A/N - I'm so happy with how this chapter came out. I apologize for the delay. It took a lot of tweaking before I was happy with it. Hope you all enjoy it!
Chapter 63
Plans for the great battle were being drafted rather quickly, Reed thought. It was only a couple of days ago that the Legate and Caesar told the Centurions what the main plan would be, and Reed had to admit, he thought it was a good strategy. As much as he wasn't looking forward to going to Ouroboros and seeing Hecate, he was glad that Athos and Wendigo would accompany him.
The men were training throughout the day. They'd been spared the daily raids and patrol duties so they could focus on their combative skills in The Fort. Athos was overseeing most of the training while Reed and Wendigo attended most of the meetings to discuss plans and executions.
Reed met up with Athos midday to get some lunch. On their way to the mess, they saw Aramis emerge from her own tent. She only arrived back to The Fort last night and she looked like shit. Reed could tell she was dealing with quite a lot of pain just by her gait. There was a slight limp to her walk, subtle, but detectable. There was no hiding the fresh scar on her left leg along her calf muscle. She favoured it with every step. Her face, particularly under her left cheek was still heavily swollen and the skin beneath both eyes was darkened with bruises in various stages of healing. Reed noted the lacerations, now mostly healed, around her wrists and forearms. He knew what knife wounds looked like and those were most definitely from a blade. The back of her hand had been mended with sutures, the scar was evident but who'd performed the treatment, Reed couldn't even guess.
Aramis had been vague on the details but assured everyone that her time on The Strip had been a success. Her brief earlier in the morning had been impressive. She relayed all kinds of information about the who's who in New Vegas. The question of her injuries never came up.
Athos gave her a wave. She smiled and caught up to them.
"Centurions," she greeted in slight jest.
"Commander," her brother replied sheepishly.
"I overheard some news," Aramis said with a smirk.
"Oh?" Reed probed.
"The Legate will be joining you on this little adventure. Caesar ordered it," she said.
"A family reunion! Wonderful!" Athos mocked.
Aramis shot him a cold look.
"What's Caesar's reasoning for that?" Reed asked.
"He thinks that Joshua will be able to apply his usual charm and Hecate will be more cooperative," Aramis said with a frown.
Reed detected the animosity in her voice.
"Caesar's right. She'll be happy to have him there," Athos concluded.
"Onto another subject," Aramis cut in. "The men told me about what you did to one of Wendigo's men. Brutal. Care to elaborate?"
"I do not," Athos said with a smirk. "I prefer to let the rumours soar."
"The stories are interesting," she said.
"What's the number at now? Ten men slain?" Reed teased.
"At least," Athos said, his tone filled with pride.
"Wendigo wasn't pissed? Does Caesar know?" she asked.
"Of course, Caesar knows. When culling insubordination, Caesar is on the side of his Centurions. Wendigo backed me up and that was that," Athos said.
"He wasn't even a little mad?" Aramis asked.
"Wendigo? Hell no. He's a good man. I like that guy," Athos concluded.
"So, are you back for a while?" Reed asked looking to Aramis.
She shrugged and said,
"I have a matter to attend to in the east. I have to link up with Hard Tack. There was a message waiting for me when I got back last night so we're planning on meeting up in the next few days. Other than that, who knows," she replied.
"With Hard Tack? What's that about?" Athos asked.
"Information exchange," Aramis said casually.
Another vague response, Reed thought.
They walked into the mess tent. There were several others inside but the one who stood out most was the Legate sitting on his own. The three sat down to join him after getting their own food.
"We're pulling out in two days," the Legate said.
"That's what I told my wife," Athos joked.
Reed saw the Legate roll his eyes and Aramis frowned.
"So soon?" Reed asked.
"Caesar wants us there as soon as possible," the Legate answered. "I know better than to question the directive of a self-proclaimed God."
No one argued that fact.
The Legate turned and looked to Aramis. "I overheard your request to Caesar to meet up with Hardtack at South Cove," he said.
"Yeah, we're just doing an information exchange," she said dismissively.
The Legate raised a brow. Even he wasn't fooled by her ambiguous explanation.
"I was hoping you'd join us in Ouroboros," he said.
"This is important," Aramis tried. "Besides, Colt is there. He's been exceptional and should serve you well."
The Legate frowned.
"Is it really that important?" the Legate questioned.
"It is," Aramis assured. "It won't take long. Once my business is concluded I'll come straight north and meet you if you still require me."
There was a pause.
"No, it's fine … we'll manage," the Legate dismissed.
Reed felt the tension growing.
"Fuck!" Athos suddenly called out. "I was supposed to lead a small arms session on the fifty-foot range!" He jumped to his feet and ran out of the tent.
Smart man, Reed thought.
The rest of them ate their lunch in silence. Reed felt most uncomfortable sitting between the Legate and Aramis. Athos had been a real dick for abandoning him.
"Well, I'm full," Reed said, no longer willing to be a third wheel. He stood up and gave them both a polite nod before departing. Hunger was a far better feeling than enduring that awkwardness.
The day the main body left for Ouroboros, Aramis went to South Cove. It was a small hub between Utah and Nevada. It was the agreed upon location for her and the Speculatores' Commander to meet up. South Cove was a remote, barren place amidst the arid landscape. There had once been a small lake here but much of it had dried up though there was still some water that Aramis didn't trust to refill her canteen. She clutched the briefcase close to her body. She hadn't told Hardtack the true nature of this meeting. It was safer to leave out the details in case the messenger was intercepted.
Within the hour several figures appeared on the nearby hills and descended towards the lake bed.
As they drew nearer, Aramis made out the distinct image of Hardtack. Over the years he'd lost all the hair on his head leaving a shiny tan scalp. He was wearing his own distinct uniform of the Speculatores' Commander with ornate gold detailing in the cuirass.
She was surprised when he pulled her into a tight bear hug the moment he was close enough. The men around them smiled and exchanged pleasant greetings. She had been told they all knew about her real identity, but she was still wary, nonetheless.
"You look like crap! The hell happened to you?!" Hardtack said as he put her down and surveyed her appearance.
"The things we do for friends," she said as she handed him the briefcase not wanting to waste any time.
Hardtack raised a brow and studied the case. He pouted as he looked at her with dark inquisitive eyes.
"What's this?" he asked.
"Just open it," she said.
Hardtack opened the case and gasped when he saw the contents.
"How … how did you get all this?!" he said in astonishment.
"Is it enough to pay the debt?" Aramis asked, dismissing his question.
"My mind at currency exchange isn't the greatest but just on sight I would say it's more than enough!" he proclaimed. His smile suddenly turned to a frown as he closed the case. "But I can't accept this, Aramis," he said as he tried to hand it back.
Aramis refused and took a step back.
"You damn well will take the money. Look, you know about the coming battle. I don't know what will happen, but this money gives you, your girl and the men a chance at life if the Legion loses," Aramis said, her tone trailing as she dropped her gaze to the ground.
Hardtack appeared to waver at her words.
"How can I ever repay you?" he asked.
Aramis shook her head and said,
"You've always been kind to me, you've kept my secret and your men have always had my back … for the most part," she said light-heartedly.
Hardtack finally brought the case to rest under his arm and smiled thoughtfully.
"This means something, you know that right?" he said.
"I didn't do it so I'd have one up on you, I did it because I had the chance to do something right for a friend," she told him.
Hardtack didn't even try to suppress his wide grin, but his face turned stern as he crossed his fist over his chest, a gesture that was replicated by every man in the Speculatores.
Aramis felt the sudden surge of pride as she looked at each man giving her his salute. She earned their trust, their respect and their loyalty - she, a woman playing at a man in a slave army.
"Commander," Hardtack said with a smirk.
Aramis crossed her own fist over her chest at him and smiled before uttering the proper response.
"Commander."
Colt met the men at the edge of Ouroboros and greeted the leaders respectfully.
"About time you get here. The warriors have been itching for this battle," he said with a grin.
Athos was just glad the long march was over, and he'd be able to rest for at least a day or two.
"Where are we setting up camp?" Wendigo asked, clearly tracking Athos's thoughts.
"It's really up to you. Hecate isn't dictating anything," Colt said but he was looking at the Legate knowing it was he who would make that call.
The Legate looked around.
"We have the high ground here. This is a good spot. The rainy season is upon us and I don't want to wake up in a lake if we get hit with a system," the Legate ordered.
Wendigo signalled for his Decanii to come forth. Reed and Athos followed the gesture. To Athos's surprise, Alexus and Dead Sea manifested amongst the Decanii.
"What are you two doing here?" Athos demanded to know but in a tone that was far from accusatory and more out of pleasant alarm.
The two young men pulled down their neck gators and smirked. It was Alexus that answered.
"With permission from Centurion Argo, we were allowed to offer the added experience to this part of the mission."
Athos raised a brow. Had this been Seekra's doing? She must have known Athos would do a far better job keeping an eye on her boys and vice versa. He merely nodded and when no one else was paying much attention, gave a wink of approval to the two Decanii.
Instructions were passed on to the men to get everything set up before nightfall. As for the Legate and Centurions, they followed Colt into Ouroboros towards Hecate's pyramid like fortress.
"So … this was your home away from home," Athos teased, nudging the Legate with his elbow.
Athos saw the man roll his eyes.
"Do you think she'll be happy to see you?" Athos pressed.
"Doubtful," the Legate answered. "Watch your back around here, Athos. I've never trusted Hecate, not even a little bit. Never wander around here alone, that goes for all the men, is that clear?" he ordered, his tone serious and cold.
"Sir," Athos affirmed.
Together they all entered Hecate's great hall where she sat on her large chair adorned with colourful clean pillows of many vibrant hues. Stocky women stood on either side of their master holding long sharpened sticks. They must have only been for appearances and intimidation because the real threat was the small revolvers on each of their hips. Athos had been told that all the Hounds and Daughter's rounds had been dipped in Nightstalker venom. Even a bullet's graze would be deadly. The women wore the same stern expression and they glared down at the men as they entered with passive distrust.
Athos thought it was interesting that Hecate placed herself and her bodyguards on an elevated platform so anyone who stood before her would have to crane their neck up.
From her throne, Hecate was smiling, of course, she usually smiled as Athos knew. A smile on her face could mean anything so he never mistook it for sincerity.
"Welcome back," Hecate said as her eyes fell on the Legate. "And welcome to those who've never seen my lands," she added now skimming over the rest of them. "You'll be pleased to know my warriors stand ready to assist Master Caesar with this great battle."
"This will please him," the Legate replied. "How soon are your men ready to depart?" he asked.
Hecate's eyes narrowed.
"My men?" she asked.
Athos saw the Legate's body jerk slightly.
"I meant your warriors," he corrected.
"When you wish it, my Legate," Hecate spoke softly. "I would expect you and your men will want to rest for a few days before departing."
"We leave in three days," the Legate said, his voice direct.
"Three days it is," Hecate confirmed.
"Then we have nothing more to discuss at this time. I will get the men settled and we shall speak again later," the Legate said. Without waiting for a response, he turned and begun to walk away. The Centurions had to move quickly to follow their leader, but they didn't make it out fast enough as they heard Hecate call out.
"I'm glad you're back Joshua, I missed you."
Reed meandered through the network of tents spread out along the vast open hill where they had made camp. He had remained out of the main village of Ouroboros to assist his men with camp duties. The work was beneath a Centurion, but it was an opportune excuse if it meant he was far from Hecate and her people. He wondered how long he'd be able to dodge Hecate on her own turf.
Fortunately, there was plenty of work to be done that allowed him to keep a distance. The Legate had ordered the Centurions inspect the Hounds and Daughter's aptitude for combat. This proved to be tricky as each group had their own distinct fighting styles and weapons so to get everyone working together was a challenge. The Hounds and Daughters' seemed to favour stealth and ambush while the Legionaries went in fast and with brutal force. Eventually, by the second day, they seemed to be doing well. Hecate insisted that the women lead drills and training, but the Legate forbade it. He would later tell Reed in confidence that it wasn't because he felt they were inadequate, but he knew the men would never respect and follow the orders of a woman, even Hecate.
Training alongside women was definitely a distinctive experience for the Legionaries. Reed was ashamed to admit that while the Hounds and Daughter's proved to be professional and astute, the Legionaries were somewhat unruly, distracted and crude. The Centurions even struggled with keeping the Decanii in line. Many of the men refused to partner with the women and those who did, only wished to exercise their ability to unleash their brutality on those they deemed weaker. To Reed's surprise, however, the women proved to be stronger than anyone expected and even when a man took one on in combat, the odds were usually quite evenly matched.
It was clear by the end of the second day that neither faction was about to become great pals with the other but at least they behaved well enough that they could fight side by side. Reed knew the NCR would be disciplined and well equipped, but the Legion was born in the sands of the wasteland. Every man fought his way through this unforgiving existence. Weakness and complacency meant death, which is why every man in the Legion would fight until the very last man was slain.
XXX
That evening the highest ranks met for a final brief in Hecate's pyramid. Hecate remained on her throne while the Legate, Centurions and Colt stood in a semi-circle before her. Despite her imposing presence, it was the Legate who held everyone's attention.
"The recce party returned this morning. It appears that the main route I planned on taking has been blocked by landslides. Seems the rainy season has come early this year. We'll have to take the alternate route I laid out. This will still keep us out of the low canyons and out of the risky spots where we could encounter flash flooding," the Legate dragged on. "Once we reach Moapa we'll branch off the 15 and take the 167. We'll make camp on the ridges to the west of Las Vegas Bay. From there we'll have a view of the southern valley. The main force plans on attacking directly from The Fort. Our orders are to attack from our location as well as provide the necessary resistance for any reinforcements that may come from Henderson and the surrounding area. If this turns into a bit of a siege, we'll be in a prime position to block the vital supply lines so long as we hold the ridge. It's unclear what kind of opposition we'll face." The Legate turned to Colt giving him the floor.
"Latest intel from the Frumentarii Commander suggests there's at least one battalion in the city of New Vegas along with support personnel and at least half that number simply there on what they call leave, meaning they are off duty. Another battalion makes up another garrison they call Henderson. We can expect they'll try to pull in reinforcements to the city and disperse them to other critical locations we haven't yet discovered. The Commander estimates over two thousand strong," Colt explained.
"That should be easy for us to handle," Athos chimed in.
"Don't underestimate the situation. There's a lot of moving parts to this," the Legate warned, and Reed saw the Legate flash a very subtle but apprehensive glance to Hecate. It was so elusive that Reed was certain he was the only one who saw it.
"The marching order will be as follows; Wendigo and Athos will be upfront with their men followed by Hecate and her warriors. Reed you'll be in the rear. Colt, you'll be with me in front of Reed's men," the Legate said.
"Reveille still at sunrise?" Wendigo asked.
"Start getting the men up just before," the Legate confirmed. "I want to step off at sunrise."
Everyone was nodding in unison.
Reed was surprised at the level of composure in the room. On the eve before a massive undertaking not a single member of the high command looked nervous or anxious.
Once every detail was covered the Legate dismissed them for the night.
Reed followed the Legate out.
They walked in silence for a short while. Reed looked over his shoulder at Wendigo and Athos in conversation as they all made their way back to the tent lines. Colt was absent, likely gone a separate way back to his own secluded part of camp.
"Never would have thought we'd be in this position," Reed said trying to sound composed.
"What do you mean?" the Legate asked.
"Marching into one of the greatest battles the Legion has even partaken with Hecate and her warriors. I half expected them to try and slit our throats by now," Reed said in jest, but only just.
"She has a vested interest in the success of this mission … besides … she only wants you dead," the Legate teased.
Joshua settled into his bedroll for the night. Everything was dark and quiet when he heard footsteps outside his tent. They were loud, almost intentionally so, so as not to give the impression the individual outside was trying to be sneaky.
"Legate," a woman's voice called through the thin fabric. "The Goddess wishes to speak with you."
Joshua thought for a moment that he should just pretend to be asleep but when the flap of his tent flung open and the young face peered at him in the dark, he groaned and rose up to follow her out.
"What does she want?" he mumbled.
"I don't ask what the goddess intends, I only obey her demands," the woman said.
"Right," he uttered.
The woman led him back to Hecate's pyramid. They entered the large space now lit up with soft flames from the braziers. They continued through, past Hecate's throne to a large room behind the audience chamber, Hecate's bedroom.
A soft green curtain separated the chamber from the bedroom. The woman beckoned the Legate to enter before she turned and left him standing there.
"You may enter," Hecate's voice called forth.
With a heavy sigh, Joshua pushed aside the curtain and stepped in.
Hecate stood in the centre of the room bathed in faint orange light from multiple braziers scattered throughout the room. Joshua had to swallow the lump in his throat at the sight of her. Her perfect black skin looked as though it melted with the shadows around the room. She was wearing nothing more than an ornate breast piece and a very small piece of fabric between her legs. Much of her body had been painted with bright colours making her appear more like a tropical bird from the books he studied and less like a mortal human.
"I'm hurt that I have to summon you to my bed-chamber. I would have thought you'd come willingly on your own accord," she cooed.
"This hardly seems like an appropriate time. We should be asleep. Big day tomorrow," he said in a deep tone.
"These could be our last days of life. Should we not enjoy them?" Hecate baited as she moved across the room as if gliding towards him. When she was just inches from his face, she wrapped her arms around his neck.
Joshua grimaced.
Hecate smiled but her arms fell away from him as she turned and sat on the edge of her bed. Her smile was replaced with a look of almost solemnity. Her eyes seemed awash with vacancy like she was suddenly taken far away from this moment.
Joshua stood silently watching, wondering if her mind would return.
"Do you think about him, Josh?" she asked, her voice flat and emotionless.
Immediately Joshua knew whom she spoke of and for a brief moment, he felt a small tinge of pity for her and the loss she was still grieving.
"Our son was taken from us too soon," she spoke softly, her voice just hovering above a whisper.
Joshua stood firm in place knowing that the boy had never been his son and perhaps more importantly was very much alive and being raised in New Canaan with Tahnee, but Hecate still believed he'd been murdered in a raid by a bogus enemy.
"I don't think about it," Joshua said but realized his voice probably sounded far colder than he intended. Suddenly her eyes lifted from the floor and penetrated his very soul. He wanted to look away, but he forced the contact between them.
"I haven't forgotten our son," she said, her attitude soured.
Joshua stayed silent.
Hecate leaned forward, resting her elbows on her thighs as she took in his dismissive stance.
"You're the worst one of them all," she began.
Joshua raised a brow. Here we go, he thought.
"Caesar doesn't hide his intention," Hecate went on. "He accepts his position as the absolute tyrant he is, he prides himself on that image and uses it to strike fear and obedience in those he terrorizes. The men in his slave army are simply the creatures he commands and even they play their role with transparency and truth … but not you … you think you're above everyone because you refuse to wear the armour or denounce your God and take up Caesar as your mantle. Caesar yearns for power. The men yearn for his love. Everyone has a goal in all of this except you. You'd rather prattle on as the second to a greater man but you're not even that. You just exist for yourself … and you are nothing."
Joshua stood in a stunned silence unable to formulate any words to counter Hecate's verbal ambush.
Hecate sat still on the bed glaring up at him with sustained animosity.
The only gesture Joshua could muster was the slightest of nods while he chewed the inside of his cheek before turning and leaving Hecate's bed-chamber.
While he walked back to his tent, Joshua pondered if he should have revealed some truth to her regarding the knowledge of Jason's true paternity. In actuality, none of it mattered anymore. If Hecate needed him to be the villain in all this then so be it. What was one more burden?
Joshua stared up at the massive wall of rocks before him. There was no way he'd risk ascending the wall with the entire battle group. Sure, they had some good climbers but gear for this many was lacking and if one of the larger boulders came loose, it could crush so many or cause the entire wall to shift and bury them.
This was rotten luck. He'd taken every precaution; he'd sent the scouts to recce the route. How could so much have changed in just a couple of days, he thought.
Everything had been going well up until this point. The weather for the most part had been relatively clear apart for some very light rain and generally overcast skies. They were making good time by keeping a relatively quick pace. Morale was high in anticipation of the coming fight with the NCR. Now, this. This wall of rocks blocking their path changed everything.
Athos and Wendigo were beside him in the next second.
"Well, this sucks," the Athos announced.
"We can't scale it," Joshua said.
"Obviously," Athos mumbled.
"East?" Joshua asked, trusting that the two Centurions would provide some insight.
"Might not have a choice now," Wendigo affirmed.
Joshua didn't like the idea of pushing East and taking the lower canyon routes. It was mid-summer and there was a great risk that storms could materialize and cause flooding, making the journey more perilous. Still, there was no question that the usual route from Ouroboros was not happening and the men relied on him to make a quick decision so they could be on their way.
"We could save time by cutting through Zion, then hook back across up on the plateau. Might save us a few days since we're already losing about three just with this detour," Athos suggested.
"Seems like the logical route," Joshua agreed.
"Plus … it's pretty," Athos teased with a cool smirk.
Joshua rolled his eyes.
"We're not climbing this are we?" Reed's voice suddenly materialized as he appeared through the large gaggle that had gathered at the base of the rockslide. Beside him, Hecate stood staring up at the wall in astonishment with mouth open and neck craned.
"No, we'll take the lower canyon routes," Joshua said.
"That will take days," Hecate protested.
"What choice do we have?" Joshua thought his words were more of a statement than a question he expected her to answer.
"We could try to climb," she said calmly.
"No, the Legate's right," Reed agreed as if it were up discussion. "We can't climb this. The path through Zion will probably be our best bet."
Hecate merely shrugged.
"East then" Wendigo affirmed.
The group began to move off like a swarm moving through the bluffs.
Joshua felt moderately irritated by this new development. Irritation turned to scepticism as he pondered how their route had become blocked in the first place. It was always possible that rains in the area had caused the boulders to loosen and fill the narrow gorge, but there was that lingering thought in Joshua's head that made him think that maybe this had all be intentional.
Athos remained at his side while they marched.
"I like the Zion route," Athos said casually, the smile never fading from his lips.
Joshua had to admire the man's optimism. He glanced back at Hecate and her warriors. They too seemed indifferent at the thought of having to manoeuvre this obstacle and add a few more days to the march.
Hecate looked up and saw Joshua looking back at her. She gave a prolific smile that made Joshua scowl.
"I still don't trust that one," Athos grumbled, and Joshua suddenly realized that the man had been watching the interaction.
"She's proven herself valuable and trustworthy – to some degree," Joshua defended.
"She looks at you like she owns you," Athos said, and Joshua could sense unease in his voice.
"You're being paranoid," Joshua ridiculed.
"Maybe," Athos said dismissively.
More time passed where they walked side by side in silence.
Athos spoke up once more.
"I'm not trying to overstep my position," he began, but the Legate cut in.
"Then don't," Joshua bit back.
Athos' shoulders slumped and he dropped his gaze.
"Is there still something between the two of you?" Athos braved.
"You're overstepping," the Legate warned.
"I said I would try not to," Athos said with a grin that only lasted a second before turning to a frown. "You don't think you have anyone you can talk to, do you?" he added, his voice turning serious.
Joshua gave him a surprised look. He always took Athos to be a simple brute and now the man seemed to have a vested interest in Joshua's well-being. Joshua didn't answer. He didn't want to appear distracted given the present moment's importance.
"I've known you for most of my life. We've never exactly been the best of friends," Athos said.
Joshua was about to interject but Athos cut him off.
"You're the Legate, I know. The position of friendship doesn't apply to men of your … status," Athos said, "I respect that you're the Legate, I do … and you probably look at each and every one of us like the subordinates we are, but fuck man, you're not always alone out here," Athos told him.
The comment surprised Joshua. Perhaps worst, there was some truth to what the man said.
"I'm not asking to be best buddies," Athos asserted. "I'm just simply offering you a chance to let down your guard and speak plainly. I think we've shared enough experiences with each other in this lifetime to be afforded that mutual respect.
"I've been doubting every choice I've made in this mission," Joshua said blatantly. "I feel like there's something I'm missing, and I'm terrified it's going to get us all killed."
Athos looked at him thoughtfully and said,
"It's a good plan. None of us doubts you."
"There are so many variables … "
"You've studied this plan for months. You've thought about every possible outcome. No one could have done any better."
"You think it was enough?" Joshua asked.
"I do," Athos affirmed. "And if something arises that eluded us from the start, then frankly, not even Caesar could have seen it coming."
Joshua smiled for a moment before his face turned serious again.
"There is one part in all of this I still haven't been able to figure out," Joshua went on "You asked if there was still something between Hecate and I … truth is I … I'm still in love with your sister," Joshua spit out. The moment he said the words he instantly felt relieved that he could speak them. He'd asked himself time and time again in his head if he still loved Aramis, but to say them out loud, made him feel vindicated. He glanced to Athos expecting to see shock and horror on the man's face but to his surprise, Athos looked stoic.
Suddenly Athos chucked.
"We all know," he said with a wide grin. "That much has always been obvious."
Joshua felt embarrassed. Was he so transparent?
Athos's grin faded.
"I'm terrified that I'm going to die in this battle. Then who will look after Seekra?"
Joshua studied Athos's face. The man was clearly pained by this thought. Despite Athos's rough exterior, he was a gentle soul.
"If I live through this, I promise to keep Seekra safe should anything happen to you. As God is my witness," the Legate vowed.
He meant it. He would protect them all if he could.
Athos craned his head and looked Joshua right in the eye.
"Thank you," Athos said in words so honest Joshua felt his own spirit lift. Then the smirk returned to the Centurion's face and he said,
"And I'll try to work on my sister for you."
Joshua couldn't help but laugh. So, maybe he did have friends after all.
It took a couple of hours of backtracking but eventually, they were on their new path that would take them into the heart of Zion. To many, this would be a new adventure as the Zion route, while picturesque, had its own challenges of landslides, flash floods, and deadly critters. Still, Joshua's spirits were lifting. Zion had always been his favourite passage. There was something about the place that made him feel God's presence. Perhaps it was just the magnificence of the massive park that assured him that such a place could only be crafted by the hand of The Lord.
The day's march ended when the men came to "Thunderbird." Joshua could only speculate that this place had been an old hotel back before the bombs. For the most part, the building was intact, untouched by bombs but derelict from weathering and neglect.
The men were permitted to set up camp for the night, though as usual the high ranks were permitted to use what rooms were accessible in the old hotel.
Joshua had made one room, in particular, his own little safe haven. Tucked at the end of the hallway, the corner unit was larger and permitted more natural light from the windows that remained intact. Joshua had a stash of his own blankets he kept in the closet and lay them down on the old mattress. It would be nice to have a proper bed to sleep on tonight and not be roughing it in the dirt and rock.
There came a soft knock at his door.
Joshua knew right away who it was and was almost reluctant to open the door.
"Are you going to make me stand out here all day?" her voice called through the heavy door.
Joshua frowned and opened the door. Hecate stepped inside, closing the door behind her.
"I figured you'd like the opportunity to apologize," Hecate said in her commonly overly friendly tone while she moved across the room towards the deformed bed Joshua had laid his bedroll on.
Joshua stood in the doorway; his frown turned to a smile as the door remained open.
"Close the door and join me," she ordered.
Joshua didn't move. This game had gotten old and he was done playing.
When she noticed his unwavering resilience, she grinned thoughtfully and tilted her head ever so slightly to the side.
"I'm done with this," Joshua stated blatantly and gestured with his hand to the open door.
"Don't be so cynical. Close the door and let's put this stubbornness aside. Stop pretending to be above it all. You and I are right where we should be," she said calmly.
"I said get out," he ordered.
"And I said close the door and come here," she added, her own voice becoming stern and irritated.
Joshua didn't move.
Hecate raised a brow.
"What's changed, Josh? Why so much defiance?" Hecate asked as she rose from the bed and came towards him. He stood his ground. When she was mere inches from him, she reached out and caressed between his legs. His eyes narrowed on her. Nothing happened, nothing stirred, no sudden desire to bend to her seduction, in fact, quite the opposite, he was repelled.
"I said, out," he told her in a voice so cold she took a step back. He grabbed her by the hand and with one quick pull, she was out the door, in the hallway and the door slammed close.
XXX
There never came another knock that night. Joshua curled up in his bedroll and let sleep come so naturally that by morning he felt rested and renewed.
The day was pleasantly sunny and warm. The men had marshalled in the respective area ready to head out. The pass through Zion was long and winding and would take them the better part of a full day to get through.
Athos and Reed took to walking with Joshua, making light conversation as always.
The road into the park was in good condition and meandered through the sandstone, dunes and shrubbery. They kept the pace quick because terrain allowed it. No one complained. As they came to the top of the valley and Canyon Overlook the men marvelled at the valley before them. It was truly a spectacular sight to behold. Mountains reached up to the heavens like teeth, biting into the blue sky. The valley was clean and relatively untouched by hostility and reclaimed by nature. The road now was broken apart and the tunnel that once carved through the mountain had been filled– likely from landslides throughout the years and the men had to move cautiously along narrow footpaths that winded their way down the steep cliffs.
Joshua felt the temperature dropping, something unusual given that they were descending into the valley. That could only mean one thing, rain was on the way.
"You feel it too?" Athos asked as his head gazed upwards.
"Yeah, hopefully just a small system that will pass," Joshua said.
At this time of year, it was more common to have small systems roll through, bring a few minutes of rain then move off to bring the sunshine back so Joshua wasn't overly concerned. When the large group was at the base of the canyon the rain began to fall, lightly at so there was no concern. The men actually enjoyed a break from the sun as the rain provided a cool-off period. They took their time to fill their canteens from the runoff then made their way along the canyons. After a few minutes of trekking, they came to another obstacle, more piled rocks stretching high up the canyon walls, this one mixed with all kind of other debris but mostly fallen longs, likely caused by a mudslide.
"Shit, that was our way, wasn't it?" Athos groaned, wiping some water that dripped down his face.
"Looks like we find an alternate," Joshua grumbled unenthused.
"There's the path towards the Emerald Pools," Colt spoke up.
Joshua glanced his way. It was the logical choice, but something just didn't sit well with him. For one they'd now come across two significant landslides that had blocked their path twice in one venture. It wasn't uncommon to come across these obstacles but what was strange was the sheer magnitude of each slide and that they occurred on this one trip alone. It all seemed too coincidental. All Joshua had was a bad feeling and that wasn't strong enough to sit idle while the rain picked up, risking flooding in the lower trails.
"We should move up to higher ground," Reed suggested, ever cautious as always but Joshua agreed, and the Emerald Pool trails were the right choice. They'd already lost too much time. To go any other route would spell certain disaster for the overall mission.
The group cut east, trying to make their way for the trailhead to the Emerald Pools, there they could ascend the east rim and be above the narrow riverbeds. By the time they reached the bottom of the canyons, the river had risen to knee height, slowing the pace of the march but they all pushed on, being trapped down here was not an option with rising water. By the time they reached the east rim ascent, the heavens had fully opened, and heavy rain was pouring down on them. It was a powerful microburst that brought stinging rain and strong gusts of wind that would blow them off the narrow path if not careful.
"Maybe we should turn around?!" Reed's voice called out, having to yell to be heard over the wind that ripped through the canyons and howled like thunder.
"We have to push on. We can't go back; it will be flooded!" Joshua yelled for them to keep going.
The men were about halfway up the ascent when Hecate appeared at Joshua's side.
"This is where we part ways, I'm afraid," she said out loud.
Joshua was squinting, mostly to shield his eyes from the stinging rain but he was scrutinizing her words.
"We all have to go forward," he told her.
She was smiling now like the weather didn't matter, like none of it mattered.
"No, we all don't," she said, and her smile turned to a scowl.
"If you're not all buried, you'll all drown," she said in a tone he'd never heard her use, it was threatening, like venom dripping from her lips. "Frankly I'm happy with either outcome."
Joshua was about to reach forward to grab her when a massive explosion shook the entire cliff. It was pure pandemonium after that.
Boulders, rocks, trees and dirt rained down on the men, crushing several and wounding many more but what came next was entirely unavoidable, a wave of water crashed down sweeping everyone off their feet and carrying them over the edge. In the last moment, Joshua could hear the men scream and yell as they tried desperately to grab on to something before tumbling over.
Joshua struggled to keep his feet under him and stay on the path as wave after wave of water crashed down on all of them. That's when he saw Reed trying desperately to free Athos who'd gotten crushed under a pile of fallen logs and branches. Joshua rushed over to help and together they lifted the largest of logs, but it was still not enough to free Athos. Suddenly Joshua heard a scream and saw Reed tumbling back. Hecate was on top of him, knife in hand trying to hack at the Centurion.
"REED!" Athos yelled out.
Instinctively Joshua ran to help wondering how in hell she'd gotten a knife. Without much thought, Joshua tackled Hecate off Reed. They rolled on the ground as Joshua tried to pry the knife from her hand.
"No!" Hecate screamed. "That one must die for what he did to me and my people!"
Joshua couldn't tell if Reed was unharmed.
"Drop the knife!" Joshua yelled but she refused and held it tightly.
The water was pushing them closer to the edge and Joshua had no choice but to let her go before they both went over. They both struggled to their knees, fighting against the force of the water.
"You did this?!" Joshua yelled; his voice more accusatory than questioning.
Hecate's eyes were alive with fury.
"You brought death to my child, to my people!" she screamed and before he could react, she came at him with the knife. He managed to deflect which would have surely been a fatal blow to the neck but his deflection left his abdomen open and the knife pierced flesh before being yanked out.
Joshua staggered back, holding the wound with disbelief.
Suddenly another waterfall came crashing down on them. Now all he could see was water all around him. He kicked with his legs trying to push himself away from the edge.
"Joshua!" he heard Reed's voice call out.
Joshua could see Reed coming towards him, but another heavy wave of water poured down.
Reed had been knocked down, but he clung to an exposed root that kept him from going over the side of the mountain. Joshua, however, was too late to find anything to grab and in the last panicked seconds, fear overtook him as he went over the edge.
Athos tried to pull himself from the debris, but nothing was coming loose, and the mud was like cement. The water rushing by was still a torrent and Reed looked as though at any moment his grip would come loose and he'd be carried off the edge just like the Legate.
He heard a branch crack and his eyes shifted to see Hecate, knife in hand coming for him as she navigated her way across the snarl of branches.
"Shit!" Athos yelled as he pushed and heaved to free himself, but nothing would budge. The cracks from a volley of gunshots rang out and Athos saw Hecate stumble. One bullet had grazed her forearm, ripping her attention away from Athos. More shots rang out, but nothing made contact. Still, Hecate retreated just as a figure manifested in the thick haze of rubble and water. It was Alexus, followed closely by Dead Sea. Alexus was holding a 10mm submachine gun out in front of him while Dead Sea wielded a machete.
"Hang on Centurion!" Alexus yelled over the thunder of water and that poured down from everywhere. Dead Sea used his machete to hack away at the branches and free Athos from the tangle.
Using a branch that could support their weight, they formed a human chain and were able to reach Reed before his grip gave way.
"Where did Hecate go?!" Reed yelled when he was pulled clear.
"No idea!" Alexus answered.
"The Legate!" Athos suddenly exclaimed.
Carefully the four men peered over the ledge … but there was no sign of the Legate … just a drop-down to a river of mud.
He fell for only a brief moment before colliding with something that stopped him rather abruptly. His shoulder was in agony, but he was finding it more difficult to breathe as the waterfall of water continued to pour down on top of him. He was able to see the narrow ledge he and a few other men had fallen on, a narrow shelf that stuck out from the side of the canyon.
"It's the Legate!" he heard one of them yell.
For a moment Joshua thought they'd be alright, and they could all wait out on this platform but that when he heard someone call out,
"Look out!"
An arm pointed upwards at a massive boulder coming right for them all. Joshua only had one instinct playing in his mind, survive, and that drive allowed him to jump from the ridge just before the boulder smashed down, breaking off the ledge from the side of the mountain and causing it to plummet down to the canyon floor.
Joshua found himself clinging with his toes and fingertips to the side of the canyon, praying to God that he had the strength to hold on and that no stone came loose, sending him to his death. He knew he had to keep pushing over to where the wall gave way to a slight curve that he'd have an easier time descending. Each tiny movement terrified and tortured him. He knew his shoulder was bad, but he didn't dwell on the physical pain. He wanted to get down but knew if he rushed his steps, he'd make a mistake that would cost him his life, so he forced a glacial place. Around him, the canyon seemed to erupt with the roar of the wind and rumbling of water rushing down all around him. He finally made it to where the steep ninety-degree wall banked to a more manageable sixty or so, however, this stone was flat, smooth and now slippery. One miss step caused his foot to slip and he found himself sliding down the smooth rock. He rolled and tumbled, trying desperately to dig in a heel or a hand but nothing stopped his momentum until his body crashed with the ground below.
He heard another loud crack from somewhere in his body before he felt the pain and knew he'd broken several more bones, though at this point he didn't know which ones, everything hurt. He struggled to stand but now he was met with a new hurtle, the torrent of water that rampaged through the bottom of the canyon. Fortunately, the water had assisted in breaking much of his fall, but it now created a greater risk of drowning. Joshua stood in the waist-high water and was now able to survey the scene. Around him, greywater surged down the narrow canyon, filled with mud, branches and who knows what else. He felt the debris pounding at his body but as long as he stuck to the edge, he avoided most of the larger material. In the river he could make out the forms of legs, arms and other body parts sticking up. He could hear the men screaming now, calling out for help, some of them reaching out to anyone who could save them. How any of them survived the plummet was beyond his comprehension. Joshua would try to save them. Ignoring his own peril, he waded into the river trying to reach some of the men. He climbed over large rocks and ducked under logs. It was painstakingly slow. By the time he reached a group of them, half-buried in the rubble, the water was up to Joshua's chest.
"HELP!" he heard echoing from all over the canyon.
Joshua reached the closest man to him.
"I'm stuck! It's my leg!" the Legionary yelled out.
"Hang on!" Joshua said. He couldn't make out the identity of the man, or any of the others for that matter. Everyone was covered in thick muddy sludge. Joshua reached for the man's hand, grabbed it, and pulled but he wouldn't come free. A nearby log had gotten stuck so Joshua tried to use a branch to hold onto so he could gather some leverage but even that was useless.
He would try to dig the man out. He took a breath and went under the water, feeling for the stones that entombed the man, but they were all way too heavy to lift and the mud made everything slippery.
Joshua refused to give up. He clawed at the mud with his fingers trying desperately to shake a stone loose and free the man, but nothing was working. He came up for a gulp of air then went right back down to try again. He did this three more times. When he came up for the fourth time the screams for help became desperate pleas for salvation as the water was now at the man's chin. Joshua looked around. Several of the faces he'd seen before were now gone, lost under the flood of treacherous water.
Joshua was getting frantic. He reached for the log once more and grabbed the man's hand.
"You have to kick and pull!" Joshua yelled.
"I'm trying!" the Legionary called out.
Joshua heaved with everything he had, messed up shoulder or not he gave it his all, but the man didn't move.
"Help! I ….." the man called out, now sputtering as water surged over his mouth.
"Come on!" Joshua yelled.
"Help! Please! Don't let me die! Please! H-" the man screamed but his cries were muffled as water now rushed over his face. Joshua held onto the Legionary's hand, squeezing it hard, pulling with everything he could muster but soon the grip came loose, and Joshua was holding onto a lifeless limb.
Joshua released the man and wiped away at the sludge that covered his own face. He watched helplessly as all the faces disappeared under the water in seconds. Joshua clung to the log, preying it didn't come loose and send him barreling down the muddy river. The water kept rising and soon he found his log too deep to hold onto. When he could no longer keep his own head above water and hold onto the log he let go and found himself careening down the river, slamming into rocks and logs.
He knew this was it. This is how he would die. Drowned in a flooded river, buried in mud and his body likely never found. He felt strangely at peace knowing he'd come to rest in God's land, in this exquisite garden where God had taken greater time and detail to carve out this wonder. He felt his body surrender as he continued to be tossed around the raging rapids but then something caressed his feet, and soon he found his footing. The water and debris still pushed him downriver, but he was able to move for the sandbar and heave himself up before the water pulled him further down and away from his escape. He crawled, feeling the mud and sand beneath his hands. He coughed and sucked in air at the same time.
He slunk on his hands and knees up the embankment, blood trickling from his abdomen and onto the sand where it mixed with the water, creating a tiny river of blood that streamed down. He looked around and saw the cliffs all around him, straight up, impossible to climb. He was trapped and with the water rising it was just a matter of time before he was swept away again.
Joshua rolled onto his back and gasped, staring up at the grey sky above him. Hard rain stung at his face, but it washed much of the mud out of his eyes.
Are you ready for me? He found himself asking. He felt the water lapping at his feet as its level rose.
Joshua closed his eyes. There had been so many moments like this. Moments where he was certain death was coming for him and God would welcome him into the Blessed Lands. This time though he felt regret and shame. How had he let Hecate sink her claws so deep into all of them? He cursed her, praying she'd meet a slow death for this treachery but in the end, it had been his error in judgement that had most likely cost hundreds of lives. He blamed himself for everything. He thought of Aramis and wondered how she would take the news of his death. Would she mourn him at all? Would anyone?
He lay on his back, surrendering to his fate, to God. Too exhausted to do anything more, he closed his eyes and gave up.
XXX
There was light, light that burned his eyes and seared his brain.
What was that noise? That whooshing sort of noise. It rumbled in his ears like a wind tunnel.
His body felt heavy, too heavy. He couldn't move.
Someone was talking. Were they talking? Was that a voice he heard?
Joshua tried to open his eyes, but the pain forced him to keep them shut against the heat of the sun that baked him.
He wanted to call out to the sounds he heard but nothing left his mouth.
It was no use; he was too feeble for any kind of interaction and everything went dark again.
XXX
When Joshua was able to open his eyes, he could make out the dancing orange light of a nearby fire but everything around him was dark.
He tried to formulate a word, but he was certain all that came out of his mouth was a groan.
"Easy, Sir," a voice told him. He recognized the voice. Athos's voice.
Joshua could barely make out the form of the Centurion's face in the dim light of the fire.
"We're a day from The Fort, we'll get you back," Athos said.
Joshua let out another groan, this being the only vocabulary he could provide.
Athos sighed.
"There's just a few of us left. Reed, Wendigo, Colt, a few others and myself. Everyone is gone … they're dead," Athos told him.
Joshua wasn't able to comprehend this, not yet. He remembered the rain, the cliff, the river, but it was all in broken pieces.
"You're badly injured. Probably the worst one. We're trying to The Fort as best we can, but it's been slow. Others are injured too," Athos explained.
Joshua lay there, unsure what he was on, but it was uncomfortable and dull points prodded his body. It must have been a makeshift stretcher.
Neither made a noise nor spoke. Enough had been said.
In The Fort, Aramis and Lucius were enjoying a competitive sparring session when calls for help echoed across Fortification Hill.
"What's going on?" Lucius grumbled in his deep voice.
"I dunno," Aramis said as he flung her spear to the ground and rushed out of the upper gate. Both she and Lucius stood at the top of the stairs, gazing down at the main gate of the middle ring. A massive crowd had gathered but they couldn't see what had drawn all the attention. They made their way down the stairs and pushed their way through the crowd. That's when she saw her brother – at least she thought it was her brother. He looked as though death would take him at any moment and when his eyes fell on his sister, he collapsed to the ground before anyone could catch him.
"Get them all to the medical tent!" Lucius ordered.
Aramis flung herself over Athos trying to wake him up.
"Athos!" she screamed. "What happened?! Wake up!"
She looked around frantically as Legionaries hurried to scoop him up and carry him to the medical tent.
"Get the Legate," she heard a familiar face call out.
Reed was emerging through the sea of men. He was covered in dry blood and what looked like mud.
"Reed!" Aramis yelled as she grabbed him by both shoulders and looked him up and down. "Look at you! What happened?" she tried to get out.
"Get the Legate," Reed said in a weak voice. "He's the worst."
The Legate.
Aramis looked around frantically. Where was Joshua?! Suddenly her eyes fell to the limp body lying on the makeshift stretcher. He was more mud than man.
Without pause, Aramis reached down and grabbed the stretcher. Lucius was beside her in the next second helping her drag it along to the medical tent at the top of Fortification Hill. Once they got it inside, the slaves quickly unpackaged the Legate and placed him on a gurney.
"Tell Caesar what's happening!" Aramis yelled to Lucius who didn't protest and ran out the flap.
Reed strode in a moment later. When he saw Aramis, she saw his face light up, if only a little.
He stepped over to her and that's when Aramis saw all the dirty, soaked through bandages on his back.
"Someone, help him!" Aramis ordered when she saw that Reed too had a bad injury.
"I'm all right," he tried but two slaves came over and began to deal with his bandages.
"What the fuck happened?!" Aramis asked.
Reed winced as they peeled the cloth off his back revealing a large open and now infected stab wound.
"Hecate led us into a trap. We're the only ones who made it out," Reed said.
Seekra was diving between bodies trying to render aid wherever she could. All of this was well beyond her comprehension.
"What do you need?" Aramis asked trying to offer something.
Seekra looked at her with a frantic expression.
"I … I have no idea where to begin," she admitted.
"Just tell us how to help," Aramis tried.
Seekra nodded, took a breath then began ordering around everyone who was able to render medical assistance.
Athos was suspected of having a few broken ribs, a broken leg and several deep lacerations to his legs that needed several sutures each. Reed had gotten away with just a single stab would into his back on the left side that Seekra said must have just missed his lung. Wendigo had broken both his legs from when he must have fallen over the cliff. Many of the other Legionaries who'd been lucky to have survived up until this point had broken bones, deep lacerations and a few minor punctures from branches, but it was Joshua who was in the worst shape by far.
Seekra gave him a slim chance of surviving and Aramis could tell she was just generous with her figures to make Aramis feel better.
Everyone else had been stabilized, but Joshua proved to be extremely fragile. One moment his vitals seemed normal, the next moment he was crashing, and it was all hands on deck to solve was what killing him at that moment.
Caesar even manifested the moment Lucius had gotten word to the master of what was happening. Caesar was at Joshua's side examining the damage for himself.
Seekra, in a calm voice and with her head bowed told Caesar the same odds of the Legate's survival that she had told Aramis.
"What does he need?" Caesar barked.
"Medical skills beyond my knowledge," Seekra admitted.
"Bring him to his tent," Caesar ordered.
Seekra knew better than to protest despite her expression indicating exactly that.
Aramis followed as Lucius and now Ticker who had also appeared carried the Legate on a stretcher to his quarters.
"Aramis stay here with the Legate, you two, follow me," Caesar said gesturing to Ticker and Lucius once more. They acknowledged and a moment later, returned carrying Caesar's Auto-Doc. Caesar hooked it up so it perched above a comatose Joshua.
The strange metal creature sprang into self-direction as the rest of them stood back and watched.
"Someone stay here while I find out what the hell happened," Caesar ordered.
"I'll stay," Aramis said.
Caesar nodded and he, Ticker and Lucius left the cabin.
Now there was silence apart from the beeps and clanging of the Auto Doc. After maybe an hour or so, the Auto-Doc ceased operating and went into a kind of standby mode.
Aramis parked a chair next to Joshua's bed and took a seat. She reached out and grabbed his exposed hand, squeezing it gently.
When Joshua came to, he was lying on a soft bed in a familiar space, his tent, but there some added items that hadn't been there before. Like an ominous grey octopus creature, Caesar's Auto Doc loomed overhead, autonomously changing the dressing of his abdomen. There were small tables adorned with various medical supplies. Hanging on his bedpost was a bag of whole blood. Perhaps the most surprising new addition was the figure curled up in the chair next to his bed.
He tried to call out her name and wake her, but nothing came out.
Was he alive? How was that even possible? He was certain he died at least a dozen times between the moment the rocks fell until he opened his eyes and saw he was in his tent. He tried to stir but everything ached to such a degree that laying still was his only resolve, still he reached a bruised and swollen hand out to her and took notice to his fingertips that had been individually wrapped.
Images of the men whose faces had slipped beneath the surface of the water rushed back into his head. He'd tried everything to get them free but, in the end, he hadn't been strong enough.
As if sensing his effort, Aramis opened her eyes and flung herself forward to be at his side when she saw him looking at her.
"Josh!" she cried out and, at that moment, he saw her wipe a tear out of her eye." You're awake!" she added with a gleeful smile.
He wanted to tell her everything would be fine, but he couldn't form his words.
"Don't talk!" she exclaimed quickly. They've put a tube in your throat to help you breathe. Aramis looked at the Auto-Doc that was perched above his limp body. "Seekra told me what to do in case this happened," Aramis explained as she pushed a few buttons on the machine.
It jerked to life, reaching out with large ominous claws. Suddenly Joshua felt his body relax as the robot injected him with some kind of relaxer. The effect was immediate, and Joshua felt his body grow heavy, but that's when a claw took hold of the tub and gave a forceful yank. Joshua's eyes went wide as he coughed and sputtered on the tubing. When the tube was clear Joshua was able to find his words again, even if they were painful to manage.
"This isn't a dream is it?" he asked with a frown, his throat protesting his words as he felt the scratching from within.
Aramis's expression softened with sympathy.
"No … I'm afraid not," she confirmed.
"Hecate betrayed us," he said.
Aramis nodded.
"She stabbed me," he growled.
"Yes."
"So many men are dead."
"I'm afraid so."
"How many made it back?" he asked.
"Fifteen," Aramis muttered.
"Fifteen?! Out of nearly three hundred?!"
Now he was coughing and finding it difficult to suppress.
"No one blames you for any of this," Aramis tried.
"How can they not? … I walked us right into her trap," he said through breaks in his coughing.
"The Centurions confirm the betrayal had fooled everyone. Colt backed them up as well."
"We were fools to have trusted her," Joshua groaned.
"I won't disagree with that," Aramis confirmed.
"We need to find her!" Joshua suddenly shouted as he tried to sit up and get out of bed.
"Whoa! Lie back down!" Aramis ordered putting a hand on his chest. "You're not going anywhere in this condition … besides we've already dispatched Scouts to hunt down the Hounds and Daughters. Ouroboros appears to be completely abandoned. I even sent word out to the Speculatores to start the hunt."
Joshua's intensity melted away at her calm reassurance. There was nothing more for him to do. He lay back down and let out a heavy sigh.
"What happened with the NCR? Did we lose the battle?" he asked.
"When scouts couldn't confirm you were in place, Caesar called off the attack. It's fine." Aramis told him.
"What do I do now? Nearly half of our fighting force has been lost. We are weak and open to attack," Joshua muttered.
"We lost numbers, but we are not weak. Caesar has begun restructuring the Legion. He's calling in a few of the more obscure outposts to bolster numbers in more strategic places. The battle isn't over … just put off," Aramis reassured him.
Joshua had to admit this did make him feel slightly better.
There was a long moment of comfortable silence before he spoke again.
"You don't have to stay if you don't want to."
"I'm not going anywhere," she answered.
Feel free to leave your comments in the reviews. I love reading them all. SchattenSoldat08, I hope I did Joshua right in this chapter. I wanted him to come across a little more in control and strong as I feel I at times make him a bit too vulnerable. RavusT, it's definitely a unique relationship between Aramis and Dex. Built on mistrust yet mutual respect. Fleshing out the game between them is a lot of fun to write. Arglaxx, I appreciate your candour. I recently went back and edited the early chapters with Desert Dog and Aramis to try and make it less cringy. Hope it works a bit better now. Humancyrax, I still need to get Lucius in there! Haha. I haven't forgot. I will re-edit ASAP. I really hope you like this chapter. It was a long time coming! Thanks to everyone as always!