Well a shortage of Avarice motivated me to get this newest installment out. Enjoy, hopefully next week I will have another, but as I near the end of the novel the last few chapters are complicated and take time to wrap up so bear with me. They will be forthcoming! Thank you all for reading.
Bennett's Gambit
Bennett and his thirteen men had successfully navigated the desert. At last, reaching the ever-reliable spring that burbled forth without cessation from the limestone cleft. The fresh supply of cool, clear water was most welcome by all. The cache of warheads they had buried was still there quite untouched, and they set up camp on a tall cliff top overlooking the fortress. A site where they could remain unseen by the fort below.
Bennett spent much of his time observing the fortification that crowned the desolate plain. The fierce leader began to believe as the days passed that either some malady had devastated the fort city, or perhaps Lothar had finally decided to march east and settle his differences with the recalcitrant farmers. If he sat quietly on the ridge overlooking the fortress, he could, if the wind was right, faintly hear the thrum of the large diesel generators which kept the city alive. There was activity within, but what was their strength? He would not attack blindly again.
His stomach churned as he thought about what the next few days would bring. Bennett's internal monologue told him every time he cast his predatory gaze down toward his prize. That this time it was do or die. This time was the last time, the makings or breaking of all he had ever striven for. Every step he had ever taken, every man he had ever tortured, made fear him, or slain. Everything hinged on this moment. He would either take this much vaunted prize and regain his crown as Warlord, or be vanquished so utterly there could be no return. The testing was at hand.
With this in mind he studied the target obsessively. He could afford to miss nothing of importance. The place that he knew to house so many seemed eerily quiet, and after a time, Bennett had to question if indeed the fort had been partially vacated. Instinct told him it had. He would occasionally sight a lone sentry, rifle slung over his shoulder, walking the checker-plate battlements. However, these patrols were few and didn't seem to follow any regular pattern. It appeared that they didn't fear an attack, the lackadaisical attitude to the constant watchfulness Wezley Bennett would use to his advantage.
Bennett had already decided that the only way they could be sure of the situation was to send someone covertly inside. But who? It was a risky move. He and Gareth could not go, and it was very likely someone would recognize Will. But Dwayne was a candidate; he was savvy, had matured greatly in these past few months, and possessed an unerring sense of direction, as he had already proven, even when underground. That alone made him a desirable selection, and he had not been present for the failed attack. However, he was a grown man, more likely to be noticed and detained. Bennett could not afford this to occur it could mean the end of all his plans.
A half-grown boy would perhaps be the most likely to pass unnoticed. However, all the boys were raw recruits, but perhaps they were Bennett's best and only option. If the Wolf Lord was away hunting, Bennett didn't know how long he would have before his force returned. He must move soon.
Often, Nathan sat with Bennett during these long, quiet assessments of his quarry. Today was one such day. The large man's hand strayed affectionately to the youth's silken locks. The light hair ran through his calloused fingers, pleasingly caressing. A softness that was rare in this brutal man's life.
Bennett had noticed that recently his slave had seemed 'off' and yet he could not pinpoint why. He never voiced these concerns or asked about Nathan's troubles directly. Instead, like the rabid hunter and taker he was, he analyzed the weaknesses in his prey. But he did wonder if Nathan was ill. The lad had not been himself since they had left Wentworth. The weak youth had survived much after all, and Bennett knew from experience that a fragile body such as Nathan's could only endure so much. The idea of this particular slave's loss bothered him. As his ice-blue eyes scanned the fort below seeking his answers, one would never know that behind the hard gaze, the big man worried. Nathan had become, Bennett hated to think it, almost indispensable, a comfort. The lad knew what it was he precisely needed, and when. He would be an asset that would be difficult to replace.
That evening, the group of men pondered how a successful reconnaissance could be made. All agreed that it would be best if the spy were an unassuming youth. Bennett really wished he could have sent Nathan because he knew the fortress better than anyone. His unwavering loyalty and his physicality made him ideal. However, if he were seen, he would likely be remembered. He had spent long months there after all.
So Bennett cast about the tight ring of young men, contemplating who to choose as it was an important decision. One he must get right.
Josh was out, he was clearly too imposing, already more man than a boy, and as Bennett was learning, he could be recklessly violent. Just like he had been at that age. Barrel was also too big; he had his doubts the stout lad could even squeeze through the broken grate to gain access to the compound. Murray was also too mature, and Bennett specifically didn't want to send Murray's youngest brother, Danny. Though Danny would have been a good candidate, as he was small, wily, and furtive. But the lad was too valuable as he was a crack shot. If their plan went wrong, Bennett was unwilling to waste him and his uncanny talent.
That only left Wyatt, Owen, and Louis to choose from. Wyatt, at eighteen, was tall. He was probably also too grown for the task. Either Owen or Louis was Bennett's realistically available choices. His cold eyes flitted between them. He could already tell both boys were acutely aware he was studying them as they uncomfortably looked away.
Bennett glanced at the two half-grown boys. He was, as always, most mercenary, thinking long and hard about each lad's contribution to the group and which boy would be the most dispensable if caught. Yet this was an important mission, one they needed results from if they were not to proceed blindly. If this incursion failed, then a more forward assault would have to be planned, and, like last time, it could prove very costly.
Owen was quiet, strong, and responsible, whereas Louis was more of a carefree boy and didn't always exhibit a strong sense of duty. Often shirking his tasks. However, in Bennett's mind, Louis was more likely to pass by unnoticed. He just hoped the boy had the fortitude and understanding to complete the mission.
His mind made up, Bennett stood. Both boys looked up at him expectantly. He could see the expressions of mixed fear and excitement at the potential of being chosen for something important etched into their expressions.
"You will go, Louis," Bennett announced without feeling or tone of congratulation.
Josh ruffled his little brother's sandy hair, claiming excitedly that he could do it!
Louis stood smoothing down his rumpled shirt and puffing out his chest, feeling important. Little did he know how important he was.
