A Gifted Queen

Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Getting Ready To Search

I nod for her to leave. I know just how those kids feel, I could cry myself. But I am a man, and I am made to be strong. Max, where are you?

Yeah, Micah, what can I do for you?

Are all the supplies together. I need a rundown of what we have. If we need anything else, it would be easier to get it now.

Ive gotten five trucks that can handle all the men. Two of them are pulling trailers with tents and food supplies. We can always come back for food or take more food from the packs that we're investigating.

When will the supplies all be loaded? How many men and trackers do we have?

I figure about five hours, maybe six, before we get it all together. We have 75 men ready to go.

That's not enough. We had 100 men last time; we need more men than that.

If we can even get the men, we are going to need another truck and more supplies.

Then you will get what we need. We cannot go there shorthanded and under supplied.

I understand what you are saying. But where do you want me to get more men?

Talk to my father ask him to let us have at least 25, if he has more than that it would be great. Dont take any more from the palace, we dont want to leave them vulnerable. Weve already taken enough men.

Alright, Micah. That may have us leaving a couple hours later. So, maybe by eight oclock tomorrow morning. We should be able to get the guards from your fathers place here by then.

No should be, I dont want to hear could or should. You will get it done. Make sure everybody completely understands what they are going to be doing and how long they are going to be gone for. I don't want to have to come back for anything, my plan is not to come back until we have the princess with us. Do you understand that, Max?

Yes, Micah, I understand. I understand exactly where you're coming from. Determination in his voice, I am with you, we are all with you, we will get her home this time.

Good. Thank you, I have to make a stop today at the orphanage and see my dad. I should be back soon. Max, do you need me to do anything before I go?

If you are seeing your dad, ask him about the men. I can get the rest of this mess taken care of. You go take care of what is on your list.

It's two o'clock in the afternoon right now. The Orphanage is on the way to my fathers pack. I will talk to him about the men and have him send them over. You have a lot to deal with here. After I talk to dad, he will have the men here by midnight, if not sooner. Everything should be packed and ready to go by then. We will leave early tomorrow morning.

That sounds about right to me. If I can get the other truck that is.

We have to figure out where to start the search. Youve seen what they did last time. Looking here at the map I am not sure where to start this time. Where do you think we should start?

Probably the Grey Moon pack where we had the strongest lead or the Blood Moon Pack. They never finished the search there. They also said the Alpha was jumpy. He didnt want our men there and three of our men went to tell him we were coming, and they somehow were killed by rogues on their way back.

No one told me that. Micah thinks about what they should do. Get the best trackers and start at the Grey Moon Pack, the next pack will be the Blood Moon Pack.

Arent they the same ones that couldnt find a clue last time?

Micah knows what Max said is true. We need trackers who else can we get?

They are the best; they might find something this time. Things were rushed last time. Everyone was panicked and tripping over their own feet.

I dont have much faith in them. Micah gets a far-off look.

I can see you have something on your mind. What is it?

Youre right I have. Micah pauses, I have been thinking about this, for a few days, we really need the big tracker. He is the best. The rest had a chance and failed; I think we need to give him a shot at it.

Do you really want to go that route? He's too hard to deal with!

No, I want him. You and I both know we need him.

He might not come. He gets an attitude sometimes.

Tell him we need his help to find the Princess. He'll be here, and he will get the job done right.

Alright, but if he hurts somebody it's not my fault.

I'll talk to him. Tell the men to give him plenty of space. Just get him here.

Alright, Micah, I know what he can do and what he has done, but I still think this is a bad idea.

If anybody can find her, he will. That is what is the most important thing right now.

He didn't offer to help before. He never showed up to find her. Why would he come now?

Nobody asked him. He doesn't do anything unless he's asked. This time, I'm asking. Now get him.

I'm on my way. I'll let you know how we make out finding him. You know if he doesnt want to be found you are not finding him.

He isnt far away, if I know him, he has been watching and listening to everything we are doing. Call me as soon as you get it all together.

OK. Max walks off grumbling to himself. If he punches me in the jaw this time he is going to get my foot up his ass and then some.