Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [223]
I couldnt help counting. There were thirty- two of them. Even if you did not count the two drifting, waifish black-cloaked figures in the very back, who I took to be the wives- their protected position suggesting that they would not be involved in the attack-we were still outnumbered. There were just nineteen of us who would fight, and then seven more to watch as we were destroyed. Even counting the ten wolves, they had us.
The redcoats are coming, the redcoats are coming, Garrett muttered mysteriously to himself and then chuckled once. He slid one step closer to Kate.
They did come, Vladimir whispered to Stefan.
The wives, Stefan hissed back. The entire guard. All of them together. Its well we didnt try Volterra.
And then, as if their numbers were not enough, while the Volturi slowly and majestically advanced, more vampires began entering the clearing behind them.
The faces in this seemingly endless influx of vampires were the antithesis to the Volturis expressionless discipline-they wore a kaleidoscope of emotions. At first there was the shock and even some anxiety as they saw the unexpected force awaiting them. But that concern passed quickly; they were secure in their overwhelming numbers, secure in their position behind the unstoppable Volturi force. Their features returned to the expression theyd worn before wed surprised them.
It was easy enough to understand their mindset-the faces were that explicit. This was an angry mob, whipped to a frenzy and slavering for justice. I did not fully realize the vampire worlds feeling toward the immortal children before I read these faces.
It was clear that this motley, disorganized horde-more than forty vampires altogether-was the Volturis own kind of witness. When we were dead, they would spread the word that the criminals had been eradicated, that the Volturi had acted with nothing but impartiality. Most looked like they hoped for more than just an opportunity to witness-they wanted to help tear and burn.
We didnt have a prayer. Even if we could somehow neutralize the Volturis advantages, they could still bury us in bodies. Even if we killed Demetri, Jacob would not be able to outrun this.
I could feel it as the same comprehension sunk in around me. Despair weighted the air, pushing me down with more pressure than before.
One vampire in the opposing force did not seem to belong to either party; I recognized Irina as she hesitated in between the two companies, her expression unique among the others. Irinas horrified gaze was locked on Tanyas position in the front line. Edward snarled, a very low but fervent sound.
Alistair was right, he murmured to Carlisle.
I watched Carlisle glance at Edward questioningly.
Alistair was right? Tanya whispered.
They-Caius and Aro-come to destroy and acquire, Edward breathed almost silently back; only our side could hear. They have many layers of strategy already in place. If Irinas accusation had somehow proven to be false, they were committed to find another reason to take offense. But they can see Renesmee now, so they are perfectly sanguine about their course. We could still attempt to defend against their other contrived charges, but first they have to stop, to hear the truth about Renesmee. Then, even lower. Which they have no intention of doing.
Jacob gave a strange little huff.
And then, unexpectedly, two seconds later, the procession did halt. The low music of perfectly synchronized movements turned to silence. The flawless discipline remained unbroken; the Volturi froze into absolute stillness as one. They stood about a hundred yards away from us.
Behind me, to the sides, I heard the beating of large hearts, closer