Forsaken: Stealth, #3

Chapter One

Brian heaved a sigh of relief. Leaning down, he placed his hand on Tonya’s shoulder. She’ll be fine, Tonya. She’ll find Elena and they’ll both make it home, you’ll see.

I know. But she’s all I have, Brian. What if...

No. Now come on, there’s nothing we can do. The vortex has closed, so we have to have some trust and faith. Let’s see how everyone else is now that it’s finally over.

Tonya stood up and gave Brian a watery smile. She ran her hands down her clothes trying to smooth out the creases, then stopped. She laughed out loud at how wet and dirty her clothing was, then pointed at Brian’s trousers as well, You look like you’ve been through the wars, Brian.

Speak for yourself. Brian retorted. He looked up at the sky and continued, I do wish this rain would stop though, I’m getting chilled to the bone.

He turned when he heard the others begin moving around. He watched, detached, as Jerry, Andrew, Stephen and Derek came together in a huddle, muttering their own relief. His main concern right now was Scott. The poor sod had been practically snapped in half by those blasted Xartheans. He slowly walked over to where Scott was lying, lifeless, on the stony ground and knelt beside him, a deep sorrow settling in his chest. As he raised his head to the heavens his eyes caught Tonya and Nadya doing the exact same thing next to Drina’s lifeless body.

It was only then that he heard the mournful cries of Nadya. Her dirge was so pitiful it jarred his very soul. He doubted that the summit of this mountain they were sitting on would ever rid itself of the sound. A large lump entered his throat, it threatened to halt his breathing and explode his lungs through his chest wall.

Despite being a catholic bishop, he was still, after all these years, deeply affected by death. Faith doesn’t bless you with understanding or shield you from the pain, especially when it’s someone you know and respect.

He looked down into Scott’s face. Scott had been a member of the secret brotherhood, within the church, which deals with the negotiation and/or ridding of demonic entities in this realm. They had been on this mountaintop, Scafell Pike, for an ancient and special ceremony to send a race of beings back to their own realm. They had gotten into this realm when Elena accidentally opened a portal into this world. They had come through in their thousands, hundreds of thousands, intent on only two things: killing as many humans as they could, and taking back the physical realm for themselves.

Although the ceremony to rid this realm of these beings had been successful, two of the group had been killed, Also one, Elena, had been dragged into the Forsaken realm by the Xarthean leader, Feonior. Thanatos had volunteered to go into the realm and search for Elena, then bring her home. In truth, Thanatos had to go into the realm anyway to return a bracelet and rod to a Kiltoka spirit named Cassia. She had twenty four hours in which to do this, otherwise the vortex and seven other portals into this realm would re-open. They would allow the entities responsible for Drina and Scott’s deaths to come back into this world.

All they could do was wait and hope that Thanatos would find Elena and  bring them both home safely. For now though, they needed to sort out the dead and get off this mountain. Brian walked over to Tonya and Nadya.

Girls, we need to start making a move.

Nadya looked up at him, her eyes full of sorrow, What?

We need to get off this mountain and out of the rain. We need to alert the authorities about Drina and Scott. His voice was quiet, respectful, and his demeanour was timid, as if he didn’t want to enrage Nadya, whom he knew was hurting badly over the death of her lifelong friend.

Alert the authorities? Nadya looked up again, pain and confusion crossing her face, You don’t mean that we’re going to leave them up here?

Tonya placed her arm around Nadya’s shoulder, We don’t have a choice, Nadya, dear. The trek down the mountain is too hazardous in this rain to carry them, and we don’t have anything to carry them on. She looked around the summit at the layer of broken rocks and stones that covered the surface. We could cover them with the stones in a makeshift burial before we leave if you prefer.

Fresh wails began from Nadya, so Brian turned away and walked to the group of men, waiting only yards away. Are you all okay? He asked.

Each man nodded, then Jerry swiped his hand through his hair and said, Can’t someone shut her up? He pointed towards Nadya, She needs to remember that we’re extremely lucky that only two of us died.

Come on Jerry. She’s just lost her best friend, in what wasn’t exactly normal circumstances. Give her a minute can’t you? Brian said.

I know all that Brian. Jerry retorted, But we need to move on and get sorted out. Can we at least get on with burying Scott then, until she decides what to do about her friend?

Andrew spoke up, annoyed. Jerry, have some compassion. I’m sure she’ll sort herself out soon enough. But yes, we should deal with Scott.

Alright. If you four start gathering up some rock shards I’ll prepare the body. Brian said. With that, Jerry, Andrew, Stephen and Derek began moving around and picking up the biggest shards they could find and placing them together in a pile.

Brian knelt down next to Scott’s broken body and offered up a silent prayer and blessing. Standing up he took off his coat, no longer noticing the rain and wind and used it to cover Scott as best he could. When that was done he walked over to Tonya and Nadya. Placing his hand lightly on Nadya’s shoulder he asked, Nadya, would you like me to offer up a prayer for your dear friend and a blessing?

Tonya was the one who answered, We’ve already done those things, according to our own religious beliefs, Brian. But thank you for the offer, it’s appreciated. She looked at Nadya for a moment, then continued, We’ve decided that we’d also appreciate it if Drina could be covered until we can get help to bring her down the mountain. Is that alright?

Of course, Brian said, I’ll tell the others. He walked away to help the other men collect enough stones. It took quite some time for the stones to be gathered and when they were finally done, Brian again approached the two women. It’s time. He said. They looked up and nodded their heads. Tonya stood and made to help Brian lift Drina’s body. He held out his hand to her, Tonya, we’ll do it.

Thank you.

Brian, Andrew and Stephen gently lifted Drina and laid her down next to Scott’s body. Tonya and Nadya laid the bodies out as if they were sleeping and then Tonya picked up a stone. She was the first to place it on Drina’s chest. At this, everyone got down on their knees and helped, until both bodies were covered apart from the faces.

I can’t be here for the next bit. Please excuse me? Nadya said as she stood up and walked away. Tonya joined her to keep her company. Brian and the others went about the task quickly and respectfully.

Finally done, the men stood and joined the women. Alright. We need to get to the village before nightfall. Is everyone ready? Brian said. He saw each person nod and then he took a deep breath. They all turned simultaneously and began walking to the trail that would take them down the mountain, to the village of Wasdale Head. The rain had begun to lighten a little but the trail was still perilous, the going was extremely slow. No-one had the energy or the inclination to chat so they simply walked. And walked. Forever downwards, following the well-worn trail.

Finally nearing the bottom they came to a slightly steeper incline and had to hold on to each other for support. Regardless, Nadya slipped on the wet ground and fell, tumbling at least ten feet. She grabbed onto Andrew as she fell and took him with her. They came to rest on a fairly flat part of the hill and groans of pain were released from both Andrew and Nadya. Andrew’s groans were, Get this fat bitch off me, I can’t breathe. He pushed and shoved but was unable to move the mountainous woman off his person. As he waited for help from the others he realised that Nadya was not moving. I think she’s unconscious! Hurry up. He shouted to the others who were heaving poor Nadya to the side. Laying her on her back they could clearly see a contusion on her head, one of her legs was also bending in an unnatural position.

Oh, this is just great. Now what the fuck are we supposed to do? She’s broken her leg. We can’t exactly carry her, can we? Jerry said, annoyed.

Well we can’t just leave her here either. Tonya replied, facing Jerry. She held her arms stiffly at her sides, hands balled into fists of frustration at Jerry’s whole attitude. You know, I’m getting so sick of you, Jerry. You need to stop this whole ‘doesn’t give a shit about anyone else,’ attitude you’ve got going on because it’s getting old real fast. I’m surprised you even bothered getting involved in all this because frankly, you’re such a bitter, selfish man. Tonya was shaking in anger now and Brian stepped forward.

Tonya, please, we really don’t need arguments right now. Nadya needs help. Come on, let’s see just how damaged her leg is. He pulled Tonya away as she scowled at Jerry. They moved over to Nadya who was just coming around and groaning in pain. Leaning down they inspected her leg, Well, that leg looks pretty messed up, Nadya. You need to rest. Brian said as Nadya tried to sit up and yelped in pain. We’re going to have to try and make the leg a little straighter so that you can be moved. It’s going to hurt, a lot.

Nadya was sweating with the pain but simply nodded as speaking would have taken too much energy. She waved her arms in a gesture that Brian took to mean, ‘get on with it then.’ Brian looked over at Jerry and Stephen, Can you help hold her down while me, Derek and Andrew set her leg? He looked around for a branch or anything that could be used as a splint and spied just what he was looking for. Turning to Derek he said, Derek, could you go and get a branch off that bush while I rip Tonya’s coat into strips? Derek nodded and set off to the nearby bush.

Brian held his hand out for Tonya’s coat and proceeded to rip it into strips. When Derek returned they all turned and faced Nadya. I’m frightened. Was all she said as they approached slowly, none of them keen to perform the task.

You’ll be okay, Nadya. Just let us do this and it’ll be over in seconds. Brian reassured her. They gathered around her, and Brian, Derek and Andrew moved to the leg. Jerry and Stephen each grabbed one of Nadya’s shoulders and Tonya rested her arms firmly on Nadya’s good leg. Alright, are we all ready? Brian asked. As each person nodded he said, On a count of three then. One... two... Before he said three Jerry and Stephen leaned down hard on Nadya’s shoulders, and Tonya did the same on Nadya’s good leg. At the same time, Brian, Derek and Andrew forced the leg into a more natural position. As they did so, Nadya let out a resounding scream of pain before losing consciousness once again. While she was unconscious Brian and Tonya placed and secured the splint, then they all sat back exhausted from their efforts, but pleased with the results.

Anyone got any ideas how we’re going to move her? Jerry asked, his voice dripping with disdain.

We’re not far from the village now, Jerry. I’m sure we can manage. Tonya replied.

Brian looked up, Maybe a couple of us should go on ahead, alert the authorities and get an ambulance or something to pick her up. The rest of us can wait with her until help arrives.

We really need to get her out of this rain in her condition.

And how do you suggest we do that, Tonya? Jerry said, She isn’t exactly the smallest person here is she? We’re all exhausted and soaking wet ourselves and I, for one, have no intention of getting an injury from trying to carry her.

Jerry. We get that Nadya is a robust lady, alright, can’t you just leave it alone? I agree with Brian, a couple of us should go on ahead and find help. Derek said. I’m happy to go. He looked around and saw that Stephen was already standing. I’ll take Stephen and we’ll sort out a doctor and somewhere to stay.

Great stuff, Brian said. A little snooze while we wait should be good. He looked at Stephen, Can I borrow your coat, please?

You want my coat? What for? Stephen asked, removing his coat and handing it to Brian.

You’re going to sleep? In this weather? Tonya glanced at him, amused, as he sat down close to Nadya and bunched up the coat. He placed it on the ground and lay down with his head on the coat. Folding his arms across his chest he turned onto his side and closed his eyes. He seemed unmindful of the rain as it trickled a steady stream down his face. Tonya turned and watched as Derek and Stephen set off. Please be as quick as you can? She called after them. Derek waved his arm to indicate he had heard her, then they both disappeared down the incline.

Derek and Stephen were gone less than half an hour when Tonya heard a vehicle approaching. She stood up and walked over to Brian then bent down and began shaking his shoulder to wake him up. Brian. Wake up. They’re back. Brian sat up and rubbed his eyes, then ran his hands through his hair.

I wish this rain would stop. Oh well, it’s not like we can get any wetter, is it eh? He said good naturedly as he rose to his feet. They stood together waiting and Jerry stood behind them. Andrew remained seated on the ground as his head was still spinning from the knock he had received earlier, in the fall down the incline.

They watched as an ambulance pulled up as close as it could and Derek, Stephen and two paramedics jumped out and ran towards them. The paramedics carried heavy looking bags and when they reached Nadya they both went to work straight away. One of them looked up at Brian and Tonya, Good work on the splint. You might have just saved her from a permanent limp. He then turned to his colleague, She good to go? At his colleagues nod he rose and trotted to the ambulance to get the gurney.

It took both the paramedics plus Brian and Jerry, to get Nadya onto the gurney. Once she was strapped in and secure the paramedics began slowly wheeling her towards the ambulance. Stephen turned to Tonya, I’ll go with her. She can’t be left on her own and I know you want to wait around here for when Elena gets back. Seeing the concerned look on Tonya’s face he put his hand on her arm and smiled, She’ll be alright, I’ll look after her, I promise. Tonya looked into his eyes and nodded.

Thank you, Stephen, after everything that’s happened she... They both turned as one of the paramedics announced that they were ready to go. Stephen smiled again at Tonya as he turned away and walked towards the waiting ambulance. He climbed up and settled himself in a seat next to Nadya’s gurney. The paramedic closed the back doors of the ambulance and walked to the front of the vehicle, climbed in and closed the door.

They all watched as the ambulance moved away and then each one sighed with relief that they could now finally get out of the rain.

They began walking towards the village as Derek told them about the hotel. It’s not far from the edge of the village and they had a few rooms vacant, seeing as it’s off season. They all moved to the very side of the road as a car sped past.

Tonya took in her surroundings, which was something none of them had had time for on their way up from Manchester. The roads were quite wide but seemed narrow due to the low wall on both sides, and the massive amount of greenery surrounding them. The road itself was long, and she could see down it for a very long way. The light surrounding them, although coming up to dusk, had a healthy shade of country green to it which was calming and pleasant as they all walked along. The fresh smell of the rain soaked foliage was also pleasant. She began to relax, regardless of the rain still pounding down. A person can only get so wet and then wetness ceases to matter.

Her main concern right now was to get to the hotel and wait for news of Elena. Tonya didn’t expect Brian and his team to stay with her while she waited, and she didn’t mind. She could take an impromptu holiday here. When Elena and Thanatos arrived from the other realm they could all travel back to Manchester together. Tonya smiled as she realised, that for the first time in the last few weeks, she was relaxed and relatively happy.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Derek, There it is. He pointed straight ahead and off to the side. They all looked around, but all they could see was low brick walls and lots of trees.

Where are you pointing to, I can’t see a hotel anywhere? She asked.

Derek smiled and let out a small laugh, There is a gap in the trees just ahead and the hotel is just up the track, a couple of hundred yards. We’ll be there in a minute.

As he was speaking the gap he mentioned appeared and they all turned into the track. Now it was possible to see the hotel they all quickened their steps eagerly, needing to finally get out of the rain.

Chapter Two

Finally. I’m so glad to get out of that rain. Tonya said as she entered the hotel. The receptionist was glaring at them all as they dripped water onto the carpet in the foyer. While Derek strolled up to the reception desk to talk to the receptionist about their room keys, Tonya glanced around.

The reception area was a medium size, decorated in sombre tones of light green and off-white. The curtains covering the main window were heavy, lined, crushed velvet, tied back with decorative tassels. The ceiling was covered in moulded tiles which gave it quite a grand appearance and complimented the small chandelier nicely. The reception desk itself covered one whole wall and Tonya could see behind it to a few doors, mostly labelled ‘Private’ and correctly surmised that they were offices and store rooms. Tonya turned and walked to the nearest set of large, glass double doors and looked through to find a dining area which could easily seat at least one hundred people. The tables all had an air of privacy as they were each surrounded on three sides by low trellises, tastefully arranged with potted, leafy plants. 

Tonya turned around and walked back to the others as she heard Derek say, I’ve booked rooms for us all so we can rest and clean up a little. Tonya, you have a single room to yourself, which is... He looked on the key fob, ...room 27. I think it’s on the second floor. Brian, Andrew, you’ll be sharing room 12 on the first floor. Derek then turned to Jerry and continued, Jerry, you’re in with me in room 17 which is also on the first floor. He handed them their key cards and the receptionist pointed to the stairs.

As they all turned to the stairs and began moving towards them to climb to their rooms the receptionist could be heard muttering to herself under her breath. Her tone and facial expression clearly showed her displeasure at something as she picked up the phone and began to dial a number.

Just ignore the receptionist, she isn’t the best at customer service. As soon as  she found out we didn’t have a whole lot of luggage, she stuck her nose in the air and looked at me as if we should all have booked into a bed and breakfast rather than a three star hotel. They all began ascending the stairs as he continued, I’ve booked us a table in the restaurant for eight as well, that should give us enough time to get refreshed. How’s Nadya? as he asked his question Derek looked at Tonya.

She’ll be okay. They gave her some strong painkillers and took her to the hospital, Stephen went with her. Tonya turned to Brian, Is it possible for you to phone your driver and get him to take her home when the hospital are done treating her?

Of course. Brian said tiredly as he paused outside a door on the first floor and looked at Andrew. Here’s our room. Have a good evening everyone, and we’ll see you all at eight. He placed his key card in the slot next to the door, heard a click as the door unlocked, then opened it. Without a backward glance he and Andrew entered their room and closed the door behind them.

Tonya, Derek and Jerry carried on walking down the corridor. Three doors down on the opposite side they found room 17 and Derek and Jerry bade Tonya a good evening as they entered their own room.

Tonya carried on down the corridor until she found some stairs and climbed them to the next floor. She found her room and entered. It was a typical hotel bedroom, sparsely but tastefully furnished, with a bed and lamp, a small table and two chairs set under the window, a wardrobe and portable television. Walking to the window, Tonya looked out at the view. She could see the hotel car park from where she stood and beyond that lots and lots of trees and greenery.  Although it was a beautiful sight she turned away, exhausted. She spotted some coffee making equipment in the corner next to the television and gladly rushed over to make herself a refreshing cup. Once made, she sat on the chair under the window and relaxed a little while she finished her drink.

Moving into the bathroom she undressed