“Gawddammit!” Koba cursed, swatting at his neck and shoulders as a nest of biting insects fell on him, dislodged by his companions’ feet.
“Aghh! You farted in my face!” Zoran reached up and gave Balian’s butt a resounding smack.
“Serves you right.” Balian could not resist a devilish smirk.
“When this is over Balian I am going to kill you until you are dead! Now move!”
“Hey you two - Quit squawking and get moving before a Rasta bites my ass!” Koba yelled up.
With bare minutes to spare, each man settled at the intersection of a broad branch 30 to 40 feet above ground.
“Holy Goddess!” Balian breathed. “Now we just sit up here and wait for them to come? Koba do you know how high the Rasta can jump?”
“No but I guess I’m gonna find out.”
Breathing in repressed pants the men waited. All their lives the Drakon had fought and hunted using swords, spears, bows and arrows. Cold weapons required great physical strength, skill and focus, but did relatively less damage.
Now at the crook of a finger they controlled a godlike power to devastate their most hated enemies. It was a mindblowing turnabout.
Sitting with his back against the trunk, Koba steadied the rifle on his knee. “Aim your pistols at a rock and fire the way I showed you.”
Two rocks went up in a shower of red stone shards.
“Good. Wait until all the Rasta are under the tree.” Koba cautioned.
“Then we kill ALL.” Zoran breathed fervently.
“Here they come!” Balian hissed from his position on the highest branch.
Scrambling over the rocky trail with stunning speed and agility, the first Rasta appeared on the trail, his leaf green hide intersected with coral red stripes. Another reptilian was right on his tail. Then quickly, one striped reptile after the other, running on hind legs with manlike yet almost serpentine slithering movement.
Coming closer to the tree the lead velociraptor slowed. Sniffing audibly, head cocked, bright yellow-green eyes darting, searching, tracking the hated Drakon scent. The coveted scent of juicy red, hot-blooded prey.
Coalescing into a group, the reptilians hissed and sniffed. Their big golden-green eyes marked by elongated black pupils searching, knowing their prey was close. Very close
The leader glanced up. Spotted them. With an explosive hiss the biggest raptor leapt up at the tree’s lowest branches. His weak forearms scrabbled to hold onto an overhanging branch, but slipped off. He hit the ground with a heavy thud.
With a shriek of fury and frustration the big Rasta jumped again, its tremendously powerful hind legs carrying it straight up, nearly 20 feet. The leap taking him close to within grappling distance of the branch Koba balanced on.
“Holy shit! These things can jump!” Koba exclaimed.
More Rasta raced into the clearing to gather under the massive pine. The furious reptiles leapt and hissed, saliva dripping from snapping jaws. Tall crests of green, gold and coral feathers fanned around their heads making them appear bigger, more ferocious.
The Rasta’s long prehensile tails furiously whipped the air. Their tails were capped with rattles that made a menacing snapping, clicking racket.
“Anymore Rasta coming up the trail?” Koba yelled up to Balian.
“Nay!” Balian called down.
Gathered at the base of the tree, the Rasta were a chaotic, slithering mass of leaping, snapping, hissing raking claws. Tremendous leaps of their powerful hind legs were carrying the reptiles up almost within striking distance of the men in the tree.
“NOW!” Koba yelled.
Taking careful aim the two Drakons fired their laser pistols, slicing through the bodies of the leaping reptiles. One after the other the Rasta fell wounded or dead, trying to limp and crawl away.
“Don’t let any get away!”
When a mass of striped bodies lay under the tree Koba and his comrades leapt down and finished off the few wounded.
“Any Reppies get away?” Koba asked. “They seem smart enough to warn the others.”
“Not one.” Balian announced, jubilant.
“This is POWER.” Zoran perused his pistol. “On high ground, one man could hold off many Rasta with this weapon.”
Panting, Balian glanced at Koba. “We should go home now.”
Chapter 22
“Nope. We’re goin’ in.” Koba announced.
“Into White City?” Both Zoran and Balian were shocked.
“That’s right. We’re going to walk right down main street. Let the Reppies know there’s a new sheriff in town.”
“Koba you are one cocky asshole. I said we should bring all Drakon warriors against the Rasta. With your fire pistols we can win. Just three of us is not enough.” Zoran said.
“Don’t you want to take back what is yours? What the Rasta stole from you?”
“Not today.” Zoran responded.
“You have eyes in the back of your head? Rasta move fast. Attack in packs.” Balian cautioned.
“Hey - Now is your chance to pay the Reppies back for all the Drakon they killed. Better take it while you can.” Koba said.
“Why take such risk unless - Ah, you just want to know where the gold is.” Zoran’s cold stare accused. “Koba, let me remind you - the Rasta are many. We are few. We need more men to raid White City.” Zoran shook his head.
With intrepid Drakon insight Zoran had seen the glint, the craving for gold in Koba’s eyes. Greed was Koba’s real reason to insist on this brazen invasion of the Reptilians’ domain. He could not resist hidden treasure. Okay he liked the Drakons too.
“Yes I want the gold. But I also want to help you against the Rasta. With my weapons, this is your chance to even the score.”
“There is more in White City to fear than the Rasta. Ghosts and demons abide there.” Zoran warned.
“Come on my friends, let’s show those filthy raptors who’s boss. Make them think twice before they raid Drakon lands.”
“If we take this risk and show you where the gold is, what will you give us?” Zoran asked.
Koba knew exactly what the Drakon wanted. Had to have. And Koba was prepared to sweeten the pot. “Show me the gold and you can keep the laser pistols. Both of them.”
Ahah! That did it. An irresistible offer. The Drakons grinned from ear to ear, their golden eyes lighting up. Of course Koba knew it would be damn hard to reclaim those pistols anyway.
“Alright Koba. But we will not fight. Not this time. We go in. Get some gold. Then get out. That’s it. Understand?” Zoran was adamant.
“Sure my friend, we won’t fight. Not unless we have to. Just show me the gold.” Koba agreed. I’ll be back with mercenaries to back me up.
The crumbling stone bridge over the deep rushing river was precipitous. Only the remnants of a guardrail remained. At any moment the footing could give way. To slip and fall would mean getting pulled under by the strong current and sucked over the thundering waterfall.
A huge silent shadow passed overhead, darkening the stone bridge around their feet. Koba glanced up to see a pterosaurus with a 50 foot wingspread. With a piercing shriek its wings folded and the reptile arrowed down, dropping straight at them.
The Drakon yelled, arms outstretched, shaking their spears. The gigantic flying reptile abruptly veered off and flew on.
A few humanoid statues still clung to what remained of the bridge bannister, their arms outstretched in benediction, or was it pain? The faces were so eroded Koba could not be sure. Positioned at the entrance to White City were two massive statues of warriors down on one knee, sword hilts to foreheads in benediction.
Koba paused to gaze at the fallen city. The foundations of some of the buildings were constructed of massive stone blocks that he judged to be upwards of 20 tons each. Some were in various stages of ruin. Other buildings appeared in almost pristine condition.
Everywhere, vibrant invasive green vines and trees grew out of crumbling walls and rooftops. Eating t
he stone. Slowly crushing it. Thick vines wound around columns, bannisters, into and out of empty doorways and windows.
Golden-green feral eyes stared out at them from the inner darkness. Glinting eyes followed their passage down the White Road through the fallen city.
The ancient road led through a wide square. Here the open space was strangely free of intrusive plant growth, as if maintained by invisible hands. The centerpiece of the square was an extensive stone pool filled with murky water.
Zoran touched Koba’s arm. “Don’t look in that pool. Stay away from the edge.”
Something is in there. The ominous warning in the Drakon’s eyes sent a shiver through Koba. But being Koba that made him even more curious.
At each corner of the rectangular pool stood a tall, stately urn incised with mysterious writing. Keeping the urn between himself and the pool, Koba studied the unknown script. Here was the secret history of White City, right before his eyes. The story of who built it and when.
He traced a finger over the engraved writing. If only I could read it. The answer was right there, before his blind eyes. He cursed his ignorance.
Zoran pointed to the majestic step pyramid lined with white stone blazing in the bright sunlight. “The gold is in there. Hurry Koba, the Rasta will come soon.”
But Koba had suddenly lost interest in gold. This was more important. The pool and the inscription on the urns were keys to a great mystery. He was sure of it. A mystery he had always been searching for. Even though he had not known it. Until now.
The White City was timeless. These stone urns, this pool virtually breathed unknown secrets. And danger.
Koba’s magnetized feet walked to the edge of the dark pool. He stared down into the murky water. What secret do these dark waters hide?
His eyes searched the murky waters for a black shadow gliding through the depths. Something vast and malevolent lurked here, just below the surface. An eerie fascination held Koba at the edge, staring into the abyss.
Mesmerized. Watching. Poised for the attack.
The tentacles of a paralyzing fear invaded his mind. IT called to him. Nay. Not called.
Demanded.
Come. Come HERE.
An arrow of fear slammed into his heart. A towering wave of terror crashed into his mind, engulfing it. He could not move. Could not think. He was frozen.
The dark pool was a black, bottomless abyss. An entity of vast power lurked within it. The entity watched him from below. Coiling its powers. Poised to destroy him. And he was powerless to resist.
An image of a huge water dinosaur appeared in Koba’s mind. Hidden by the dark waters IT was gliding just below the surface. In an instant IT would explode out of the dark waters. In a stunning blur of volcanic speed and power, IT would fasten powerful jaws on his body and drag him under.
Down, down, choking, silently screaming into the unforgiving watery blackness.
Koba was a seasoned mercenary and crewman. He had faced death before. He was not prone to debilitating fear. But this was different. A strange psychic terror had taken control of his mind, spreading its tentacles. Freezing his feet to the spot.
Where is IT? Koba stared into the dark waters like a mouse under the hypnotic sway of a viper. Paralyzed. Shuddering. Waiting for the strike. Knowing it was inevitable.
And he knew - For the first time in his life he faced a dark power. An immortal power.
IT was pulling him. Drawing him toward the pool in with irresistible psychic hooks. He took a small step closer to the edge.
Blind shrill panic set in. All his survival instincts on full alert, shrieking to his brain - Get away from the damn pool!
But he could not move. Could not speak. A deep chill shot through his heart. He had to break ITs hold. Get away from the inexorable pull of the dark entity in the pool. But he was powerless.
A hand touched his shoulder. “Step back. Away from the pool.” A calm compelling voice spoke to his mind. The Voice broke through the mesmerizing web exerted by the entity under the dark waters.
Koba stepped back, breaking the spell. Turning he saw Zoran by his side.
“What WAS that? I couldn’t move.”
“Your Death Koba. All who look into the dark pool see Death. Waiting. Maybe today. Maybe tomorrow. Someday. From IT no one can escape.”
“It just took over my mind…” Koba gasped with relief. Finally he could breathe again.
“Beware Koba. Reptilians not the only danger in White City. Unseen forces lurk here. Ghosts and demons weave a web to paralyze your mind.” Zoran put a comforting arm across his shoulder. “Come. I will show you the gold. Time is running short.”
Gold - Koba’s eyes lit up. Gold was tactile, something he could understand. And in a golden flash he was back in reality again.
Chapter 23
Zoran led the way toward the immense step pyramid, its white stone walls shining in the sun. The temple was flanked by four ornately carved, massive stone obelisks some 30 feet high.
“Walk softly. Rasta king is in there.” Zoran said as they looked up at the precipitously steep temple steps.
Crouched on each side of the pyramid steps were two huge snarling dragons, their long sinuous tails forming the bannisters. Feet lightened by excitement and low gravity, the three men trotted up the mossy steps toward the open temple door.
Upon entering the great hall they passed huge pillars wound with carved stone serpents. Koba gazed in awe. The walls and ceiling were painted with images of winged humanoids struggling, fighting to rise but being pulled down by reptilians with sharp teeth, claws and barbed tails.
“This way.” Zoran said in a low voice as he led the way down a long hallway.
Gesturing for caution, the Drakon warrior paused at an open door. Sounds of hissing, thrashing and crashing were coming from inside.
“Be still. Rasta see, react to movement. They `hear’ vibrations.” Zoran warned.
Flattening their bodies on each side of the doorway, weapons ready, the men peered inside.
Long thick tails thumping and rattling, two hissing Rasta had their jaws clamped around each other’s necks. They were furiously twisting in death rolls, over and over across the bottom of a large, shallow pit in the center of the room.
Drops of reptilian blood spurted over a king’s ransom of gold and jewels mounded on the pit floor. Several other Rasta including the alpha king watched the battle, completely immersed in the fight.
Another Rasta was stretched languidly on the edge of the pit. Koba guessed it was a female emitting fertile pheromones. She had the two males locked in ferocious combat.
“Aww, it’s Reptile Love.” Koba’s whisper was barely audible.
“Males compete for females - everywhere.” Balian smirked.
The female Rasta’s heavy green snout and muscular snaky neck were marked by coral stripes. A luxurious crest of green and coral feathers fanned out from her head, emphasizing lively leaf-green eyes pinpointed with vertical black pupils.
“I would not fight for her.” Zoran announced.
“Why not?” Koba feigned shock. “You think her ugly?”
The female yawned showing rows of yellowish dagger-sharp teeth.
“Would you kiss that?” A smile slithered across Zoran’s lips.
“Zoran, I am sorry but I have to report you to the Interplanetary Council.”
“What? Why?”
“You have committed a `Micro-aggression’.”
“Micro-aggression?” Zoran arched a black brow.
“You insulted a female.”
Casually aware of the furious battle in her honor, the big female raptor flicked her long, thick prehensile tail.
“I `insulted a female’? Koba you joke. Look at her - Think she cares? `She’ is a man-eating reptile.” Zoran whispered, grinning.
“So? Lizards have feelings too.” Koba was sanctimonious.
“Hah. Then I throw myself on your mercy `Lord’ Koba.” Zoran’s golden eyes smiled.
“Hey, not so fast. I saw her wink at you Koba.” Balian smirked. “Go. Fight for her honor.”
“Yeah. Just look at that sweet honey trap. You know you want her.” Zoran hissed.
“Trap is right. Not this time.” Koba was sardonic.
“So - you refuse to fight for her honor - I don’t think the `Interplanetary Council’ will be impressed Koba.” Zoran smirked.
“Ah blackmail. Works everytime. You leaves me no choice but to withdraw my complaint about you to the Council. This time.” Koba responded.
“Eternal thanks Lord Koba.” Zoran’s smile was smug.
Koba’s attention shifted to all that treasure just waiting to be picked up. A tall arched window let in a shaft of golden sunlight illuminating riotous mounds of gold jewelry, coins and priceless artifacts.
Talk about low-hanging fruit! His chocolate brown eyes flickered with golden money signs. A fortune lay under the bloody claws of these primitive reptilians.
In each corner of the room stood a guardian statue, a humanoid warrior, sword at hip, arms crossed over chests, blind stone eyes watching. Humanoid skulls and bones littered the floor. Many had come to rob the Rasta of their stolen riches. And some ended up staying. Forever.
“Stay here. Don’t move.” Zoran cautioned under his breath.
Moving with leopard grace the Drakon warrior slid through the door. Stopping, waiting, poised like the apex predator he was, Zoran flowed like a shadow around the rapt Rasta.
Leaning down, he selected several exquisite pieces of gold jewelry. Then just as subtly and softly, he slid away. The Rasta ignored him as if he wasn’t even there.
Chapter 24
“You see how we take the gold? Guns are not the answer to everything. We like to sharpen our hunter’s stealth.” Zoran’s golden eyes shot Koba a triumphant glance as they padded through the great hall and down the dragon steps of the temple.
Koba sensed reptilian eyes watching them from dark places as the men trotted along the crumbling White Road through the fallen city. From the corner of his eyes he glimpsed flickerings of running, slithering beings.
Eye of the Dragon (Vision of a Dreaming God) (Fallen Drakon Empire Book 3) Page 8