One of the other bear-men who had a long bow in his hand snarled, “Cleave that insolent head from his shoulders!”
Turesobei’s eyes went wide. He’d have to call on the Storm Dragon again. He didn’t have anything else. And he’d never conquer it again. But he certainly couldn’t run. He’d never make it. Not on this terrain, not from them.
The first bear-man cast his axe aside.
“Our people are called the goronzu. This is our land. I’m Narbenu. And I’m not cleaving your head. Not today.”
The third goronzu pointed his spear at Turesobei. “You saw what he was. Can’t trust him.”
“I don’t think you mean us harm, do you, boy?”
“I don’t. I don’t even want to be here.”
“Suspect not. How did you come here, through the gate?”
“It was opened by the Winter Child.”
“The yomon?”
“We closed it before they could get out. The Winter Child … Queen … is dead.”
Narbenu showed no reaction to that news. “Knew something was going on with the One Hundred and the Eight. They were restless and gathering near the gate the last few days. Like they sensed something big. Didn’t like it at all.”
“Fewer than a hundred and eight now. I killed several.”
“Leave his head,” said the second goronzu. “Boy’s growing on me.”
“How is it I can speak your language?”
“That’s another good question,” said Narbenu. “But this isn’t the time or place for discussing all this. Let’s get you out of the cold. Come on. Get up.”
Turesobei grabbed Lu Bei with his only good hand and struggled to his feet.
“I’ve got to find my companions. They could be in danger.”
“Lad, there’s no one else near here.”
“I dropped them a few minutes before I crashed here.”
“Speed you were flying, I’d say they were leagues away from here. We can search tomorrow. Trust me. You don’t want to be out here walking around in the night. A whole lot of deadly things hunt this land when darkness falls.”
That made him even more desperate to find Shoma, Niru, and Zaiporo. But they had Motekeru with them. He’d protect them. The amber wolfhounds, too. As long as they didn’t freeze to death in the night.
The red sun set, casting darkness across the ice.
“I will find you,” Turesobei whispered into the darkness. “I will find you and get us out of here.”
Somehow.
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Acknowledgements
I cannot thank Pepper Thorn enough for all the hard work, dedication, love, and support she gave to me and this book. Without her, it would have taken many months more to complete and would not have been half as good. Her reading, feedback, editing, and graphic design are of infinite value to me. If there's anything wrong with the book, the blame is mine alone because she went above and beyond.
I love you, Pepper!
I’d also like to thank …
Leos Ng "Okita" for providing amazing cover art once again.
Lou Anders for brilliant cover art advice and friendship.
My tribe (y’all know who you are) for providing sanity and love through the last few trying years.
The Innerworlds Book Club for monthly discussions of scifi and fantasy fiction and friendship.
About the Author
David Alastair Hayden scribbles tales of fantasy adventure for young and adult readers. He lives in Alabama, along with his delightful wife, Pepper Thorn, and three lovely cats.
David studied history, literature, and religion at the University of Alabama. He practices Yang Taijiquan, and he enjoys playing and designing roleplaying games. David is also an avid collector of vintage manual typewriters, mostly from the 1950's. He sometimes composes fiction on these machines.
To learn more about David's upcoming projects or to leave him feedback about this book, please visit www.dahayden.com or sign up for his newsletter at tinyletter.com/dahayden.
Lair of the Deadly Twelve (Storm Phase Book 2) Page 29
