Abyss - Book Five of the Alpha Series - MxM

Chapter 25

 I try to make myself useful as I meander around our small camp, encircled by our multiple carriages around a large fire.

 While there was much debate about 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 significant disadvantage when they began to try and pick us off. 

As the sun sets, the energy within the group is palpable.

 From the wounded to those who prepare themselves for battle, the thought that we won't all make it through this night lingers in the air.

The weight of a dozen gazes weighs on my shoulders, following my every move, knowing that I will be the primary target. They haven't yet suggested turning me over; it would have crossed my mind, but it appears my sacrifices for my country have earned me some loyalty. My connections would accompany me, leaving them even more outnumbered, which would likely improve my odds.

 To his credit, Loan had been working nonstop to get this camp up and running. Healing has always been his forte, and that duty had fallen squarely on him to repair the soldiers most likely to be salvagable.

"Thanks." I offer him. "You have gone above and beyond for these men."

Loan shrugs me off, never one to accept a compliment from me. "Just don't die, alright?" He slumps down between Haryek's legs as the elf rubs his shoulders, slowly rolling his palms against the solomonari's shoulder blades as Loan bows his head with an appreciative groan. 

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

Verando yawns, stretching with an audible pop coming from his shoulder. "Well, surviving is ideal. 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 hasn't been 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 a bashin'." He motions to Tonic to approach him, unsheathing one of his karambit knives from the holster on the rear of his belt.

In the art of combat, my warlord was often unparalleled. While I knew his father had been cruel to him, the man had been a decorated general, and much of Verando's youth had been spent training for combat and defending himself and his family. A lifetime of experience could not be handed off so easily, but he had made teaching into an art form on his own. 

Watching him in this light gave me a glimpse into his mind, hearing how he thought through the process, and the steps he'd take shed light on my shortcomings in hand-to-hand.

"These are pretty common for the type of warrior we're dealing with." He gestures to Tonic to assume a 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 organs, 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 the man's shoulder. 

"Lord Commander Mercer has gotten us through some 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 that it's hard not to feel a little more relaxed.