Chapter 108
The rescue camp, which had been filled with despair for days, suddenly erupted into movement.
A rescue worker came sprinting down the mountain path, stumbling over loose rocks in his haste.
His face was streaked with soot. His chest heaved violently.
"Your Grace!"
The shout echoed through the camp.
Duke Owen turned immediately.
The young man barely managed to catch his breath, "We... we broke through!"
Every conversation stopped.
"What did you say?" Owen demanded, taking two quick strides toward him.
"We broke through, Your Grace!" the rescuer gasped, "The opening is still small, but we can see them!"
For a heartbeat...No one moved.
Then everything exploded into motion.
"They're alive?" Owen asked, almost afraid to hope.
"Yes, Your Grace!..We can hear them shouting!"
Relief crashed through the camp like a wave.
Owen closed his eyes for the briefest moment, "Thank God..."
Then the commander in him returned, "Move!"
Without another word, the dukes ran.
Brian was first.
Charles, Isaac, Anton and Owen followed close behind, their boots pounding against the rocky ground as they raced toward the newly opened passage.
Soldiers scrambled out of their way.
The mountain suddenly felt alive again. Hope had returned.
As soon as Brian reached the opening, he dropped to one knee and peered into the narrow gap.
A faint voice drifted through, "...Help..."
Brian's heart lurched.
"They're there!"
He turned sharply, "Medics!"
His voice thundered across the mountainside, "Bring every stretcher you have! And move!"
Dozens of healers immediately grabbed stretchers and medical supplies before running uphill.
Isaac was already issuing orders, "Water!"
He pointed toward several supply wagons, "I want every waterskin filled."
He looked at another group of soldiers, "And food!, Bread, Broth, Dried meat. Anything easy to eat. They haven't had proper food for days...Move!"
The soldiers scattered without hesitation.
Charles climbed onto a nearby boulder, making himself visible above the crowd, "Wagons!"
His commanding voice carried across the camp, "Bring every wagon to the entrance! We're transporting survivors immediately."
He pointed toward the strongest horses, "Only the smoothest wagons. No sudden jolts. Many of them will have broken bones."
"Yes, Your Grace!"
Drivers rushed to prepare the wagons.
Anton was already reorganising the soldiers, "Clear this entire path!"
He gestured toward the mountain road, "No civilians beyond this point. We need room for the stretchers."
Within moments, soldiers formed orderly lines, creating a clear route from the mine entrance all the way down the mountain.
Owen watched the young Duke with quiet pride. Each had taken charge without waiting for orders. Without hesitation. Just as he had taught them when they were boys.
His chest swelled.
They've all become fine men.
Then he forced himself back to the task at hand.
He looked toward Alistair, "Send word to the medical centre."
Alistair stepped forward immediately, "Yes, Your Grace."
"Tell Lady Aurora we're sending survivors. Have every doctor ready. Prepare beds. Fresh bandages. Medicine. Food. And hot water. They'll need all of it."
Alistair nodded, "It'll be done."
He hurried toward the messenger station.
Around them, soldiers worked with renewed determination.
Picks struck stone. Ropes were prepared. Lanterns were lit.
The small opening was widened carefully, inch by inch. No one dared rush. One careless mistake could trigger another collapse.
Brian crouched beside the opening again, "Can anyone hear me?"
A weak voice answered from inside, "Yes..."
"How many are you?"
There was a pause before the reply came, "...Thirty-two..."
Brian exchanged a quick glance with Owen. Thirty-two. Far more than they had dared hope.
Brian smiled for the first time in days, "We're coming. We're getting you out."
A faint sob echoed from within the darkness.
Several rescuers lowered their heads.
Even seasoned soldiers blinked rapidly.
Hope was a powerful thing.
Owen's shoulders sagged with relief. Thirty-two miners. Thirty-two families who might yet be reunited.
But then...
His eyes searched the darkness beyond the opening.
Searching.
Waiting.
Expecting.
His smile slowly faded.
He looked at Brian, "Do you see Captain Turner?"
Brian leaned closer, raising his lantern.
The flickering light revealed exhausted faces.
Injured men.
Dirty faces.
Tearful eyes.
But...No Turner.
Brian slowly looked back, "...No."
The single word struck Owen harder than he expected. His stomach tightened, "If he's not with them..."
He couldn't finish the sentence.
Around them, the celebration continued. Rescuers cheered. Soldiers embraced one another. Some openly cried.
But Owen no longer heard them.
His gaze drifted toward the dark mountain beyond the rescue shaft. Toward the forgotten tunnel. A cold feeling settled in his chest.
Where are you, Turner?
And far beneath the mountain...
In another forgotten passage...
Turner and the men with him continued digging.
Completely unaware...
...that the rescue above had finally broken through.
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