When the man started screaming as he clawed at the flames devouring him, one of the others staggered back a few steps before regaining his balance. But the damage was done.
This small crack in the warlock’s defense allowed the shadows to slip further away. They crept toward the soon-to-be-dead men surrounding them.
“Kill another,” the shadows commanded, and, to their surprise, their host rebelled a little.
When Lexi’s eyes shifted to them, the sorrow filling them tore at their host’s heart, but the shadows felt nothing. They had no remorse. The arach needed to do as they commanded, or they would all die today.
* * *
Orin’s insidesscreamed in protest as he twisted to tear himself free of the wendigo. Somehow managing to bend himself over enough, he slipped a hand inside his boot and removed the dagger tucked there.
Before the hideous monster could start feasting on him, Orin plunged the dagger into the creature’s eye. It released an eerie howl that reminded him of spirits rising from the grave.
But it didn’t stop him from yanking the dagger free and stabbing again and again until the creature finally lowered him. Tearing himself free of the talons, he kept a hand to his belly as he rolled away before staggering to his feet.
Orin didn’t look at the damage. He didn’t have to see it to know parts of his insides were now on his outside.
As he moved, he spotted Varo kneeling on the battlefield with blood dripping from his hair. It slid down his face and landed on the ground as tears rolled down his cheeks.
Something inside Orin rebelled at the sight of his brother’s anguish, and he knew, without having to speak to him, Varo had broken. Something had happened.
And then, he spotted Elfie’s lifeless body only a few feet away from his brother. He didn’t know what happened or why it upset Varo so much when the woman had little to do with him throughout his lifetime, but if Varo didn’t get up and move, he would die.
Orin refused to let that happen.
Keeping his hand against his belly, he ignored the pain jabbing like a burning spear into his stomach while he sprinted toward Varo. A warlock, with fire burning from his hands and determination etched onto his face, raced at his brother.
The warlock was almost there when Brokk emerged from the fray. Going low, he took out the warlock’s legs before the man could get to Varo. When the warlock face planted into the ground, Brokk severed his head from his body.
They reached Varo simultaneously, and each grasped an arm as they helped him to his feet. Blood stained Varo’s back and pooled on the ground around him, but his wounds weren’t life-threatening.
“Are you okay?” Brokk demanded.
Varo stared blankly at them before shaking his head. “She killed for me. She saved me.”
Orin was nearly as stunned by this revelation as Varo. “Then don’t let her sacrifice be in vain,” Orin said. “She saved you so you wouldn’t die today. Nowmove!”
Varo blinked at him for a few seconds before bowing his head. Orin didn’t get his hopes up as Varo remained limp between them.
I can’t lose two brothers today.
And he knew, without having to see his brother again, they’d lost Cole earlier, but they could save Varo.
“Come on,” Orin urged.
For a second, he didn’t think Varo would respond. And then, he started running with them as they raced across the bloody field. They dodged the enemy, zigzagged through giants, and avoided dragon fire.
The scorched earth was rough and uneven beneath their feet; they stumbled and nearly went down a few times, but they supported each other until they got to Maverick. Cole’s uncle remained near the portal Lexi had opened into Dragonia.
Some of the dragons, still drawn to Lexi, flew over the palace, but none of them descended into it. He suspected the Lord was keeping them out of whatever was happening there. They had to do as he commanded, but the dragons might only get in the way with their inability to attack Lexi or Cole.
“Go!” Maverick commanded and pointed to the portal when he spotted them. “Many have already retreated and are waiting on the mountain to enter the palace. I’ll keep the Lord’s men from entering the portal.”
“You can’t do that alone,” Brokk said.
“There’s not enough here for me to remain much longer, but I’m going to give them a chance to make it here. If they can’t make it back to me soon, I’ll go.”
“I’m staying with you,” Brokk said. “Orin, take Varo through, get yourselves some care, and head on toward Lexi and Cole if you’re able.”
