Page 79 of Knot All Is Ruined: Part 2

Chapter thirty-three

With the matter of Cris’ father settled, we grabbed food in the mess hall and met up with Rick. Who’d already been in contact with Savo.

“In anticipation of this moment, we have a team already camped out near the Asturg border the past week. We all agreed that taking this second training camp would most likely be the tipping point and turns out we were right,” Rick explained, pulling out a map and spreading it over the table. “Now, this is where the team is currently, and this is the meetup spot we agreed upon weeks ago. It will take them five hours to get there, but it will take you eight, even with the vehicle. Leaving in the next thirty minutes will get you there before dark. There isn’t anything around, so using the headlights shouldn’t be a problem. What can I say, I’m more on the cautious side.”

Lucian looked over the location critically as if he wasn’t sure it would work anymore. Then he grabbed a tool to double-check the distance from that spot to Stalhold City. “Another seven hours to the main city where there is no chance to sneak up on them. Damn the bastard for leveling out the whole area and giving us no coverage. The second we get within a few miles of the place, they’ll know we’re coming.”

“Well, then it’s a good thing you have a day to sit tight and figure out the best solution while we wait for the militia to attack here,” Rick pointed out. “Besides, Savo is leading that team. While he might have been gone for a long time, he knows the area too. It’s better to have two minds figure this out than one.”

Lucian didn’t respond. He just kept staring at the map as if it would give him the answer.

“All right then, grab your shit and let's move out,” Sorin ordered, then reached out to shake Rick’s hand. “Thank you for everything. I know we’ve kept you away from your family to make this happen. Hopefully, once this is over they’ll be able to switch other people in to take your place so you can see your wife and kids.”

“That’s what's keeping me going, and the fact that we can video call twice a week. At least I know our kids don’t forget their fathers’ faces,” Rick shared with a wistful smile that fell away into a more serious expression. “Give ‘em hell and the best of luck to you all.”

We stopped by the supply station to gather what we needed for the trip knowing the strike team would be set to accommodate us once we got there. Lucian drove since he knew the terrain the best, with Victor as co-pilot, leaving the rest of us in the covered back of the truck. It was decided to take one of these versus the Humvee so we could conceal how many people were in the back. It did, however, mean it was one hell of a bumpy ride reminding me of that first trip to the outpost three years ago. Now here I was, coming full circle. Only this time when we arrived at Stalhold City, I wouldn't be a captive, I would be a liberator and that was an amazing feeling.

Rick had been spot on with his prediction that we’d arrive at sunset, meaning we didn’t need to use the headlights. Although, I’m sure that even without them, someone would quickly notice a random covered military truck driving through the Northern wasteland. The real question was would they do anything about it?

The strike team was already there with the camp set up in the structure that Rick had us adapting to since it made sense and offered more protection. Hopping out of the truck, I almost fell over with how numb my legs were from sitting on the hard wooden bench in the back. I pitched forward, but a pair of hands caught me in time to steady myself then took a step back.

Looking up, I found a massive man with striking green eyes and familiar features towering above me. I knew instantly that this was Savo. The family traits were evident to me, even if he was taller than Lucian. They had the same jawline and nose, but they must have gotten their eye color from their mothers because neither had the muddy brown of the General.

“You must be Danella,” he greeted with a gentle smile that contradicted his appearance. “I’m Savo. It’s nice to finally meet you in person.”

“Likewise,” I answered as a pair of hands settled on my hips.

I knew from the touch and the smooth, spicy scent that it was Lucian. “Hello, brother, it’s been a while.”

“Lucian, you’ve filled out since I last saw you,” Savo commented with a grin tugging at his lips.

A snort came from behind me. “Yeah, that happens when you haven’t seen someone since they were a teen.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Savo laughed. “I hope after this it won’t need to be long between visits. I have a feeling that once Cambrie and Danella meet, they will instantly become friends.”

The others joined us and ran through quick introductions since it was more about putting a face to a name after all our phone conversations. With that matter settled, he showed us to the tent we’d be staying in and gave us time to settle in.

“Dinner should be ready soon. There will be a meal call so you’ll know when it’s ready,” Savo mentioned before waving a farewell as he ducked out of the tent.

There was a moment of silence before Victor blurted what we were all thinking. “Holy shit, that man is massive. I’m not a small guy by any means, but fuck, he’s a giant. Tell me he doesn’t get that from your father because that changes the whole ass game.”

I didn’t even try to hold back the laughter that bubbled up from his outburst. Seeing Victor so impressed and slightly intimidated by someone was strange, though I didn’t blame him—Savo was indeed a giant.

“Our father is that tall, but he isn’t nearly as muscular. Pretty sure it’s why he picked Savo in the first place. He was intimidating without even having to say a word. Fact of the matter is that under the bulky exterior is a rather sensitive guy,” Lucian shared. “His sister died in one of the breeding houses, and that I think was the final straw. With not having any siblings and father already having used my emotions against me when it came to my mother, I didn’t understand why that broke him. Now having a family, I can see how hard that must have been to deal with.”

I was happy to see that he was willing to put himself in his brother’s shoes. When I’d first heard him talk about his brother who abandoned him and their country Lucian had so much anger he couldn’t see past it. Now they’ve had to work together, moving towards a common goal of freeing their people. He’s never said it outright, but I think having Savo here fighting alongside the rest of us meant a lot to Lucian. I also got the feeling that Savo was right about Cambrie and I becoming friends, which meant spending time around her pack. Working through their issues now would only help in the future.

A long shrill whistle could be heard through the camp, and I would bet anything that it was letting us know dinner was ready. We’d just finished laying out our beds for the night so that way we could pass out after dinner. After not sleeping well and all that’s happened today, I knew a full belly would knock me right out. Filing out of the tent, we spotted where everyone was gathering and headed over.

Savo noticed us and motioned us to join him where he was standing. “Listen up, soldiers,” he bellowed, grabbing everyone’s attention followed by instant silence. “I’m going to introduce you to some important people you will treat with the utmost respect. Is that understood?”

“Yes, sir,” all the soldiers shouted.

With a nod, Savo clapped a hand on Lucian’s shoulder with a wide grin on his face and started the introductions. “This is my brother, Lucian, and his pack mates Sorin, Victor, Petru, Toma, Cris, and their bonded Omega Danella. They are why we’re here and able to be part of history. We have the honor of assisting them in ending this feud between North and South Asturg. They are also fellow military men and outrank everyone of your sorry asses, so if they give you an order, do it. We will have a rest day tomorrow as we finalize our strategy for the following day as we prepare to strike Stalhold City, the capital of Northern Asturg. Eat up and enjoy your rest while you have it.”

Having released them to their evening meal, all the men lined up and to be served their meals. It looked like they’d made some kind of hearty stew, and my mouth was watering. Unable to wait any longer, I headed for the back of the line when a mountain of a human cut in front of me.

“Hold up, little sister,” Savo said with a chuckle. “Didn’t you hear me tell them that all of you outranked them? That included you. Grab a bowl and walk right up to the front of the line, and no one will say a damn word.”