Veteran by Jonathan Brazee

Author:Jonathan Brazee [Brazee, Jonathan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781945743344
Publisher: Semper Fi Press
Published: 2019-11-04T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

“I think this is as far as we can go,” Les said, stopping the bike. “How long from here, do you think?”

Miklos looked up the mountain. “We’re not far. Maybe forty minutes?”

Les looked back down toward the town. He couldn’t see it from this spot, but the last time it was in view, five minutes ago, there wasn’t as much progress as he’d hoped. It had only been about half an hour since he’d told the mayor to evacuate, but even dealing with civilians, surely more would have been ready. Almost all of the boats within his view were still there.

At least they’d made good time, and it was fortunate they had Miklos as a guide. He’d have missed the trail, choosing one of the others which would not have gotten them that far or even could have been exposed to the Wolvics. The trail to Heaven was out of view of the disc-recon team and was narrow, but clear. Even beyond the spot where young lovers did what young lovers do, he’d been able to climb another couple hundred meters before the bike just couldn’t go any farther.

The three got off the Ion and started up on foot. Miklos wanted to lead, but the kid’s shotgun didn’t have the range of his MEW, and Winnie’s Brady didn’t have the punch.

Les started with a pretty aggressive pace, and within a minute or two, his legs started protesting. He muttered a curse under his breath. Back in the day, the hill would be nothing, but now . . .

There was nothing to do but push on. He could rest when he was dead.

But his body just couldn’t take a sprint up the mountain. He had to stop twice, lungs bellowing for air. Both times he’d held up a hand for silence, then cocked his head as if listening for the enemy. Juvenile, yes, but he couldn’t help it.

Miklos said the trail went all the way to the peak where the adventurous overnighted to watch the sunrise. Les was just glad they weren’t going that far. Gray spots were floating across his eyes when Miklos grabbed his shoulder and said they’d gone far enough. The Wolvics should be at about this elevation.

Les bent over, hands on his knees, ignoring his pride. He had to catch his breath before continuing. Miklos moved past him and stood there protectively, shotgun at the ready.

“Are you OK?” Winnie asked in a whisper.

“Yeah. Just give me a moment,” Les wheezed out.

It had been so easy to decide to attack the Wolvics on the mountain when he was back in Fox. It was easy to insist that he was still combat-ready. The reality of old age was kicking him hard in the ass now, however.

It took two long minutes before he could go on. He refused to look Miklos in the eye as he pushed past him.

Ahead, he could see the side of the rock face, rising another 250 meters before it flattened out somewhat and led to the peak.

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