The Embers Book I: The First Fires Of War

Chapter Ten: Baiting A Predator

Chapter Ten: Baiting A Predator

Tobias paced back and forth from one end of the table to the other in dead silence, as Mylar and Ryne waited to hear what he had to say. After Argus had turned up burnt to a crisp he'd been furious, it was the angriest anyone had ever seen him and it scared every single one of them. Tobias abruptly turned to Mylar catching him off guard, causing him to jump in his seat a little as his leaders angered gaze penetrated his own eyes.

"Are Taylor and Jamie ready for the mission, to draw out this locator?" asked Tobias his tone short. It was almost as if he was demanding an answer suitable to whatever he was thinking. Mylar hesitated before speaking not wanting to piss Tobias off anyway than he was, if that was possible.

"They’re still a little rough around the edges but they'll be able to look after themselves" said Mylar confidently feeling himself brimming with pride. He'd trained them in such short time, especially Jamie who has even less skill than Taylor and had proved more than able when it came to fighting.

"Excellent you have a plan so get to it and report to me the moment you get back" said Tobias still pacing, his feet thundering down on the dark brown carpeted floor.

"Yes sir" said Mylar bowing his head and turning swiftly to the door to leave but before he did Tobias spoke again.

"Be safe brother they will expect a trap" said Tobias looking over his shoulder as Mylar stopped at the threshold to the war room.

"I always am sir" said Mylar with a grin as he bowed his head once more and then was gone.

"Ryne, I called Cecilia in Ireland and so far they haven't been attacked, they'll be here soon and I want you to organise accommodation for them." "We might even need to house them here in the main building if there isn't enough room" said Tobias looking to Ryne.

"Of course sir we might have to buy tents which I can send some people out to do, they'll be back here in no time" said Ryne rising from his seat and also heading for the doors.

"Also increase patrols of the grounds just to be on the safe side, we might be protected by Darrel but he's struggling to keep up the constant shield." "I want to be prepared in case this locator gets lucky" said Tobias taking a seat in the middle of the table folding his hands beneath his chin.

"Understood I wont be long, and sir are you alright?" asked Ryne, to see his oldest friend so troubled worried him he was usually so calm, even in the most stressful of situations.

"No need to worry about me old friend I will endure" said Tobias as he closed his eyes, trying to wish away the feeling of hopelessness in the pit of his stomach.

Ryne said nothing and left leaving Tobias there sat in silence, finally alone he allowed a silent tear to roll down his face for his fallen comrades and hoped that Argus would live.

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Taylor sat  on an old wooden chair outside the operating room which had been converted from an old entertainment room, as he awaited to hear about Argus. True he didn't know the man but he felt that he should and couldn't help but worry. He'd been there for over half an hour already and was already getting impatient; Jamie was with him, and he came as soon as he heard about what had happened. The room they sat in had old red wallpaper which had started to peel away gradually curling with age, the room was sparse to say the least. A few chairs, a lamp and a polished oak table which it rested upon were the only things there.