The Bounty Hunter's Trilogy: Chosen By Fate

Chapter 19. The Hall of the Fallen

Stan's recovery went much slower than Beverly's. She was really thin still and on a smaller diet to work her way up to her usual eating habits. Audrey, however, went the opposite way. I knew better than to say something, but I thought there was a limit to how much more she could fit into her body considering a whole other person was already in there. Apparently I was wrong. But since Stan had to go through the process to reverse any of the genetic changes he had been through, his recovery was much more tedious and tiring. And Audrey was hard to pull away from his side unless it was important.

We were currently in the library around a large wooden table with oak leaves engraved in front of each seat, eating dinner. It was everybody who had been on the mission, minus those in the infirmary, Chad, and Marcus. Apparently Audrey thought the day after was a good time for a debriefing. We had already gone over everything up to yesterday. The box and duffle bag Amaruq had given us were in the middle of the table, along with the letter addressed to Audrey. She had it in front of her, staring at the closed envelope while she inhaled the last of her loaded potato and pushed her plate to the side.

Travis finished off his drink before setting the glass down and looking at the letter Audrey was hesitating to open. "Audrey, you knew this might happen. We hadn't heard from them in over a year. And with the recent activity up there, we were going to have to go up eventually-."

"I know." Audrey reached forward and picked up the envelope. "I just never wanted it to come to this." I pushed my plate forward as I finished the last of my food and I leaned forward on my elbows. "If what is in this envelope is what I think it is..." Travis nodded. Audrey tapped the envelope on the table a few times before taking a deep breath and opening it. She unfolded the paper, clearing her throat as she began to read out loud.

"Our dearest Audrey, this letter is being written and addressed to you in case of the occurrence of our coven reaching its end. In these gifts you will find the knowledge that we were able to collect and the culture that our people created. We write this in fear as the only other coven in Canada has been wiped out in cold blood. No lives were spared and no prisoners were taken. One poor soul survived long enough to get to us with their coven's knowledge in a wooden chest he carried with him. Upon his arrival, it was apparent that he would not make it through the night. Inside is their guide and special weapons." Audrey took a deep breath and tried to blink away her tears before she kept reading.

"We also have had our worst fears confirmed. Our nation is being cleared of any and all Korenye left alone, as well as their relations in an attempt to be rid of us. We are running out of recruits and now one of our strongest allies is gone as if erased from existence. Much like the recent occurrences in South America, entire groups of people will go missing without a trace. As fewer recruits can be found, hopes are dying, and our loyalties are being tested by the day.

"Several small attacks have been attempted here already, leaving many wounded or dead. As our numbers dwindle, we can no longer ignore the inevitable and are taking every precaution in preparation for our end. In the event of the final attack, we are leaving as little of ourselves behind as possible. By destroying supplies and weapons, we keep the enemy at bay for your sake, and the civilians are less likely to stumble across any of our lives.

"Our knowledge, as well as the other coven's, will be sent to a location we have used before as a rendezvous point for the best chance of you gaining it. Travis should be able to find it with ease. It will be guarded by our eldest, strongest, and most trustworthy member, Amaruq. Her ability to transform into a wolf gives her a distinct advantage in protecting the guides as long as possible. With her knowing your face, it will make it harder for a random turned Korenye to come in and retrieve the items.

"By giving these up, we have accepted our fate. But in no way does that mean we are going to go easily. Know that those of us left fought our hardest and bravest when met with the unforgiving enemy. We hope that from giving you this warning we gave you enough to keep yourselves safe and enough time to prepare to fight off the enemy.