Time of the Draig (6 page)

“Then we need to proceed with your initial mission and find a way back. You have my full support, Major. Let’s stop this war before it even begins,” Jeff stated.

Samantha was going to argue and tell him about the consequences of their actions. Their time may no longer exist, and moving forward seemed impossible. Plus, she would have to go back to the lab and regain possession of UNK005, the larger. Something tickled the back of her mind; there was something she had missed, and she knew it. She only said, “I agree.”

Boomer looked over at her. “What did you leave out?”

The man knew her too well. She said, “It’s always been my belief as I’ve researched the quantum doors that you can’t go forward as the future is unwritten. But I may be wrong. There is an idea, but it’s not complete. I need time to think about it and somewhere quiet to work.”

Jeff crouched before her. “Then we proceed with the plan. We go home with Faolan, and you work behind his nice strong walls. I will tell the men you are working on a way to prevent the war via your research. That should make everyone happy.”

Samantha added, “We’re messing up this timeline in the process.”

The captain smiled and waved aside the concern. “Maybe, but we’re remote, and our impact should only affect his lands. Odds are any improvements we make on sanitation and security will have short-term impact. People are creatures of habit, and they will revert back to old patterns after we leave.”

With hesitation, Samantha added, “You are assuming I can get us out.”

“Yes, but if you can’t get us out, we can make this little corner of the world better and live simple lives.” He paused before he asked, “Have you considered the possibility that we were supposed to be here? Maybe all of this isn’t a mistake. Maybe this past is supposed to be our future.”

Her eyes rolled in her head as she said, “I think you’ve watched way too much sci-fi.”

Again Faolan found himself watching from the cover of the brush, while he listened to Major Samantha and Jeff. The pair sat on a fallen log away from their men, who enjoyed the campfire in the almost-dark evening.

Jeff laughed as he said, “Now I know why Boomer left to join the men. Can’t you just enjoy a star-filled night? I really don’t care what kind of shift makes them look different from our night sky.”

Samantha answered, “I said it’s called axial precession.”

The man pointed to the sky and laughed. “Look, pretty stars.”

Samantha’s warm laughter greeted Faolan’s ears as she said, “Fine, it’s a lovely night.” Faolan saw her gaze shift to look at the man by her side. “Why aren’t you at least a little concerned about what happened today?”

“Today I thought I was going to die in a bombing. Instead, I’m breathing and free for the moment. The men all feel the same way. When life gives you a gift, you take it with both hands.” As if answering an unspoken question, Jeff continued, “We’ll see what comes next. Either you find a way back and we right some very big wrongs or we learn to survive here. I know that I’ll enjoy some sleep tonight without fearing a bullet in my head at any moment.”

When a twig snapped underfoot, Faolan whispered a curse. He had wanted to hear more of their unguarded thoughts before making his offer.
Maybe the fates are pushing me forward.

Faolan stepped from the cover of the trees. “I had hoped to find an opportunity to speak with you both. May I join you?”

Jeff waved him forward as he cautioned, “Just be prepared for a lecture on celestial activities.” Jeff winked as Samantha jabbed her elbow into his ribs. He continued, “I had hoped you might be willing to leave the safety of the trees and join us.”

“You kenned I was there?” Faolan asked, surprised that they had heard him.

“It’s been my job to be constantly aware of my surroundings.” Jeff added with a nod, “Besides, I have a man posted listening to your men.”

Samantha frowned at the admission but said nothing. Faolan replied, “So we agree we need reason to trust the other besides the battle shared.”

“Trust comes with time,” Jeff said.

Faolan took note of the men gathered around the campfire, realizing for the first time the missing man. Silently he berated his lapse in observation. He said to Samantha, “Your guard neglects his duties this night.”

Samantha turned to see Boomer laughing with the men. As her eyes shifted back to find his, she said, “He’s entitled to some time off. It’s been too long since Boomer was able to enjoy anyone else’s company.”

Jeff asked, “Was it that bad?”

“Let’s just say that for the past six months, yes.” Faolan didn’t completely understand why Jeff accepted it as a fact. It was his belief there should have been outrage Samantha needed such protection.

Her soft voice asked, “What did you want to discuss?”

He crouched before Samantha. “First, my thanks for providing a meal for my men this evening.”

Jeff laughed and said, “We should be apologizing for that. The rations are awful.”

“A full belly is a fine thing. On the morrow, Kagen will hunt for fresh meat and provide a better evening meal.” Faolan smiled at the nod from Jeff. “I am pleased you have chosen to join us. Your strength is appreciated as we bring back my herd.”

Though he spoke to Samantha, Jeff answered, “And your offer of hospitality is very generous.”

Again they were lost in polite exchanges with nothing being spoken. Faolan nodded and said, “Fine. We agree on how delighted we all are, but I came to see you with a purpose.” His eyes held Samantha’s as he said, “I have come to ask if you would join with my clan.”

The pair exchanged glances before Samantha asked, “Do you mean like an alliance?”

While not the word he would have chosen, Faolan replied, “In a manner of speaking. Your men would be a fine addition to our warriors. Jeff’s skill as a battle chief has already been proven.” He paused before adding, “Major Samantha, it would an honor beyond telling to have you with me.”

While he wanted approval from her, it was Jeff who spoke, “We don’t control the men in the way you may believe. If any would wish to stay with you, the choice is theirs alone. However, our people have a long tradition of negotiating treaties of peace and goodwill.” Jeff’s attention focused on Samantha as he said, “It may be a good idea to have such an agreement before we reach Faolan’s lands.”

“Do you think I would betray you once on my lands?” Faolan asked, insulted by the thought.

Jeff’s face hardened as he said, “I am aware of the possibility and the potential reasons you would try. Do I think you would? That’s yet to be seen.”

A wise man would let this insult pass
, Faolan reasoned.
After all, I did try to buy the woman who is their leader.
Faolan knew men who would lure the group to their deaths if only to capture Samantha. His grandfather had been such a man, but Faolan was better.

“Mayhap we should go back to discussing the treaty,” Faolan suggested. “My invitation is meant with an open heart as thanks for your help in battle. You are nay the only man who could have died this day.”

Even in the dim light he could see Samantha’s irritation grow. Her jaw clenched as fingers pulled the tie from her hair. Though Jeff spoke, he heard little. All of his attention was on the fingers that released the dark tresses from their confines. Faolan felt his stomach tighten as the thick hair surrounded her pinched features and flowed freely down her back. Her fingers, with obvious anger, toyed with the circular band that had held her hair.

Faolan asked, “Is such a treaty nay to your liking, Major Samantha?”

Suddenly she was on her feet pacing before the fallen log. She mocked, “I don’t expect you to understand.” Samantha turned her wrath on Jeff and said, “But you should. While I don’t expect you to understand all the intricacies of what happened today, you’re taking it too far. We can’t mix like this. The damage potential—”

Jeff interrupted. “I get it, all right? We have changed the day here, but for better or worse, it’s done. Now you need to get over it.” His eyes followed the pacing. “The men need a place to call home, you need a place to work, and I need to know we are secure. All of that can be arranged if you stop pacing and listen to reason.”

Samantha stopped in her tracks. “Fine, the men need a base, but you are talking about signing documents and leaving a permanent record of our being here. How much impact do you think that might have? Have you considered the potential ramifications?”

Jeff asked, “Faolan, do you need a signed, written agreement, or is a verbal agreement enough for you?”

Faolan mulled over the thought and replied, “Your word of honor will suffice, as will yours, Major Samantha. My people dinna demand these matters be in writing.”

Jeff looked up to Samantha and waited for her acknowledgment. When given, he said, “Faolan, we would be pleased to continue our plan of accepting your generous offer. Our men will work beside yours, as we all deem appropriate. We promise to deal with you and yours as friends and in peace for as long as we are on your land.”

Faolan nodded at the statement and replied, “My home is yours in good faith. You shall be guests and honored as such. Though I do appreciate your offer of work, none is expected from a guest.”

Jeff answered with a light laugh. “Trust me, the men need to be kept busy.”

Faolan rose from his crouch to stand behind Samantha. While his eyes feasted on the waves of black hair, he asked, “Does it please you, Major Samantha?”

The mask of composure on her face was clearly false as she turned to look up to his eyes. “Jeff is correct, and the men need a place. Thank you.”

Jeff rose from the log and took Faolan’s hand within his and said, “Your hand is all the vow I need.”

He was confused as the man moved their joined hands up and down. Faolan said, “‘Tis nay acceptable,” and pulled Jeff into his body for a quick embrace. As backs were slapped with enthusiasm, he said, “Now we have an oath.”

Not waiting for permission, Faolan took Samantha’s small hand and raised it to his lips, brushing his lips over her knuckles. He held her shocked green eyes and said, “You do me a great honor.”

Her hand pulled back far too quickly. “Forgive my outburst and that I can’t explain it to you in full detail. You honor us with your fine offer.”

Jeff said, “Once again you sound like your father. But now, if you’ll both excuse me, it’s time to put the soldiers to bed. Faolan, I’m assuming we leave as soon as we have daylight?”

Faolan nodded, and Jeff called out as he walked toward the campfire, “Major, lights out in ten.”

Before Samantha could follow, Faolan once again reached for her hand. He asked, “Why did you agree if you have no trust in me?”

He heard her heavy sigh and stepped aside to allow her to sit on the log. Though her eyes focused on the heavens, she replied, “We have good reason to trust you. My enemy’s enemy is my friend.”

Faolan sat beside her. While there was a simple wisdom to her words, he said, “I’m nay talking about your need to provide for your warriors. I speak of trust between you and I.”

Again her laughter filled the night, it’s mirth like music to his ears. She shifted to face him and had to look up given how tiny she was compared to him. Samantha said, “You’re correct, I’m not sure if I trust you given our introduction today.”

His eyes fell to her lap before looking up again. “Again, you have my apologies for my behavior today. Would you believe me if I said never have I even thought of trading for another?”

Her eyes studied his face for a long time, and finally she said, “Yes.”

“I would prefer to hear that you agree to our oath of peace and to your standing by my side,” Faolan asked, hoping she did not hear the desperation in his voice. He wanted her in ways he did not fully understand, but he wanted her willing.

“I agree,” she stated.

Faolan smiled and said, “Dinna fash over when, we will take our time getting to know one another.”

Before she could ask the question written in her eyes, the voice of Boomer called out, “Major, time for you to get some sleep.”

With a wink, Faolan rose and offered his hand to Samantha. That she took his offer of assistance made his heart swell. The frown came quickly as she dropped his hand once on her feet.

As they walked to the men and the bedding strewn before the cave opening, Faolan said, “I will sleep here as an offer of trust.”

Samantha only nodded and stepped away to stand beside Boomer. She questioned, “Why is my bag in the middle?”

The one called Boomer answered, “Standard regulations, the senior officer sleeps protected.”

Faolan saw something spark within her eyes as she replied, “Sergeant Michaels, I’m not sure about you, but I’m done with the United Forces. I’m a Marine and always will be. So move those bags into a nice circle around the fire.”

Whatever the meaning behind her statement, he could not fathom. Yet the men in her company seemed to approve. One called out, “The Army is at your service.” Another said, “Even the Navy can go with that.” There were other comments, but they held the same meaning: her men valued her leadership.

Jeff added, as the sleeping bags were rearranged, “I want four two-hour watches. Any volunteers?”

Samantha quickly stated, “I have first watch.”

It was Boomer who replied, “Captain Harrison, the major is not fit for watch. She hasn’t slept in over forty-eight hours.”

She glared at the man who stood as her guardian. Jeff’s voice immediately sounded, “The major sleeps whether she likes it or not.” He then proceeded to assign men to the task of guarding the camp.

Faolan would have offered, but he assumed it would have been denied. He was probably one of the presumed dangers they guarded against.

After removing his blanket from his tethered horse, Faolan returned to the campfire. He smiled as he noted an empty piece of ground by Samantha’s side. Though she only sat on her bedding, the spot was clearly marked as hers.