Page 79 of Broken Sentinel

CHAPTER 16

"Unity patrols concentrate here and here."Trent points to locations on the makeshift map spread between us. "If we cut through this ravine, we should avoid their standard search patterns."

We're huddled in a small cave five kilometers from Haven's Edge. Rain batters the entrance, turning the world beyond into a gray blur. Our hasty departure three hours ago left little time for detailed planning, and now we're playing catch-up.

Vex studies the route Trent suggests, doubt clear on his face. "That ravine floods during heavy rain. We'd be trapped."

"The alternative adds a full day to our journey," Trent counters.

I lean forward, examining both options. "What about this ridge? Gives us higher ground and clear sightlines."

"Exposed," both men say simultaneously, then eye each other with mutual annoyance.

I suppress an eye roll. "Great. The one thing you agree on."

The tension between them has been palpable since we left the settlement. Professional, as promised, but with anundercurrent that makes the air feel thick whenever we stop moving.

"The ridge is too visible," Vex explains, softening his tone. "Unity's new drones have enhanced thermal imaging."

"And the ravine is still too risky with this weather," Trent adds.

I glance at the cave entrance where rain continues to fall in sheets. "Seems like we're stuck here until this lets up anyway."

"Two hours, max," Vex says, his modified eyes tracking the storm patterns with practiced ease. "Then we move, regardless."

"Which direction?" I press.

The men exchange another look—this one almost cooperative.

"East, through the forest basin," Trent suggests. "Longer but more cover."

Vex nods reluctantly. "The vegetation will mask our thermal signatures."

"Forest basin it is." I stand, stretching muscles already sore from our rapid exodus. "I'll take first watch."

"I'll join you," Vex says.

"Not necessary," I protest.

"Two sets of eyes are better than one," he insists, following me to the cave entrance.

We position ourselves just inside, where we can monitor approaches without being easily spotted. The rain creates a constant background noise, but our enhanced hearing can still detect anything unusual through it.

"You okay?" Vex asks after several minutes of silence.

"Just peachy. Running for my life again, being hunted by Unity, responsible for warning others like me. What's not to love?"

He smiles slightly. "The Sentinel sarcasm remains intact, I see."

"Some things don't change, even when everything else does." I pull my knees to my chest, watching raindrops create tiny rivers down the rock face.

"Still upset about the hasty exit?"

I consider denying it, but what's the point? "I was just starting to...I don't know. Feel settled?"

"In the three weeks since you arrived?" His tone is gently skeptical.

"Okay, maybe 'settled' is the wrong word. But I was figuring things out. My changes, my past, what I might want for my future." I shrug. "Now it's back to survival mode. I just want a break, I guess.”

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