Read Online Seers of Verde: The Legend Fulfilled: Book One by ML Williams - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: ML Williams
Ads: Link
The boulders seemed to get bigger. They were scattered everywhere. The top of the mountain still loomed in the far distance.
Never one to shirk his duty or complain, Uri urged his men on, but he could see their spirits were running low. Many of the climbers had volunteered, hoping a saunter up the mountain would be a welcome break from the constant building, moving supplies, and foraging for fresh food. Now their bodies were sore from sliding over rocks and jumping crevices. Their hands were bloody from being torn on jagged edges.
Three days later and only two thousand meters higher, Uri halted his exhausted group for the night. The mountain still rose before them as if daring the climbers to continue. Their supplies were running low. They had maybe ten days’ worth left if they were frugal.
In the morning, the lieutenant made the difficult decision to turn back. His group also had marked their way with laser cutters. Perhaps another party would try again, guided by their signs. The descent went much faster. They reached the colonist encampment in five days.
Taryl was the only one not happy to see them return. She was waiting for the climbers at the foot of the mountain. At first surprised to see her waiting exactly where they emerged, Uri caught himself. Of course she had been watching their movements.
Uri could not bear to look the petite Seer in the eyes. She stood before him, hands on her hips, her face almost as red as her flaming hair. Her expression softened as she saw his men shuffle past. They too were embarrassed at being forced to abandon the expedition early, but exhaustion was evident in their movements and faces.
Every other man sported bandages. Four others were carrying a stretcher. The injured man had broken his ankle in a fall two days earlier.
“I’m sorry, Taryl. We were unable to complete our mission,” Uri said, bowing his head. “It was rough going up there. I was afraid we were going to run out of food and healthy bodies to continue.”
Tears ran down Taryl’s cheeks. “I know you tried your best, lieutenant. Your men look exhausted. I watched when your man broke his ankle. How awful.”
“We can try again in a few lunars when the weather clears,” Uri said, trying to cheer up the despondent woman. “A second group won’t make the same mistakes we did. We marked our path very well.”
Taryl nodded and allowed herself to smile. “CAIN security forces must be well trained, lieutenant.”
Uri looked at her, puzzled. Was she mocking them?
“Lar and some of his men met the same fate you did,” Taryl said. “They were out almost three weeks, but could not continue. They are returning to their camp now.”
Three weeks? Uri was shocked. He knew Lar’s group did not have the benefit of half the supplies and gear his climbers carried, but they had lasted longer on the mountain. Of course, Lar was as determined a man as Uri had met. He should not be surprised.
“It may take many attempts to climb, but we will keep trying. Our people will get better with experience, and we will keep forging a trail.”
Uri could do nothing to comfort the Seer. He knew she was struggling with her emotions. It was no secret Lar and Taryl were lovers. However, not many knew the Seer was pregnant with the security chief’s child.
Uri was privy to the fact because Taryl had seen his wife, Franca. A med tech, Franca had examined the Seer and found her and the baby to be in good health. However, Taryl was anxious about the others, especially Lar.
“Thank you Lieutenant for your worthy efforts and your words,” Taryl said, trying to mask her feelings. She knew another group of climbers was still struggling to make it off the mountain. She felt utterly helpless. She could watch her beloved Lar and the others, but she could not send aid.
Taryl turned and started walking toward camp, rubbing her stomach in an effort to soothe herself.
4
Masat Ebber had expected to
Never one to shirk his duty or complain, Uri urged his men on, but he could see their spirits were running low. Many of the climbers had volunteered, hoping a saunter up the mountain would be a welcome break from the constant building, moving supplies, and foraging for fresh food. Now their bodies were sore from sliding over rocks and jumping crevices. Their hands were bloody from being torn on jagged edges.
Three days later and only two thousand meters higher, Uri halted his exhausted group for the night. The mountain still rose before them as if daring the climbers to continue. Their supplies were running low. They had maybe ten days’ worth left if they were frugal.
In the morning, the lieutenant made the difficult decision to turn back. His group also had marked their way with laser cutters. Perhaps another party would try again, guided by their signs. The descent went much faster. They reached the colonist encampment in five days.
Taryl was the only one not happy to see them return. She was waiting for the climbers at the foot of the mountain. At first surprised to see her waiting exactly where they emerged, Uri caught himself. Of course she had been watching their movements.
Uri could not bear to look the petite Seer in the eyes. She stood before him, hands on her hips, her face almost as red as her flaming hair. Her expression softened as she saw his men shuffle past. They too were embarrassed at being forced to abandon the expedition early, but exhaustion was evident in their movements and faces.
Every other man sported bandages. Four others were carrying a stretcher. The injured man had broken his ankle in a fall two days earlier.
“I’m sorry, Taryl. We were unable to complete our mission,” Uri said, bowing his head. “It was rough going up there. I was afraid we were going to run out of food and healthy bodies to continue.”
Tears ran down Taryl’s cheeks. “I know you tried your best, lieutenant. Your men look exhausted. I watched when your man broke his ankle. How awful.”
“We can try again in a few lunars when the weather clears,” Uri said, trying to cheer up the despondent woman. “A second group won’t make the same mistakes we did. We marked our path very well.”
Taryl nodded and allowed herself to smile. “CAIN security forces must be well trained, lieutenant.”
Uri looked at her, puzzled. Was she mocking them?
“Lar and some of his men met the same fate you did,” Taryl said. “They were out almost three weeks, but could not continue. They are returning to their camp now.”
Three weeks? Uri was shocked. He knew Lar’s group did not have the benefit of half the supplies and gear his climbers carried, but they had lasted longer on the mountain. Of course, Lar was as determined a man as Uri had met. He should not be surprised.
“It may take many attempts to climb, but we will keep trying. Our people will get better with experience, and we will keep forging a trail.”
Uri could do nothing to comfort the Seer. He knew she was struggling with her emotions. It was no secret Lar and Taryl were lovers. However, not many knew the Seer was pregnant with the security chief’s child.
Uri was privy to the fact because Taryl had seen his wife, Franca. A med tech, Franca had examined the Seer and found her and the baby to be in good health. However, Taryl was anxious about the others, especially Lar.
“Thank you Lieutenant for your worthy efforts and your words,” Taryl said, trying to mask her feelings. She knew another group of climbers was still struggling to make it off the mountain. She felt utterly helpless. She could watch her beloved Lar and the others, but she could not send aid.
Taryl turned and started walking toward camp, rubbing her stomach in an effort to soothe herself.
4
Masat Ebber had expected to
Similar Books
