He beckoned to his second-in-command. “Captain O’Neill. Are we ready for departure?”
O’Neill jogged over and delivered a brief report. “Yes, Sir. I personally inspected every man, animal, wagon, and piece of equipment myself. We have enough provisions to last us for two weeks, and the soldiers number sixty-strong.”
“Excellent. Get ready to open the gates,” Callum said. “I’ll be along shortly.”
“Yes, Sir,” O’Neill said, rushing off.
A spurt of adrenalin filled his veins. Soon, he’d lead the expedition through the gates and into the unknown. Out there lay a vast world filled with possibility and peril. It called to his blood, and he was eager to get started.
“You could at least pretend to be sad about leaving, you know?” Kat said, appearing at his side.
“I know, and I’m sorry, lass,” he admitted. “I’d be a liar if I said I didn’t look forward to it.”
“I can’t say I blame you,” she said with a sigh. “It’s been a rough few weeks. Every day, more problems arise, and there aren’t any solutions. The people are growing agitated, and they look to us to make things better.”
“Aye, tis a grim situation,” he said with more than a tinge of guilt. “And I’m leaving ye behind to face it alone.”
“Not alone. I have Patti, Moran, and Sandi,” Kat said. “Between us, we’ll keep the city afloat until you return.”
“Aye, and I left Bruce in charge of the Watch. He’ll do a fine job of keeping the peace while I’m gone, though he’ll have his hands full, I warrant.”
“At least, we can tell people there’s relief in sight. Not only did we send a party to Vancouver, but you’re going out on this expedition too,” Kat said. “Hopefully, it will keep the people calm until you return.”
“Aye, as long as we don’t return empty-handed,” Callum said.
“You’d better not,” Kat said. “Because if you do…”
“I know. Tis would be a disaster.”
Callum took a moment to look around. Hopeful faces filled the square. People from all around the city had come to see them off and wish them luck. Everyone knew how important this expedition was. Without it, many more would die.
Families said goodbye to loved ones: Husbands, wives, sons, and daughters. They all knew the risk, and he hoped he could bring his soldiers back alive. Each and every one. Yet, he was prepared to risk it. The needs of the many outweighed the needs of the few. It was the burden he carried as their leader, and he knew he couldn’t falter. It has to be done.
“How long will you be gone?” Kat asked.
“A week, perhaps two. We need to make this trip count, however long that takes,” Callum replied.
“I see,” Kat said, her expression strained.
“I don’t want to leave ye when ye’re in such a delicate state,” he said, turning to face Kat. “But I can’t expect my soldiers to risk everything if I’m not willing to do the same.”
“I know, and I understand,” Kat said, placing her hands on her stomach. “Besides, I’m not that far along yet. I’ll be fine.”
“Promise me ye’ll be careful, lass,” Callum said. “I couldna bear it if something happened to ye.”
“I promise, but I could ask the same of you,” Kat said. “Be sure to return to me, Callum MacNamara. I’m not raising this child alone.”
“I swear it,” he said, drawing her into his arms. He held her close and drank in her delicate scent. He wanted to carry this moment with him forever. It would sustain him in the days to come, as he hoped it would for her as well.
Kat clung to him, and when she spoke, her voice was hoarse. “Off with you, before I make you stay.”
With reluctance, Callum pulled away. He searched her face. “Never give up hope, lass. Remember all we’ve been through. This is but another trail to overcome.”
Kat nodded. “And overcome it, we will. Now go. Your men are waiting for you.”
With a supreme effort, he turned away and mounted his horse. Casting her a final look, he said, “I’ll come back to ye, Mistress Mewes, and that’s a promise.”
“See that you do,” she replied.
Without another word, she walked away and disappeared into the crowd. She would not see him off, and he understood her reasons. It hurt too much.
Callum whirled Goliath toward the gates and cantered to the head of the expedition. He nodded to O’Neill, and the gates swung open with a ponderous groan. With a nudge to the flanks, he pushed his horse into a trot and led his men into the unknown. Cheers accompanied their departure, but he couldn’t appreciate the sentiment. Instead, he whispered, “Goodbye, lass. Take care of our unborn child.”
Chapter 19
The group assembled at the front door of the Golden Dragon, ready to take on the feral dogs baying for their blood. They exchanged nervous looks, none of them eager to charge out into the open. Until that moment, the restaurant had sheltered them from harm, shielding them from the dangers outside. That was about to end.
Rogue gripped her spear with both hands, bracing herself for the fight to come. Her stomach churned, and she summoned up all of her courage. Come on, Rogue. Buck up. Dogs are nothing compared to raptors.
“Are you guys ready?” Seth asked. His hand hovered above the tarnished bronze handle of the front door, and he wore a look of steely determination.
His fortitude bolstered her faltering resolve, and she squared her shoulders. “I’m ready.”
“Let’s do this,” Jessica said with a curt nod.
“Imogen?” Seth asked.
Imogen swallowed visibly, her green eyes wide. “I’m okay.”
“Remember everyone. We have to stick together,” Seth said. “Do that, and we’ll all be fine.”
“Understood,” David said.
“Let’s just get this over with,” Bear rumbled, twirling his hammer with deft fingers.
“I agree,” Tony said. “There’s no point in delaying
