of the top of it. “Ray, this is Smith’s adopted nephew…I cant seem to place your name,” joked Locke. “Fuck you,” laughed the man punching Locke in the arm, “How ya doin’ brotha, Sam’s mah name.” Ray shook his hand, “Ray.” “Ray!” yelled a voice from within the large group of Returners, Ray turned attention to the crowd and saw a figure running towards him, a girl. She jumped towards him and they both fell to the ground, she sat on top of him. “You’re here, your actually here,” said the girl. Locke began laughing, “This must be Eve.” Ray was thriving in pain from the impact his back made on the floor; he pointed a finger up at Locke, “Bingo! Eve, Why do you have to be so rough?” Eve crawled off him, “Oh stop it ya big baby.” She helped Ray to his feet. “Attention!” yelled Smith from behind them as they all looked at him, “Welcome to Returners HQ. Make yourselves at home. We will be talking shop later before dinner, so in the meantime just relax.” The large crowd went back to reminiscing and meeting new allies. Locke looked around at the tables and saw Alex who was watching them all congregate. Locke waved Alex over who agreeably stood up and headed over to the crowd. “Sam, there’s someone I want you to meet,” said Locke patting Sam on the chest. “Crap, this is never good.” Alex walked over and Sam saw her with his eye, “Wow, your beauty makes me wish I still had my other eye,” said Sam as he grabbed her hand and kissed it. “Thank you, Sam. I’m Alex,” she said smiling. “You’re a lucky man, mah boy.” “See, I told you,” joked Alex sarcastically winking at Locke. “This is Eve,” butted in Ray. Alex shook Eve’s hand; Eve was petite girl in her mid twenties only a few inches shorter than Alex with pale skin and midnight blue hair down to her shoulders wearing denim shorts, a tight black sleeveless shirt, and donning a large knife on her side.

  Locke, Alex, Sam, Ray, and Eve went to Locke’s room to catch up and discuss more battle strategy. Ray sat on the floor with Eve behind him, with her legs spread and her hands wrapped around his stomach, Sam sat in the same chair that Alex’s metamorphosis took place in, Alex sat on Locke’s bed while Locke himself was busy in the cabinet fetching a few liquor bottles. “Here it is, I been saving this for a grand occasion,” exclaimed Locke as he turned around holding two bottles. “What’s that?” asked Alex as she finished rolling a cigarette. “Two bottles of scotch, both over a hundred years old,” answered Locke walking over to his bed sitting next to Alex. “May I?” asked Eve motioning to Alex’s cigarette. “Sure,” smiled Alex throwing the cigarette towards her and began rolling another for herself. “When did you start smoking?” asked Ray. “I’ve always smoked. I just never let you catch me when we were together.” Ray frowned, “Oh.” Locke opened the first bottle, took a swig and passed it to Ray who was the closest to him. “That’s good stuff,” said Locke, “That’ll put hair on your chest.” “That explains a lot,” said Alex licking her cigarette putting the finishing touches on as she winked at Locke. Ray took a long gulp of the scotch while Eve lit her smoke and took a deep puff. Ray’s face shivered after the sharp liquid went down his throat and passed it behind him. Eve took a very small drink and handed it to Sam who was to her right. “That’s it?” asked Alex. “I don’t want a hairy chest,” laughed Eve. Alex laughed at Eve’s turn of phrase as she lit her own cigarette and inhaled, held it, and exhaled. Locke rubbed Alex’s wrist as he slid his hand toward the cigarette to ‘borrow’ it and took a puff himself. She smiled at him. “How long you two been together?” asked Sam handing the glass bottle to Alex. “Hmm,” thought Alex out loud, “Counting tomorrow it will be…a day.” Everyone laughed except Locke who was holding in his emotion. Alex took a long chug of the whiskey trying to show up all the boys and she accomplished her mission. Locke handed the cigarette back to Alex in exchange for the bottle; he took a swig and then gave it to Ray. “Alright,” said Locke pulling out the map of Harmon with names written on the entrances, “Business time. Sam, I want you at the side entrance with Lars, she’s not a strong fighter once he runs out of ammo and he never packs enough.” “Sounds good to me,” said Sam as he relieved Ray of the bottle after Eve waved it off. Alex was looking over Locke’s shoulder at the map. “Eve?” asked Alex looking her, “How agile are you?” “Very, I’m a martial artist. Trained since I could walk.” “Well,” said Alex, “She’d be perfect for a surprise attack from the rooftops like me. “Happy to do it,” said Eve holding her fist up. “Okay,” said Locke passing the map to Ray, “Everybody memorize it and no matter what Smith says, this is our battle plan, got it!” Everyone nodded affirmingly as Locke looked to Smith’s nephew. “We’re with you Locke,” said Sam taking a gulp of the liquid. From across the hall they all could hear a door opening; Locke’s eyebrow lifted as he stood up and opened his bedroom door. “Welcome home,” said Locke. “Thanks,” said Pearl from across the hall, “I’m gonna take a nap, then we’re all supposed to meet in the training room for the battle assessment. Ninety minutes.” “We’ll be there.” Pearl’s door closed behind her.

  Terra and Ruthie went straight to the women’s dorm upon arriving back at HQ. “That was a nice little getaway, Ter,” said Ruthie throwing her bag on her bed as she noticed that the bed above hers had someone’s belongings on it. “New one?” asked Terra. “Looks like it.” “We are here to aid the Returners in their cause,” said Ten from the bathroom doorway. “We?” asked Terra. “Correct, Captain Antleon and the Velxeer archers,” she said saluting at the girls. “Velxeer?” said Ruthie confused, “Does Smith doubt our ability to handle this?” “That is none of my concern, ma’am.” Terra and Ruthie’s eyes widened, “Ma’am?” they said in unison. Ruthie laughed, “No no no, that’s Terra and I’m Ruthie. You are?” “Ten,” said the woman without emotion in her voice. “Ten what?” asked Terra. “My number is Ten miss Terra.” “No miss. Just Terra.” “Ter, soldiers in Velxeer are given numbers and ordered to abandon their real names.” “But why?” “His majesty doesn’t want heartache over the loss of a soldier,” explained Ten, “Numbers make us less like people and more like weapo
ns built for war.” “That’s the saddest thing I’ve ever heard. Death should never be taken lightly, it’s tragic no matter what people call you, be it a number or a name. Wouldn’t people cry just as hard if my name was forty-two?” “Yes we would, Ter. Don’t try and understand Velxeer, you’ll die confused.” Ten walked over to her bed and climbed on it and laid down staring at the ceiling waiting to be summoned. They both scoffed at her roboticism and started for the door. “I wanna go see Locke and I’m sure you miss Lars,” giggled Ruthie. “Maybe a little,” laughed Terra.

  Terra and Ruthie walked into the dining area where Terra saw Lars sitting at a table by himself reading some sort of document. “I’ll catch you later Ruthie,” said Terra making a B-line for Lars. “A little? Right!” “Shut up,” giggled Terra. Terra snuck up behind Lars like a covert assassin sneaking in for a kill and hugged him from behind. “Welcome home,” said Lars putting his hands over hers before turning to face her, knowing whom it was that had their grasps upon him. Once he turned around, she put her hands on his cheeks and gave him a sensual kiss with just the smallest hint of tongue brushing, “I missed you,” whispered Terra rubbing her nose against his. “I missed you too, Terra.” They released each other and Terra sat down next to him at the table, “Whatcha doin’?” asked Terra squinting at the papers that sat in front of Lars. “Going over some blueprints for a gun I’ve been working on. Did you guys have fun in Sandria?” “Oh yes, Sandria was incredible. I think Ruthie might’ve had a little too much fun,” laughed Terra, “She’s a bit of a horn dog. Ever been there?” “Horn dog, you mean?” sarcastically asked Lars cock-eyed. Terra giggled as she kissed his left cheek, “No goof, Sandria.” “Yes, of course. Well, before I joined the Returners I made a living doing various carpentry jobs across the coast; building, hunting, what have you. Anyway, did you see the logged inn in the center of Sandria?” Terra gave an affirming nod. “I had the pleasure of lugging the wood for that structure along with several other men who were less than enthusiastic, but for me work means food.” Terra smiled at Lars and held his hand as they looked into each other’s eyes. Ruthie saw the look in their faces, “Virgins,” she said as she walked further away from the disgusting display of affection and headed through the ‘Returners’ door.

  Ruthie pressed her ear to Locke’s door and heard several people talking, then knocked hard on the door so he was sure to hear it. “Who is it?” yelled Locke. “Oh, just me,” said Ruthie sarcastically. Within seconds the door flew open and Locke was hugging her as she rubbed his back. “Welcome home, Ruthie,” called out Ray. Their hug ended and she peeked in the room, “You having a party in here? We didn’t win yet.” Ruthie looked closer at Ray and saw that he had someone lounging against his back. “Eve?” screamed Ruthie pushing Locke aside. Eve jumped to her feet and her and Ruthie hugged ‘hello’. “What are you doing here?” asked Ruthie with a jack-o-lantern grin on her face. “Smith requested the assistance of some soldiers from the other Returner camps. “Does he have zero faith in us?” asked Ruthie angrily. “Ruthie, it’s the Empire, not a few bandits exactly,” answered Locke knowing the threat that they would soon face, “And you remember Sam?” “Damn! The little mouse turned into a little woman,” said Sam walking toward her. “Who you callin’ little?” “How was Sandria?” asked Alex. Ruthie jerked her body around to see Alex who she had yet to notice so far, who was progressing herself deeper and deeper into Locke’s life. “Wonderful like always. Watch yourself Alex, Terra learned a new trick.” “What might that be?” asked Alex. “She learned to fly…well, glide.” “Using the wind, you mean?” “Yup, you read about that too?” Alex stalled for a moment realizing she shouldn’t know about that, “Yeah.” “Locke!” said Smith from the doorway, “Round everyone up and meet in the meeting room in five minutes.” “Yes.” Smith nodded at Ruthie and walked away. “Alex,” started Locke, “Show Sam and Eve the way while me and Ruthie round up the soldiers. Ray, get the floor plans and meet us there.” Everyone nodded and rose to their feet; time for business.

  Ruthie and Locke walked down the hall and into the dining area with conviction. Locke yelled across the room, “Terra, Lars, meeting room!” They waved in agreement. “Alright Ruthie, you get the women’s dorm, every volunteer and Ten,” ordered Locke. Locke walked into the men’s dorm and looked to Reuben, “Captain, get your men and follow me.” Locke turned his focus from Velxeer onto the rest of the room, “Anyone bound for Harmon in two days go to the meeting room.” A dozen young men nodded and rose to their feet abandoning their cards games, cigarettes, and books. Locke led the way through the dining area where all the visiting soldiers from Returner camps were waiting to follow and down the hall leading to their destination. As he was halfway down the hall Pearl emerged from her room looking fully rested; she nodded at Locke for she knew that it was time to be real. Everyone settled in the meeting room where maps and floor plans were sprawled across the large table. The Returners and Reuben sat around the table while the soldiers stood along the walls, and Smith stood at the head of the table counting soldiers.

  “First thing’s first,” spoke Smith, “The gentleman to my right is Julius representing the Returner camp lying deep within the Sangrohl mountains to the north. He has brought seven soldiers trained in swordplay. All of you know Locke of course and to his right is our newcomer Alex. To Locke’s left is Sam from the southern camp, accompanied by nine soldiers and then there’s Eve who had graciously brought thirteen of her girls to fight as well. Eve comes from the subterranean base to the east, far south of Velxeer territory. Next to her is Ruthie, Clyde, Terra, Lars, Ray and Pearl, my Returners of course. To my left is a visitor from the kingdom of Velxeer offered to us by king Luther along with the twelve Velxeer archers. How many of my men do I have?” Twelve of the boys from HQ raised their palms into the sky. Smith nodded appreciatively at them, “That leaves us with sixty-five bodies plus the volunteers from Pan’dier makes eighty.” “Eighty-one,” spoke up Locke, “Retriever.” “Yes, of course…him,” grimaced Smith, “Alex, tell me about the Pan’dier soldiers.” “I wouldn’t call them soldiers, but they are bodies that have acquired rifles from the imperials. They are currently camping within the Pan’dier woods waiting to travel’ they’ll meet us in Harmon at dawn.” “Good, we’ll position them on the roofs of the business’ in the northern part of town near the rear entrance. Since you got them, their your men.” Alex nodded. “Lars,” said Smith, “That weapon you’ve been designing. Is it ready?” Lars cleared his throat, “I need a gear: three inches by five millimeters.” “And the chain to go with it?” “I have one plus a spare just in case.” “Good. Captain Antleon, your men will be positioned atop the roofs in the east part of town above the residential buildings.” Reuben nodded his head ever so slightly. “Locke, I understand that you’ve been working on a battle plan for the Returners?” “That’s right. Sam, Lars, and Pearl will handle the west entrance, Clyde and Ray in the rear with the explosives, and Ruthie, Terra, and myself concealed around the front entrance for the surprise assault.” “Sounds plausible, you want to add Julius to the north entrance?” “That’s doable.” “Okay, sounds like a plan,” said Smith smiling as if he did this all by himself, “What about the extraction?” Lars stood up and cleared his throat again, “Easier than we ever could have imagined. Apparently, for over a year the town’s people have been digging a series of tunnels hidden beneath the town, they could live underground for months. They started this project when the empire started attacking small towns.” “Excellent, when you all reach the town the night before in the midst of the darkness, that’s when you will position your shoulders, but think it through; this will be a complicated chess game. I have a scout in mountains to the north of Harmon, when you see smoke from it’s peak that means you have an hour before the imperial’s arrival. Good luck!” The soldiers along the wall left the meeting room in single file as the Returners stood up. “By the way,” said Smith, “Tonight’s dinner is compliments of Julius.”

&n
bsp; Everyone made their way to the dining room, which was flooded with the scent of poached salmon; something they weren’t used to. Locke made it to the dining area last after a few last words with Smith about the battle. Locke entered and saw Julius sitting by himself as his men were sitting with the rest of the soldiers; Ray was standing at the doorway waiting for Locke. “Maybe we should sit with him…get to know your ally type of thing,” suggested Ray. Locke nodded and they walked over to the muscular African skinned man with a shiny baldhead and handlebar mustache. “Anymore room?” asked Locke. Julius looked up at them, “Plenty.” They sat together without anyone saying anything till Locke broke the silence, “Julius, since Chuck is not present at this time I was thinking you could stay in his bed in Lars’ room.” “Um, I was kinda hoping to have it all to myself,” said Lars from the table behind Locke where he was next to Terra. “Gonna have to be another time,” said Locke sternly as Lars sighed and Terra began to pout, “Despite what you had planned.” Lars quickly turned his head to escape the accusation. They fish was delivered to each person and was served with lemon and herbed rice. “Looks wonderful,” said Locke trying to compliment his new ally. Julius nodded as he ate his food while he looked at it. Locke frowned thinking what he could do to make him feel more at home. “Why doesn’t anyone ever have fish for breakfast?” asked Ray out of nowhere. Julius looked up wide-eyed in bewilderment, “What?” Locke smiled and swung his head from side to side knowing where this was going. “No, think about it,” said Ray, “You have steak for breakfast, grain, dairy, pork, spice. Hell, the Spanish even have chicken for breakfast. It just blows me away that you go to a diner at an inn and ask for fried sea bass and they look at you like you’ve lost your damn mind.” “And they’d be right!” yelled Eve from two tables away where her and Ruthie were sitting; they looked like sisters complete with the exact same bubbly smile. Ray gave her an odd look, “Or how bout shrimp over eggs benedict, huh? Catfish omelet maybe?” Julius was staring intently at Ray then turned to Locke. “Yes, he’s always like this,” said Locke. Julius smiled, “Ah!” “So,” said Locke cutting into his fish, “Your from the Sangrohl mountains. Wish I knew that a couple weeks ago when I was hiding out in a shack with Terra, might not have gotten attacked.” “I know, we were there,” said Julius. “Excuse me?” “We were watching you and created a distraction while you two escaped, there were a dozen on your tail after you reached the tunnel leading to the plains.” “Why didn’t you tell us?” “We pride ourselves on being invisible, that’s why we position ourselves deep in the mountains and only enlist dark skinned men and women.” “Well, thank you.” Julius nodded in affirmation. BURP!!! “Excuse you,” said Locke rudely after Ray burped in his direction. “Don’t mind if I do,” said Ray getting up from his seat and walking over to where Eve was sitting.