The Sheriff 6 (Sheriff Duke) by M.R. Forbes

Author:M.R. Forbes [Forbes, M.R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-08-02T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 21

"Thank you, Brother Sam, for joining us," Zephyr said, his voice rich with approval. The roar of the crowd still rang in Hayden's ears as Zephyr released his hand. "You may return to the others now."

Hayden glanced at Kady one last time, her eyes wide and pleading above the mask that covered her mouth. He wanted nothing more than to rush to her, to gather her and the other children up and flee this madness. But he couldn't. Not yet. He had to be smart about this.

With a final nod to Zephyr, he descended the steps, the crowd parting before him as he returned to his place among the ranks. Joshua and Lacey grinned at him, their faces alight with fervor and excitement.

Zephyr continued speaking, his voice rising above the murmurs of the crowd. "Tomorrow, my children, we begin our march towards destiny. All but a few units will head out at dawn, setting forth to find our sleeping queen and bring about the glorious Rebirth!"

Another cheer went up, the Rebirthers' devotion palpable. Hayden joined in, raising his fist and shouting along with the rest, though he could no longer fake his zeal.

"Now, go and rest," Zephyr commanded. "Gather your strength, for the journey ahead will test us all. But we will not falter, will not fail. The Rebirth is at hand!"

With those final words, he dismissed them. The crowd began to disperse, the Rebirthers talking excitedly amongst themselves as they headed back to their barracks.

Hayden lingered, watching Steel lead Kady back inside the main building, the other children herded behind them by more red-armored disciples. His heart clenched at the sight of their small, frightened faces, some dragging their feet, others stumbling and unsure.

He had to get them out. Had to stop this insanity before it was too late.

Turning, he followed Joshua and Lacey back to their barracks, the two chattering non-stop about the upcoming march.

"Can you believe it, Sam?" Joshua said, his eyes shining. "We're going to be a part of history! The Rebirth of the new world...it's really happening!"

Lacey nodded eagerly. "And with the One to guide us to the queen, it's only a matter of time. Oh, I can hardly wait!"

Hayden forced a smile, making the appropriate noises of agreement, while inside, he had continued working on a desperate plan. There was only one way forward that he could see, and it was risky as all hell.

Back in the barracks, he lay on his cot, staring up at the dark ceiling as the other Rebirthers settled in around him. He could hear their breathing, the rustle of their blankets, the occasional whispered conversation. But he was a million miles away, his thoughts consumed by Kady and the others, by the terrible fate that awaited them if he failed.

Hours passed, the night deepening around him. Gradually, the sounds of the barracks faded away as the Rebirthers succumbed to sleep one by one. Hayden remained awake, every nerve tense and thrumming as he waited.

Finally, when he was

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