Inside, the wolves were lined up, waiting for him.
He levitated swiftly past them. There were no lights in the stairwell, but his alter wolf vision enabled him to see in the dark as though a warm glow lit the space.
He descended to the dungeon area on the third level. Once there, he flew as fast as he could along the hallway. Through the adjoining wall, he heard his wolves howling, more than one in pain.
When he arrived at the end, he drew up. Mary, we’re in position.
I can see you, and I’ve got my eyes on the hallway outside the dungeon cell. Timing will be important if you stand a chance. Some of the rogue wolves have already gone into the cell, but there are at least eight outside, waiting. They’re all focused on the wolves getting hurt, though it wouldn’t take much to divert their attention.
Fergus knew they couldn’t risk getting discovered or they’d never even make it into the hall.
Fergus, you’ve got to be really careful at this point.
I understand. At the same time, he could hear the shouts of the rogues. One of the captives cried out in pain. He had to do something.
Warren was right behind him. Fergus told him the situation, then added, Let me see if I can set up another diversion. I’ll have Mary get me out with the least possibility of detection, fly abo
ve the guards, then hopefully get them headed away from you.
Sounds like a smart move. Warren responded.
He contacted Mary and relayed the plan. She agreed that it was the best strategy, but added, Just wait for my signal. She was cool as hell.
He felt for the mechanism that would open the hidden door enough to allow him to slip through. He held his hand above it, waiting for Mary’s command.
Hold, Fergus. Hold. On my command. Hold. And … now!
The snap of her last word had him pulling the mechanism, and the door slid open about ten inches. Like the arrangement on the ground floor, this door also held an attached shelving unit, which made it heavy. He gave it another push, slipped through, then closed it. He rose into the air.
About thirty feet away, Sydon’s rogues were clustered around the doorway of the dungeon just as Mary had said they were. They jeered at the prisoners inside.
In order to continue avoiding detection, he levitated to a horizontal position close to the ceiling and began gliding down the passageway. He held his breath as he flew above Sydon’s men.
His movement must have caught the eye of one of the men since he started shouting about an intruder.
Fergus put on some speed and called back, “Come on, motherfuckers.” He bolted down the long hall, away from the secret door and the rogue warriors.
Mary’s voice entered his mind. It worked. Four of Sydon’s wolves are flying after you. The rest are shouting all kinds of things. Let Warren know he’s clear to move.
He shifted his telepathy to Warren. The ruse worked. Mary says you’re good to go.
Fergus knew the rogue wolves would start firing, so as he reached the top of the corridor, he whipped to the right, into the intersecting hall. A hail of bullets followed. He’d just escaped getting hit.
He dropped to the stone floor to stand his ground and wait. How we doin’, Mary?
Warren and his team are leaving the secret passage. The four who followed you have slowed their pursuit. They’re ten feet away from the upper hall. Warren has part of his team engaging with the wolves by the door. He and the rest are heading toward the four near you.
Everything happened fast.
He heard Warren give a battle shout and guns being fired. He didn’t dare engage yet or he’d get caught in the crossfire.
Mary, give me a blow-by-blow. What’s going on with Warren?
He’s brought three down, the other is rounding the corner in your direction now!
At the same time the last words hit his mind, the fourth rogue appeared. Fergus fired point blank into his chest.
The wolf flew backward, landing in a heap in the corner.