CHAPTER 23

'Well, I guess the only thing left to do is head out and help the others at the Southern shelf' Axton, suggested. They had returned to sanctuary, pawned off their loot for reasonable price, and re-assembled at the crimson raiders headquarters.

'I will echo ahead to them, find out what their status is' Maya informed, and after no-one disputed her, she left the room. Dusk was beginning to fall, so they would need to hurry if they were to make it before complete nightfall.

'Pack warmly Pops' Axton slapped the older man on the shoulder, 'Not the nicest place were we're going'

'I hate the cold.' Mordecai sulked, 'I would prefer the heat and sand to that miserable cold place anyday. I don't know how people can live out there!'

They all left to begin their hasty preparations after they agreed to meet at the fast travel station in an hours time. Montayva and Maya were packing their backpacks, when Montayva broached the subject of Maya's upbringing with the older siren.

'So, you mentioned the Order of the Impending Storm bought you up?' Montayva immediately sensed the harsh emotion of hatred that Maya felt towards these people.

'Well, if you could call it an upbringing' she sighed, zipping up her backpack. 'They more or less just used me to keep people scared. To keep them under control and obedient They wanted to control the planet, not help it. Huh, bit like that scumbag Jack when you think about it' Montayva sat on the bed beside her friend.

'I have had encounters with them also' She informed Maya, who looked at the younger girl with keen interest. 'While I was on Promethea, they sent out mercenaries to try and kidnap me' she explained. 'It was not long after I had developed my Siren powers, so I assumed it was for that reason. But seeing as they already had you, it makes me wonder if they knew something else was happening' Montayva said thoughtfully.

'Yes, that is quite curious.' Maya agreed 'Do you think they knew of your power? Or maybe it was just because they were so power hungry themselves. Two sirens would have been better than 1 right?'

'Yes, well, I guess none of that matters now' Montayva stood, and shrugged on the heavy backpack.

'You're right.' Maya stood also 'So lets go kid' She added as she led the way out of the headquarters.

Mordecai was already waiting, and Axton and Willy arrived only moments after the women.

'So, everyone set?' Maya asked everyone, who just nodded in reply. She was the first to step up to the fast travel station. And as she entered her personal code, a blue haze of light surrounded her, and she was gone. Axton went next, followed by Willy. Mordecai let Montayva go before himself, and finally, the hunter left too.

'Well, wonderful timing' Lillith was waiting for them at the receiving end of the fast travel link. 'Just in time to enjoy this wonderful blizzard with us!' she said sarcastically. The wind had picked up, kicking the fresh drifts of snow around. And with the sun finally disappearing completely over the horizon, they were in for a cold night.

'But on the positive side, the ship should be in by morning' Lillith informed them, leading the way back towards where they were camped.

'Hey slabs!' Brick called, glad to see them. 'Come and join the party' He bellowed, motioning towards a dwelling where they had obviously set up main base. Mordecai was the first to grab a bottle of booze, and join the dismally cold crew that already sat around the fire drum. They had a roof over their heads though, they could be thankful for that at least.

'Well, Maya and I will take the first watch.' Lillith assumed charge once again 'Montayva, you can relieve Maya, then Brick, you can relieve me.' She pointed at each person and gave them specific orders and details of what each would need to do. No-one argued with her. They were too cold and just couldn't be bothered with the effort. The cold climate had a way of draining your energy, and they needed to remain focused on what lay ahead.
The blizzard eased somewhat once complete darkness had fallen in Liars Berg, but the chill crept right to everyone's bones. It wasn't long before each person began seeking out the warmth of their beds. They had chosen a few dwellings to camp in. Liars Berg was one of the few places that was continually growing after Jacks demise, and though people were usually only passing through, it was enough to see to the improvements the place needed.

Montayva joined Lillith on the watch tower. From their vantage point, the could see right out to the bay. The soft breeze tussled Lilliths fiery hair.

'How you coping with the cold kid?' Lillith asked, warming her hands over the fire drum they had set up in the watch.

'I dont think I have ever encountered a place so dismal!' Montayva admitted, chuckling. Lillith laughed too.

'Yeah, well, hopefully this ship will be as fruitful as your train was' Maya had told Lillith about the loot they had cashed in, which had lifted the crews spirits somewhat, in hope that the ship could be the same. 'Here' Lillith handed the younger girl a flask. Montayva opened it slowly, and an intoxicating scent filled her nostrils.

'Oh my, what is this?' She asked before trying it.

'Best you dont ask' Lillith smiled 'It will keep you warm though'

'Ulg' Montayva took a small sip of the spirit. 'Wow, got some burn to it doesn't it?'

'Hahaha, I told you so' Lillith took the flask and had a swig from it herself.

'Much more tolerable than that other horrid stuff they drink' Montayva shuddered at the memory of Tina's party.

'Wouldn't have picked you for a drinker' Lillith raised an eyebrow as she witnessed the girls reaction to past memories.

'I'm not!' Montayva laughed 'My last episode only proved that I shouldn't be!'

"hmm, this sounds like an interesting story' Lillith sat, and crossed her arms, tucking her hands into the warmth of her armpits.

'Hmm, interesting alright' Montayva started 'Definitely embarrassing! When we first got to the Tundra, we met Tina.' Lilliths chuckle told Montayva that she obviously knew this girl. 'Mordecai and I, well, kinda got blackmailed into a tea party. Actually to be more accurate - booze party. Mordecai obviously holds his booze quite well. But me on the other hand!' Montayva bought her hands up to cover her face. When he removed them, she was met with Lilliths questioning gaze.

'And?' Lillith urged.

'Well, Mordecai had to drag my puking butt back to his hideout. Yuck, I dont think I have ever been so sick' Lillith laughed for the first time.

'We've all been there kid. Dont worry, it gets easier, here' Lillith handed the flask back to the girl as Brick came to take her place. 'You keep this. You guys might need it!'