Eight of Hearts: The Rift Blade - Book 1

Chapter 27

James followed silently as the man called "Stink-bug" led him through the many branching hallways and rooms. He had tried to make small talk, but the big man ignored him. If he wanted to be left alone, James decided he wouldn't bother him any more.

As they neared their destination, the hallway became more crowded. Men rushed back and forth, gathering supplies or carrying weapons. Stink-bug didn't seem bothered by the chaos, though James had to keep close to him to keep from losing him.

They finally reached the armory, which was even more chaotic than the hallway had been, as men rushed to prepare for whatever mission Kaya had in mind. It reminded James of a locker room, and seemed to take comfort into account alongside convenience. Gun cabinets lined the walls, alongside shelves overloaded with gear, but various benches, couches, and even the occasional armchair also filled the room. And there was a sense of closeness between the men that James found inspiring. Like they were proper comrades who had endured hardships together. The sense of trust shared between them was comforting. If only that trust extended to him.

The men eyed him suspiciously as he stepped past Stink-bug, and the general chatter became hushed. "Hi guys," James said with a smile, "just coming to gear up."

He picked his way to one of the shelves, then chose what looked like a ballistic vest. It was dirty and torn in a few places, like it had already seen combat, but it was better than nothing. It was probably for the best that he didn't get greedy since the people here didn't trust him yet.

As he put the vest on, he spotted the middle aged man who had first tried to arrest him lacing his boots on one of the benches nearby. Kaya had called him "Shifty", if his memory was correct.

"Hey Shifty!" James called, stepping through the crowded room over to him. "Where did you put that sword I was carrying?"

Shifty raised an eyebrow at him. "It should still be back in the hub. Where I found you."

The "hub". Right. James turned to Stink-bug, giving the big man his best smile. "Would you mind fetching my sword for me? It's kind of important."

Stink-bug just scowled at him.

"I think you may need a gun for this fight," Shifty offered, indicating a nearby cabinet loaded with a variety of rifles and pistols. There were even a few shotguns, though they seemed to be older models. "A sword just isn't going to cut it where we're going."

"Yeah, I don't think so," James said. "That sword is more than just decoration to me, my man."

Shifty rolled his eyes, "Whatever. Your call then." He stood and started to walk away. "I still don't trust you, even if Kaya does."

Well, that was fair. He didn't even know what this mission he was being dragged into was about. He was counting on Tobias to find out from the leader what exactly was going on, but it was still unsettling to see so many people preparing for battle.

"Alright," James said, turning to his escort, who stood nearby watching him. "Enough chit-chat, Stink-bomb! Where's the hub?"

The big man's arm suddenly lashed out, grabbing him firmly by the shoulder in a vice-like grip. "My name's Stink-bug, Limp-bit," he growled.

"My mistake," James grinned through the pain.

Isaac was overjoyed to have company, even someone as young as Pahana. "My name is Isaac!" he said, holding his hand out to the young boy, who seemed far too shy to match his energy. Still, Pahana pushed through his nervousness and reached out to shake Isaac's hand.

"Well Pahana," Isaac said as he shook his hand with vigor. "Can you give me the grand tour?"

"This...this is just a prison cell." Pahana pulled his hand free and backed away warily.