Chapter 23

"Run!"

Seth gave the command as soon as we emerged, but our feet were already moving.

Frank waited up top until he saw we were clear. Then he let the missile drop, jumped, and rolled down the side as though the hounds of Hell were snapping at his heels. We ran toward the trees and the shelter of a low ridge. As we passed over, Seth looped an arm around my waist and pulled me to the ground, the damp grass chill against my skin. His larger body shielded me as a whump hit my ears, at the same time that heated air blasted over the top of us.

"What was in that?" I asked, although with the buzzing in my ears I wasn't sure if I would be capable of hearing his reply.

A minute passed before he caught his breath and answered. "Ever hear the story of Greek fire?"

Vague memory cells sparked. As a child, I had the benefit of a classical education, and father had loved reading me ancient stories of lost civilisations and long dead warriors.

Seth started talking as he rolled us to our sides. "I