Chapter 62: A Wave (1)

Chapter 62: A Wave (1)

Before dawn, before the sun climbed over the horizon to bake them, Xerxes climbed into the saddle and took his place with Kashtiliash at the back of the line of troops. It was another day of rear guard duty.

The company knew from scouting that the terrain got rougher ahead. They were leaving the Nergal Badlands behind, which had its ups and downs. They wouldnt have to deal with scorching heat and dust storms, but now they had a mountain range to cross. Granted, it was nothing like the towering peaks which cradled the Gateway complex. But mountains were still mountains.

Xerxes was one of the first to spot the streak of light overhead. Perhaps he was the first. But he didnt say anything. At first. After all, falling stars werent a complete rarity. Hed even spotted one or two on Sin-Amuhhu.

This one started out somewhere in the distant east, and streaked halfway across the sky before disappearing.

He tracked it the entire time, all the while thinking, Its a good thing I dont believe in mystical omens.

His own thoughts triggered that memory of Ligish Castle, with Bel and Captain Ishki.

Above them, a flare of light streaked across the sky.

Another meteor, Xerxes said, staring at it.

If I was superstitious, the captain said, Id say it was an omen.

Had that falling star on Mannemid been an omen? It occurred mere days before Bel met her end. No, Xerxes didnt believe in omens. And yet, even if the falling star hed just spotted wasnt an omen what if it wasnt just an ordinary meteor?

He gripped Reds reins and scanned the horizon.

A minute passed. Unit One was now in formation and ready to go. Taking his eyes from the sky, he glanced ahead and saw that the column in general was almost formed up. Only a handful of individuals were scurrying about making last-minute preparations.

Another falling star appeared.

It was brighter than the other, but originated in the same part of the sky. Its trajectory was angled steeper and more northward.

No way, Xerxes muttered.

See that? Kashtiliash said.

Yeah. Two in a row.

Two?

There was another one a minute ago.

Shit.

Lets just wait and see what happens. It might be.

A few minutes later, the drums changed, signaling a doubling in speed.

The troops on foot broke into a light jog, while the riders increased to fast walks. Xerxes looked over his shoulder but saw nothing other than hilly terrain.

Not long after, one of the scouts returned on foot from the middle of the procession.

First Lieutenant, she said to Xerxes. Sergeant Stratos. Abhorrent have been sighted. We havent seen any indication of coordinated movement. But the Captain said to stay on your toes.

Any idea what type?

I saw they had fur and claws. We dont know much else.

Size?

She considered the question. It was at a distance, looking through this. She patted a spyglass hanging from her waist. So I cant say for sure. Maybe as big as a large cat.

Thanks, Private.

Sure thing, First Lieutenant. Now, Im heading out again. She ran off the road and into the tree-covered hills to the north.

Cat-sized, Kashtiliash said.

At the most, were talking about... juveniles? Xerxes mused. If were lucky they might just be spawn.

Kashtiliash slipped out of his saddle and dropped to the ground. Im not fighting mounted, he said.

Me either, Xerxes said. He extended his hand. Give me the reins, Ill take them both up the line.

He led Red into a trot before arriving where the companys Unsighted attendants and wagons were. He handed both horses over, then jogged back toward the rear.

As he neared, a soldier shouted.

Movement sighted!

It was a mounted scout, returning at full gallop. Closing in on the line, she shouted, Ive got some behind me. Tiny fuckers.

Once past the rearguard, she turned her horse in a circle to slow it.

What else can you tell us, Private? Sergeant Stratos asked.

I didnt get a close look. Theyre small. Like cats. Furry. And they jump. With that, she headed toward the middle of the column.