Page 14 of Salute, To Bravery
“I don’t recognize them. We need to know if they’re here for us as friends or foes before we reveal ourselves,” Harper whispers, moving away from the window to grab her rucksack, which is always packed and ready in case we need to leave quickly.
I follow suit, the reality setting in. “We can use the back route. The one we scouted the other day,” I suggest.
Harper nods. “We’ll keep to the woods and circle back to the viewing point at the top of the valley. We’ll be at a safe distance but still able to see what’s happening below.”
Harper is already at the door, her pistol checked and holstered. There’s a fierce determination on her face.
We slip out the back and head up the valley side toward the tree line. We walk in silence, Harper’s expertise and guidance making sure our passage through the underbrush is virtually imperceptible.
Our movements are swift as we head for the vantage point above the village. Pausing, we watch as the men from the jeep continue their inquiries.
Harper meets my gaze; her calm expression is one of steely determination and hope. “We’re almost at the top. Let’s keep moving. Your safety and the success of our mission may depend upon it.”
Chapter Fourteen.
Harper
The dense underbrush of the wood offers us concealment, but it’s also a hindrance as Rehan and I move stealthily, keeping our profiles low to avoid detection. The rustling of leaves and the occasional snap of a twig underfoot are the only sounds that accompany us, aside from our controlled breaths.
The sun is just beginning to dip below the horizon, casting elongated shadows that merge with the darkness of the tree branches overhead. I adjust the strap of my rifle, the familiar weight slung over my shoulder a reassuring feeling amid the uncertainty. Rehan is a silent shadow beside me.
We finally reach the vantage point and start scanning the area for the men in uniform as well as any unknown risks.
“There,” Rehan murmurs, pointing slightly to the northwest.
Through my binoculars, I catch a faint glimmer of metal. It’s another vehicle, possibly military, obscured partially by the trees. I know the villagers are completely trustworthy, but itlooks like someone has informed these soldiers of our presence in the vicinity.
“They’re stationary. Could be planning their next move.” I hand Rehan the binoculars, my mind racing through our options. “If they are the enemy and part of an organized search party, we’re at risk of being discovered. We need to camouflage our position and set up a warning system to alert us to their approach. I wish I could see who is down there. I can’t even tell their nationality from here.”
“They are dressed in Western uniform.”
“But that doesn’t mean anything unless I see someone I know and trust.”
Quickly, we begin the work of concealing our location. We lay out a pattern of devices connected to small, improvised noise makers—nothing lethal, but enough to give us a warning. I check my rifle, ensuring it’s loaded and ready, while Rehan prepares a fallback position, an extra precaution should we need to retreat.
“Harper,” Rehan whispers softly. “Whatever happens, I want you to know I’ll never regret the decisions I’ve made that have led me here with you.”
I look at him, the depth of my feelings for him swelling in my chest. “Me neither. We stand together. No matter what.”
Our eyes lock, and in that moment, a weighty understanding passes between us. It’s more than a commitment. It’s a confession. It speaks of a deep, resolute love that has been forged and strengthened in adversity.
The crunch of undergrowth followed by the detonation of one of our noise makers alerts us to someone approaching. I raise my rifle, sighting down the barrel as several uniformed soldiers emerge from the tree line. Rehan stands beside me, his own weapon at the ready.
The figures halt, and a voice calls out in perfect English, “Lower your weapons. We’re US military.”
Rehan and I keep our rifles trained on the men in front of us.
“Stay where you are!” I call out in response, my voice authoritative.
The standoff lasts for a tense few moments until one figure steps forward, hands raised. “Captain Riley. Major Anderson sent me.”
Skeptical, I keep a defensive position, my finger steady on the trigger. If my battalion lost the battle, Major Anderson could have been compromised.
“What did he tell you?” I question.
“We’re here to take you to safety.”
Rehan and I exchange a glance. Can we trust them?
