Another two humans had simply just disappeared — probably carried off by demons during the battle. That, as Adam had explained during their meeting, was a source of great concern — he could just not afford to lose so many each night. Granted, the last battle was unusual in the sense that so many demons had attacked at once, but if the demons attacked with the same numbers again, they would be in serious trouble. That’s why he had welcomed Sam with open arms: he desperately needed more fighters, especially well-trained ones.
“Might have to clear some more of those trees,” said Adam, pointing in the direction from which the horned demons had attacked. The shattered tree limbs were intruding onto the killing ground and might provide cover for demons in the next attack. “Never seen anything like it. Those big, horned demons, I mean. Tough buggers.” He looked at Sam. “You ever seen that type before?”
Sam shook his head.
“Might have to use high-calibre hunting rifles on them,” said Adam thoughtfully. “The automatics were struggling to get through their armour.”
Sam couldn’t agree more. Adam had a matter-of-fact attitude that impressed Sam. When he’d revealed his demonic heritage, Adam had been surprised at first but this was quickly replaced with interest. He’d wanted to know the whole story, so Sam told him what Hikari had told him so long ago, omitting nothing.
After Sam had finished, Adam had whistled slowly through his teeth. “Well, all I know is that you kill demons and you kill them well. That’s good enough for me,” was all he’d said about the matter. That was it. Case closed. Sam had sighed inwardly with relief.
Of course, Adam had said that he would have to consult with his senior lieutenants, but as far as he was concerned, Sam was welcome to stay for as long as he wanted. This type of attitude was new to Sam. It was surprising, of course, but also one of the nicest things anyone had ever said to him. If it weren’t for his mission, he would be happy to stay with Adam and the other survivors. He could see why all these people gave their loyalty and respect to this likeable, dependable man.
“Ok,” said Adam. “I’ve seen enough for now. You two go and get some food and get your heads down for a bit.”
“Don’t you want us to help fixing the palisade?” asked Sam.
“No, but thanks anyway. I try to rotate my fighting and work crews. If you fight one night, you don’t have to work the next day and vice versa. Most of the folk you see working weren’t involved in the action last night. Besides, I can only fit so many on the fighting platform. If I put too many up there, they just get in each other’s way. I want you two fresh for tonight.”
“And the meeting?” asked Joshua.
Adam clicked his fingers. “That’s right. Almost forgot. Come to my office about an hour before sundown. We’ll see if I can swing the others around to my way of thinking.” He winked at Sam. “Don’t you worry, my boy. I can be pretty convincing when I want to be.”
Sam certainly hoped so. Gabriel had obviously sent him here to help the survivors as well as getting aid in return. Without these people, he knew he would struggle to get to Los Angeles. And there was still a long, long way to go.
Sam felt a little uneasy as he followed Joshua towards Adam’s ‘office.’ Convincing Adam of his good intentions, despite his demonic heritage, had been a surprisingly easy thing. Sam had a feeling that Adam’s lieutenants would not be so understanding.
Josh’s watch had died a few weeks back so he had no idea what the time was. Fortunately, Sam had an unfailing sense of time due to the necessity of knowing when it would get dark, so he roused the other boy from his sleep long before the appointed time.
Sam himself had not slept. He had meditated for a couple of hours, which was sufficient, but a few hours of real sleep would not have been unwelcome. For the last few years now, Sam had starting sleeping inside a pentacle to block the bad dreams that had become more and more frequent. The pentacle did, unfortunately, have a few serious setbacks associated with it, so he was not about to use it now. His dream avoidance technique was, as a consequence, very simple; since the Rapture, he had basically not slept.
Earlier, the two boys had also eaten. Within the cave complex, there was a large cavern which served as a communal mess hall and living area. Once again, Sam had been impressed by the level of organisation that was apparent. The mess hall was lit by a series of hanging hurricane lamps. Long trestle tables had been set up where a good thirty or forty survivors were eating. The serving counter consisted of more trestle tables lined with gas burners. Pots bubbled on top of each, containing a variety of simple yet filling fare.
He and Joshua had lined up with some others and when their turn came, they were served by an attractive teenage girl whom Joshua introduced as Georgia.
“You boys fight last night?” she had asked.
Joshua had polished up a grin while all Sam could manage was a crooked half-smile. “Sure did,” Joshua had replied.
“Who’s your friend?” She looked directly at Sam with an intensity that had made him uncomfortable.
“Where’s my manners?” said Josh, smiling broadly. “Georgia, this is Sam.”
“I’d offer to shake your hand,” said Georgia, “but it’s covered in mushrooms. Want some?”
Both Sam and Joshua held out their plates eagerly. Georgia ladled the dark mixture onto their plates and then looked around carefully. “I shouldn’t do this, but you did fight last night.” She gave each boy another ladle full and winked at Sam. “Don’t tell anyone, handsome.”
Sam had felt himself blushing.
“After our work detail tomorrow, me and some of my friends are going on a bit of a scavenge out in the woods. You two fancy coming with us?”
Joshua nudged Sam in the ribs. “Of course we do. Look forward to it.” Sam had absolutely no idea what to say so just nodded blankly.
She’d grinned brightly at them then, saving her brightest smile for Sam.
Now, heading towards a meeting with Adam and his lieutenants, Sam couldn’t help but remember the look Georgia had on her face. It was the look that Sam had seen some girls give the handsome members of Jacob’s Ladder football team. He liked it. It made his stomach feel a little queasy; a feeling not dissimilar to the one he got just before he fought. Almost immediately, the feeling was replaced by guilt when an image of Aimi suddenly came into his head. She was the only one who had ever looked at him like that before. He peered around nervously; Aimi could be watching him right now from the heavens, and Sam suspected she wouldn’t be terribly pleased to see him flirting with other girls.
They reached Adam’s alcove. The curtain was drawn so Joshua coughed loudly.
“Come in,” said the unmistakeable voice of Adam.
Joshua pulled the curtain back and led Sam into the tiny space. Besides Adam, three other figures were standing in the alcove. One Sam recognized: Tesara. Sam had never seen the other two before.
It was crowded in the cramped space but Adam had managed to find six wooden packing crates which he had set in a small semi-circle before his work table.
“Joshua, Sam, welcome. Take a seat, everyone,” said Adam. He took the centre crate, while the others seated themselves around him. Sam found himself sitting at the end next to Joshua.
Sighing wearily, Adam ran one of his large hands through his greying hair. “Right, we’ll keep this short. We’ve still got a few things to finalise before tonight’s attack. For your sake, Sam, introductions first. You know Tesara of course. She’s my foreman and deals with all the defence works.” When Sam nodded, he continued. “This,” he said as he indicated the small older man to his left, “is Doctor Tim Eade. He’s in charge of all medical related matters.” Doctor Eade spared Sam a tight smile. “And this is Evan.” He gestured towards a tall, spare figure sitting next to Joshua. “He deals with the administrative side of running a camp this large. He’s also the quartermaster.” Evan took off his steel rimmed glasses and nodded at Sam.