Page 79 of Lucie
“The Bloods are leaving,” Echo remarked.
They watched as the clusters of Bloods began moving westward, as if continuing their trek. More groups emerged from over the last hill leading down to the barren landscape, and it was easy to spot the horses beingridden or led. From where Lucien stood, it was clear by the saddles visible on those mounts that they’d once belonged to the fake battle lord’s army. Bloods always rode bareback. “It would be a miracle if anyone from thatD’Jacquesimposter’s battalion survived,” he murmured.
“They got what they deserved,”Renkenanswered unabashedly. The ex-mercenary turned his head to look atYulen. “That emissary guy. What’s the story about him? A little birdie told me he and that guy may have been in cahoots with each other.”
Yulennodded slowly. “Pechardhasn’t admitted in so many words, but, yes, he was. We don’t know yet what their entire plan entailed, but I believe their intent was to destroy me and all the treatiesAttyand I have made betweenNormalsandMutah. However, it only took one small hitch to knock the wheels off their wagon, and throw off their entire plan. And that was when I had everyone pitch camp, slowing our progress.”
“I bet they were hoping we’d be defeated atWhiterock,” Lucien pointed out.
“It would have saved them a lot of trouble if we had,”Paasagreed.
Renkenpointed to the number of Bloodsmoving from left to right, staying to the open land and avoiding travelling directly on the roadway. “I can’t believe they’re doing that in front of us where we can see them. It’s like they’re daring us. Why aren’t they wary we’ll go after them?”
“Maybe they’re tired of fighting,” Lucien suggested.
“For someone who’s tired, they’re moving awfully fast,” Echo commentedjust as the distant sound of horses coming from down the road drew their attention, and the battle lord smiled.
“Or maybe it’s because the cavalry has arrived.” He leaned over and called down to the men guarding the blocked front gate. “Hancock! Remove enough of the debris to giveTeetersonand his squad entry!”
They remained standing at the top of the wall and watched the menwho’d been sent back to NewBearinger, along with theMutahsurvivors fromJohna’scompound, come into view. By the time they could be clearly seen, all trace of the Blood army had disappeared from sight, vanished in the distance.
Lucien followed his father down to the ground where a narrow entrance was being prepared for the soldiers. As they waited for the squad’s return, a soldierhurried over. In his arms he carried the battle prince’s soft leather armor.
“It’s been cleaned,” he announced, handing it over.
Thanking him, Lucien put it on. “And my outer armor?”
“Still at the clinic, sir,” the man apologized. Once Lucien redressed, he also handed over Lucien’s sword and dagger. “I also have a message to pass along to you and the battle lord.”
“A messagefrom who?”
“DoctorMaGrath. He says to tell you both that the battle lady and theMutahwoman are awake.”
Yulenappeared at his side, having overhead the soldier’s comment. He gave Lucien a look that needed no interpretation, then turned to direct an order to his second. “Cole, have the gates boarded back up onceTeetersonand his men are inside the compound, and have the captain report tome in the dining hall.Garet, go tell Warren to join us inside.”
Without waiting for an acknowledgement, the battle lord took off for the clinic, with Lucien already heading in that direction.
