Chapter 6
East of Shanesville, Ohio
One of the Shanesville Raiders greeted the Guards on the road to Shanesville.
The Raider saluted Captain Miller, who was recognizable to all of the Raiders . "Sir, we think we know where the Hexmen are."
"Hexmen?"
"Yea. I mean, yes sir. That is the name of their clan."
"Okay. You wouldn't happen to know why, would you?"
"They put tattoos of hexes on their faces. You know, like a honeycomb. It is another few miles from here. South. They are in a fairly large woodlot."
Captain Miller had experience with this type of scenario around a rural woodlot. He had experience as part of the anvil component of the hammer and anvil tactics used on a murderous cannibalistic clan. The tactic worked flawlessly on the clan.
The walk took them down a less travelled county road. People were coming out of their homes. The houses were few along the road. The few people who were seen were waving and cheering at the troops, and bringing them water and food. Those seeking deliverance from the Hexmen knew why the troops were there and were happy to see an effort being made to rid themselves of the dreaded scourge.
Captain Miller was greeted by his friend from Shanesville, Major Tom Zimmer. The Raiders and the Guard both observed each other's rank. That protocol started months earlier in Delburg by Major Zimmer and Colonel Phipps. So Captain Miller saluted the Major.
"Thanks for coming, Miller," the Major said.
"Our privilege, sir."
"Here's the situation; We think the entire Hexman Nation, or Tribe, Mob, whatever, is in that woodlot over to the northwest. We have not tried to evacuate the woodlot. Every time we try to move in, they use indirect fire with their archers while using firearms."
"What's so tough about that?"
"You ever try to advance out in the open against armed men who are under cover while arrows are falling down on you from the sky?"
"No sir."
"Well, the arrows are more of a terrorist weapon, but they did hit a couple of my guys and killed one of them. Meanwhile three more were gunshot casualties. I don't know if they are dead or not. We can't get over there to help them, but they will be for sure. Bastards are just leaving them there as bait."
"Oh. Yes, I can see your casualties on the ground out there." Henry Miller wanted to suggest sending their Raider Medic out there. The one who he heard had eyes for Tammy. But that wouldn't be very nice. "Any ideas, sir?"
"None that I particularly like. We must get these guys out of here. They are brazen and tenacious. They are making life hell for everyone around here."
"What about burning down the woods?"
"It's too wet, Miller."
"Our practice, that of the Guard, is that unless we have some kind of unfair advantage, we don't assault. It's way too costly."
"So, what do we do? Nothing?"
"Yes sir, siege warfare, sir."
"Well, I need to rescue those Raiders out there. Evans!"
"Yes sir." Lt. Evans said.
"Take your men to the south side of this woodlot. I am leaving you with the fewest men. If they come out in force get out to the east immediately. Understood?"
"Yes, sir."
"No heroics, just get out of their way."
Zimmer said, "We've got all sides covered now. At least if they do get away, we will know where they are. Miller, your people have been on a long hike. You can keep them here in reserve for now."
"Yes sir." Henry just wanted more and more to get this over with so he could go back home and see Tammy.
That night was not a good night for Angela-Ayanna. She tossed and turned in her bed, which consisted of a couple of folded over blankets on the floor. There was too much idle time. Too much time to think about. . .being out in the woods. It was dark. The pungent smell of rotting protein. . .bodies. That smell was something that a person could never get used to, nor should they ever have to.
The sole function of the clan was to exist. They did so by living off of the flesh and blood of those who they kidnapped and murdered. They carved up their victims into portion-sized bits, then consumed them. The inhibition to partake in the appalling behavior grew less and less over time. In time, those who reacted negatively to cannibalism were seen as the weird ones.
Bodies sliced up, bones piled up. But the worst thing, the most unforgettable thing was the head.
A guy's head was cracked open and people from the clan were getting in each other's way to scoop out the gray matter with their hands and shoving it into their mouths, a la tartar. Meanwhile, the eyes of the head. They were wide open. They were staring right at. . .her!
Angela screamed a blood curdling scream that was bad enough to wake the dead. The scream was not once or twice, but repeated one after another.
The dream was more real than the dark room she was in now. It really happened.
Amy and Phil came from their bedroom to her. Phil held her tightly to his chest, which still carried some pain from his nearly fatal gunshot wound.
"Hush Baby," Phil said. "It's okay. It was just a bad dream. It's not true. We won't let anything happen to you."
Sadly, Ayanna knew it was not a dream. She was awake the whole time. And it was all too true. Her parents were evil. She thought herself to be evil of the highest order.