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  “You yet live? You are indeed difficult to kill. I would have thought you and your kind would have attempted to run by now!” Xavier seemed to be having a jolly fucking good time.

  I said nothing. My steps faltered when five of his werewolves appeared on the other side. I heard footsteps behind me; it was Bailey and Muncher. Five more werewolves joined the others. I kept walking.

  “One of your heroes has fallen! And then there were three!” he mocked. “It is sad there will be no one left to sing songs of your desperate, but doomed exploits. No one to regale their children with tales of the last few who were condemned. You have fought valiantly, but even you, Michael, know that you cannot win.”

  “Not about winning now, Xavier, it’s about not losing.”

  “Those are one in the same, you fool!”

  “Vast difference. Something you can’t even begin to understand.” I was within twenty feet of Lana, my steps faltered again. I was not sure if I could make it. I didn’t want to see her broken body up close. Her breastplate had a tear through it from the collar to a couple of inches from the bottom. The metal was peeled back, jagged, and fat pools of blood congealed on every point. “Lana, you stupid kid.” I kneeled down next to her. Her angelic face looked at peace. She could have been sleeping. I tenderly wiped some dirt and blood from her cheeks. My tears, as they streaked down my face and landed on her, bridged the gap between us. “Why didn’t you just stay home? You would have been safe.”

  “And miss seeing a vampire cry? Are you kidding me?” She’d said it so softly I thought perhaps I had imagined it.

  Xavier was now standing out in front of his werewolves.

  “I am not without compassion. I will allow you time to bury her, then we will kill the rest of you, dig her up and eat her too.”

  “Do not say anything,” I whispered to Lana. “He will attack if he thinks you’re still alive.” I cradled one arm under her neck and the other behind her knees and picked her up. Her head fell back and her left arm fell away.

  “How’s this?”

  “You play a fantastic dead person. Now shut up.” I turned and headed back to the woods.

  Bailey and Muncher were more than a little surprised to see the subtle smile on Lana’s lips.

  “Michael?” Bailey asked.

  “Apparently her acting lessons have been paying off. Let’s get out of here before our compassionate host changes his mind.”

  Those that could stand waited by the trees and watched our approach. There was open wailing and cries of anguish as our “fallen” leader was brought back. That all changed to triumphant cries of rejoicing as her dangling hand gave a wave.

  “You are going to get us killed,” I hissed at her. “And by the way, are you gaining weight?” I adjusted her in my arms. Luckily, we were within a couple of feet of the woods because she pretty much lost it at that point. It might be a hundred and fifty years in a post-apocalyptic future but some things are never going to change. I got a decent earful about how uncivilized and droll I was. I think there was an uncouth in there somewhere, barbaric, boorish and crass all made a cameo in her diatribe. I didn’t care, she was alive and that was all that mattered. She was now standing on her own, her finger pointing at me as she shouted a string of obscenities usually reserved for pirates. I leaned in and planted a large, wet, sloppy, kiss on her lips. That shut her up right quick.

  “Good to have you back, princess,” I told her before heading off to talk to Azile. She stood in the same position for a few moments, her finger still pointing into a face that was no longer there. Within seconds she was swept up by those of her people that still lived. I hoped Xavier saw what had just happened. If even for the briefest of moments, I could only hope he had a sliver of doubt that maybe we could not be beaten or killed, no matter the odds. Fuck, maybe he thought I even had the ability to bring back the dead. Wouldn’t that be a kicker? Chances are that wasn’t exactly what was going through his mind, wishful thinking on my part is all, but that’s alright, I can live with that.

  “You got Lana back?” Azile asked. She was sitting, drinking some water.

  “How could you possibly know? Spirit network? Umm...what else do you know?” I was thinking back on the kiss, the only way I could think to shut Lana up.

  “Sit. I am too tired to look up.”

  I sat across from her. “It meant nothing,” I blurted out.

  “What? Forget it. I do not wish to know.”

  “Did you talk to Mathieu?” I asked.

  “I did. He asked for some mistletoe. I gave him an amulet made from oak instead.”

  “I take it that’s better?”

  “Should be. Have you noticed anything peculiar about the werewolves?”

  “Other than them being werewolves without a full moon? If that’s not the answer you’re looking for, then no.”

  “They attack for no more than three hours, then they pull back or are summoned back.”

  “What’s that mean? How does that work to our advantage? I’m not sure we can take another barrage.”

  “There’s a reason the intervals are so precisely timed.”

  “It’s not because Xavier thinks we are completely on the ropes and he is toying with us?”

  “I thought that after the first attack. I stopped thinking that after the second.”

  “The magic wearing out after a few hours and they need a booster?”

  “I do not believe it to be magic so much as some sort of potion or root.”

  “Why not just give them a huge dose so they stay that way for longer?”

  “Yes, it must have something to do with the dosage, but it’s likely complicated. Too much would be poisonous and would kill them. When they turn back into humans they probably need time to recover before they can be expected to re-dose and fight again.”

  “If they were smarter they would stagger the doses. Do you know where Mathieu is now?”

  “I do not.”

  “I’ll be right back.” It didn’t take long to find him; he’d not strayed far. “When were you going to tell us?”

  “All this death is my fault.” He was sitting against a tree absently picking up small debris and tossing it to the side.

  “What is it?”

  “Calamus. It’s a plant, a flower. I discovered it quite by accident. I was using it as a flavor enhancer for some of my batches of beer. I noticed I had more control over my other half when I drank it. Once I was sure there was a link, I tried it without the beer. I took doses that made my stomach cramp into violent fits, to amounts small enough there was no effect whatsoever. Once I found the appropriate amount, I found the werewolf half was more susceptible to suggestion from my still cognizant human side.”

  “How did Xavier figure it out?”

  “He found my herbal bag. I tried to tell him it was for healing and was meant to be burned over an open fire. Next thing I knew they were forcing it into some of the people around me. They killed a dozen, maybe more, trying to discover what it did.”

  “That’s a huge leap, Mathieu. Who helped? Xavier isn’t that smart.”

  “Lunos was there; he seemed smarter than the rest. Plus, he already knew of me.”

  “Mangy fuck! He always looks like someone’s about to hit him. Now we know why Xavier was so hot and bothered to get ahold of you.”

  “That would be fair enough to say.”

  “Seems that Lunos is playing both sides.”

  “It does.”

  “Shit. Should have killed him when I had the chance.”

  “I should have attacked, you would have followed my lead. It’s as much my fault as yours.”

  “Sort of. I’ve got to let Azile know what’s going on; maybe she knows some other way to counteract its effects. And Mathieu, listen. None of this is your fault. You cannot even begin to blame yourself for the actions of a homicidal Lycan.” He nodded but I don’t think I did much to pierce the cocoon of guilt he’d wrapped himself up in. I grabbed his shoulder before going to
tell Azile everything that I’d discovered.

  Chapter 17

  MIKE JOURNAL ENTRY 11

  WE’D SPENT THE majority of our time waiting for the werewolves to come back, in the midst of preparing for a tactical withdrawal, a term I’d learned in the Marine Corps. A retreat is when you’re hauling ass, running away, attempting to get as far from the enemy as fast as possible by any and all means afforded to you. A tactical withdrawal is a slow, methodical removal from the battle site while constantly and continuously protecting the rear echelon. The wounded were loaded on travois pulled by the few remaining horses we had left. Under Azile’s direction, we’d even left a few surprises which would hinder their approach. If we were lucky they’d never reach us before they had to go back and get rejuiced.

  Mathieu and I stayed back until the werewolves came. It was our job to bait the trap. Mathieu wanted to do it alone but I was afraid that he was feeling so guilty he’d allow himself to be killed as he sprung it.

  “What I wouldn’t do for a beer right about now,” I said.

  There was silence for a few seconds before Mathieu responded. “Right now? Right now of all times, you would like a beer?”

  “I’m not saying this is the ideal time for a beer, I’m just saying I would like one. Shit man, you’re starting to sound like my wife. I sneak a couple of beers into church and she goes nuts. How did I know the singing was going to stop just as I popped the bottle cap off? You should have seen her Aunt Avis when that beer cap rolled down the aisle. She looked at it like Lucifer himself was kicking it along that floor. So fucking worth it. Tracy hung her head in shame when an usher came to escort me out. Hey man, don’t look at me that way. It was a wedding, not Christmas Eve for fuck’s sake. Right after that, the best man fell over and vomited on the dais. My small transgression was forgotten almost immediately. Epic fucking bachelor party. I never did get that midget stripper’s address. I’m kidding, Mathieu—I’m kidding! I already knew where she lived. Oh hey, shit. I think I saw a smile!”

  “It was merely indigestion.”

  “Now who’s being funny? I think we’re going to make it, Mathieu. For the first time in a couple of days I see a glimmer of hope.”

  There was a tenderness to his face like maybe he was happy that at least I believed that even if he couldn’t. “You should perhaps tell them your feelings.” We looked onto the field, the werewolves were coming and they looked to have the same numbers they had when this whole thing started. Where the hell was Xavier getting them all? Maybe they could only produce so many doses or they only had so many to go around and didn’t want to waste them. That would explain the consistent numbers and could be advantageous if we could find their supply. I’m surprised the beacon that ignited in my head didn’t catch Mathieu on fire.

  “When should I start the fuse?” Mathieu asked. He had dipped his torch down into the fire, lighting the oil cloth wrapped stick.

  “Before we get eaten. Don’t look at me that way. That’s a valid answer. Fine, fine, let as many as you can get into the woods with us first.” Azile had us spread a powdery, yellow substance all along the forest floor. She’d said once it was ignited it would burn intensely but only for a few seconds. It wouldn’t stop the werewolves but it would give us a head start. “In case we do die today, Mathieu, could you answer me one thing?”

  “No, I did not write the brewing recipe down.”

  “That’s actually good to know—we’ll talk about that later. What I was wondering was why Xavier let you live. Not that I am ungrateful, it just seems to go against everything he is.”

  “He tortured me to the point in which I broke. I pledged allegiance to him. All of this has been an elaborate plan to separate you from the others so that you can be captured and paraded around as a pet of his.”

  He’d said it so evenly and without a hint of humor that my heart sank; I looked around to see the many Lycan I was sure were advancing.

  “You should see your face!” Mathieu was fucking laughing, laughing pretty damn hard, too.

  “This is friggen’ funny to you?”

  “Quite humorous, yes.”

  “Ass. You might want to set the torch down before that smile gets ripped from your face.”

  He was enjoying himself so much he’d somehow forgot about the rabid pack of horrors descending upon us. He ignited the makeshift fuse. Like two rank amateurs we watched the sparkling line of fire burn towards the lines of powder, even though Azile had warned us that once the fuse was lit, running away would be a good option. It had burned halfway down before it finally clicked in our heads that maybe caveman should not watch fire burn. I thought about doing a few grunts to accentuate my primal roots.

  The pounding of feet behind us was close and closing. If Azile’s plan went up in smoke, so to speak, we would be cooked. See what I did there? A thunderous clap exploded all around us; a searing wave of heat blew around and past us. A large hand swatted my head.

  “Your hair was on fire!” Mathieu bellowed. I chanced a quick glance behind us. Big mistake. It looked like the sun had literally set on the ground. In an instant I was flash blinded. My entire vision was taken up by an all-encompassing white blob. I took a couple of steps thinking I’d be alright, until my shoulder collided with an unyielding tree.

  “I can’t see!” I yelled, hands flailing in front of me as I tried to regain my footing. Mathieu didn’t question, just reached out and grabbed the material at the small of my back and steered me around like a damn puppet. Before I’d seared my corneas I’d seen werewolves aflame in that hellish nightmare landscape, their arms up in the air, running in circles, their fur on fire giving them a completely enshrouded, halo effect. The flash fire died out much quicker than my vision returned. I was concerned I may have done some permanent damage. Of course Azile had warned me not to look at it; at some point in my life maybe I’ll heed good advice. Odds are that won’t be the case, but at least I can admit that’s a problem. My peripheral vision returned first, leaving a gaping hole of what I could not see directly in front of me.

  “Are they still following?” I’d slowed a bit.

  “I do not believe so, but we are too far away and have too many trees between us for me to say for certain.”

  “What are the odds you will return to the group ahead of me and tell them that I have a plan to stop Xavier?”

  “He nearly killed you the last time you met. Is your short term memory so bad that you forgot? Or perhaps he beat it out of you?”

  “Holy ouch, Mathieu. I wasn’t planning on confronting Xavier, I was planning on burning up their supply of calamus.”

  Out of the corner of my eye, because that was all that was afforded to me, I could see his disapproving look change into one of ratification. “For you, that is a pretty good idea.”

  “About time someone approved of my plans.”

  “I said it was a good idea. You have no plan in place yet.”

  “That’s just the particulars.”

  “You have a strange way of thinking,” he replied.

  “Will you help me or not?”

  “Help you to die you mean?”

  “Mathieu, I just need you to get word to Azile. I don’t want her to worry or possibly slow down the escape.”

  “Oh, I’m sure she will not worry at all should I tell her that you have a reckless plan to walk right into the center of the Lycan army and without so much as a match intend to destroy the werewolf potion.”

  “See? Now we’re on the same page.”

  “I will do this for you if you will do something for me.”

  “I’m listening. I’ll have you note that does not mean I’m promising.”

  “The group is not that far ahead of us. Let me grab some supplies from them and I will come back. Stay to the left of the Lycan group and I will find you. We will put a dagger in Xavier’s plans together.”

  “Is this just another part of the conspiracy you have with Xavier to separate me from the others?”

  �
��Of course it is.”

  “Okay then. I haven’t been in a jam in a while. I’ll wait, unless there is a series of very fortunate events that makes waiting a liability.”

  “On second thought, would it not be better if we just went back together and told her of our strategy?”

  “We’re only going to get one shot at this, Mathieu. This gives me a chance to scope out what’s happening with them. They won’t expect an attack while we’re all on the move.”

  He looked at me long and hard, searching for some sort of deception in my words. It was going to be difficult to locate because even I didn’t know if I was going to do something stupid quite yet. I mean, odds were definitely stacked in that favor, but it wasn’t a hundred percent certainty.

  “It is a deal, then. I will return soon and we will do this together.”

  I gave him a non-committal head nod. He took that as an affirmative, which was fine with me. He took off running due south. I went west, lateral to Xavier’s army. My vision was ninety percent returned; I didn’t know whether to take it as a good sign or not, but the spot in front of my eyes looked very much like the Batman logo.

  Chapter 18

  MATHIEU

  MATHIEU HAD STARTED running faster than he’d intended, even turning into a werewolf in an attempt to relay the news, grab what he could that might be useful, and return before his friend did anything that could not be undone. He’d seen enough in Michael’s eyes to realize the man had not been entirely truthful and his penchant for uncovering and then poking around in trouble were unparalleled. Trees blurred by, the forest stilled as the apex predator moved silently and swiftly amongst their midst. He’d not gone more than a few miles when he sadly realized that the evacuees were not moving fast enough. Their tracks were so fresh he turned back to his human form lest they believe him to be the enemy and mistakenly attack. He’d had to pull up short when he came around a bend and the Red Witch was standing dead center in the pathway.

  “What has he done now?” she asked, her mouth barely moving from its tight-lipped pinch.