Chapter 75: I Want Us to be Safe (1)

Chapter 75: I Want Us to be Safe (1)

In the middle of an Abhorrent invasion, he somehow had a perfect night. He woke when Katayoun rolled over next to him. When he opened his eyes, the light of morning had brightened the interior of the tent. After looking at the fire of Katayouns hair, he closed his eyes again.

Wasnt I due for watch duty?

His eyes snapped open. Carefully throwing the blanket off, he pulled on some clothes and stepped out of the tent.

The camp was quiet. The fire theyd built between the four tents had burned out, and wasnt even smoking. Looming not too far away was a large rock where theyd agreed was the best place to stand watch. A figure was barely visible up there, but couldnt see clearly who it was.

Breath puffing in front of him, he hurried away from the tents and up the slope until he reached the huge rock. Jad lay there, curled up in a ball as he slept.

Fuck, Xerxes muttered. He took a few steps forward and took advantage of the superior view provided by the rock to examine their surroundings. Everything was still and quiet.

He glanced back down at Jad, who didnt look comfortable as far as Xerxes was concerned, yet was clearly sound asleep.

Xerxes was too awake to consider going back to sleep. Nor did he see any benefit to waking Jad up. So instead, he stayed on the rock and kept an eye on the surroundings as the sun climbed up.

There were no signs of Abhorrent, but there was a bit of life. A rabbit-like creature hopped in the distance. Birdsong floated on the breeze.

Everything was peaceful as the sun burned away the morning mists.

Once the sun shone brightly enough, he saw Dasi come out of her tent. She looked up in his direction and he waved. She waved back.

Kashtiliash woke next, followed by Katayoun.

They started tending to the camp and creating a hot morning meal.

Eventually, Xerxes stepped forward and nudged Jad with his toe.

Get up, lazy-ass, Xerxes said.

Jad jerked up. What? Who?

Xerxes stepped back. You slept through your watch, he said.

The current view was different from either previous instance. At least a dozen of them fell, perhaps even two dozen.

Plumes of smoke rose from five or six of the impact points. And from their vantage point, they were certain at least two of the meteors had landed in villages.

Fuck, fuck, fuck, Dasi said.

My thoughts exactly, Kashtiliash said.

Come on guys, Jad said, a few big ones arent going to do anything. It makes them easier to see. And if you can see them, you can avoid them.

Theyre faster and stronger, Dasi said. And harder to kill. If we can see them, they can see us.

And sense melam from a greater distance, Katayoun added.

We dont know that for sure, Jad said.

Come on, Jad, Xerxes thought. Even you must realize how desperate you sound.

From this height and distance, it wasnt possible to make out the size or shape of any of the larger Abhorrent that had fallen. But Xerxes was convinced he could detect movement.

Dasi sighed. We have a decision to make.

Yes, Jad said. Which route do we take to the Gateway complex? Just looking at where those big meteors landed, I can think of two options.

She didnt mean that, Kashtiliash said.

We already went over this, Jad said. Were going to the Gateway

Shut up, Jad, Xerxes interrupted.

W-what? Jad spluttered.

Just shut up, he repeated. We thought going back to the Gateway complex was going to be an easy task. A quick run at top speed. But its not so simple.