“Wait them out—”
“—until Rhett Hays’ soldiers start to question his decisions. Let their devotion to him start to crack as tensions run hot and the forty-some people start to suffer from hunger and a lack of sleep. We force them to lash out first, trying to escape their hole, and pick them off one-by-desperate-one.”
The shadows in Arkdone’s face seemed to darken with menace. A wicked smile cracked across his lips.
“They’ll have all the time in the world to question themselves—to know no one is coming to rescue them. They’ll feel the pressure of isolation and turn on themselves in a frenzy.” Arkdone threw his head back in crazed laughter. “They just may end up killing Hays and the Winters themselves!”
Williams nodded slowly and resumed his pacing. A sickly sweet scent seemed to follow him as he moved: strawberries and lilies.
Meg, dear. Is that you? I just bought you some time, though I don’t know why I bother. What will you do for me in return, my lovely daughter? Come to me. I’ll take you under my wing and all will be forgiven.
62 Reprieve
Meg opened her eyes slowly unsure how much time had passed, until the look of worry in her mother’s eyes gave her an estimate.
“Meggie? Are you all right?”
Meg nodded stiffly. “They won’t attack tonight or tomorrow. They are planning to starve us out hoping we turn against one another as we anxiously await an attack that isn’t coming. They’re hoping to sit back and watch us self-destruct.”
“That’s messed up,” Alik blurted before looking around at everyone watching him, “but under the circumstances, it’s a brilliant strategy.” His mind was referencing no fewer than a half dozen battles throughout history where a similar tactic was used. Each had ended in the defeat of the trapped group, but he wasn’t about to say that aloud.
“Are you absolutely sure of this information, Miss Winter?” Rhett Hays had stepped forward to join the small circle. “You don’t think he could have put on a show for you and have other intentions?”
Meg was shaking her head. “I’m sure. I can read him completely and would have seen right through a ruse. This is their plan.”
Rhett nodded, “You won’t be insulted if I have guards stand watch through the night.”
“Not insulted, thankful. I think it’s prudent to have guards keeping watch. Just because Williams and Arkdone aren’t currently planning to attack doesn’t mean the soldiers under them agree with their strategy.”
“Hays. I remember you,” Creed stepped forward to offer his hand. “I know what it takes to be a Company Leader, but you’ve done more than that. You taught them honor.” Creed leaned into the handshake for a shoulder-bumps-shoulder show of brotherhood. “That damn well earns my respect.”
Rhett didn’t even try to hide his admiration. “Thank you, sir. I’ve—we all have—looked up to you ever since that day in the Retribution pit. The way you defied orders, in front of the whole campus—” Rhett still hadn’t let go of Creed’s hand, “—was the most inspiring, balls-to-the-wall move I’ve ever seen.” Rhett finally looked down and realized he was still gripping Creed’s hand. Sheepishly, he let go. “You taught everyone honor that day, sir.”
Rhett’s neck flushed red as though he just realized his manners. Abruptly he stood at attention and delivered a sharp salute. The room was filled with the sounds of boots shuffling and uniforms crinkling with quick movements. The entire Company stood rigid, displaying the ultimate show of respect.
Meg beamed up at her quiet warrior as she watched him return the salute.
“At ease,” Creed smiled.
The room shuffled into their precise stance, feet apart, hands clasped behind their backs.
“I’m thankful to you for helping my family. These people are the salt of the earth and I would be honored to lay my life down for them—”
“...though we would never allow him to.” Margo smiled at the blue-eyed, soulful soldier holding her daughter’s hand as though they had never let go. “I’m Dr. Margo Winter—Meg, Alik and Evan’s mother. Thank you all for your decision to join us. Your personal sacrifices are deeply appreciated.” Margo spoke to the room as the head of the family.
“I have no doubt Meg has already offered, because it is our way, but I will reiterate: We take care of our own. God willing, there will be life after Arkdone and Williams. When that time comes, you are all welcome to join us here on the ranch and will be treated as family. We believe in God and live by His teachings. We work hard and love deeply. If you agree with our way of life, there is room for you here. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you.” Margo’s sincere brown eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled at the silent room.