Eight of Hearts: The Vision - Book 2

Chapter 26

Peter swore as he tossed the radio back to Rocky. "Change of plan: stay here and guard the armory. Do not engage that thing unless you have to."

"What about our supply chain?" Rocky asked.

"We can't do anything until that beast passes to the upper levels," Peter said. "It should ignore you and come after us, then you can secure the supply chain again."

As Rocky saluted, Peter turned and marched toward the shaft leading to the upper levels. He forced himself to ignore the pain shooting up his leg, carrying the cane, rather than relying on it to assist him. "Luck is on our side," he said as James hurried to keep pace beside him. "I had expected whatever she unleashed to get in our way, but it looks like our path upward is clear."

"Do you know what's chasing after us?" James asked, his voice full of concern.

Peter shook his head. "BookWorm is our resident nihilist. He was one of the few against the mission to raid the HDSF facility, because he didn't think it was worth the effort. Most everyone hates his guts, since he 'doesn't have a hook', as Kaya used to say. I first met him staring down the barrel of an HDSF rifle until the agent flinched." Peter stopped as they reached the massive vertical shaft stretching far above and below them into darkness. "I don't want to meet the devil that had that shell of a man on his knees."

The tunnel leading down wasn't perfectly straight, so it made sense that he couldn't make out anything in the darkness. But he thought he could hear the growling breath of the beast that was hunting them, echoing up from far below.

As for the path ahead, this first part would be the hardest. Like the tunnel below, the one above curved back and forth at an angle, which would make the climb easier. At least, easier for those without an injured leg.

The vines that had allowed him to climb this far were much thinner here, and would likely grow even thinner the higher they climbed. But for the moment, that was all they had, so he carefully chose one, then clamped his cane in his teeth and began hauling himself up, arm over arm.

"I can make a portal to get you up there, if you'd like," James called from below. "As long as I can see where I'm going, anyway."

Peter grunted in reply, but kept hauling himself anway. He would show those whippersnappers he wasn't ready for the grave just yet.

Jonas watched as Peter hauled himself up into the tunnel overhead, followed closely by James and Adriana. He had to admire the grizzled soldier's determination, pulling himself up with just his upper body strength alone, all with a cane clenched in his teeth. He imagined Peter must have been quite the fighter in his prime.

Jonas was about to follow after them, when a voice spoke up behind him.

"This isn't right."

Jonas turned to see Bryce staring up into the dark tunnel overhead with his one good eye.

"What isn't right?" Jonas asked.

Bryce turned to look at him, and Jonas could see the internal conflict on his face. "What if whatever's chasing us decides to go for the armory?"

"Then that makes our job easier," Jonas answered, raising an eyebrow at his cousin. "You heard Peter; I'm sure Rocky can handle whatever happens. We have to focus on stopping Kaya, and finding Tobias."

Bryce shook his head. "Look, you told me that this eye of mine might be useful; I think now is the perfect time to use it. And honestly, my leg only just healed; I don't think I should be putting all of my weight on it just yet."

"Peter's leg is still injured," Jonas reminded him. "Are you seriously going to let him show you up? That isn't like you, Bryce."

Bryce shook his head. "I know I'm not making any sense, but I've learned a lot over the past few days. Some things are more important than getting famous, or 'proving myself'. There's a reason everyone looks up to James as a leader; he always puts the lives of those around him first." There was no bluster, or bravado in his voice; just the simple confidence of someone who had found the path he wanted to walk.