Samantha

“I really don’t understand why we’re doing this.”

Samantha just rolled her eyes, hoisting the coil of rope higher on her shoulder.  “We’re doing this because we were told to.”

“I know, but why,” Adrian whispered.  “Why is it so important?”

Samantha was used to these questions.  She often wondered why her cousin had followed her into the service.  It was not a place to ask questions.  But always, when they were alone, Adrian would start up on “why.”  But tonight really was not the time.  In the darkness before them Samantha could make out the walls of the compound.  Reaching back she squeezed Adrian’s arm.  There was a sharp intake of breath and Samantha knew there would be no more questions.  For now at least.

Slowing her breathing, Samantha watched the walls, searching for sentries.  No torches, no movement, no guards.  Could they really be that lucky?  Samantha did not believe in luck.  It was dangerous, made you lazy.

They approached the compound, clinging to the deep shadows of the forest.  Someone had let the trees creep almost up to the walls.  For Samantha and Adrian it was a boon, for the people behind the walls it meant death.  No, not tonight, but with war on the horizon, soon.  Samantha wished she could warn them.  She had joined the service to save the innocents.  Regardless of their allegiance, they were still women and children, men who would never fight, but who would suffer.  Samantha pushed the thoughts from her head.  The war had not come yet, may never come to this secluded stronghold.  Especially if their mission was successful.

They were within feet of the rear wall of the compound.  Samantha slipped the rope from her shoulder.  Her palms warmed through her gloves as she ran the rope through her hands, feeling for the hook and keeping her eyes on the top of the wall.

A silent prayer floated up into the darkness as Samantha swung the hook.  She did not know what they would find over the wall.  Hopefully a sleeping village, but the gods only knew.

The hook bit into the hardened clay bricks of the compound wall.  Samantha tugged to set them.  Whatever awaited, it was time to find out.