When War Calls(138)

‘Alenda, United Resistance Mining Zone.’

‘And you are?’

‘Lieutenant Ian Lawson. Any news you bring can be given to me.’

‘I would prefer to speak with the one in charge.’

Ian almost seemed ready to lash out and scold Jaden, but thought better of it after taking a second look at the lit-up endobrace.

‘The commanders are in Corsec. I am in charge for now. What news do you bring?’

Jaden repeated the message he had given at Waikor, but instead of understanding nods, he now received furrowed brows and a sneering lip.

‘This is not news!’ said Ian. ‘We have known this for weeks. We have no need of you, Sentinel, you may go back to wherever you came from.’

Ian quickly turned and walked away, the two soldiers following shortly after, leaving Jaden on his own.

But Corsec was still miles away. It would take him at least another week to get there. He would be away from Alyssa for that time and more if he were unable to get transport back to Waikor.

Quickly, Jaden raced after the three men, catching up to them as Ian entered a small building and the two soldiers stood on either side of the door. Jaden looked to each of them, unable to see anymore than their jaws as they both nodded and allowed him access to the small building.

Jaden let the endobrace to go dim as the first room of the building had a warm light inside. On either side of the door were chest-high plants, followed by two brown-cushioned couches and then a high desk at the end where Ian now sat, reading over some documents with a pen in hand. Jaden knew Ian had heard him enter, but he showed no sign of it.

Jaden approached the desk. ‘How did you know the Alliance was coming?’ he asked.

Ian failed to lift his eyes from his work. Jaden first thought he would be ignored, or scolded again for asking such questions, but behind his desk, the gray-haired man seemed more at ease.

‘Since they attacked Ceahlin, we have had reports from all minor villages.’

‘Ceahlin was attacked?’

‘Destroyed.’

‘And Waikor?’ asked Jaden anxiously.

‘Our last report was that they were attacked almost two weeks ago.’

Jaden felt his heart race, afraid to hear what would be said next.

Ian continued, ‘The Alliance was sent running with their tails between their legs. We haven’t heard anything since.’

Jaden relaxed. Waikor was safe. Alyssa should be safe, so long as she was taken there. He could still return to her.

‘I need transport to Corsec,’ he said.

Ian lifted his head from his work and looked at Jaden with wide eyes. ‘Then you’d best be looking elsewhere, Sentinel, you won’t find it here.’

‘I have to get to Corsec. Please, you have to help me.’

‘Have to? I am obliged to do nothing, Sentinel. You have already overstayed your welcome here. If that is all, you would do well to leave at once.’

Jaden felt his anger rise as the man continually spoke with resentment at him. The endobraces by his sides became alight with a fiery glow, but before Ian had looked up, a booming deep voice came from behind Jaden.

‘Sentinel, it is an honour.’

The endobraces faded as Jaden turned quickly to see a man an entire head taller than he was. His skin was dark and his scalp completely shaven while his body, perhaps slightly enlarged by the blue overalls, was almost three times the width of Jaden’s. He was the biggest man Jaden had ever seen, making even the Alliance soldiers seem small. The man’s hand was outstretched, and Jaden took it as the man bowed to him.

‘I am Oldenwa. What service do you require?’

Jaden was stunned. This man seemed Ian’s complete opposite in every possible way. It took Jaden a moment to calm himself and speak in a tone as friendly as this giant now spoke to him in.

‘I am Jaden,’ he began. ‘I need to get to Corsec.’

‘We are not in debt to him, Oldenwa,’ said Ian.

Oldenwa seemed thoughtful. ‘No one is leaving tonight?’

‘All are to remain here until base gives further notice.’

‘This sentinel requires our assistance,’ Oldenwa reasoned.

‘And he will not get any. The orders are clear. You are both dismissed.’

Jaden lowered his head, staring at the floor as he wondered at how he was going to get to Corsec. He couldn’t be away from Alyssa for another week, he just couldn’t. The calm that Raquel had settled over his heart was disappearing fast, and all he could now think of was making sure she was safe.

‘This way, Sentinel,’ said Oldenwa, showing him the door.

Jaden looked up, ready to defy the big man and force Ian to allow him transport, but he held his tongue as he saw Oldenwa wink at him and indicate the way outside. Jaden followed him into the cool fresh air and after Oldenwa had slapped both soldiers on the back in a friendly gesture, they continued down and then around the hill.