He could tell Veronica was angry with him,but he could also surmise she didn’t wish to discuss the wholebride thing right now either. She was as much a warrior as any ofthe other men currently filling up his bedroom. She wanted to getas much information regarding the enemy, the infected, as she couldglean.
“Are there more hoards within a mile radiusof the six-pack?” Veronica asked. “If not, I’m thinking a grenademight do the trick.”
“I didn’t see you pack any grenades.”
“Then you weren’t watching me veryclosely.”
“I might have been preoccupied,” he sniffed.It was always nerve wracking to have a huge barbarian king wieldinga heavy sword and a lot of attitude behind you. “How many do youhave?”
“Ten.”
He nodded. “I know you have guns, ammo, yoursword, and a machete.”
“Not to mention the rest of my Kalariweapons.”
“Then you’ll be fine, sis.” He hoped. Shewas so close. To lose her now was unthinkable. “I have faith in youand your abilities.”
She semi-glared at him. “Luckily for you,the feeling is mutual,” she said pointedly. “Look, Victor,”Veronica hedged, changing the subject somewhat, “I don’t know whatto expect when I get off this boat.”
“What do you mean?”
She shrugged. “By the time I made it toApple Creek? All of a sudden, the eaters started learning quickly.I don’t know how or why, but they’re getting smarter.”
“I noticed,” he admitted on a sigh. “Ididn’t want to say anything alarming, but yeah, I’ve noticed. Whichis why you have to make it here sooner rather than later.”
“What do you mean? Just say it, Victor.”
He didn’t want to have this conversation,but knew he had to. “I’m simply validating your observations aboutthe dead. For four years they’ve been genetically stagnant, but inthe past six weeks or so they appear to be evolving at a rapidrate.”
“You aren’t making me feel better.”
“I’m not trying to. I want you to understandthe seriousness of what you’re facing. The fact is, we don’t knowwhat to expect from the eaters.”
“Believe me. I’m well aware of thatfact.”
“Good. It will keep you extra vigilant.”
“Do you have any good news for me, bro?”
“Yes.”
“What is it?”
“There is light at the end of the tunnel,Veronica. I mean, 1155 A.D. might not be filled with planes,trains, and automobiles, but it’s pleasant enough and it has afuture.”
She stilled, the implication behind hiswords seemingly dawning. Her eyes widened. “You don’t believehumanity has any future here,” she murmured. “Do you?”
“Only whatever future we give it by alteringhistory in this time. Once you arrive here alive and well, alteringhistory will be my sole focus until I take my last breath.”
“Can you really do that? I mean, what if weerase our own existences by changing the course of—”
“Can’t happen.” He shook his head. “That’snot how time travel works.”
A hand flew to her hip. She sighed like amartyr. “Please don’t bother explaining it to me.”
Victor found his first small smile. “Neverplanned on it.”
*****
