by E. L. Todd
“It’s the only leverage I have. If you don’t find a way to free us, then you don’t free Talc either. Consider it motivation.”
“I don’t need motivation. You already have my word.”
“Not good enough. If you truly intend to free us, then Talc staying behind a little longer shouldn’t matter.”
She is cunning.
I have a different c-word in mind.
But she’s strategic. She knows the dragons are our priority. We will fight much harder for her than any of the dwarves. I’m angry—but I also respect her wisdom.
“We have a deal, General Rush?” Her eyes studied his face, as if she was aware of the conversation going on inside his mind, because she had her own conversation occurring at the exact same time.
“It’s just Rush.” He swallowed the disappointment and pushed on. “And yes, we have a deal.”
“Am I the only one who doesn’t think that’s vile?” Lilac leaned against the wall, one arm propped on her knee. A meager dinner was in front of her, stale bread, assorted cheeses, and a pint of ale—a traditional Dwarven feast. “How is she any different from King Lux?”
“I agree.” Bridge was against the opposite wall, his fingers tearing the hard bread apart so it was easier to chew on.
“I don’t like it either,” Rush said. “But it is different.”
Liam cocked his eyebrow in disbelief. “How?”
“A ruler will do anything for her people.” Rush gave a shrug. “And that’s exactly what she’s doing.”
“If the positions were switched, you wouldn’t do such a thing.” Bridge got a piece into his mouth, slowly chewing because the chunk was so stiff.
“I’d like to think so…” His eyes dropped. “But we know my track record. And Talc doesn’t seem to feel oppressed. When we spoke with her, she seemed content with the fuse. It still appears consensual, in a complicated way.”
“So, how’s this going to happen?” Lilac said. “Some poor dwarves run out there and get eaten while we book it?”
Bridge’s fat cheeks stilled for a moment, disgust moving across his face.
Rush kept his eyes down in shame. “Yeah, I guess. It’s voluntary, so there may be no dwarves at all. If that’s the case, then—”
“Rush.” Queen Megora approached, stepping into their enclave, her petite frame casting a long shadow on the wall from the lantern behind her. Her red hair was clipped back, her boots were scuffed and worn, her jacket wrinkled from the constant dampness in the air. But she still had the presence of authority.
Rush pushed off the wall so he could get to his feet, abandoning the meal that he hadn’t touched.
Her blue eyes focused on his face, hot with open hostility. “You have five Durgin.”
Sheer surprise moved into his expression—because he hadn’t even expected one. “Five? That’s—”
“An incredible sacrifice. I explained that if we free you, you will return with forces to eradicate the parasites that have infected our mountain, which will give the dwarves another chance to reclaim our home. These dwarves lost their families in the conquest—and welcome death.”
Speechless, Rush stood there, unable to offer remorse or gratitude.
“The exodus will ensue at nightfall.”
“We’re doing this tonight?” Rush asked in surprise.
“Yes.”
“You know night and day when you’re in here?” There were no cracks in the rock, nor hints of sunlight anywhere in the Stronghold. It was perpetual twilight, a gentle glow that mirrored starlight coming from the rocks stuck to the caverns like moss on a tree.
“With fire, the Durgin will run into the mountain, and like the dogs they are, the invaders will follow. That will be your opportunity to escape.”
“We’ll be going against the herd. I don’t see how it’ll be possible for us to escape.”
“Because you’ll climb.”
“Up the scaffolding?”
“No. Straight up the wall.”
“Like spiders?” His eyebrows jumped up on his face.
She wore no hint of amusement. “Dwarves are excellent climbers.”
“You’re going to have to give us a few pointers, then.”
Queen Megora turned to the dwarves standing behind her. After she gave a nod, they came forward and presented apparatuses. They appeared to be metal vambraces but were only solid on the posterior side. Three distinct circles were fused to the metal, and inside those circles were three bright green spots, plump like pillows. The second piece looked like a metal shoe, with the green pillows on the heel of the foot as well as the toe. “Climbers. We’ve used them for centuries to scale the inside of caverns as we continue building our infrastructure. A dwarf has never fallen in our history—not with these.”
Rush took one and examined it, eyeing the green material inside the ring. “What is this?”
Bridge pressed it into the wall beside him, and when he let it go, it hung there. “Neat.” He grabbed it to tug it down, and his hand slipped because the hold was so strong. “Whoa…” He tried again, using both hands to yank it off, but nothing worked. “I can see why no one has ever fallen…”
Queen Megora’s stocky arms remained at her sides as she watched Bridge with a look that was borderline bored. “Twist.”
“What?” Bridge turned back to her.
“Twist. The sponge will release.”
Bridge did as she instructed, and effortlessly, it came free with a quiet pop.
Rush tested it out himself against the wall, hearing the popping noise over and over.
Fascinating.
“Did you find these sponges in the Stronghold?” Rush asked.
“Yes,” Queen Megora said. “They can only be found deep underground, near sources of water. They’re long-lasting and highly durable. I suggest you spend the day practicing.” The longer her stare lingered, the colder it became. “This sacrifice can’t be in vain. It’s the first time my people have felt hope—and you’d better not take that away.”
27
Blood, Flesh, and Bone
The rock was still in place, blocking the path to the tunnel that led to the outside cavern. The torches on the walls were lit, giving the place greater illumination than it’d ever had before. The color of the rock was distinct now, along with the shine of moisture that clung to all the surfaces. Rush’s heart would normally be pounding like a drum, like it always did when he was on the precipice of something big. But this time, it was still like a shallow river. This time, it was lifeless, like this very mountain.
The Durgin were lined up near the opening, dressed in the thick armor of the dwarves, an image of their mountain as a crest on their chests. Axes were over their backs, along with swords. Little blades protruded from their belts. Their helmets were solid metal, covering so much of their face, it was unclear how they could see anything besides what was directly in front of them. They were about to march to their deaths, but they were so still and calm that it seemed like they had other plans. They didn’t breathe heavily. There wasn’t a drop of fear in their eyes.
I’ve never known anyone so brave.
Nor have I.
Other dwarves stood at the entrance to the cavern, silently saying goodbye to the Durgin that would die now so they could live later.
Queen Megora walked up to each one and spoke to them in Dwarvish. It seemed to be a saying because she said the same words to each and every one of them. Her hand went to each of their shoulders as she passed, letting it linger for a few seconds before she continued forward.
I feel like shit.
As do I.
We shouldn’t have come here.
We had to come, Rush. We’re the villains now—but we will return as heroes.
The rock was rolled to the side—and the pathway was revealed.
The Durgin held up their torches, and as the rest of the dwarves broke out into a somber song, Queen Megora lit each one.
One by one, they stepped into the pa
ssage.
Instantly, Rush’s words came out, audible over the song, just before the last Durgin left. “Thank you…”
Slowly, a Durgin turned and regarded Rush, the torch held high over his head. Eye contact ensued, dark eyes hidden beneath bushy eyebrows. It lasted for seconds, a contact so powerful that it went deeper than flesh. “Save my people. Save the Stronghold. That is the only gratitude I need.” He followed behind the others and disappeared inside the passage.
Durir stayed at the entrance and watched them move down to the other end, one hand on the handle of the rock, prepared to roll it back into place if the Fazurks managed to get inside.
They all waited—the song filling the cavern.
Rush felt the weight of the Climbers on both of his arms, even in his feet despite the fact that they were against the earth. His ears focused hard to listen over the song, to hear the rock rolling back into place at the end of the passage.
Durir must have gotten a signal from the other end because he ushered Rush and the others forward.
We will be one for this.
Yeah, I need it.
The song stopped, and the dwarves stared.
In heavy silence, they filed into the passage. When Rush passed Queen Megora, they shared a look.
A long look.
Crouched down, Rush entered the passage first, followed by the others. The burning torch the dwarf held illuminated the end of the passage and guided them forward. When Rush made it there, he felt it.
The drumming of his heart.
The dwarf grabbed the handle and prepared to roll it aside. “Take the wall directly to the side of this entrance. When you can’t go any farther, there will be a path that can take you to the opening.”
Rush nodded.
The dwarf rolled the rock to the side and revealed the dark cavern.
Like a horde of spiders, the Fazurks sprinted to the cave that led deeper into the mountain, their roars and cries shaking the walls of the mountain. There was a torch down below—where one dwarf had already perished.
Rush swallowed.
We don’t have time for this, Rush.
Rush hopped out of the passageway and waited for everyone else to be free. “Start climbing.”
The rock rolled back into place, sealing the surface like the door hadn’t been there in the first place.
Everyone pressed their Climbers to the wall and began to go, twisting their limbs every time they needed to pull free from the surface.
Rush remained behind, giving them a head start so he could guard the rear. The Fazurks continued to run into the cave like dogs chasing a thrown stick. Their animalistic instincts were too much and overcame their logic. They could have checked the entrance they had previously discovered, but the blood lust was just too much.
Rush didn’t even need to linger, but he watched them pour inside, all murderous and vile.
We will kill them all.
Yes.
But not tonight. Hurry.
Rush jumped high onto the wall, caught himself with the Climbers, and used his connection with Flare to scale the mountain at a speed no other man could replicate. He caught up to the group then passed them. Like ants on the wall, they were unnoticeable, blending into the darkness, the popping noises masked by the shouts of blood lust from down below.
It was a challenging climb, and by the time they reached the top level, they were out of breath, their palms sticky, their shirts sticking to the sweat on their backs. One by one, they collapsed on the path and caught their breaths.
Rush removed the Climbers from his body and quickly stowed them in his pack. His eyes were on the opening on the other side of the cavern, Fazurks still running inside, far fewer than before.
Why are so many outside the mountain?
No idea.
We didn’t see any on our journey here—just a bunch of goats.
Those assholes…don’t remind me. “Guys, up. We gotta keep going.”
Their gear was stowed, and they were on their feet once more.
“What are we going to do?” Bridge asked. “We can’t sneak past them. I mean, there’s too many.”
“All I have to do is get outside,” Rush said. “Flare can burn them all.”
“What about the Shamans?” Bridge asked. “They’ll see.”
They will see.
Ugh. I feel like every day has been the worst day of my life lately. “We don’t have a choice. I run out, they chase me, I burn them to ash. When they’re distracted, make a run for it.”
“How will we find one another again?” Bridge asked.
“Make a fire. I’ll see you from the sky.”
Bridge dragged the back of his wrist over his forehead, catching all the sweat that beaded on his face from the climb. “I don’t have a better idea, so let’s do it.”
Rush took the lead, sticking to the wall as he approached the entrance, the Fazurks too distracted by the chaos below to peer into the shadows. When he was close, he crouched down, hidden behind an outcropping of rock. Ready?
I’ve always liked charred meat.
Rush stared at the path, waiting for a distinct break between the Fazurks so he could sprint to the surface. They continued to pour inside, usually in groups of a dozen.
In three seconds.
Rush righted himself, and when the last Fazurk in the group passed, he sprinted.
He ran up the path and breached the surface, the nighttime sky greeting him like an old friend. The stars filled the wide expanse of darkness, twinkling lights in the eternal space. Fresh air hit him, a cleanse to his lungs.
Flare inhaled a slow and deep breath, the tension ebbing away.
The oncoming Fazurks roared.
Take it away.
Rush felt his body change, felt the wings explode out of his back, the talons erupt through his fingertips. Rage ripped through him. Vengeance. Blood lust. Mania. The ground disappeared, and the stars became brighter as they reached for the sky. The air whipped under his wings, the breeze soothed his scales, and the freedom made the fire in his lungs explode.
Flare whipped around and glided over the entrance as the jet of smoldering fire escaped his open mouth. A stream of deep red flames illuminated the night as it scorched the earth and everything that stood there a moment ago.
Burn.
Flare steadied himself in place and continued to release the flames from his lungs, burning the entire line of Fazurks, scorching all the ones that inhabited the surface. Then he flew to the entrance of the cave and burned that too. Fish in a barrel, there was nowhere for them to go. Their hides caught fire, and the screams that pierced the night could be heard from every corner of Anastille.
The scaffolding caught fire and toppled over. Bodies collapsed but remained on fire. What was once the bottom of a cavern was now a lake of fire.
Okay, that’s enough.
It is never enough. I’m a dragon—and I burn.
Let’s not forget that Shamans have undoubtedly seen this spectacle and they’re headed this way now.
I will not change back.
Flare.
No.
If I could give you more time, I would. If we could stay in this form the whole time, that would be far more beneficial than me running everywhere. But they’ll see you. Come on, Flare.
Grrrrrrrr.
When I can, I’ll give you all the time you want.
Flare glided to the bottom then hit the earth.
Trust me, I’m so over running everywhere and getting into fights with mountain goats.
Flare released his hold, and they changed back, Rush back in control. Corpses burned around him, the light so bright it was a beacon to anyone who was awake at that time of night. Just gotta find the others.
They can’t be far.
Rush navigated around the dead. When his boot caught fire, he shook it off and extinguished it. “Bridge!” He cupped his mouth and called into the night. There was no call in return, so he climbed up one of the rocks to g
et a better view. Where are they? He stuck his fingers into his mouth and whistled, not seeing a bonfire in their vicinity. The sky was smoky with bits of hot ash flying everywhere, so visibility was poor. You didn’t burn them too, did you?
Silence.
Flare?
His hair prickled, standing on end along the back of his neck and his forearms.
Then the sky went dark—for just a moment.
The stars were blocked by something massive.
Shit. He slid down the rock back to the earth and caught himself on his palms.
Thud.
With his back to the rock, he remained crouched down, his ribs the drum and his heart the pedal. With his breath held, he waited. He waited for the announcement that he dreaded. He waited for the emotional onslaught.
“Doubt my parenting skills—but I did not raise my son to hide like a coward.” Deep like the very center of the lake, his voice was full of the long years he lived, of someone who had lived long enough to see regimes rise and fall over many lifetimes.
With his eyes closed, a sigh escaped Rush.
“You’re the son of a king.” His voice became louder as he drew closer. “Show your face.”
He shook his head as he seethed through his clenched teeth. “A king? More like a tyrant.”
Rush, I’m here.
He straightened his body and stepped out from behind the rock, the landscape still ablaze from the damage Flare had caused. The smell of burning Fazurks gave the air a repugnant stench—perfect for the occasion. Stars that were once visible were now veiled by a sky of smoke.
In his full black armor with his cape blowing in the breeze behind him stood King Lux. The blue eyes were identical. The hard line of his jaw uncanny. The same blood that pumped through his heart pumped in Rush’s. Intelligent eyes shifted back and forth as he regarded his son from the distance, specs of ash floating in the air around him. “No need to flatter me, son.” A smile broke through the intensity of his stare—packed with arrogance.
We have no armor. We can’t fight him.
I don’t think I have a choice.
Flee.
A temporary solution. Very temporary.
King Lux stepped forward, his boots audible against the stone. His sword remained sheathed, but his hand dangled close, ready to draw. “This madness ends now. Return, and I will grant you mercy.”