Van Laven Chronicles (30 page)

CHAPTER 56

Despite Comron’s precautions, the meeting to hand over the vessel turned out to be an ambush. Comron spotted the set up immediately, the military stance, the looming shadows. He grabbed Vaush and dashed out of the warehouse and ran for an adjacent building. The moment they turned the corner they ran into a small squad of Recaban’s men. Comron opened fire and pulled Vaush aside.

“Take cover!” he ordered.

Vaush ran and ducked behind some large crates. From there, she watched Comron fire at two of the assailants, hitting them both. Another attacker sprang from nowhere, knocking Comron's weapon from his hands. Instinctively, Vaush leveled her blast rifle and fired when she saw one of the men train his weapon at Comron. Taking advantage of the distraction, Comron landed a swift kick to the closest attacker’s chest, cracking his ribs. He snatched up a nail-ridden two-by-four and bashed the next attacker in the face, burying the rusty nails in his temple.

But like cockroaches crawling out of the dark, the attackers kept coming.

Determined to help, Vaush emerged from behind the crate, only to be grabbed from behind by one of the henchman. She screamed, drawing Comron’s attention as he rammed his fist into the gut of a large assailant. The man doubled over and Comron raised his fists and slammed them down squarely on the opponent’s back, cracking his spine. Throwing his elbow back, he connected with the attacker coming up on him from behind. He moved through the rest of them with equal ferocity sending them sprawling back with a series of rapid-fire punches and bone snapping kicks.

Over to the side, Vaush drove her boot heel down on her attacker’s foot. He released her with a howl. She spun around and swung her rifle at his head, knocking him back into the crates. Knowing he meant to kill her, she flipped the rifle around and fired on him.

Distracted for a moment by Vaush’s actions, Comron was knocked to the ground by the final assailant. He recovered quickly, driving his fist hard into the man’s face, sending a gush of blood from his nose. Comron threw the thug off him, retrieved his rifle and fired.

He ran to Vaush’s side and looked at the dead man on the crates. “Impressive,” he said and led her to the door and into the hallway. “There are bound to be more of Recaban’s men lurking about.”

“What are we going to do for transportation now?” she asked, standing close behind him.

Comron shook his head. “First we've got to get out of this building. Then we'll just have to take whatever we can get our hands on.”

She nodded and squeezed his arm.

“Come on, let’s go.”

Vaush followed Comron through the corridors to a stairwell and rapidly descended the stairs in search of the exit. Just when Vaush felt certain they’d make it, the doors clanged open on the floor below. The shouting began and several rounds whizzed past them. Comron quickly opened the door on their floor and pushed Vaush through. They dashed out into the darkness and discovered they were in the midst of a construction zone.

In the dim light, Vaush could see a series of catwalks and scaffolding stretching out before them. Down below was a cavernous pit.

“It’s too dangerous,” Comron said. Behind, the sound of their pursuers grew louder. “Damn it, we’ll have to cross it.”

Vaush peered out over the drop and tried to quell the uneasiness in her stomach. “Did I ever tell you I’m afraid of heights?”

He looked back at the door as the sounds grew louder. “We don’t have any other choice. You go first and I’ll hold them off.”

The horrific vision of Comron’s death flashed before her eyes once more, chilling her to the core. “Why don’t we go together?” she said fearfully.

“I’ll lay down some cover for you. Once you’re across, you’ll have to do the same for me.” He gave her a quick kiss for confidence. “Now go!”

Vaush dashed out over the catwalk, running for all she was worth. The air rushed past her face at her increased speed. Within seconds she’d reach the other side and Comron could join her. A barrage of gunfire opened up behind her.

When she turned, Comron was already halfway across the scaffolding, shooting at the assailants as he sped along. With all senses heightened, Vaush opened fire. One by one, she picked off the shooters with incredible accuracy, though she’d never stepped foot on a firing range. Only two remained and Comron would reach her in seconds. She hit the one, but just as she squeezed off the final shot at the remaining one, he got off one of his own. The shot went wide of Comron, but hit the main cable bracket. It exploded from the wall, the cable supporting the catwalk unraveled, sending the catwalk crashing down into the cavern.

“Comron!” Vaush screamed. She watched him reach for a loose cable and then he was gone. Without regard for herself, Vaush dashed out onto the remaining catwalk, hanging perilously from weakened brackets. Through the dust and darkness, she peered down into the yawning cavern and saw Comron hanging on precariously to the cable. She laid down flat on her stomach and stretched out, reaching for him.

“Are you all right?” she called as she inched out over the jagged edge.

He coughed hoarsely as the dust swirled around him.

The structure creaked beneath her and she could feel the sharp edges of steel pricking her skin. The air cleared enough so that she could see Comron covered in dust. His arm seeped blood where a broken rebar had sliced into it.

“Can you climb up?” she yelled down.

He peered up at her, dazed. “Yes.” But the moment he attempted to move, the structure began to give way then jolted to a stop.

“Get off the catwalk,” Comron called to her. “This whole thing could come down!” Reluctantly, she inched her way backward. “All right, I’m clear.”

She heard him groan as he put pressure on his injured arm and carefully ascended the rickety scaffolding. Vaush held her breath as each move seemed to strain the weakened structure further. She scanned the room, grateful that no more attackers had arrived yet. All the while the frame creaked and swayed under Comron’s efforts.

Vaush’s eyes followed the cable that held the structure in place. It ended in a brace mounted to the wall. It was the only visible means of support left. With each of his movements, the brace pulled farther from the wall.

“Comron, you’ve got to hurry!” she called out, knowing the brace would give way at any second.

No sooner had she uttered those words, the brace flew off the wall. She watched in horror as the cord snaked by her. Knowing it was the only thing supporting Comron, she leapt upon the cord, grabbing hold of it. Her hands burned under the friction but she held on as it dragged her toward the doorway to the edge of the catwalk. Still holding on, she sprung up as she approached the edge and planted her feet on either side of the doorway to impede the progress. She strained desperately to hold on.

“Comron!”

She heard him groan as he hit the wall below.

“Come on!” she ordered. The realization set in – she was supporting his weight along with the remaining scaffolding. Elation soared through her. It was no dream or hallucination–the Murkudahl Essence was real!

Still she trembled under the strain. Perspiration broke out on her brow, her palms grew moist, threatening her grip on the cable. She twisted the cable around one of her arms and continued pulling with the other.

Comron’s hand finally appeared over the edge of the catwalk and with one arm he pulled himself up onto the surface and crawled his way toward Vaush. She released the cord and it slid rapidly, lashing back and forth until it disappeared over the edge. The whole structure crashed noisily to the floor below. Exhausted from the effort, Vaush leaned against the wall, breathing heavily.

Comron stared at her in open astonishment. “You were holding the cord the whole time?”

She nodded and wiped the perspiration from her brow with her sleeve.

Comron clutched his injured arm and looked over the edge then back at her. “Between me and the scaffolding that had to be over 250 kilos.”

Again she nodded, hoping these feats would remove any lingering doubt that he had about the Murkudahl visit.

“Damn it, Vaush! What the hell is going on?”

“As I told you before, the Murkudahl gave me the Essence to help me make it to Novoxos.” She removed the cloth band that held her hair back and used it as a bandage for his arm.

He shook his head. “They’ve really been following us since Patheis?” His face was tired and cynical. “Where are they now?”

“They said they were going to contact our ally here in Monteras.” She looked around. “Hopefully, they’ll find us soon.”

“Hopefully?” he said incredulously. “We have no idea who this ally is or what they want of you, Vaush. I don’t like the idea of flying into this blind.”

“I don’t either, but they want me enthroned so that makes them the best friends we have.” Having finished patching his arm up, she brushed his dusty hair from his eyes. “Can you move?”

“Yeah,” he said, bracing himself against the wall as he rose. “It does make you wonder who has the steel balls to stand against Thalonius.”

“You mean besides you?”

“Love-struck husbands aside, who else would have the means and the motive to move against the Supreme Prince?”

She shook her head. “Whoever it is, they’d better find us soon.”

“We’re not waiting around here to be rescued. We stick to the plan to find a ship.”

“Buying one now is going to be a pretty tall order with all of Recaban’s thugs everywhere.”

“Who said anything about buying it?” He cocked his rifle with a sharp click. “One way or the other we’re getting a ship.”

CHAPTER 57

“A few blocks down, there’s a transport storage bay,” Comron said as they hurried along a dark alley. “Hopefully we’ll find a space-worthy vessel there.”

Vaush kept pace with him, their boots splashing through icy brown slush. They stopped at the edge of the alley and peered out into the street. A few glow lights lit the dark empty street as the snow drifted down lazily.

“It’s down that way over to the left. No one should be there at this hour.” He glanced down at her. “You ready?”

She shrugged. “I keep getting a foreboding sense about this place. The sooner we get out of here the better.”

“The Murkudahl said you’d make it to Novoxos safely, right?”

“Yes, but they also said there’d be an ally to help us, and since they’ve failed to materialize, I’m beginning to lose faith.”

“Well, don’t. We’re going to get through this, even if it’s just you and me.”

She simply nodded though he suspected it was more for his benefit than a reflection of how she truly felt. “I’m ready,” she said.

They hurried across the street, their feet crunching in the snow as they slipped back into another alley. They crouched in the shadows, avoiding the penetrating searchlight of a passing hover craft.

“That’s a Nethicaen vessel,” Comron said gravely.

“Is there anyone who hasn’t figured out where we are yet?”

Without warning Comron yanked Vaush to the ground and hunkered down next to her. He motioned for her silence. A few seconds later, she heard a boisterous party of revelers passing by the alley. At that moment something furry and gray scurried across her foot. It took every ounce of restraint to avoid screaming as she lunged toward Comron, nearly knocking him off balance. Thankfully, the party seemed to take no notice.

Once the alley was clear, they made a dash into an adjacent vehicle storage deck. Though full of various sized transports, it appeared to be devoid of people. Comron and Vaush quickly made their way through, occasionally checking to see if any of the larger vehicles were space-worthy. Vaush stood guard outside and watched as Comron forced the lock on one and climbed inside.

“This one might do,” he announced, rummaging inside.

“Can you engage the engine?” she asked nervously.

“Give me a minute.”

Growing anxious, she walked around the vehicle to make sure no one was following them, as she couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched.

“Halt and identify yourself!”

Vaush whipped around to find a uniformed guard quickly approaching. After the initial shock, she turned to run.

“Halt or I’ll fire.”

She froze in place, raising her hands above her head.

“Well, well, well, what have we here?” the short, slight man asked with a blast rifle trained on her. “You’re way too pretty to be out here all by yourself.” He brought his wrist up to speak into a receiver.

Just then, the butt of Comron’s rifle slammed into the guard’s head.

He tossed Vaush his rifle and picked up the guard’s for himself. A voice emanated from the guards com band.

“Janz, come in.” Then silence. “Janz, report!” ordered the voice. “Janz, I’m coming up and there’s going to be hell to pay!”

“Looks like we’re going to have company.” Comron grabbed Vaush’s hand. “Come on!”

They flew down the transport-lined corridor and were nearly blinded by lights when a vehicle sped in their direction. They ducked in between the vehicles and remained there not knowing whether the driver was pursuing them or not. The vehicle seemed to continue on its way.

After a few minutes, Vaush whispered, “Do you think it's safe?”

Comron’s brow creased. “Something’s not right.”

All of a sudden three armored vehicles roared into the area. The doors flew open and a dozen fearsome-looking soldiers leapt out bearing military grade blast rifles. Comron recognized the red lion sigil: Imperial Guard Assassin squad. They flooded the area with lights leaving them nowhere to hide.

Comron pulled Vaush up with him and ran headlong in the opposite direction of the guard.

Murkudahl enhanced adrenalin coursed through her body. Her legs pumped faster, propelling her forward with unnatural speed. Comron was quickly on her heels, as he pointed toward an exit sign.

“Fire!” shouted the commander of the Imperial Guard.

When Vaush reached the door, she slammed into it and then pulled it open. Gunfire burned holes into the metal frame. “Go!” Comron was shoving her through and following closely behind. Immediately he hit the door lock. But when they attempted to open the next door that led into the building, they found it locked.

“Damn it!” Comron cursed. He and Vaush looked back at the door they’d just come from but heard the pounding of the men trying to gain entry. They considered going down the stairwell, but could already hear yelling coming up from below.

“Stand back!” Comron moved Vaush behind him and fired two shots at the door handle. The handle broke off and Comron worked the door open.

They ran into the darkness of what seemed to be the main lobby of a merchant center. Wide open space surrounded them as they dashed across polished floors. In the center was a great expanse with glass and a brass railing around a steep drop three floors down.

To their left, more doors slammed open and in poured Nethicaen soldiers, cutting off their escape. Comron and Vaush darted behind a marble column just as the hail of bullets rained down upon them. In all the noise, Comron tapped Vaush on the shoulder and pointed at a great chandelier cord that held the fixture above the firing squad.

She nodded. They both aimed their blast rifles and began firing at the cord. It quickly snapped under fire and the chandelier crashed down on the men below. Taking advantage of their confusion, Comron charged the remaining men, firing all the while. Vaush followed suit, deftly taking down two who had leapt out from hiding.

As one of them called for back up, Comron chopped him in the mouth with the butt of his rifle. More soldiers jumped into the melee.

“Vaush get out of here. Run!” he called out as he struggled against Recaban’s men.

She dove to the ground when one of the men fired on her. She rolled away and shot back, hitting him dead in the chest.

“Run, Vaush!” Comron continued to shout as he battled the swarm of enemies. For everyone he took down, two more sprang forth.

Vaush shot the glass out of a store front, creating an exit. “Comron, come on!” she cried and picked off a few more of the attackers. As valiantly as Comron fought he couldn’t overcome their numbers and she wouldn’t let him sacrifice himself this way. They’d make it out together or not at all.

“Comron!” Vaush screamed as a burly bear of a man came barreling down on him. With his back against the glass guardrail, Comron had no means of escape. As the behemoth drew closer, Comron bent low and used the giant’s momentum to lift him up and over his shoulder.

She was already racing toward them when the burly man hollered as he went over the rail toward the three-story drop. At the last moment, he fired a grappling hook that wrapped around Comron’s arm. Vaush leapt forward, reaching for Comron as he was snatched off the ground and pulled over the side. He stretched his hand out to her and their fingers brushed before he plunged down the three stories onto the marble slab floor below.