“Isn’t theMutahcompound of Weller the hub of that chain?”
“Exactly.”
Pechardlooked from the battle lord to the lady and back in confusion. “Southern chain?”
Yulenmomentarily ignored the question. “Were you directed to aMutahcompound named Weller?”
“Uhh, yes.Yes, we were.”
“And that’s how you found out about us,”Attyconcluded.
Pechardgave a slight nod. “We’d already heard of the Battle Lord and Lady of AltaNovis. Most people believe that what they’ve heard and read are mere fantasies, or overblown accounts of your exploits. But it was the main council there in Weller who directed us to come here and ask for your assistance.They assured us the tales of your exploits were not fiction.” The man glanced at the two soldiers flanking him. “They told us you’d defeated aDamagedarmy four years ago, and they haven’t come back. Any help, anything you can give us…”
The man appeared ready to break down. He looked totally defeated. What’s more, Lucien got the impression there was more to this story than what theywere hearing.
“How many of you originally left Green River to seek help?” he impulsively asked. The question surprised him. He had not thought of what he was going to say beforehand. It just popped into his head from out of nowhere.
Pechardgave him awearyeye. “There were twelve of us. We three are all that are left.”
“Are you ill? Did any of you catchthe virus?” Mattox demanded.
“Are all of youNormals?” Lucien added.
The emissary glanced from one to the other before settling on the battle lord. “No, we didn’t catch the virus. That’s why Veers sent us. Because we were among the few who were still healthy enough to undertake this mission. And, yes, we are allNormals.”
“How long has it been since youmanaged to escape your compound and make it to here?”Attyinquired.
“It’s been…” The man silently counted the days. “Eight da- No, nine. Nine days…I think. Nine?” He turned to one of his companions.
The soldier gave a slow nod. “Nine,” the man confirmed.
“If it’s been nine days, then the compound’s probably fallen by now,”Mistelleremarked.
“Not necessarily,”Yulencountered.He gestured to one of his men. “Show these gentlemen to the rooms at the other end of the hall.Finster, go find out why it’s taking Fergus so long—”
“Never fear. The doctor is here,” a voice said from behind. Everyone turned around to see IainMaGrathstriding toward them, medical bag in hand.
“Father summoned Fergus,” Mattox noted.
Setting his satchel on the table, Iain looked atPechard, but his response was for all of them. “Dr. Thrasher is down with a case of shingles and has been placed under quarantine. Because he’s unable to tend to his duties, he sent me in his stead.”
Attywaved a hand at the strangers. “EmissaryPechardassures us he and his men did not suffer the virus, but I’d like you to verify that.” She facedPechard. “I’m not calling you a liar, sir, but we needmore than your word to reassure us.”
“No offense taken, madam. I totally understand.”
“Sir, I’m going to need for you to put these swabs in your mouth so I can test for the virus. Have you or any of your men sustained injuries?” He removed several sterile pieces of cloth from his bag as his eyes roved over their outward appearance.
One man stepped forward. “I took a knife in my left leg.”
Iain patted the table. “Sit up here and let me examine it. How about you two?”
“We’re intact, but we’re tired and in need of food,”Pechardadmitted. He facedYulenagain. “Will you be able to give us an answer soon?”
“Tomorrow,” the battle lord promised. “Tonight, you and your men should rest. Food and water will be brought to you. Iain, when you’re done, come to the lodge and give me areport.”
Iain nodded but didn’t reply as he cut away the bloodied makeshift bandage the man had wrapped around his injury.
“Cole, set up sentries. Guards, you’re dismissed. Everyone else, let’s meet at the lodge where we can discuss this further in private.Pechard, if Dr.MaGrathgives you his blessing, you’re welcome to join us for dinner. Otherwise, a tray will be sent to your rooms.”
Lucien watched as their guests were shown the two spare rooms at the other end of the main hall.Mastinordered four guards to stand duty at their doors. During the night, other guards would relieve them. It was a measure not so much to protect the strangers, but to ensure that the strangers didn’t have a nefarious intent.
Seeing the others filing out of the hall, he fell into step and followedthem over to the dwelling the battle lord and lady called home.
