Stratton was placed in the middle of the group of ambushers. As he trudged along, his hands tied behind him, he could only wonder what fate had in store for him.
They walked along a track that led down into the valley and followed it until it entered another, larger valley, where they met the line of government soldiers in camouflaged clothing whom Stratton had previously spotted heading towards the rebel plateau. Each man carried a rifle and bulging backpack and looked equipped for a substantial campaign.They were accompanied by burros carrying ammunition boxes and machine guns.
Stratton’s group veered onto a different track and continued for several kilometres before arriving at a large, flat area next to a precipitous rockface. A number of dark brown canvas tents and a large white marquee had been set up to form what was evidently a headquarters. It included a flagpole with the army’s colours flapping at its top.
Stratton was made to halt in the open while the others headed for what looked like a field kitchen with a collection of tables outside. One of the men remained with him as a guard while the leader made his way to one of the brown tents.
The area beyond the HQ buzzed with activity. Dozens of horses were tethered in lines, their saddles and other accessories on racks beneath wood and canvas shelters. Burros carrying supplies trailed in from another direction. Soldiers grouped in companies, cleaning their weapons, chatting, smoking and generally hanging around. A whistle blew, accompanied by shouts, and one of the companies began to form up into a column.
A familiar noise began to drift above the general cacophony, the deep beating sound of rotors cutting through the air. It grew louder rapidly. The helicopters, unseen as yet, were closer than they sounded. Then the lead bird rounded the rockface, heading for the camp, a large artillery piece suspended beneath it on a long cable. A second was close behind. The noisy machines slowed as they approached the landing area, the rotors changing tone as their pitch altered. Some of the horses obviously resented the unfamiliar intrusion and a couple of the burros kicked out in fear.
The choppers came into the hover, kicking up a storm of dust, and men ran to the artillery pieces to disconnect them. Stratton noted the twin M60 machine guns mounted inside the doors. They were obviously combat-ready.
‘They ain’t new but they’ll do the trick,’ a voice shouted from behind him.
Stratton recognised Steel’s drawl immediately but did not turn to acknowledge his presence.
The American stepped alongside him as the artillery pieces were disconnected, hitting the ground with rocking thumps. The lead chopper’s turbines increased power and it ascended vertically before turning on its axis, lowering its nose and powering away. The second moved close to the HQ tents and eased itself to the ground. When it was completely down, several officers hurried to the cabin door as it opened. Two burly soldiers climbed out. Behind them another man in military garb eased himself from the cabin and onto the ground. The officers came to stiff attention and gave crisp salutes. More men clambered out behind him.
The entourage headed towards one of the large tents, past Stratton and Steel. ‘In case you don’t know, that is Neravista himself,’ the American said.
Neravista was in his late fifties and fastidiously groomed from head to toe. He had a large, ugly face, with a bulbous nose and ears to match. His dark eyes flicked in Steel’s direction and he gave a perceptible nod on seeing the American. Steel returned it.As Neravista passed he glanced at Stratton just long enough to notice the Englishman’s tied hands. Stratton watched him until he entered the HQ tent.
‘He is as charming as he looks,’ Steel said. ‘I wouldn’t be surprised if his lifelong heroes were Hitler and Stalin. I’m sorry to see you like this,’ Steel said.
‘You don’t show emotion easily.’
Steel chuckled as he bit into an apple. ‘You made a mistake.’
‘Yes. I never realised how much of an arsehole you were.’
Steel continued to smile. ‘I meant after that. You got involved. You should know better, a man of your experience.’
‘You’re not working for the administration, are you?’
Steel looked round conspiratorially, as if he didn’t want anyone else to hear. ‘Keep your voice low, damn it. They don’t know that.’ He was clearly relishing his own sense of humour. ‘Well, truth is I am a little and I’m not a little. I was officially