Fearless (Nameless #3)(69)
Raca looked between Zo, Joshua, and Tess. “I’m in no position to judge, but—”
“This is a rescue mission,” said Joshua.
Tess nodded sternly at his side. “We’re going to save our family.”
Zo sputtered, taken aback by her sister’s definition of Gryphon. But the more she thought about it, there was such a sense of rightness to calling them all a family. If she was honest with herself, it was what she’d been fighting for all along.
A family.
Could something so wholesome be born from so much death and heartache?
Raca didn’t question Tess’s explanation for leaving. She simply nodded and hitched up her pack. “I can’t think of a more noble goal.” But then to Zo, she whispered, “Protect these children, Healer. Be the protector for your family that I couldn’t be for mine.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
“Let’s run through it again,” Laden said to the chiefs in his small travel tent, two days after leaving the Allied Camp.
“No matter how many times you repeat the plan, it will not change the fact that the Wolves and Raven cannot stand alone against the Ram,” Chief Naat said, massaging his fingers into his forehead. “By the time the Kodiak finish freeing the Nameless, we’ll be in our graves.”
Gryphon couldn’t help but agree, but found it difficult to rouse hope for anything at the moment. Days. That was all he had left. But it felt as though the end had already come and gone when Zo ran out of his tent. Joshua hadn’t even been awake to receive his goodbyes. It was probably for the best since the kid would have been clamoring to join him. But regret singed Gryphon’s thoughts as he considered his life with the boy. Surprisingly, his biggest regrets were verbal omissions. He should have told the boy how proud he was of him. How much he loved him. Why hadn’t they taken the time to laugh more often?
“What do you think, Gryphon?” Laden asked, waking him from his daydream.
Gryphon cleared his throat. “I think nothing can be decided until we get more information. I can’t imagine the Ram traveling too far ahead of their families. They’d need the manpower to manage their slaves. But I also don’t think they will bring their families to the river to meet us in battle.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “If I were Barnabas I’d setup camp a few hours travel from the river. Close enough to rush back to, but far enough from the fight to keep their loved ones away from harm.”
Laden said, “If the Kodiak and Freeman can get to their people right after the Ram leave to meet our armies, they have a good chance of getting to the river in time.”
The Alpha leaned forward, all beard and scowl. “You honestly think we can hold them that long?” He shook his head. “Against the full force of the Ram, it will be a slaughter.”
Gryphon frowned. “I just don’t see another way.”
Murtog said, “How many soldiers do you think Barnabas will leave to protect his people?”
“Depends.” Gryphon shrugged. “Barnabas will have scouts canvassing the area. I think it wise to let them see our numbers, or at least part of them. If they feel the threat is great enough, they might pull all their mess units forward, making the Nameless an easy target.”
Laden nodded. “We’re forgetting that Barnabas plans to kill Gryphon at the river. He’ll want all of his troops to witness the event.”
The clan leaders shifted uncomfortably, shame at using Gryphon’s death to their advantage causing them to avert their eyes.
“My men have the least experience in battle,” Stone cut in. “But most of us still have family and friends among the Nameless. We can free our people without Murtog’s help. The Kodiak can join with the Wolf and Raven.”
“No,” said Murtog. “My men will not fight until we secure our families.” Both his tone and demeanor left little room for argument.
Laden sighed. “It’s settled then. I’ll have runners stationed in the area so we know what we’re dealing with. The Kodiak and Freeman will hang back, keeping to the southern caves, letting the Ram pass. Once they free their people, they’ll join us, flanking the Ram forces.”
He leaned forward, massaging his forehead with fingertips. “Let’s pray the Ram take the bait and come at us with everything they have.” His faced turned to stone as he surveyed the men around him. “All that leaves is for us to stop the strongest fighters in the region from reaching the Valley of Wolves. Our wives and children depend upon it.”
On the morning of the third day of their journey, the jittery Wolves under Gryphon’s command ate a quick breakfast and broke camp. As soon as packs were secured Gryphon gave the order, “Link!”
Forty men scurried into their new formation. Gryphon counted a full six seconds before every man was in position with shield raised and spear ready.
“Today the Allies will cover fifteen miles. You will keep formation that entire time. Everything must be in unison. You will walk in formation, hike in formation, eat and even piss in formation. Is that understood?”
“Yes, sir!” they shouted.
One man in the front row looked slightly over his shoulder, probably considering the consequences of the last command.
Gryphon nodded to the new leader of the front line, an able soldier with ample experience. “They are yours. Lead on.” Gryphon stepped aside as the orders to march were given. He spent most of his time jogging circles around the perimeter of the phalanx, instructing men to tighten gaps and step in sync. The rocky terrain made it difficult for them to stay as compact as they should. One line would hit an obstacle and speed up once they passed it, abandoning the men behind them.