Rise Of The Hunters

"We only have five hours before dusk! There's no way we can pull this off! There's too much that needs to be done!"

Xun stood before the assembled a.d.u.l.ts, feeling very small. He had to pull a chair over and stand in it to get them to pay attention to him. When he had first proposed going to the underground city, they had started fighting so much, no one saw him trying to get their attention.

"You have all decided to let me lead you, right?" he asked, once he got them to calm down and look at him.

It was obvious from some of their faces that they were starting to rethink this whole thing. They all grudgingly agreed, but only after he stood there waiting for their answers.

"Due to the unknown element of the rogue vampires, we have no choice but to get as much done as possible, before dark. The underground city is the only place big enough, and secure enough to ensure everyone's safety."

He paused to look around the room, making sure to look everyone in the eyes before continuing on.

"Lola will go back through the water to the door, and open it from the inside. She is the only person who knows the way enough to make it. Any of the cave people who want to go with her, are welcome to go too. Everyone else, who is here, in this room, right now, is going to be in charge of certain things. It will be up to them to get everything I want done today, done. Is that understood?"

Everyone nodded. So good so far. He took a breath and nodded back.

"Joe, you are going to be in charge of getting all the guards that are left together. This is going to be a huge undertaking and we're going to need everyone working together. They are to help keep tempers down. Anyone who has a problem is allowed to file a formal complaint tonight, once we get everyone in place. Anyone who needs to be arrested, will be placed in one of the Slaver wagons and pulled by some of the horses to the location."

Joe looked mad at the world, but nodded in understanding. Xun turned to Pink, Joes girlfriend. She was the one who had cut his hair when he first arrived at the compound. She gave him a weak smile, as fear fought with determination in her eyes.

"Pink, you are in charge of the women and children. I don't want anyone left behind. Got it?"

She nodded, looking a little relieved at this assignment.

Gerald's mouth hung open at the task before him, but finally nodded. It was clear he didn't have a clue how to accomplish the task, but he was Xun's best bet at getting it done. Nathan merely nodded. He knew Gavyn so he could make sure that he knew they were on their side.

"Hayden, you are in charge of getting people together to get all of the animals moved. Don't worry about feed just yet, we can get that tomorrow."

Hayden nodded, well suited for that task.

"Rick, I want you to make sure everyone who is in the hospital, makes it. Have enough supplies for cuts and minor things. We'll worry about getting the rest tomorrow.

"Willow, make sure there is enough food packed to go for a day or two. There isn't any food where we are going, and people will be hungry. Make sure there's something for all those babies too."

Rick and Willow both nodded.

"Owen, it is a cold trip, and the temperatures are going to just keep falling. I need every blanket and scrap of cloth you have to try and keep people warm. Hand them out to people as they head out.

"Trudy, you are going to actually get everyone going. They don't need to worry about taking anything today, just what is handed to them as they head out the gates. We have to get to our destination before dusk. We can come back tomorrow and get more supplies.

"Smith and Jackson, you two have been guards here for a long time, and I have the perfect job for you. It is super important that no one gets left behind. I want the two of you to scour this compound as everyone is leaving and after everyone is gone. You are to make sure no one, including the prisoners in the jail, get left behind. I've had to face children who were left behind too often already in my life and I'm not very old."

"Alex, you and dad are going to stay with me. If there's anything I missed, I'll assign you to it. Dad, I think I want you to primarily be in charge of keeping an eye out for monsters."

"So, I'm protection?" his dad asked.

"Yes. Also, Dr. Achak has seen you before, and you know the way, so you can lead everyone in the quickest route."

"Got it."

Xun watched as everyone scattered. They only had a few hours before nightfall, and they had to have everyone safe before then. They could go without food for a couple days if they needed to, but they couldn't fight a vampire.