A World Gone Rotten

Chapter 10

“Friend and Foe Emerge”

St. Hilda’s, Underneath the Church, Idaho

May 7th, 2015

1030 Hours

Rarity couldn’t tell what time of day it was in the dark, damp and chilly cell she shared with Rainbow, Pinkie and one other woman from the group. All she knew is that it has but been a few days since their surrender and subsequent capture. She leaned against the bars of the cell as she tried getting a look at where Samuel and the rest of the men were, who were in a cell diagonally left of the one she was in. The small cell block was rather tiny in comparison to the church on top, only four cells made up the block but were spacious enough they could be called “holding cells”.

The block was also dark, only illuminated by a few lanterns that ran off batteries. Rarity could barely make out the outline of a man leaning against the bars much like she did. He didn’t look like Samuel however and with a heavy sigh she left the bars to go sit beside Pinkie and Rainbow, the three huddled together for warmth, the other woman joined in. All four of them were rather miserable, given no bedding of any kind, they barely slept. Food and water were only delivered occasionally resulting in hunger and dehydration. They were all filthy and disgusting; Rarity couldn’t help but absolutely despise it. The worst was when one of them was taken for interrogation, while it wasn’t the torture any of them had expected and all have returned from said interrogation. All were deeply disturbed by it.

Rarity and the girls had been left alone for the most part, much to their surprise; it seemed they took their beliefs in regard to women very seriously. The interrogation they went through was done by Amanda and was lenient in comparison to what Samuel and the men went through. The girls all remembered the bruises and cuts the men had as they were dragged back to their cell by force. It wasn’t a pretty sight.

Time past by as the girls talked quietly amongst themselves, mostly talking about stories from before to keep their spirits up. They were interrupted when the door leading down into the cell block was opened; light flowing down and heavy footsteps soon followed. That meant either it was meal time or interrogation.

Rarity grimaced at the idea of interrogation; she felt the others shiver at the idea as well. They all waited with apprehension, each second feeling like an hour. Rarity found herself holding her breath as she saw it was Dominic as he came in front of the cell, illuminated just enough by the lanterns alongside two guards with him. He rarely ever came down, but when he did it was unnerving as he never took part in interrogation. He would only stand there and watch, strange considering his earlier tirades of saving their souls.

“Good afternoon.” Dominic said with a slight smile.

The four women just stared at him, wondering what he would do next. Dominic continued.

“Disappointing. Not even a hello?” Dominic asked, more to himself then the girls.

He waved a hand dismissively before a response came, “Regardless I think it is time I finally ask.” Dominic took a deep breath as zealotry danced in his eyes. “Are any of you willing to finally embrace the Prophet’s word?”

Rainbow snorted in amusement and defiance, making her position perfectly clear. Pinkie just rolled her eyes and looked away; firm in her opinion that Dominic was crazy in a bad way. Rarity sneered slightly; she had a sneaking suspicion that he would ask this question eventually.

The last woman however, with desperation nodded her head rapidly, stood up and walked over to the bars. The three girls looked at her in shock, they had not expected this. Dominic smiled as she did so.

“Good. I want to hear it though.” Dominic said happily.

The woman gulped before speaking with a parched voice, “I see the error of my ways and I want to be saved. Please...my Disciple.”

Dominic stared at her, looking for any insincere motives. Once he was satisfied that he found none he smiled, “I am glad to hear those words.”

He turned to one of his guards and made a gesture with his head. The guard nodded and grabbed a key out of his pocket, unlocking the cell door. The door opened with a rusty squeal and the woman shuffled out slowly. Dominic gave her a slight nod and gestured to the doorway out of the cell block. She did not need much encouraging and walked towards it, not once glancing back to the three girls. The cell door was quickly shut and locked.

Dominic turned back to the three, he spoke in a disappointed tone, “I was hoping you would accept as well. Alas it seems you can still not comprehend what awaits.”

Rainbow coughed before responding, “Well all I can say is, fuck you.”

Pinkie added in, “Yeah. Screw you. You big meanie. I hope you never have a good party again.”

“Go be an uncouth brute elsewhere.” Rarity spat.

Dominic merely raised an eyebrow, shrugged and walked away followed by his two guards. The three girls cautiously watched him; he stopped in front of the cell where the men were. The girls overhead the conversation that Dominic started, it sounding much like the one he just had with them. And it seemed like he got another convert or two, as that cell door was opened and then shut in but a few moments.

All three found themselves peering out of the cell door to catch a glimpse. But they couldn’t tell who it was. Then Dominic and his two guards unceremoniously left. It was back to the same and the three girls soon tried to get comfortable again.

Rarity closed her eyes as she sat beside Rainbow and Pinkie, trying to get some sleep.

She was startled awake sometime later by the door opening with a slam.

“Wake up you sinners!” A man’s voice yelled, hostile and angry.

Loud footsteps followed rapidly down the staircase, a man followed by his subordinates filled the small cell block. Armed with a variety of firearms, Rarity couldn’t help but wonder what was going to happen as she felt a wave of fear, probably nothing good.

She got an answer as a man unlocked the cell door, and several more came through aiming their weapons at the three girls, the three complied as they were tied up once more just like the day they came to this forsaken place. They were escorted out; Rarity saw that Samuel and the other men were already walking up the stairs. She swore that she saw Samuel look back at them for a split second before he was up the stairs into the church and out of sight.

The three girls walked up the staircase, squinting their eyes at the overwhelming sunlight that they haven’t seen in several days. Soon they were up into the church and walking down the main hall towards the doors out, passing the many wooden pews and ceremonial objects. The guards were setting a brutal pace; the girls could barely keep up, a result of their many physical maladies.

They finally reached outside; the fresh air was quite refreshing despite their situation. They were in the main yard, the townsfolk were going about their business, barely giving the ‘sinners’ a glance. It was a bright sunny day with only the occasional cloud with nary a breeze. Not that Rarity or anyone else cared in their current predicament.

What did get her attention and everyone else’s was Dominic standing off to the side, watching the line of prisoners go by with little concern. His little captain of the guard was whispering into his ear, Dominic giving the occasional nod.

“Halt!” Dominic yelled out of nowhere.

The guards halted as well as the prisoners. Townsfolk stopped their daily business to look at him. All eyes were on him as he approached Samuel, who was in the front of the line.

“This man right here was the one who led his little band of sinners to St Hilda’s. And what did he do when I offered shelter and food alongside the comfort of the Prophet’s words for him in his group?” Dominic stated loudly so everyone could hear him as he looked around the yard with open arms.

He continued, “He chose violence! But of course he and his group were soundly defeated and are now being taken to be punished for I gave them a chance to join but they refused. However before they are taken away from our homes, an example must be made so all sinners know to not cross us.”

The yard was silent before a wave of conversation flooded it. Dominic stared at Samuel who could only glare with murderous rage. Dominic smiled before nodding to his captain.

“Take him to the lashing post.” The captain commanded.

Two guards grabbed Samuel and began to drag him. The girls and the rest of the group could only watch as Samuel was forcefully dragged to a wooden post in the middle of the yard. He was roughly tied to the post and his shirt was ripped off to expose his back. Samuel looked behind him and his eyes widened.

The captain had a whip in his hand, a bull whip some far off corner of Samuel’s mind told him. Dominic spoke again to the ever growing crowd as the captain readied himself.

“This man will be given twelve lashes for his sins.” Dominic looked to the line of prisoners, his eyes stopped on every single one. “Anyone who tries to intervene will be killed and another additional twelve lashes will be given to the man.”

Rarity could only gawk in horror at what she was seeing; she never could imagine such barbarity could exist. Rainbow glared in anger but internally she was horrified as well. Pinkie was in the same boat as Rarity.

The captain looked to his disciple for permission to begin. Dominic nodded. The captain then grinned and wound up his arm for the first lash. Samuel braced himself and sent a prayer up with closed eyes and gritted teeth.

A loud crack sounded as the first lash connected with Samuel’s back. Samuel grunted in pain at it, a gash leaking blood had appeared, he could feel the hot blood travel down his back. He could feel tears welling up in his eyes for the pain had been sharp and overwhelming and he knew it was only the start.

Rarity flinched hard at the crack of the whip as the captain gave Samuel another lash. She could hear his grunt of pain from where he stood, her hands came up to her mouth as she gazed upon Samuel in horror and concern. Her eyes couldn’t move away from what she was seeing.

Pinkie had tears welling up, for she feared for Samuel’s safety. She mouthed “Sammy” sadly as another crack sounded. Samuel cried out in pain, no longer able to hold it in. Pinkie shivered slightly at Samuel’s cry of pain.

Rainbow gritted her teeth in anger as she looked at Dominic then back to Samuel. His back was already a mess by the fourth crack and his cry of pain was worse this time. She felt anger at being unable to help him, feeling useless but she knew there was nothing she could do.

After the eight other lashes came Samuel could barely feel his back, he also dared not move for the pain it brought was agonizing. Tears freely fell to the paved ground, he could barely stand but he wouldn’t buckle, the soldier in him wouldn’t allow it. He felt hands move to untie him from the post and he fell to his knees from the sudden release, he tried to stay awake in his dazed state. A flow of cold water was poured over his head by a guard and he gasped as he was shocked into waking up, followed by pain from his involuntary movement.

Two guards grabbed him and lifted him up, proceeding to then push him forward back towards the line of prisoners. Samuel stumbled but stayed upright, barely. He walked to the front with deliberate strides, trying to keep his head up. Once back in line the prisoners began moving again, encouraged along by the guards. Rarity looked at Dominic, trying to gauge why he would do this.

“He made an example out of Samuel to scare people into submission…that must be it. Or to reinforce the belief in them? I suppose. Well I must say he is definitely trying hard the monster. Poor Samuel…”

Rarity was snapped out of her thoughts by the gates opening; she could see an armed convoy at the bottom of the hill. Seemed like they were being transported somewhere; she couldn’t help but feel uncertainty and fear at what could happen next. She knew she would have to stick by her friends and keep composed like a proper lady should.

“Or as much as one can in circumstances like the one I am in. Oh girls… Arthur… I hope you find us soon, we need your help.”

Arthur overlooked a map to triangulate a radio transmission they received. Using his knowledge of how clear and concise the transmission, along with the information in it, was he could say with certainty that it was within several miles, no more than ten at most.

He and the rest of the group had traveled up to the north part of the state as much as they could in the last two days. They had stopped to quickly refuel their vehicles from their ever dwindling supply of fuel when Arthur picked up on the transmission; it was from Alex and Nathan, providing a huge relief to the group, it meant at least they had gotten away alive from whatever happened.

They had said they were in a farmhouse somewhere in the area; Arthur was currently trying to pinpoint that farmhouse. He felt the looks at his back from people, all were waiting for him to give an answer and he also knew for a fact they expected him to work faster.

Not that they know how hard it can be when you’re given no coordinates or a grid location. Like damn I’ll get the results when I get the results.

It was very tempting to radio them back but it was considered too much of a risk. The fear was the “culties” would hear them, for there was a deep suspicion that they were the reason behind the sudden stop of contact and the use of the code word “Tirek” by Samuel.

In turn it was with great frustration when the Crusaders came up to Arthur with unending questions. He could only ignore them for about a minute that he groaned internally and turned to glare at them. The three tweens noticed, grinned sheepishly and slowly walked away, like he was going to give them trouble. He continued to glare until they were far enough away he could be sure they wouldn’t try again.

Once they were, he sighed and went back to work. It took another ten or so minutes, including several more disturbances much to Arthur’s annoyance, he was able to make a guess on where Alex and Nathan were.

“Sunset! I think I got it!” Arthur called out to Sunset.

Sunset turned her attention to him, gave a thumbs up and finished her conversation with a few of the councilors. She then made her way over.

“Show me.” Sunset said.

Arthur nodded and pointed to an open area on the map along a grid road, “Here. It’s the best I can guess.”

“Thank you Arthur. We will be heading there then.” Sunset said with a nod and the two began to pack up.

It was a quick thing to get the group going again, up the highway a few miles then taking the grid road Arthur pointed out on the map heading to the east. The fields of potatoes were vast and wide under the evening sky. Accompanied by the sight of the rare wandering zombie, Arthur had begun to pick up the disdain that Samuel had for how they were almost anywhere now.

A few minutes later they had arrived at the suspected farmhouse; an old two story house that had seen better days, the paint was falling off and was in desperate need of new shingles. They had pulled into the gravel driveway; Arthur noticed a quick flash of movement from a window. He hoped it was Alex and Nathan.

He gave a sigh of relief when it was as the two walked out the door; the two had seen better days, dirty and ragged like they walked all the way here through the wilderness. It didn’t take long for Sunset to begin speaking with them, several others had started to crowd around them, all listening for information on what happened at St. Hilda’s.

Arthur rushed over, eager to hear anything about what happened to his cousin and the girls. He caught most of what was said, how the rest of the group had gone in then about the short firefight and then nothing. They had monitored the place for a day after that to see if anything would happen. After nothing happened, they proceeded to drive back south towards Boise to find the rest of the group and report what they knew.

They would have made it to the main group if they hadn’t been forced to abandon their vehicle after running out of fuel and walk the distance they had. Dodging zombies and survivors alike had also slowed their progress. Once they had relayed their story they went to get something to eat and drink, they deserved that much.

Sunset took a look at the position of the sun. It was far too late to go any further, so she made the decision they would make camp here. The trees that surrounded the property would provide decent concealment for the night so the group went about their business.

Arthur and Elizabeth worked to set up their tent, mostly Arthur but Elizabeth helped where she could. As they worked they talked.

“Arthur?” Elizabeth called.

Arthur poked his head around the tent, “Yes?”

Elizabeth hesitated for second before speaking, “Did you get anything on the radio yet?”

“…No I haven’t, I will let you know when I do. Ok?” Arthur responded sympathetically.

With a sad nod of her head Elizabeth continued working. Arthur gave a small sigh; he knew she was worried about Samuel, for she asked the same question several times already during the day. As he put a tent peg into the ground with a few hits from the pole of his bill hook, he was approached by one of the people put on cooking duty for the night, two bowls in his hands.

Putting the bill hook to the side, he accepted the bowls with thanks and called Elizabeth over. While she was worried she couldn’t help but beam at the food after a long day. They sat beside each other near the entrance of their tent, a small fire crackled to provide some warmth and comfort.

Arthur began to eat the contents of the bowl; it was a soup, watery with only the bare amount of ingredients to make it at least slightly filling. He made out some peas, carrots and lentils in it. He sighed internally; while he would eat his share it was getting tiresome having the same food for the last two weeks. It also made him worried at how low the food stocks were getting, he could see them all starving within a week’s time…

He shook his head of such thoughts; he couldn’t do much about it by himself. So he ate his meal, swallowed the rest and put the bowl to the side, he would get rid of it later. Elizabeth finished soon after he did and she was encouraged to head to bed. She didn’t put up a fight; she just shrugged and headed into the tent, Hobbes in her arms.

Arthur took note of that; she usually tried to push her bedtime as much as she could. But he didn’t think on it, he decided it was best to take care of his weapons and equipment then head to bed himself. Grabbing a whetstone from his pack he proceeded to sharpen the many edges of his bill hook, quick strokes followed as he hummed an old tune he learned from his father.

So focused on his work he didn’t notice that he had company, only the clearing of a throat brought his attention to them. He raised an eyebrow; it was the two Crystal Prep girls. He tried remembering their names, Fleur de lis he mentally noted and the other he couldn’t put a finger on, for he only ever interacted with them a few times. He continued sharpening as he talked.

“Yes?” Arthur asked.

“How are you doing Arthur on this fine evening?” Fleur de lis asked, her voice sounding more phish-posh than anything Arthur heard before, including Rarity’s.

He was silent for a second, trying to gauge what she could want as she stood looking at him with expecting eyes, “Fine. Do you need something?”

Fleur’s friend spoke, “Nothing really…Can we sit?”

Arthur couldn’t find a reason to say no so he gave a reluctant nod, the two sat across from him. Fleur stretched out her limbs before arching her back as if she was trying to pop it; to Arthur it seemed a little exaggerated especially since it almost seemed like she was trying to flash her cleavage, which was a little more than just ample. Something he couldn’t help but glance at for a split second, before looking back up at her.

“We really just wanted to hang out with someone our own age really.” Fleur’s friend said absent mindedly.

Arthur just gave an “hmmm” in response as he finished his sharpening; he then used some gun oil to coat the metal, something Samuel had taught him. Once he was satisfied he put the polearm beside him and began to work on his lever action, the 30-30 caliber rifle was almost comforting to hold.

He began to strip the weapon apart as he continued the conversation, “Even though there are others besides me, our own age?”

Fleur nodded, “Of course. We like to rotate among our peers; it can be so dull speaking to the same people every day after all.”

Arthur could agree but these two rarely ever talked to him, which only added to his confusion. He shrugged and began wiping down the various parts of his rifle. And for several minutes they talked about inconsequential things from their lives as former students and their new lives as survivors in the zombie apocalypse.

Fleur had also begun to inch her way over to Arthur, bit by bit; she also played with her hair in a rather obnoxious matter. Arthur looked at her with a raised eyebrow wondering what she was doing.

“Ok…what the fuck does this woman want?”

He would get his answer when Fleur spoke again, “So Arthur…are you single?”

Arthur narrowed his eyes slightly at her, for that was a very loaded question, he countered by saying, “Are you?”

Fleur smiled flirtatiously, “Quite single I am.” She leaned in and put a finger on Arthur’s chest, he ignored the best he could as she spoke. “Now answer please.”

“Technically I am.” But before Fleur said anything as her eyes lit up he continued, “But I made a promise to someone. And I have no intentions on breaking it.”

Fleur blinked twice, before removing her finger from his chest and speaking with an upset tone, “It was Rarity wasn’t it?”

Arthur nodded seriously, “Yes it was.”

Fleur’s friend butted in, “Oh come on. She isn’t here and she doesn’t have to know.”

Arthur glared and he added the noise of him cocking the lever of his rifle for good measure. The friend noticed and shut her mouth, seeming very interested in the ground all of a sudden. Arthur turned his attention back to Fleur.

“I hope you will understand and leave this well alone now.”

Fleur nodded sadly, “She won then there is no denying that. Outmaneuvered me she did, I heard she was good at playing these games.”

Arthur watched as she got up and her friend followed suit, he could hear Fleur mutter, “Well played Rarity. Well played.”

With a shake of his head at what happened he put the small fire out, the sun was nearly gone, and grabbed his weapons and radio and made his way into the tent. He set his stuff to the side and got into his sleeping bag, sighing with relief as he got comfortable. He closed his eyes, waiting for the peaceful bliss of sleep.

“Arthur?”

Arthur’s eyes opened and nearly gave himself whiplash turning his head towards the entrance of the tent to see who called his name. It was Sunset.

“I need your help.” Sunset said in a worried tone.

With a groan of annoyance he got up, doing his best to not disturb Elizabeth who was sleeping peacefully. Once out of the tent, bill hook in hand he asked.

“What’s going on?”

Sunset pointed over to where several people outside the car fort were waiting, barely visible under the rapidly darkening sky. Several guards watched them from the inside, ready at a moment’s notice.

Arthur gave a questioning look at Sunset, she responded, “All I know is that they wanted to talk and…I would feel better with you having my back as I speak to them.”

“Give me a moment to get my rifle. Better for this I think.” Arthur said as he reentered the tent.

With rifle and proper shoes he walked with Sunset over to the little standoff, peaceful as one could be. Arthur was curious who these people were though.

“Any idea who they are?” Arthur asked.

Sunset shook her head, “They haven’t said anything except for wanting to talk, which makes me nervous.”

Arthur steeled himself, ready for a fight if necessary, “I got your back Sunset, you know that.”

Sunset smiled, “I know. Thank you.”

The two had reached the little standoff, nothing had changed yet. Before any of Sunset’s group could react one of the unknown people came forward, they handed off a pistol and a knife, then walked forward with hands in a surrendering gesture. Once close enough a voice sounded off, it was calm but strong almost motherly as well.

“I am Mother Superior Giselle; I come in peace as I only wish to talk.”

Sunset and Arthur blinked at the title the woman called herself. Arthur’s thoughts quickly came to the conclusion they might be with the cult. With widened eyes he raised his rifle ever so slightly in preparation; he didn’t want to cause trouble though if they weren’t.

Sunset had put a hand on the handgun on her belt as she spoke, “Are you with the ‘culties’ we have heard so much about?”

The woman shook her head; the moon provided only a little light this night to see such a movement, “No. If anything we are very different than those that call themselves part of the ‘Dominion of God’. They are no friends of ours or yours.”

Sunset caught that, she asked in a cautious tone, “What do you mean ‘yours’?”

“We had tracked two members of your group coming down this way which was nothing new. People head south away from the territories of the dominion all the time. But we do know they came from St. Hilda’s which is what got our attention.” Giselle responded openly.

People’s eyes widened and there were a few mutter and grumbles, for it could mean they know what happened, every word spoken only seemed to lead to that. Sunset decide to take a small leap of faith as she asked another question.

“Would you know what happened to the group we had sent to St. Hilda’s then?”

Giselle’s voice sounded surprised as she responded, “You sent people directly to St. Hilda’s?”

“Yes and we know they never left St. Hilda’s once they entered. Our two people you tracked confirmed that.” Sunset said with certainty.

Giselle pondered for a moment, “Than we have much more to discuss my child. If it would be possible could we come in? It would be easier to talk and safer.”

All eyes turned to Sunset, the pressure of decision on her shoulders. She gulped nervously but she gave the order to let them in. Giselle alongside her group were let in, under suspicious eyes. It was increasingly harder to be trusting of other survivors in the apocalypse, the sudden disappearance of Samuel’s group had not helped in that capacity.

Soon it was just Giselle and one of her group sitting across from Sunset and Arthur, radio beside him for he was encouraged to bring it, to his and Sunset’s confusion. They sat in darkness; no one wanted the attention of the zombies. Sunset and Arthur were also able to get a better look at Giselle. She was a dark skinned woman with weathered skin in her age looking to be in her late forties, dark brown eyes with the same colored hair. She wore what looked like a cross of a nun and a hardcore survivor. Sunset crossed her legs as she began the conversation.

“I think this warrant’s the question of who are you people exactly?”

Giselle gave a slight smile, “We are nuns obviously. Sisters of the Benedictine tradition.” Her expression went grave. “We were the original inhabitants of St. Hilda’s until the Doms came and ousted us from our home.”

“Doms? Is that a nickname for them or something?” Arthur asked inquiringly.

“It is what most people called the people who inhabit the dominion these days.” Giselle explained.

“How were you ousted then?” Sunset asked.

Giselle sighed, “By force. Several of my sisters were killed, the rest of us were kicked out. Some actually converted to the false faith of the dominion, the nerve of our former sisters to turn their back on us…”

Giselle took a deep breath to calm herself, “But that is not important now. What is important is you must know that people who enter St. Hilda’s and don’t join the dominion do not survive. Even if they are captured.”

Arthur and Sunset looked at each other with concern on their faces; they didn’t like what they heard. Arthur spoke up with worry.

“If our people are still alive where would they be?”

“They would still be at St. Hilda’s most likely. If not they would’ve been taken to one of their outposts they have. Where they are usually given one last chance to convert or they will be killed, horrifically I must add.” Giselle responded with barely concealed disgust.

“Then we need to go at first light, we won’t have much time.” Arthur said with deep worry and angst that they would have to wait.

Giselle shook her head, “You won’t be able to breach St. Hilda’s, people have tried before, rallying all the people they can muster in an attempt to attack. Two major tries have been made to destroy the dominion’s presence there. Both failed with major casualties and no one has tried since. You’re best chance would be at one of the outposts close by. No more than say fifteen or twenty miles away.”

Sunset, despite being worried, couldn’t help but narrow her eyes in suspicion at how much they knew, “I thank you for the information but I do have to ask. How do you know so much?”

Giselle smiled at Sunset’s misplaced suspicion, “It is not exactly a secret. Most people in this area know about what the Doms do, runaway captives have also confirmed such stories, bringing information helps in fighting them where we can. So I can understand your suspicion but it seems rather misplaced. No?”

“Oh…I’m sorry.” Sunset said, slightly flustered.

“It is no problem my child.” Giselle responded.

Arthur wasn’t in the mood for delaying, “Can you take us to one of these outposts then? We have to find them.”

Giselle nodded, “We can. As long as you will fight with us. We do not have the strength to rescue anyone by ourselves.”

Sunset was hesitant; she didn’t want a fight if it could be avoided, “Would it be necessary to fight them?”

Arthur looked at Sunset with surprise, “These Doms are responsible. They made themselves our enemy the moment they fucked with our people. How can you say that?”

“Your friend is right. They will not hesitate to kill you if you intervene with their plans. Their Disciple, a local leader of the dominion, is known to be a militant man. I’m afraid there is no other choice.” Giselle explained with a matter of fact tone.

Sunset sighed, “I understand. I just want to avoid losing more people.”

Arthur looked ashamed for his words earlier when Sunset said those words. Giselle couldn’t help but nod sadly, she said, “And that is admirable of you. But know it wasn’t you who chose violence, it was the Doms.”

Sunset nodded with closed eyes, when she opened them they were filled with determination, “You’re right. It wasn’t us, and I will save my friends.”

Giselle nodded happily, “Good.” She turned to Arthur, “We need to use your radio to contact our people in the Dom’s territory, they can report if they saw any prisoner transportation. That will be important.”

Arthur nodded and grabbed his radio, the other nun that was with Giselle, who had been silent the whole time sat beside him and the two began the process to contact the people needed.

Sunset looked at Giselle with grateful eyes, “Thank you for this. I don’t think we could repay you for this.”

Giselle gave a smile, “There is no need. We gain an ally in this fight and we are able to strike a blow to the dominion by rescuing people. That is good enough.”

Arthur piped in, “The enemy of enemy is my friend.”

“Yes Arthur.” Sunset replied with a roll of her eyes in amusement. Before an idea popped in her head, she smiled coyly, “Did you get that from Samuel? Cause that sounds like something he would say.”

Arthur looked at her with an offended look, “I did not. I think of original thoughts thank you very much.”

“You think much?” Sunset replied with a smile.

Arthur looked like he wanted to respond before it dawned on him she was trying to get a ruse out of him. He grumbled inaudibly and shook a fist at Sunset.

She and Giselle couldn’t help but softly laugh at him.

Samuel winced in pain as he was tossed around by the rough road conditions as he sat in the back of a cube van that was being used to hold him and everyone else, dark and cramped as it was. He knew they had been traveling for most of a day. Stopping for the night before continuing early in the morning, given only some food and water, they had to share amongst themselves, Samuel made sure everyone else had more than him. He didn’t know if he was going to survive at this rate.

The pain he felt from the flogging was still there and he was afraid that infection had set in. Rarity, in her generosity, used most of her shirt to make improvised bandages that now lay upon on his wounds. But it was all she could do. Pinkie and Rainbow were doing their part to help Samuel keep going. The one other man that was left in their group kept watch on their captors, trying to get any information they can on them to use, such as an attempt at a break out.

Samuel gulped hard from dehydration. He noticed Rarity was beside him, being her turn to watch him. He tried to fight it, he did not feel like being babied, but they wouldn’t budge, so he sulked in defeat. He felt though there was something to discuss before they arrived at their destination. Where ever it might be.

“Rarity?” Samuel called.

“Yes darling?” Rarity responded, her tired eyes looking at him.

“Before anything else happens, I just wanted to say thank you.” Samuel said gratefully.

Rarity raised an eyebrow, “You’re welcome but you have said it countless times.”

Samuel nodded, “Yes. But this one is for...” He swallowed his spit. God he was thirsty. “This one is for Arthur.”

“Whatever for?” Rarity asked in confusion.

“It’s for being patient with him.” Samuel said.

Rarity was about to respond before Samuel raised a hand, “No words are needed. Just know that whatever happens, I approve and all I ask is that you be his peace.”

Rarity couldn’t help but tear up a bit before she nodded vigorously, “Of course Samuel.”

Samuel smiled, “Good.”

They sat in silence for some time before the convoy stopped. To everyone’s curiosity and fear. Samuel sat himself up; he wouldn’t allow himself to be seen weakened or vulnerable enough that they might just put a bullet in his head right away. The others braced themselves for what could come next.

The cube van’s door slid up, allowing daylight to flow in, and the occupants to wince at the sudden light. In their collective daze, dominion soldiers, or the closest they had to the thing, came in and manhandled everyone out of the van. They were all forced to their knees in a line, the rocks digging into their skin uncomfortably. Samuel could finally see where they were.

They were in a densely forested area, pine and hemlock trees sprang to the sky, thick brush covered the ground hiding whatever or whoever could there. But what captured his attention is they were in a place that could only be called a doomsday’s prepper home.

A blue bungalow sat at the far side of the gravel cul-de-sac, a single door garage sat close to it. Several sheds and Quonsets were around the area, looking to be filled with all matter of equipment and tools that could be found on a rural property. A six foot chain link fence surrounded the area, probably put in after the apocalypse began to keep the zekes out. At least another dozen more Dom soldiers littered the area besides the ones that came along. The soldiers seemed to wear any kind of camouflage they had, hunting camo or surplus was common, only the occasional helmet or tactical vest was seen, they looked like some sort of shitty militia. Samuel could only describe the whole thing as an outpost.

He saw Dominic come into view as he passed by him, with barely a look at any of them. Samuel sneered slightly as Dominic, dressed in the same attire, was brought a note by a soldier. He read it before nodding and gave instructions to the same soldier who then left at a jog.

Must have been important.

Dominic turned his attention back to the line of prisoners before he audibly cleared his throat, “You may be wondering why I brought you here…Well your punishment awaits.”

He made a gesture to bring the prisoners forward. Roughly manhandled again the prisoners were walked to the center of the gravel cul-de-sac. However the women and men were split. Dominic stopped in front of the girls as he smiled at them, who all looked at him with varying levels of spite.

“The Prophet is merciful today my dears. You will be spared punishment, in fact you have been granted a great privilege. We have need for brides for the Prophet and his Disciples out east. So instead of dying because of your sinful behavior, you will be given a chance to pay penance by marrying and birthing children for some of the most important men in the Dominion of God.” Dominic announced with a fanatic tone, his eyes glazed with sick joy.

The girls looked at him with horror. This was not good at all. Rainbow quickly shifted gears from horror to white hot anger.

“Like hell we will you fucking psycho!” Rainbow yelled.

A soldier, an angry expression on his face stepped forward, ready to slap Rainbow for her insolent behavior. Dominic stopped him with a hand gesture and the soldier stopped and stepped back.

“This behavior will be dealt with, and they will lose it. Particularly that one.” Dominic said as he pointed at Rainbow. He went on. “But they are not to be harmed. They are young and have their best years of child bearing ahead of them yet.”

A collective “Yes my Disciple” sounded out from the soldiers.

“Now take the women away to my SUV, they will be taken today.” Dominic ordered.

Soldiers grabbed the girls, rough enough to keep them from struggling but not enough to hurt them. They did struggle, especially Rainbow, but it was for not. Samuel could only watch with seething anger as the three girls were escorted to the SUV but they weren’t put in as Dominic made a halting gesture.

Dominic having watched the whole thing looked satisfied with himself. He turned to Samuel and his one last member of the group. He spoke with fanaticism as looked at the two with delight.

“I’m quite sure you’re wondering what is in store for you two. Well you will be executed.” Dominic explained. He pointed to Samuel with an accusing finger. “Especially you, I know you will be trouble if you live.”

Dominic walked over to a truck, pulling out Samuel’s sabre and came back over as he looked over the blade.

“You know this is a rather nice piece I must say. I absolutely love weapons such as these.” Dominic said with glee. He looked into Samuel’s eyes, his fanaticism against Samuel’s anger. He went on. “It would be rather poetic to kill you with your own weapon. But I have a better idea.”

Dominic began walking to a random spot in the outpost. Two soldiers had grabbed Samuel and dragged him, following their Disciple. Samuel couldn’t help but be confused. The girls and last man also looked on in confusion. When Samuel was brought to where Dominic stopped, his eyes went wide.

It was a pit, dug out to be about eight feet deep, twenty feet long and another ten feet wide. But it was the contents of the pit that disturbed him.

There had to be at least a dozen zombies all looking at the fresh meat. All had their hands up, a futile attempt to grab them and with hungry grey eyes all looking at them. They groaned and moaned loudly, wanting to eat them in horrifying fashion.

Samuel looked to Dominic who looked at him with a grin. Dominic spoke, low and slow, “Fight hard…Die well.”

Samuel felt he had to say something before he was thrown in, “Damn you and your false Prophet! I’ll fucking kill these zombies and then I’ll come for you Dominic!”

Dominic only smirked, “I doubt that.”

A soldier cut the restraints off Samuel, before shortly tossing him into the empty part of the pit. He swore he heard the girls distinct cries as he tumbled down. Samuel cried out in pain as he landed on his back, the wounds reopening from such an impact. He forced himself to get up despite the pain he felt. Staggering to his feet he saw Dominic toss his sabre into the pit, it landing by his feet. And with that Dominic and his soldiers disappeared from view. Leaving Samuel all alone with the zombies, who had turned their collective attention to him.

He felt fear keep him in place, for he had been thrown into a situation he most likely won’t survive. He could only stare at the incoming zombies.

Get up you fool! If there is any chance to survive! Any chance to get out alive! You’re no use dead!

And with such thoughts Samuel burst forth, grabbing his sabre to meet what he considered certain death moving towards him several feet away. Letting out the battle cry of his forefathers.

“HAKKAA PAALLE!”

Samuel fell upon the zombies, who returned his battle cry with their own of undead groaning. He lunged with the point of his blade, punching through the face of the first zombie into the brain. Quickly extracting the blade he bounced back to avoid grabbing hands. A slash at one taking half of its skull gone and then a jab just through the chin took another two just as quickly. But Samuel was losing precious ground as he backed up away from the ten or so zombies left.

But he kept fighting even as he was back into the dirt wall and undead hands reached for him…

“This way.” Giselle said softly, guiding Sunset and Arthur through the dense bush.

They had arrived in the later afternoon, crossing the rather theoretical border of the dominion and setting out on foot, most of the group was mustered for this with only a skeleton crew back at the convoy and the people who would not fight such as the children, the old or expecting mothers. They were apparently getting close to one of the known outposts the Doms used.

“How close are we now?” Arthur asked impatiently.

“We will be there soon my child. Do not fret.” Giselle responded with an almost infinite patience.

The three continued onward, it wasn’t long before they saw the said outpost through the trees and brush. Stopping they used binoculars and identified buildings, the chain link fence and the wandering soldiers, who were doing a piss poor job of actually keeping an eye out. Yet it did seem like they were focused on something…

“So…how are we doing this?” Arthur asked.

Giselle gestured to the south side, the entrance of the outpost and where the road enters, “My people will assault from there, we will be the main force.” She pointed to where they were at the moment. “Your people will come from this direction and ambush them once we begin; it will allow us to eliminate any resistance easily.”

“This puts you at great risk though, are you sure about this?” Sunset asked with concern.

Giselle nodded solemnly, “It is a risk me and my sisters are willing to take. The Virgin Mary will take care of us, whatever happens. Now let us begin, no more time can be wasted.”

With nothing more than a few hand gestures Giselle’s group of nuns and assorted survivors followed her, heading from their current position to where they would assault, silently and swiftly as possible. Arthur looked at Sunset who was using her own walkie to contact the rest. Their group was much larger in number requiring them to sit back further, only a handful could say they had any real woodsman experience that would allow them to approach the outpost in any meaningful stealthy way.

The large group of rather unorganized “militia” came up, making more noise than they should be for such an operation, Sunset only hoped that once the fighting began no friendly fire would happen. While Samuel and a few others versed in the art of modern fighting had trained them, it was minimal and with so many chores and jobs to do it wasn’t considered a priority.

Sunset would see that changed after this day.

The ragtag group of fighters stopped, awkwardly mingling about, checking weapons and ammo. Some of those staying in the rear echelon such as Fluttershy prepared for any injuries that may happen. They all waited for the beginning of the battle, or skirmish more like it, to begin.

They didn’t have to wait long.

A cacophony of gunfire sounded, Sunset could see their allies through the trees as they began their assault as they rushed out of the woods. The Doms reacted as expected, in surprise and confusion, made evident by shouts of said confusion and ineffective gunfire.

The group then advanced through the thick bush, with as much haste as they could. They soon came to the edge of the tree line, still hidden enough but that would change soon.

“That’s our queue. Up and at them!” Sunset said, waving her pistol in her left hand and her sabre in her right, trying to keep the battle jitters out of her voice.

There was a large wordless shout and the group rushed out, moving in groups while others provided covering fire, trying to pick off the Dom soldiers. The Doms could only turn in surprise as they were attacked on two sides. Sunset’s and Giselle’s respective groups made a very rough “v” shape as they attacked.

Arthur was rushing beside Big Mac and some other man, firing his rifle at any Doms who showed themselves. He was aiming down his iron sights at one hiding behind a corner of a shed, he squeezed the trigger smoothly, and the man went down with a spray of blood from his chest. Arthur shifted his aim to another, firing once again.

Sunset was doing her best trying to command, keeping an eye on the whole thing trying to make sure no one over extended or got too far ahead. But as far as she was concerned the attack was quite successful so far. The Doms had been caught completely off guard and were being swiftly pushed back, their numbers ever dwindling.

She saw Giselle and several of her nuns enter a Quonset, with corresponding gunfire. Applejack firing off the two barrels of her shotgun at a Dom in cover, the wood exploding from the buckshot hitting it. Ken followed it up by a few shots from his AR-15, the Dom fell over as the crown of his head was pierced, bits of skull and brains and blood flying out. A Dom popped out of a shed just beside Sunset, it hadn’t been checked, a rifle in his hands; both looked at each other in surprise.

Both raised firearms at each other, a race to see who could be faster. Sunset was quicker on the draw however and she fired first. The first round hit the man in the thigh, the man cried out in pain and fell down, dropping his rifle. Sunset, adrenaline pumping like it almost never had before, emptied the entire fifteen round magazine into the man, till an audible click sounded. She was brought back to reality by that and she could only feel a little guilty about what happened, for it was the first man she ever killed.

It’s one thing to take down a zombie, but another living human?…God I think I’ll be sick. But he would’ve killed you first… And he was part of the cult that did something to your friends. Remember people are relying on you, let’s get back to it.

Sunset refocused on the fight, reloading her M9 Beretta, and she noted how she was a bit behind now. She decided it was best to catch up.

The fight began to slow down as fewer and fewer Doms were alive, and it didn’t take long for one or two to break and begin to run away. It eventually became a rout as the hate was laid on them, outnumbered and outgunned. Most were shot as they ran, not being able to reach the tree line in time and the two groups were caught up in bloodlust from the crimes the Doms had committed. The fight ended as quickly as it began.

Two however did make it. And while Sunset’s group began to slow down, Giselle’s group kept up the pursuit, at least two thirds of them rushing into the woods after the two fugitives.

“Sunset! Have your people secure the outpost, mine will finish the rest off!” Giselle shouted from across the outpost, she had blood on her.

“Will do!” Sunset responded.

Sunset, with help from Arthur and others given leadership roles for the attack, began their consolidation. People checked over, minor injuries were attended to and gathering the bodies and gear that came with it.

Fluttershy was counting their casualties as they came back to get medical help, the nurses they had were currently with any injuries, most were minor but a few were major. The nurses used the triage system for this task, listing the wounded under a “1”, a “2” or a “3”. Three being the least wounded, attend when needed. Two being requires immediate attention to survive. One being unlikely to survive, only attend if there is a possibility of survival, and if not them keep comfortable till passing away.

There was only about six wounded from their group, only one serious wounded from the attack for them, which came as a relief to Sunset. Their allies however weren’t as lucky as she looked over at them. She winced as they moved two bodies who were clearly nuns, they hadn’t survived. Another one was screaming in pain from a gut wound as her fellow sisters pinned her down and one of their “medics” tried to improve the situation. In that moment Sunset felt incredibly lucky.

Arthur was helping move dead bodies when a call came from a man who was looking down into a pit and calling for back up. With a heaving breath, Arthur dropped the body he was carrying into the line of other corpses and walked over. Coming to the pit he could only gape at what he saw.

It was Samuel sitting weakly against a dirt wall surrounded by zombie corpses. Arthur could see Samuel look up at him, surprise registering on his face. What shocked Arthur was how roughed up Samuel was, he had blood all over him that Arthur couldn’t tell if any of it was his or the zombies.

“Hey! I need some help over here! And some rope!” Arthur called.

Applejack came up with some rope; she always had some nearby for any reason. She too was surprised to see Samuel and his condition. Arthur hopped into the pit so they could wrap Samuel with it and haul him up.

“Man am I glad to see you.” Arthur said, tears swelling up as he sighed in relief.

Samuel quirked a small smile, “Same here. But…”

“But what?” Arthur asked.

“I’m banged up…pretty good. These zekes got some good licks in.” Samuel said softly.

“Don’t you tell me you’re bit!” Arthur exclaimed loudly.

Samuel waved a hand, “No. At least I don’t think so…Definitely scratched though.”

It was only then Arthur noticed scratch marks on Samuel’s face, having been raked from the corner of his right eye, the eye had just been barely missed, diagonally down his cheek, ending at his chin. It didn’t seem too deep but it was enough to bleed. He found several more shallow ones on his bare chest and left shoulder.

Arthur could only stare; he didn’t want to believe it, for while scratches were never a guarantee of infection, it wasn’t unheard of for infection happening through scratches either.

“Arthur you good down there!” Applejack called worryingly.

“I’m fine! But Samuel is scratched up and then some!” Arthur called back, explaining the situation.

Applejack swore under her breath, but the two proceeded to get Samuel out, even as he grunted and swore at the pain caused, his sabre never left his hand. Once Samuel and Arthur were out, Arthur could see the flogging wounds on Samuel’s back. It took him a moment to register that as Samuel laid on his side taking deep breaths.

“What the fuck happened to you?” Arthur asked with horror and worry.

“…Nothing good. It’s a long story.” Samuel responded simply, not in the mood for long conversation.

Applejack was on a knee beside Samuel and Arthur, she spoke in a pleading tone, “Samuel please tell me our friends are alright. Please.”

Samuel looked up at her with sorrowful eyes, “They are alive. But they…they were taken somewhere else. I don’t know where…I’m sorry.”

“Dammit…What now?” Applejack said, more to herself than anything.

Arthur scowled, “We get Samuel help. Medic!”

One appeared shortly after; she looked over his wounds and began to treat them in a professional matter, enough to stabilize him till they got him out.

“We will need Twilight to look over some blood samples of his to make sure he is not infected.” The medic explained as she used a needle to extract some blood.

After retrieving the sample, the medic moved onto others. Applejack and Arthur stayed by his side until a team of stretcher bearers would come to take him away. They were also the guards incase if Samuel did come down with a case of infection.

Arthur helped Samuel sip carefully on a canteen, using a hand to lift his head. Applejack occupied herself with overlooking the outpost. The two groups were gathering anything useful they could take back with them, weapons, ammo, small bits of food and water. Nothing that could be used would go to waste. A small group of prisoners that had been liberated sat to the side, thanking the people who rescued them constantly. The sisters were looking after them, she also recognized the one man from Samuel’s group that survived.

She felt at a loss that only Samuel and one other of the eleven people Samuel had, minus Nathan and Alex, set out with survived or at least were here right now. Applejack turned her attention back to Samuel.

“What happened to the others?” Applejack asked.

“…Norman and Michael are dead. Some actually joined the damn ‘culties’, the fucking traitors.” Samuel replied with spite, not directed at her but at the Doms.

Applejack could only sigh and nod in acceptance just as Sunset came running over. She almost skidded across the gravel as she knelt beside Samuel. Arthur looked at her in surprise, Applejack less so; Samuel barely registered her for a few seconds before his eyes widened slightly in recognition.

“I just got told.” Sunset said, then after more quietly. “They should have told me sooner.”

Samuel could only stare as the sun lit up Sunset’s hair like a beacon, forming a halo like effect. For a moment it was like she was an angel come to save him in all her beauty, before he was pulled back to reality. He mentally shook himself of such thoughts.

Sunset didn’t notice, far too focused on the injuries Samuel had sustained, concern plastered on her face, “What happened-“

Arthur interrupted, “Nothing good as Samuel told us.”

Samuel spoke up as much as he could, “We need to get out of here now, they might have other forces in the area. Once I’m we are in a safe place I’ll explain everything. Especially if I am infected, we will need to hurry.”

Sunset did a double take, “What!? How could-“ She stopped as it connected in her mind the scratch marks on Samuel. “Oh god. We need to get you out of here. Big Mac!”

Big Mac, who had been hauling out a sack of potatoes, looked over, nodded left the potatoes in a growing pile of supplies and jogged over.

“Could you get us a stretcher? We need to get Samuel out of here pronto.” Sunset said.

“Yup.” Big Mac responded simply and he went off to get a stretcher.

“We will get you out Samuel, don’t worry.” Sunset said as she smiled at him, obviously glad to have him back.

Samuel finally let himself relax at those words, “Good. Let’s get out of here.”

At least that is what he thought what he said when he passed out from injury and exhaustion.

It became another late evening as Sunset’s and Giselle’s group made camp for the night. They had left the outpost within an hour and spent most of the rest of the day backtracking to a safe spot on the other side of the theoretical border. After doing the usual setting up Sunset and Giselle agreed to reconvene with respective members to discuss the events of the day and what came next.

But before any discussion could be had Sunset was beside Samuel as he slept, his breaths long and deep, it was clear he had been through a lot. He had been cleaned up as much as possible and his wounds had been stitched and bandaged. He had said stitches on his face after the one scratch on his face, on his back from the flogging and the myriad of other scratches.

Arthur was beside Samuel as well, he was still the one watching him for any signs of infection, Twilight was currently looking at the blood samples that had been taken from Samuel. Arthur and Sunset sat in silence contemplating; a lot of information had been passed on from Samuel. He had told the whole story of what happened, from beginning to end as they were making their way to their current site. The story was finished as the final stitches were applied to Samuel’s back. He went to sleep after from sheer exhaustion.

Twilight and Fluttershy abruptly entered the medical tent, startling Arthur and Sunset out of their trance. The two looked at Twilight with questioning looks.

Twilight smiled, “There is no sign of infection. He will be alright. He got really lucky though.”

Sunset and Arthur sighed in relief; their shoulders sagged as if a huge burden was lifted.

“Thank you Twilight. So very much.” Arthur said as he abruptly got up and hugged her.

Twilight blushed, not used to such displays of gratitude, her blush deepened when Sunset joined. Fluttershy decided to join in after a moment’s hesitation. The four embraced for a few seconds before breaking apart. Fluttershy spoke quietly after.

“Mother Superior Giselle wants to speak with you Sunset.”

Sunset nodded, “Of course. There is a lot we need to talk about.” She turned to Arthur, “Could you come along for this again? I would appreciate it Arthur.”

Arthur just smirked, “Need you even ask? I’ll be along in a few, just got to sort out a few things.” He looked to Fluttershy, “Could you check on Samuel every once in a while?”

“Oh of course. It won’t be a problem.” Fluttershy replied with a comforting smile.

“Thank you.” Arthur said as he left the tent to do whatever he needed to do, leaving the three girls alone.

“…You didn’t have to thank me you know. I only looked a few blood samples it’s not like I healed him.” Twilight said slowly as she fiddled with the strings of her hoodie.

“But you made sure Samuel would be well. That’s enough of a reason Twilight.” Sunset explained with a soft smile.

“Wellll…ok….You should really get going though Sunset. Giselle does want to talk.” Twilight replied.

“Right. I’ll see you girls in a bit. Hopefully we will get this figured out.” Sunset said hopefully, eyes trying to hide her worry.

Sunset cast her eyes at Samuel, admiring the way his face was, despite the stitches, she stared for longer than necessary. Fluttershy coughed purposefully, to get Sunset to exit her trance. It worked, Sunset blinking in surprise, before blushing herself being caught.

“We will look after him Sunset, don’t worry.” Twilight said, it being her turn to smile.

Sunset nodded and left the tent, walking through the camp to where Giselle and her people where staying, most would be sleeping under the stars tonight. She looked up at the position of the sun, she guessed there must be an hour and a half left before darkness would envelope them.

She saw Giselle giving a speech to a group of people who sat in a half circle around her; she had them enthralled with her words. Sunset didn’t know what she was saying for she spoke softly, just enough for her audience could hear her.

Sunset wouldn’t catch any of it as Giselle finished her speech just as Sunset came into hearing distance. The crowd rapidly spilt and headed their own ways. Giselle turned to Sunset with a smile, but her she could see the tiredness in her eyes.

“It is good you came, we have much to discuss and not much time to do it.” Giselle said as she motioned to a fire they could sit by for warmth. The nights were still chilly in the month of May here in Idaho. The two sat across from each other, much like the first night they met each other.

Sunset cracked a small smile at that, from standing off potentially ready to kill each other to becoming allies with common cause and sharing a camp with each other. She was happy that not everyone out in this world was trying to kill them.

“How is your friend doing?” Giselle asked.

Sunset was snapped out of her stupor, “Oh…uh…he will live, no infection thankfully.”

Giselle smiled, “I’m glad to hear at least some good news.”

“Thank you…and I’m sorry to hear about your lost sisters.” Sunset said awkwardly.

Giselle’s smile died a little and her eyes went distant for a second before returning to Sunset, “They are with our Lord now. But your condolences are appreciated.”

Sunset nodded solemnly before speaking, “I hate to move on like this but, what is it you want to discuss?”

“What comes next my child. As far as I know our temporary alliance is at an end.” Giselle explained.

Sunset breathed deeply before responding, “Well I won’t lie, we still need your help. Cause three of our people are still missing, my friends. I was-“

“Hoping we would help?” Giselle interrupted.

“…Yes.” Sunset admitted.

Giselle nodded, “I knew you would ask my child. I also know the whole story behind this, thanks to your friend. He had not let the details slip after all.”

“Is there any chance?” Sunset asked.

“Yes. But their so called Disciple, Dominic, is currently too strong for us to take on by ourselves. He has more soldiers, guns and most importantly strongholds he can retreat to. As of right now we can’t do anything but be a nuisance to him.” Giselle explained with a matter of fact tone.

“That doesn’t really solve our problem though. Unless there is something you know that I don’t?” Sunset confessed.

Before Giselle could respond Arthur came walking over and he sat beside Sunset.

“Got Elizabeth settled in, she was excited to see Samuel again. Reason I took so long. But please continue.” Arthur explained apologetically.

Giselle nodded at Arthur and continued, “There is a man, John Langford, he was a former warden of a prison. Now he is a leader of a group of former prison guards, what was left of local police forces and even some convicts who turned a new leaf. Currently he is also the only one preventing the Doms from continuing their expansion south. He may be able to help us, but more importantly you.”

Arthur spoke indignantly, ‘Ok that’s nice but how could he help us. And why would he? Not like he has any reasons to do so.”

“Arthur have some faith.” Sunset said politely. She redirected her attention back to Giselle, “How do we come in contact with John and what could we do to get him to help us?”

Giselle gave a comforting gesture, “We will take you to him. I and my sisters have had contact with the man before and he can be trusted enough. There is one simple way you could get his help.”

“And what would that be?” Arthur asked curiously.

“Join his growing coalition to fight the Doms. He seeks allies to join him in his fight and its working quite well. We never officially joined ourselves, only nominally when the coalition was in its infancy a month ago. If we both join officially it will help immensely.” Giselle said, her tone more hopeful now.

“They would know where our friends could’ve been taken then? And how we could rescue them?” Sunset asked with her own growing hope.

“Yes they would. But no doubt we would have to move quickly. If your friends are being taken east who knows how long Dominic will keep them here.” Giselle said cautiously and to remind Sunset of how little time they had.

“Then when can we meet him?” Sunset asked.

Giselle looked into the fire; it seemed to dance off her eyes, she looked back up at Sunset, “Tomorrow morning. At first light we will take you to him. And then the real work we need to do can begin.”