Avarice Secret Unquiet CH 37

Well a shortage of Avarice motivated me to get this newest installment out. Enjoy, hopefully next week I will have another, but as I near the end of the novel the last few chapters are complicated and take time to wrap up so bear with me. They will be forthcoming! Thank you all for reading.

Bennett's Gambit

Bennett and his thirteen men had successfully navigated the desert. At last, reaching the ever-reliable spring that burbled forth without cessation from the limestone cleft. The fresh supply of cool, clear water was most welcome by all. The cache of warheads they had buried was still there quite untouched, and they set up camp on a tall cliff top overlooking the fortress. A site where they could remain unseen by the fort below.

Bennett spent much of his time observing the fortification that crowned the desolate plain. The fierce leader began to believe as the days passed that either some malady had devastated the fort city, or perhaps Lothar had finally decided to march east and settle his differences with the recalcitrant farmers. If he sat quietly on the ridge overlooking the fortress, he could, if the wind was right, faintly hear the thrum of the large diesel generators which kept the city alive. There was activity within, but what was their strength? He would not attack blindly again.

His stomach churned as he thought about what the next few days would bring. Bennett's internal monologue told him every time he cast his predatory gaze down toward his prize. That this time it was do or die. This time was the last time, the makings or breaking of all he had ever striven for. Every step he had ever taken, every man he had ever tortured, made fear him, or slain. Everything hinged on this moment. He would either take this much vaunted prize and regain his crown as Warlord, or be vanquished so utterly there could be no return. The testing was at hand.

With this in mind he studied the target obsessively. He could afford to miss nothing of importance. The place that he knew to house so many seemed eerily quiet, and after a time, Bennett had to question if indeed the fort had been partially vacated. Instinct told him it had. He would occasionally sight a lone sentry, rifle slung over his shoulder, walking the checker-plate battlements. However, these patrols were few and didn't seem to follow any regular pattern. It appeared that they didn't fear an attack, the lackadaisical attitude to the constant watchfulness Wezley Bennett would use to his advantage.

Bennett had already decided that the only way they could be sure of the situation was to send someone covertly inside. But who? It was a risky move. He and Gareth could not go, and it was very likely someone would recognize Will. But Dwayne was a candidate; he was savvy, had matured greatly in these past few months, and possessed an unerring sense of direction, as he had already proven, even when underground. That alone made him a desirable selection, and he had not been present for the failed attack. However, he was a grown man, more likely to be noticed and detained. Bennett could not afford this to occur it could mean the end of all his plans.

A half-grown boy would perhaps be the most likely to pass unnoticed. However, all the boys were raw recruits, but perhaps they were Bennett's best and only option. If the Wolf Lord was away hunting, Bennett didn't know how long he would have before his force returned. He must move soon.

Often, Nathan sat with Bennett during these long, quiet assessments of his quarry. Today was one such day. The large man's hand strayed affectionately to the youth's silken locks. The light hair ran through his calloused fingers, pleasingly caressing. A softness that was rare in this brutal man's life.

Bennett had noticed that recently his slave had seemed 'off' and yet he could not pinpoint why. He never voiced these concerns or asked about Nathan's troubles directly. Instead, like the rabid hunter and taker he was, he analyzed the weaknesses in his prey. But he did wonder if Nathan was ill. The lad had not been himself since they had left Wentworth. The weak youth had survived much after all, and Bennett knew from experience that a fragile body such as Nathan's could only endure so much. The idea of this particular slave's loss bothered him. As his ice-blue eyes scanned the fort below seeking his answers, one would never know that behind the hard gaze, the big man worried. Nathan had become, Bennett hated to think it, almost indispensable, a comfort. The lad knew what it was he precisely needed, and when. He would be an asset that would be difficult to replace.

That evening, the group of men pondered how a successful reconnaissance could be made. All agreed that it would be best if the spy were an unassuming youth. Bennett really wished he could have sent Nathan because he knew the fortress better than anyone. His unwavering loyalty and his physicality made him ideal. However, if he were seen, he would likely be remembered. He had spent long months there after all.

So Bennett cast about the tight ring of young men, contemplating who to choose as it was an important decision. One he must get right.

Josh was out, he was clearly too imposing, already more man than a boy, and as Bennett was learning, he could be recklessly violent. Just like he had been at that age. Barrel was also too big; he had his doubts the stout lad could even squeeze through the broken grate to gain access to the compound. Murray was also too mature, and Bennett specifically didn't want to send Murray's youngest brother, Danny. Though Danny would have been a good candidate, as he was small, wily, and furtive. But the lad was too valuable as he was a crack shot. If their plan went wrong, Bennett was unwilling to waste him and his uncanny talent.

That only left Wyatt, Owen, and Louis to choose from. Wyatt, at eighteen, was tall. He was probably also too grown for the task. Either Owen or Louis was Bennett's realistically available choices. His cold eyes flitted between them. He could already tell both boys were acutely aware he was studying them as they uncomfortably looked away.

Bennett glanced at the two half-grown boys. He was, as always, most mercenary, thinking long and hard about each lad's contribution to the group and which boy would be the most dispensable if caught. Yet this was an important mission, one they needed results from if they were not to proceed blindly. If this incursion failed, then a more forward assault would have to be planned, and, like last time, it could prove very costly.

Owen was quiet, strong, and responsible, whereas Louis was more of a carefree boy and didn't always exhibit a strong sense of duty. Often shirking his tasks. However, in Bennett's mind, Louis was more likely to pass by unnoticed. He just hoped the boy had the fortitude and understanding to complete the mission.

His mind made up, Bennett stood. Both boys looked up at him expectantly. He could see the expressions of mixed fear and excitement at the potential of being chosen for something important etched into their expressions.

"You will go, Louis," Bennett announced without feeling or tone of congratulation.

Josh ruffled his little brother's sandy hair, claiming excitedly that he could do it!

Louis stood smoothing down his rumpled shirt and puffing out his chest, feeling important. Little did he know how important he was.

*****

Lothar's well-thought-out compound was vast and was constructed of many levels. It was all too easy to become disoriented in the endless succession of metallic passageways and stairwells. Neither lad knew the layout, but they did, and they could make a map. With the plan set, maps were carefully drafted from memory. Gareth, Nathan, and Bennett attempted to recall as much from their captivity as they could. Louis was drilled relentlessly on what he had to do.

Nathan enjoyed this moment of meticulous planning. He sat at his Master's side, and although he had no voice, his vivid memory of the various levels in the fortress was invaluable. He, more than anyone, wanted this takeover to succeed. At last, he could live in comfort with the man he had devoted his existence to. No more living rough, never knowing what tomorrow would hold. Perhaps too the night terrors would fade if he lived a more comfortable life.

Slowly, they pieced together a very precise map. Carefully charted in the dog-eared lined exercise book. This would become Louis' bible as he infiltrated the fort to collect valuable intelligence.

That night, Bennett decided that they should eat well before the mission. The big bullocks that had drawn the cart so effortlessly had become ragged and thin, the horses faring little better. Bennett ordered the weakest of the bulls shot for provisions. He was surprised when it was Josh who elected to follow his order. He had not expected the lad, who he knew was very fond of both animals, to volunteer.

The sadist in Bennett enjoyed making his men do things they found distasteful or emotionally difficult. Sentiment was a useless thing in times of war, the leader knew. He always loved to test his recruits and even his hard-sworn men with these kinds of tasks. Today was no exception. Josh merely shouldered his rifle and led the big red and white bullock calmly to his death. Bennett didn't sense any resistance at all, just a resigned willingness to carry out orders. Silently, he was proud. Josh was definitely one to watch.

Thanks to the selfless sacrifice of Brutus, the fourteen men ate well and would for quite some days. The beef was stringy but nutritious, far better than kangaroo, of which there seemed scant few to hunt. Again, Bennett went over the mission one last time with the young Louis.

It was planned then that Louis would slip in by the way they had escaped all those seasons prior. Through the broken grate by the refuse heap. They had not approached the fortress at all since setting camp, and had made no reconnaissance of the west wall and the point of entry. Bennett grimly hoped that the entrance was still as they had left it, and not been repaired.

*****

In the early hours of the next morning, Louis went in clutching the book of maps, a sharp knife tucked into his belt. He easily squeezed by the broken grate and was swallowed up in moments by the darkened pipe, and with him went the war band's hopes.

They waited all day, gazing down at the silent compound. Bennett was unspeakably tense. Could the boy give them what they sought, would he even return? It was a tall task to ask of one so untrained and young. The rendezvous had been planned for nightfall. There, they would wait just beyond the refuse tip and hope that Louis appeared. Until that time, they had little choice but to sit and quietly observe, and Bennett, to ease his agitation, had taken his slave seeking some privacy, beyond the standing rocks and thin trees, to enjoy some more carnal pleasures. Nathan obeyed willingly, always trying to excel in his efforts at bringing his Master unrivaled pleasure. The big man was lost in the sensation of his powerful release. It was something he sorely needed.

Though he was the undisputed leader, Bennett was still wary of flaunting his true nature in front of his men. He knew they found it repugnant. Even if his orientation was common knowledge. All Bennett's life, this had put him at a disadvantage, and yet in time, he had realized it had its distinct advantages as well. It meant they feared him; it meant they saw him as an apex predator, especially the younger recruits. However, many of the experienced men felt that too. It was something Bennett had never truly been easy with, something that set him apart. Yet he would use it to his advantage, just as he used everything else.

The tongueless slave sucked at his Master's swollen member with gusto. Carefully and skillfully using the edges of his teeth and his lips to elicit the desired response. On his knees, Nathan's rare jade green eyes looked upward in an attitude of worship. Taking in the magnificence of the leather and steel-clad man, muscled bulk towering over him. The slim youth had his own very personal response to this activity, and his hand strayed to the bulge in his trousers to rest there, kneading his own sex.

This activity was often a one-sided act. Nathan would have to take the enjoyment offered or the absence of it and make it his small pleasure. He was used to this, and internally he orgasmed as his Master filled his mouth and throat with his hot seed. Nathan practiced in this art, took all of it, milking the pulsating organ hungrily for more. His eyes closed in succinct pleasure at that moment, and he was content.

Bennett groaned and shuddered. After his climax, his muscles finally felt loose and relaxed. This was just what he needed; it had been too long. Now with a clear head, he could go back and observe, to wait out the day and hope for good news this evening. Perhaps even doze on his bedroll for a while. With all the anticipation, he had not slept well for days.

*****

They waited silently in the shadows of the scraggly plant life that attempted to eke out its existence in this difficult habitat. No one spoke, and they made as little movement as was humanly possible. Bennett moved slowly, trying to ease the stiffness in his knees as he sat in a ready crouch. He was pushing thirty, and at times his body ached, the collective aftermath of every injury he had suffered in his illustrious career.

Somewhere far off, the mournful cry of a pair of plovers could be heard, a fitting accompaniment to the dreary environs where they sat. Other than that, the only sound was the dry brush and leaves clashing together in the gusts of warm night wind blowing down from the north. Then Bennett heard it, the snapping of a dry twig, and he detected movement in the shadows at the base of the wall.

The boy broke from his cover, running at speed, trying his best to remain unseen and make as little sound as possible. Bennett found himself trying to stifle his sigh of relief. He had calculated that this plan would most likely fail. Yet here the lad was returned to him. Hopefully with some worthwhile news.

Louis, now quite breathless, almost slammed into Bennett's solid bulk as he made the treeline. The boy gasped but stifled the sound as he realized who the large black-gloved hand that had arrested his flight had belonged to. The group moved further away from the trash site and into the scrub before speaking further. Bennett burned to know what Louis had discovered.

"It's true," the boy finally gasped between ragged breaths. "There's barely anyone inside. Twenty maybe. Most of the passages were dark, and very few were about. It looks like they are rationing fuel hard."

Bennett nodded, the energy shortage was not news to him, so he pressed for more information. "What about Lothar, did you discover his position?"

"I hid Sir for a long time near where the soldiers slept, and I overheard them talking of how they hoped their leader would win the war so they could resume getting their supplies."

"So they are hitting the farmer then," Bennett said more to himself than anyone. The others mostly grunted and nodded. This changed things, the wild leader realizing that the path to this victory may not be nearly as difficult as he had first thought.

*****

Louis had brought such welcome news that the earlier tension all the raiders had felt dissolved. They rested well that afternoon for the first time in many days. All except for Dwayne, who had volunteered to keep watch. A reassurance had swept over the war party at Louis' favorable report. That evening, it was time to make the final plans.

Bennett awoke for once, feeling completely rested and clear-headed. A rarity in his life. The shadows were growing long, and the hot sun had begun to set. The others were also stirring, quietly talking among themselves of the evening to come. Sharpening weapons and counting out the valuable ammunition, making sure to be ready for any order.

The big man stood and stretched, running his calloused hands over his close-cropped hair. He looked down at the still sleeping Nathan, light against the dark of the blankets, almost angelic looking. Bennett's passions stirred as he made this observation, and he had to tear his eyes away from Nathan's supine beauty and focus on his task. Tonight would be an important night after all.

Deciding to let his slave sleep some more, he pulled on his beaten leathers and went to the now dormant fire. His men followed, all crouching down in a tight ring to hear of their leader's plans. He gazed at the eager faces, those that were hardened to war, and others who had yet to draw first blood. In that moment, he wished for the strength of two who were markedly absent from his band of cutthroats. Those brothers, Sven and Aran, mighty in their ferocity and presence, who were often so difficult to bring to heel. They could fight like ten men... But Wezley Bennett could have no room for regrets or what might have been. As he stood on the precipice of at last holding the long dreamed of prize in his hands. A costly, pain-filled, and bloody path it had been to this moment.

So he then spoke to his men, who crowded about him like a wolf pack awaiting the command of the Alpha to begin the hunt. "Well, it looks like we will not need the missiles after all," Bennett stated, "with as few as twenty men in that fort. We should be able to take it easily." Truth be told, the fierce leader was a little let down by this fact; he had so badly wanted to employ the sarin gas in this takeover. His morbid curiosity had burned to see just what it could do.

All of the men nodded; the original members of the party were quietly confident. Their hungry eyes shone in the fast-fading light. On many a raid, the odds had been far worse, but never had the prize been so vast. These few souls should be subdued easily. They all knew it.

"Do you think there will be booby traps?" Gareth questioned, his face a mask of concern.

"I doubt it," Bennett was quick to counter, as he laid the dog-eared booklet with the hand-drawn maps contained within on the sand for all to see. "That fort is based on pure defense, however, we will need to be careful. We will split into two parties. One outside to eliminate anyone on the walls, and the rest of us will go in. We must try and take out as many men as we can quietly. Targeting the military immediately." His large hand pointed to the areas on the maps as he detailed the plans to his men. "So we will first make our way to the barracks and the officer's lounge, where we will strike. We will eliminate everyone we see."

"What about the women and children and any civilians?" Interjected Will.

"If you can take them captive peacefully and easily, do so. If not... waste them. I don't want any fuck ups compromising this raid." Came Bennett's emotionless edict. It mattered not to him to spare anyone; the fortress was the real prize and the copious supplies housed within it, but he knew his men would want the women at least.

Will nodded as Bennett continued. "I will need you, Will... Gareth, Dwayne, Josh, Wyatt, Murray, Todd, and Nathan to accompany me inside."

"Nathan.... But why...." Will burst out, irritated that a feeble lad could have any place in the infiltration effort, he would, to Will's mind, only be in the way.

Bennett leaned into Will's defiant brown eyed gaze, pressing a black gloved finger into the armorer's chest. Answering then rather sarcastically. "Because he knows that fortress inside better than all of us, Will... Or perhaps you would prefer we get lost in there and can't find the target."

Will's argument came to a dead stop as his eyes lowered to stare at the black gloved finger that was pressing very hard on his breastbone. Gareth shot Bennett a sickeningly smug smile before Bennett continued to relay his plans. "Now, I want you, Danny, to remain outside, to target the men on the walls. There won't be many. You are the best shot here, but it's important that you boys all work together to take as many out in the first strike as possible. Pig, I want you to stay with the boys, and lead them, and for fucks sake stay away from that flame cannon!"

"Aye," answered Pig, happy to be chosen for a position of responsibility. It was these days a rare occurrence.

"We are going to go in, take out as many soldiers as we can, and make our way to the gate to let the rest of you in. Then we will secure and clear the compound."

"Sir...?" Danny questioned tentatively, clearly fearing to interrupt. Half raising his hand like a boy in class, commanding the attention of a teacher. "How do we know when to attack? The half-grown youth's voice was barely heard over the rising wind.

"That's a good point you raise, lad," Bennett answered. "Sadly, you will have to guess. I want you to count off at least twenty minutes before you make your first shot. We don't want all the guards alerted and armed running to the walls. Not if we can avoid it."

"Oh..." Danny hesitated, then finding the courage, he blurted out. "Counting is hard for me, Sir, I never really learned." Deep shame in his voice. Hating to admit that the task that had been set would be impossible.

Before Bennett could reply, Louis chimed in brightly, "I can. I will keep the time and signal the attack."

"Good, Louis." Bennett answered, "Now are all you boys ready? You all got weapons and ammo, you shouldn't see any close-up fighting if we do our work right."

The boys nodded eagerly, excited to at last after all the training and lectures from the experienced men be on a real raid. The plan was in place. Now to execute it.

*****

Will often wished that his Cockney mouth had more patience, but he could never hold his tongue. He wondered why he often interrupted and challenged the fearsome leader. It seemed foolish, and yet time after time he did. Will knew he was no leader of men, but he had witnessed years of violence and war and could handle himself well in any crisis. He had been here last time after all and survived to tell the tale, and even lead his fellow survivors home.

He did fear Bennett, at least in someplace deep inside. Sometimes he was surprised at what he got away with, for Bennett was not a patient man. Will guessed that it was only his ability to pack bullet casings, manufacture arrows, and repair armor that preserved him. However, he thought his leader at times foolishly thought with his prick. Hell, what man didn't at least sometimes? The armorer was unhappy at the inclusion of Nathan in the main party. He really believed the golden youth was a liability, and at times, Will's senses squirmed when he would observe the lad. He knew what had been done to Nathan would and could fuck anyone up for a lifetime. However, Will felt there was more to what he was sensing. There was something not right about Nathan, of that Will was sure. Something he could not put his finger on, a dark malevolence, and he was sure that at some point it could cost them all dear.

But it didn't matter what Will thought as an armorer. Bennett had the say in life and death over them all. At times it was all too easy to be led, and yet at others it was a difficult struggle like this evening. Will sighed and donned his weapons; there was no room for these kinds of thoughts at this moment. He needed to focus on the raid. A razor-sharp dirk he tucked into his wide leather belt, and he gathered up and counted off his sharp-tipped arrows into the fringed brown quiver he slung over his back. He checked the powerful crossbow that was ingeniously handcrafted from the readily available leaf springs of long-ago wrecked motor vehicles. He was as ready as he was going to be.

Gareth sat on a rocky outcrop overlooking the mostly darkened fortress. The wind ruffed his lank and greasy hair, and his dark gaze took in the prize below. Only a couple of solitary lights shone within the encircling walls. Last time Gareth had sat in this place, he could remember the yard was bathed in light. He thumbed the raw edge of his heavy battle axe absently. It would taste plenty of blood tonight. Gareth was inured to violence and murder. It had always been his way. He had walked on the wrong side of the tracks since he was a boy. The war had been good for him, kind even. Lawless and violently spontaneous men like Gareth thrived in this new age. Even now, he was dreaming of the new life he might have below. Of the soft flesh of a woman or two. He was second in command after all, and he would have the first choice of any of the available women. This victory meant a better life.

Dwayne checked the tautness of his bowstring one final time and slung it over his bronzed shoulder. He tucked the Glock into his belt and checked his pockets for the extra full clip, wishing he had more ammunition. With this victory, perhaps ammunition would be plentiful, unlike it was now, always so valuable and heavily rationed. Sliding his long knife into his leg holster, he looked over towards the fort and suppressed a yawn. He was tired, but he knew the adrenaline of battle would carry him through until dawn. Hopefully, with that new dawn, victory would be theirs. Perhaps this time he might secure a comfortable domicile of his own, and maybe even a comely woman. He was no longer last in rank after all.

Pig prepared quietly, smiling to himself. He had enjoyed the change of pace since leaving the valley. At times, the older man had found the going tough, but as the weeks had unfolded, he found his body had responded to the hard pace and he felt stronger and more confident. He was happy that tonight he would lead the shooting party.

Likewise, Todd, though younger than Pig, had also found the excursion a challenge. His damaged shoulder was still a painful impediment to his performance at times. He didn't feel as indestructible as some of the other men seemed to be. Yet he welcomed the chance at a new and possibly more ordered and comfortable life. Yes, he was so very ready for a change of fortunes, and he hoped that after this one last raid, he could have comfort and certainty.

Josh felt an electric excitement as he swung the sharp machete about him with a well-practiced flourish. His mop of dark blond hair fell across his bright blue eyes. Fighting at close quarters had always drawn him, at least in fantasy. Tonight, he would finally taste combat for real. He wanted to impress, to pull his weight. Hoping to climb in status and garner further acceptance from the older men. Sure, he was no stranger to butchering beasts and hunting. However, this was different, more than just 'farm' work. The blood probably felt the same, hot, sticky, and warm, but the young man did ponder, would he feel any different after taking a human life? Hopefully, he would feel a rush of empowerment, mighty and unstoppable, never to return to just being a farm boy. He was determined that heady and unbridled feeling would be his to grasp.

Louis was a bundle of nervous energy, eager to begin. Still a child, with all the innocence that came with it and naivety. He viewed tonight as a game, a Boy Scout foray. He wanted to run already to those metal ramparts and begin shooting, such was his eagerness. He didn't really understand the older men's sense of desperation and desire for the prize. He was still a boy untainted by this harsh world. This was like the war and cowboy stories his father had loved to tell him when he was just a wee little nipper being tucked in at night. In a time when he still had both his parents, his baby sister Joylene, and a modicum of stability. Before it was just he and his brother taking wilted wildflowers in spring to their graves, and facing the world and all its terrors alone. The old stone farmhouse and the presence of his family's faded photos on the mantle had made Louis sad. He was only too happy to leave the place of unhappy memories and find adventure elsewhere.

Barrel was nervous as he readied his weapons. He was a grounded and sensible teen. His sawn-off shotgun was loaded and his blade sharp. He desired the inclusion this adventure had brought, but unlike his 'brothers', he pondered the cost. Not necessarily his own cost, but the cost to the unknown people who dwelt below. Unlike most of his cohorts, Barrel was not entirely sure what he was doing was morally right. They had owned land, they had lived not always so comfortably, but their existence up until recently had been quiet. They never starved and possessed a place to rest their heads at night. Barrel had not been so keen to leave his home as the others had been. Farming could be repetitive and dull, and Mother Nature was one hell of a hard boss to reason with at times. However, what they were on the cusp of doing tonight scared the hell out of him. He was determined not to show his fear though. He could not let the others down. So he went onward, even through the unease that roiled up inside of him.

Owen was simply following his brother. As he looked over and smiled at the envious Dwayne, almost goading him. Flexing the powerful bow he had acquired in a measured display of his strength. He enjoyed the idea that no one else who was good with a bow had the power in their upper body to use this particular one. Owen's range with a bow was unmatched, even if his accuracy wasn't yet developed. If they were shooting at bad guys on the wall, that was fine with him. The fortress looked interesting, and he had heard much talk of what was purported to be inside. He hoped it was as good as he had overheard.

Murray Deer sat off to one side on a boulder, looking out over the valley. The fast fading light at this precise moment lent an eerie reddish hue to the landscape. The rookie raider taking these last few quiet moments to center himself. He had not expected to be asked to join the more hardened fighting men in the direct assault. His black, stubbled chin rested atop his knee. He squinted into the distance, eyeing his target, knowing that soon he would be down there somewhere inside, fighting for its possession. He, like his brothers and friends, had never fought before, and he wondered if it would forever change him.

Wyatt Deer was nervously pacing in the dust, waiting for the order to move out. His stomach had been churning all day. He had been so nervous that it had been difficult to eat even though he had been hungry. He was glad that at least he was on the wall crew. He didn't know what he would have done if he had been chosen to go inside.

Danny, the youngest of the Deer brothers, felt great excitement as he sighted in his favorite rifle. A recent gift from their leader on the realization of his uncanny marksmanship. A rare and highly coveted army issue SR98. The telescopic sight had been damaged long ago, but Danny had proven to all that he could easily hit anything he desired with the iron sight. He raised the weapon and gazed down its barrel at the fortress below. As he did so, he could sight with his keen eye a lone watcher patrolling the battlements. 'You will be mine.' Danny thought as a twisted grimace played across his usually resolute face.

The sun had almost set. Bennett rose from his squat, entwined his gloved fingers, and flexed them with an audible crack. It was the only sound in the silent camp. He stooped down to take up a heavy steel-handled kitchen knife that had been lying beside him in the dust. All eyes were on his tall, commanding form, if not directly, then inconspicuously. The men were like a tightly wound spring ready for the command that would send them to attack.

He turned his back to all of the men and paced over to his bedroll. Nathan woke with a sudden start, realizing it was almost dark, at once guilty that he had overslept. But mercifully, he did not dream. Wondering if he would be punished for such laziness on this night of all nights. He then realized that his leather and metal-clad Master was crouched above him, presumably watching him as he slept.

Nathan afraid shot up, but Bennett stopped him with his large hand. "You are going in with me, take this." He pressed a large, steel-handed blade into Nathan's pale palm. The blade was on observation wickedly sharp, and heavy. Nathan only had seconds to be confused, as his Master's words came quietly in instruction. "I want you to keep close and make sure we go the right way, understood. We will target the barracks and officer's lounge first."

Nathan nodded, being both fearful and elated that he would go with his Master into the fortress. He wished for his revenge as much as the next man.

"Now get ready, we are about to move out."

With that, Bennett left into the darkness to finalize the plans among his men.