Love in a Time of War by Donald B McFarlane

Author:Donald B McFarlane [McFarlane, Donald B]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-08-27T21:00:00+00:00

11

“They’re dropping down.”

The call went out in the clear overall royal guard comm units.

Aika was sat next to Sydan on a bench on one of the numerous balconies of the castle that looked out over the vast green forests that covered the local region. It was not only beautiful but peaceful.

Defences had been prepared at the expected drop zones. The local militias and planet defence forces were deployed there, while the royal guard was being kept for the final fight at the castle itself.

Everyone that had needed to get away had. Anyone that was within eyesight of the castle was resigned to their fate. They knew that they were staying to fight, and they knew that when the end came, no quarter would be given.

“I always loved coming up here.”

It was the first thing Sydan had said since they had sat down. Both in their pristine armour. Both armed. One ready to give their life for their planet and their family, the other preparing to save the others life, no matter the cost.

“Yeah.”

Sydan squeezed his hand. “I brought you up here the first time, didn’t I?”

Aika nodded. “I wasn’t allowed on these levels.”

Standing up, Aika looked down at Sydan and kissed her, then excused himself. “Back in a moment.”

Time was of the essence. Walking around the corner of the massive balcony, Aika pulled out the tiny transmitter Cryne had given him and tapped it once. An automated series of beeps followed, then Cryne’s voice.

“Kid.”

“I need extraction.”

“Critical?”

“Critical.”

“When?”

Aika tilted his head to the side, thinking, then brought the transmitter back to his lips. “Soon.”

There was a pause of almost a minute before the response came. “I can get to you in just over an hour.”

“Ok.”

“Extraction location?”

“The hilltop south of the lakes below the castle.”

“I remember.” Another pause. “How hot will it be?”

“Could be very.”

“Alright. Be at the extraction site in sixty plus. If I’m not there in two hours, I’m not coming.” There was a pause. “Stay alive.”

The line went dead.

Aika stuck the transmitter back in his pocket and took a deep breath. It was now a waiting game. He needed to keep Sydan alive long enough to make the extraction, but he knew that he couldn’t leave the royal grounds too early. He’d have to time his escape from the castle at just the right moment, otherwise, Sydan would resist.

Fuck.

“Everything alright?” Sydan asked when Aika returned.

“Yes.” He sat down next to her and took her hand in his. “We should go inside.”

She nodded.

It took several minutes to descend into the depths of the castle and reach the command centre. Information was already flowing in, and all the key players were present. The Grand Duke was standing next to his senior military advisors, while Aka was next to the Duchess, whom he was now providing protection for.

“Four ships in total.”

Aika tried to pick up on the conversation that he had missed.

“And they are all heading for the landing zones we expected.”

“Are your forces deployed?” The Grand Duke asked.

“They are. A strong force

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