by E. L. Todd
Rush sat up with his back to the wall, his sword across his thighs, eyes on the opening.
“Rush, you should sleep,” Bridge said. “You’re the only one of us that knows how to fight.”
“Excuse me?” Lilac asked.
“Don’t pull that,” Bridge said. “If you knew how to fight, Rush wouldn’t have been captured at Rock Island. Pickpocketing and stabbing people between the ribs with a little dagger does not compare to what Rush can do with a sword.”
“It’s fine,” Rush said. “I’ll wake you up when I get tired.”
Someone approaches.
Rush stiffened, his hand gripping the hilt of his blade.
Bridge caught on, his eyebrows furrowed.
Rush pressed a forefinger to his lips.
Everyone stilled in place.
The footfalls started in the distance.
They grew louder.
And louder.
When they were near, Rush could distinguish the details. Whatever it was, it was heavy, massive, with feet with enough heft to shake the rock with every step.
Sounds like an orc.
Too heavy for an orc.
Rush focused on the crevasse in the rock and spotted the black hide of an enormous creature. Seven or eight feet tall, with long black hair that covered the back of its neck, it had arms that bulged with muscles and shoulders that were broader than any man’s. The view only lasted a split second, and Rush absorbed as many details as he could.
It is an orc.
I’ve never seen an orc that looks like that. Is he alone?
Why?
Just answer the question.
No. You answer the question.
I’m gonna take him down.
Why?
Because he knows the way out of this place.
The footsteps started to quiet as the enormous orc moved past the opening.
Too dangerous.
It’s a lot more dangerous than wandering around this place with those things lurking around.
You have no idea what you’re up against.
I’ll just sneak up behind him and shank him. Done.
The footsteps stopped.
The orc sucked in a deep breath.
A loud sniff.
He smells you.
Of course he does…
Quick. Before he alerts the others.
Rush pushed through the crevasse to get back onto the path, his sword gripped at his side.
The orc had already turned around, his enormous black eyes narrowed on Rush. A behemoth, every breath expanded his bare chest, the muscles of his torso, his ribs, his chest all moving together like plates of armor. He carried no weapon—because his body was the weapon.
His breaths were audible as quiet growls, his shoulders rising and falling with the movement of his lungs. His black lips pulled back as if to smile, but a second row of teeth emerged, pushing over his jaw and protruding out.
Oh, just lovely…
He’s going to scream.
If I miss, all I have is my bow—
Then don’t miss!
The orc bent forward and inhaled a deep breath to give his shout.
Now!
Rush threw the sword—impaling him right in the throat.
The orc staggered back before he fell to the stone floor with a thud.
How am I supposed to question him now?
You wouldn’t have been able to question him while he feasted on your flesh either.
Rush ran over and looked down at the impaled orc. Uh, he’s still alive. Vicious black eyes stared up at him, narrowed and menacing.
He must be paralyzed because he’s not reaching for you.
Damn, that was a pretty good shot.
Rush.
Rush kneeled down. “Tell me the way out of here, and I’ll end you.”
“What in the…?” Bridge came over but kept his distance. “What is that thing?”
“I think it’s an orc,” Liam said. “But I’ve never seen an orc like this before.”
“Look at his teeth!” Lilac pointed at his face. “He’s like a dragon.”
What did she just say?
“Guys, keep it down, alright?” Rush said. “More might be coming.” He turned back to the orc. “We got a deal or what?”
The dark stare continued.
He can’t speak because of the blade.
What if I pull it out and he screams?
That’s a real possibility.
This place is a maze. We’ll never figure it out without some help.
It’s risky, but I understand.
“I’m gonna pull this out. If you scream, I’ll smash your skull with this rock until it’s ground beef, alright?” He propped up the rock with his palm. “Here we go.” He grabbed the sword by the hilt and tugged it out.
Blood started to pool at his throat.
“Tell me the way out of the mountain.”
He stared, his large eyes shifting back and forth, and then he opened his mouth and released a blood-curdling scream.
“You asshole.” Rush grabbed the rock and smashed it down on his face.
No blood! They’ll see.
Rush grabbed the orc’s thick head and snapped his neck.
Hide!
“Help me.” Rush hooked his arms under his shoulders.
“Help you what?” Bridge asked. “We’ve got to run!”
“I don’t have time to explain.” Rush tried to drag him, but he was too massive. “Just do it!”
Loud screams came from the opposite way.
Quickly!
They all grabbed a body part and pushed him through the crevasse, getting him into the darkness and out of the path.
A sea of footsteps approached.
What if they smell us?
They’ll probably keep going until they find this guy.
And if not?
Then we’re dinner.
The footsteps echoed in the cave, the sound so loud none of them could hear themselves breathe. The green glow was vanquished when the black bodies obscured all the light. Growls and roars accompanied their footfalls—as if the orcs were marching to war.
They all stayed still, an enormous corpse on top of all of them.
The blackness passed and the footfalls faded.
That was close.
What do we do now?
We gotta move.
I’m sure they left Fazurks behind.
Fazurks?
It means The Big Ugly.
We know there’s no exit the way we came, and if we don’t leave this cave, they’ll find us on the way back. They didn’t pay attention now, but they’ll definitely be combing every inch of this place on their return.
True.
“Pack up your things. We’re leaving.”
“What about the orc?” Bridged asked.
“Leave the Fazurk,” Rush said.
“Fazurk?” Bridge asked. “Did you just make that up?”
“Flare did,” Rush said. “It means The Big Ugly in dragon.”
Lilac gave a nod in appreciation. “Hit the nail right on the head.”
The caves became bigger, expanding as they inched closer to the surface.
The elevation is changing—slowly.
That slide must have taken us all the way to the bottom.
Should have gone a different way.
And end up right in their den? No. We shouldn’t have come in the first place.
There was no way to know, Rush.
My stupidity is going to get everyone killed.
We’ve survived worse.
Uh, no, we haven’t. We could always fly away, but now that’s not an option for us. You’re doing great down here, by the way.
I have to.
Rush knew they were about to head into trouble when the orcs’ voices started to reach their ears. So deep it didn’t seem real, they were vile, accompanied by growls between words. It was hard to make out what they were saying, but they seemed to speak
a common tongue.
They approached the entrance to an enormous cavern, flames visible in a huge fireplace. Their silhouettes were distinct shadows, cast against the wall in a distorted proportion.
Rush kneeled behind the rock and watched.
“What are you thinking?” Bridge came to his side.
“I’ve been out of good ideas since the moment we decided to come here.”
“You think this is what Mathilda meant?”
Rush slowly turned his head to regard him, the truth hitting him like a woman’s palm against his cheek. “I hate witches.”
“I wonder why she didn’t tell you.”
“Because her warning was enough—and she did say there was nothing but death here.”
“But still…”
“She doesn’t care whether I live or die. Clearly.”
“She seemed to care when she gave Cora those dragon tears.”
“I think that was for Cora—not me.” He looked into the cavern again, distinguishing long tables and a roast turning on the spit over the fire. There were mugs on the counter, probably filled with the ale they stole from the dwarves.
There were only two options. To step into the cavern with the Fazurks or to take the cave to the left of it.
“Should we sneak past them?” Just when Bridge asked the question, two Fazurks left the cavern and disappeared into the cave that would be their escape plan. Another Fazurk passed in the opposite direction. “Alright…maybe sneaking isn’t going to work.”
“This must be their settlement—next to the entrance. Flare says our elevation is much higher than when we started, so I think we started at the bottom and are near the top.”
“Maybe. Or maybe we’re just in the middle…”
“Don’t even say that, man.”
“The area is big enough for Flare. He can move right to the entrance and set the entire cavern ablaze. Like fish in a barrel.”
“True.”
“I think that’s a pretty good plan.”
“Except one thing…”
“What?”
“The rest will know we’re here—and we have to run through them.”
“But at least we won’t be chased from behind.”
“I suppose…”
“I think it’s worth a try. We don’t have any other options.”
Rush sagged against the rock. “I’m sorry I got you into this.”
“You didn’t get me into anything, Rush. I wanted to be here.”
“Well, I’m about to get you and your sister killed. We’re going to be the next roast over that fire.”
“Even if that’s true, we chose to be here. It’s not your fault, Rush.”
He bowed his head.
Bridge gave him a clap on the shoulder. “Did you really make it all the way here just to die?”
“Seems that way.”
“No. We’re going to figure it out. We always do.”
Rush?
Hmm?
There’s someone here.
Rush immediately turned around to check the rear. “If there was a Fazurk behind me, I think I’d know.”
No. Not behind.
Then in front of us? Because I see them come and go.
Not a Fazurk.
There’s someone else here?
Yes. They’re pressing against my mind.
Is it Cora?
No. Her mind feels different.
Push back.
Every time I try, they retreat. They are trying to feel my mind without being felt in return.
Maybe try talking to them?
I will.
“What’s going on?” Bridge asked, recognizing the look on Rush’s face.
“He says there’s somebody here—and not a Fazurk.”
“Really?” Bridge asked. “Can they help us?”
“I don’t know. It’s clear they don’t trust Flare because every time Flare pushes back, they retreat. They are trying to feel us out.”
“Well…I think this is good news.”
“At least we know we aren’t alone.”
“Hold on a sec.” Bridge dropped his gaze. “That whole talking with your minds thing…isn’t that something only dragons can do? Well, except for Cora.”
“Yes.”
“So, does that mean…there’s a dragon here?”
“It’s possible. But I doubt it.”
“Why?”
“Because I never knew these Fazurks existed until now. They must have breached the mountain from the north, a place inaccessible to Anastille except by flight. So, if they exist…what else could exist? We’ve only scratched the surface. Plus, dragons don’t live underground.”
“Oh, that’s right.”
“I don’t know whether they’re friend or foe…and I wouldn’t make any assumptions.”
I introduced myself—but I was met with silence.
Not sure if that was a good idea or not…but it is what it is.
Why would it be a bad idea?
Because our enemy could know exactly who’s inside their mountain.
Whoops.
We’re probably going to die anyway, so I guess it doesn’t really matter. “Alright, you guys ready for this?”
All equipped with swords, they stayed in the rear, doing their best not to look like cornered rabbits.
“Just stay behind me.”
They snuck past the large cavern where the Fazurks waited for their meat to finish its roast over the fire and entered the tunnel just to the left. It was a long cave with a curve at the end, and there was noticeable light coming around the bend.
“Sunlight?” Bridge whispered.
“Probably firelight.” Rush took the lead with his sword gripped at his side, sticking to the wall toward the inner curve. He crept closer and closer and poked his head around the side. It was quite the view, a large cavern that extended far above his sight in the cave. A wooden bridge crossed a chasm, scaffolding was all along the walls, large stone bowls with enormous fires all along the bridges and the walls. But what he noticed was the light shining down from above.
Sunlight.
You see that?
Yep.
So close.
Fazurks marched everywhere, from one side of the bridge to the other, all throughout the cavern that led to the opening somewhere at the top of the mountain.
If the opening is large enough, I can fly us out.
I doubt it’s big enough, Flare. It’s probably an opening they created themselves.
I can still burn as many of them as I can.
But if you burn the bridges, we’ll never escape.
So, you intend to run all the way there?
You got a better idea?
Guess not.
“What’s the plan here?” Lilac joined the circle, the only one looking reasonable with a dwarf-sized sword in her hand.
Rush gave a shrug. “Run.”
“That’s your brilliant plan?” Lilac asked. “Run?”
Liam glanced behind him. “I hear footsteps.”
Now the adrenaline kicked in because this was really about to happen, and some of them wouldn’t make it to the top—or any of them. “There’s sunlight, so there’s got to be an opening somewhere. We run across the bridge and make our way to the top.”
“With a bunch of Fazurks chasing us?” Zane asked.
“If there’s room, Flare will emerge and burn them while you escape,” Rush said.
Bridge shifted his gaze to his sister. “You don’t leave my side, alright?”
“Oh, come on,” she said. “You’re just as useless as I am.”
Liam turned back to the group. “They’re gonna hear us any minute. It’s now or never.”
“This is suicide,” Zane said. “But at least it’ll be a good story…if anyone lives to tell it.”
Bridge turned to Rush, his eyes sad, his smile forced.
Rush ignored his look and started to run.
Flare fused their minds deeper together
, an electrifying connection that allowed Rush to see the landscape better than with his sight alone. He could see behind him, on the side past his regular peripheral vision. The entire cave was mapped out.
Guide me.
Across the bridge.
Roooooaaaaaar!
One by one, the Fazurks released their howls, erupting all around them in a violent protest. The sounds echoed in the cavern, back and forth against the walls like a bouncing ball, amplifying the sound until anything else could scarcely be heard.
Left.
Rush made it across the bridge and turned away from the Fazurks coming from the other directions. He lost his footing running so fast but pushed himself upright again, his palms covered in dust from the floor.
Climb up this scaffold.
I can go straight.
Do it!
“Climb up.” He grabbed Lilac first and tossed her up so she could grab the bar. “Go.”
Hold them back.
Rush unsheathed his sword with a burst of energy, the power of the dragon in his veins. The Fazurks were two feet taller, several times bigger in size, and had teeth that could cut through his bones. But he swung his blade with the strength of ten men and sliced the head clean from its shoulders.
The Fazurks stopped.
Their teeth broke through their jaws a moment later, along with their screams.
I will tell you when to run.
The first rushed at him, coming at him with bare hands and claws.
Rush sidestepped the attack, swiped the blade clean through both wrists, and then kicked him aside. The Fazurk tumbled over the edge, screaming as he fell to the ground below. I wouldn’t be able to do this without you.
I wouldn’t be free without you.
Rush stabbed the next one through the stomach and then kicked the one that came for him, teeth first. Another head was sliced off the shoulders, the heavy body collapsing a moment later.
Dozens more came for him.
Run.
Rush sprinted to the scaffolding and jumped as high as he could, reaching far higher than he would as just a man, and pulled himself up as quickly as he could.
Lilac and Bridge pushed a boulder over the edge and smashed the Fazurks hot on his tail.
Thanks, guys.
He reached the top and grabbed on to Liam’s and Zane’s hands, who yanked him to the top of the scaffolding.
Push the scaffolding down.
Rush sliced through the rope that bound it to the wall, the Fazurks climbing up the wood like spiders up a wall. Together, they all pushed, making it topple over and smash the Fazurks beneath it.
