Abyss - Book Five of the Alpha Series - MxM

Chapter 21

I cling to him as subtly as I can. He returns to his human form, dressed back into his more familiar civilian clothes. I try and make myself useful as I meander around our small camp, encircled by our multiple carriages around a big fire.

 While there was much debate in having a fire, it was decided that there was no way our monk friends wouldn't find us and the darkness would leave us at a large disadvantage when they began to try and pick us off. As the sun begins to sink, I can feel the electricity in the group.

 Everyone is on edge, from the wounded to those who prepare themselves for the thought that we won't all make it through this night. 

Eyes are on me, watching me as I move, knowing that I will be the main target. I find that I'm impressed they haven't just turned me over, it would have crossed my mind, but it would appear my sacrifices for my country have bought me some loyalty and my connections would go with me, leaving them even more outnumbered. 

Verando rolls his shirt up as Helen points out a bloody spot on his side and they argue about stitches, Loan thankfully silences them both by healing him but I can tell by the look on his face that he's drained. He's been working non-stop to get this camp up and running, healing has always been his forte. 

"Thanks." I offer him. 

Loan shrugs. "Just don't die, alright?" He slumps down between Haryek's legs as the elf rubs his shoulders. 

"What's the plan?" Haryek ponders, eyeing the lowering orb of light. 

Verando inspects the man's handy work. "Well, surviving is ideal." I realize everyone is looking at both of us and I realize that our close quarters must have appeared as planning instead of an insane attachment. "The monks are not very strong though they are skilled, they're only human." 

"So are we." One of the guards frowns. 

"Yes well, you have a bit more luck on your side, yeah? There is not enough time to train castle guards on how to be practiced warriors. The main objective is to remain in motion, do not hold still, do not make big moves that could leave you open for an assault." He motions to Tonic, unsheathing one of his karambit knives from the holster on the rear of his belt. 

"These are pretty common for the type of warrior we're dealing with." He gestures to Tonic to pick up his fighting stance, demonstrating how an open stance can allow one to grab the wrist and stab into the lungs. 

The motion is swift and lethal, Tonic rolls his eyes at the dramatics. "Keep your arms close to your body to protect your vital, don't get sloppy. This will be hand to hand unless they bring their dragons, let the magic users handle the dragons. A human will not be strong enough to pierce the hide with a blade."

The guard puts his face in his hands and sighs. "I feel horrendously under-qualified." The others nod in agreement and Reid puts his hand on his shoulder. 

"Alpha has gotten us through some really tough times with a lot less. He saved us when we were being hunted by the infected on a three-day trek. If you follow his advice, you will be fine." Reid is so optimistic it's hard to not feel a little more relaxed. The man sits up a little taller. 

"How many of you survived?" That makes him frown. None of them did. Only he and Verando lived.  

"They would have all survived if they didn't run off like cowards," Verando grumbles. "Running away assures your demise, especially in situations such as these. I encourage any of you who are thinking of running to take a good long look at the last twenty-four hours. As for the plan, we will stay close together, within the circle of the carriages. There is no way to prevent being surrounded since we can not remain moving and we have people we must protect.