Aftermath || Sequel to The World Without Them [HIATUS]

10 | The Last Strongholds

The flight from Niska to the forest outside of Deepwind Town was relatively short, which unfortunately didn't give Frost a whole lot of time to gather himself.

It didn't help that the only sounds were those of the rotating helicopter blades and Corinne's voice periodically griping through his headphones. No matter how hard he tried he just couldn't clear his head, so the boy settled for meager attempts at drowning his thoughts out with the noise.

It wasn't too much longer until Frost felt the vehicle begin to make its gradual descent. He peered out the window at the seemingly endless sea of trees below. From his position he couldn't see Deepwind Town but he knew that it was fast approaching, as were the rebels that had locked themselves away inside one of the only remaining strongholds in the country.

The gun at his hip seemed to weigh heavier as Frost's mind wandered to the people they'd be facing within the hour. The squadrons carrying out Operation Citadel were not seeking any element of surprise, which the boy honestly didn't know would make him feel better or not if that was the route they had chosen to take. He was most uncomfortable with the several missing pieces and unknowns hovering above them. There was no way for them to know what to expect.

The teen's heart leaped as the helicopter suddenly touched solid ground, making the vehicle hop. The squadron members watched as the spinning blades of the aircraft whipped up intense gusts that made the surrounding tree branches bend and dust clouds rise.

It wasn't long before the propellers stopped completely and the pilot gave them the signal that it was safe to get out. Corinne was the first one to heave open the door and jump into the dirt, followed by Frost and the others.

They had landed in a clearing. After briefly glancing around, the Silverkeep native was just able to spot the walls of Deepwind Town from between the trees. While it was barely visible, something about it made a lump form in his throat.

"Remember the plan," a voice suddenly said over the earpiece, making everyone pause and listen. Frost knew right away that the stern tone belonged to Acacia. "Go in and attempt to negotiate. No violence unless absolutely necessary. If they won't listen, then leave. This mission is not worth a life." The woman took an audible deep breath. "Keep me updated, and I'll do what I can to assist. I have eyes everywhere, and I'm focused on Deepwind."

"Copy," Corinne replied as she unclipped her pistol from where it sat at her hip. "Has the other team landed?"

"Yes, they are moving in towards Woodlake as we speak."

"Beautiful." The ex-official turned towards the squadron. "We have no time to waste. Take it slow, and be mindful of your surroundings. We may have eyes in Deepwind Town, but the rebels do too. And above all, keep Frost safe. Nothing is more important than that."

The adolescent bit the inside of his cheek at her words, and tried not to fidget as his comrades all peered over at him. Corinne also gazed at him for a moment as if to study how well he was holding up. Then, she nodded in the direction of the settlement.

"Lead the way, kid."

Frost hesitated before taking his first few steps forward. The team fanned out on either side as Corinne took up a position directly behind him. Hearing their footsteps and knowing they were there to support his cause gave the runaway some level of comfort as they approached the town's walls.

The first thing Frost noticed as the group made their way out of the forest and onto the worn dirt road was that there weren't any guards. No one was stationed at the wooden gates like there had been when he, Sage, and Mana had come all those months ago. The teen sent Corinne a questioning glance over his shoulder, to which she responded with a shrug. One of the squad members went ahead and tugged on the gate's handles, and they were all certainly surprised when the hinges allowed the large door to swing open with ease.