Page 91 of The Ember and the Emerald

“They warn of—” Jasher began.

Four adult rabdogs scaled the cavern’s outer ledge to stand in the only exit. Their wiry hair stuck straight up. Their bright red eyes writhed with shadow and light, and their claws flared against the floor, so sharp I swore I heard knives sliding against each other.

Like my Nugget, they were monstrously large amalgamations of wolves, hyenas, and some kind of prehistoric predator, with a spiked snout, huge teeth, and an abnormally arched spine.

“The runts,” he hissed as Kevin fell from his perch.

Jasher stepped forward, a warrior without fear, acting as my shield. The axes appeared in his grip. “Open a waterway and go,” he told me. “I’ll draw them away and find you when I can.”

Even as he spoke, a vision overtook me. For a split second, I saw a vicious battle that ended with three rabdogs dead and the executioner catastrophically injured. A final one-on-one showdown with the fourth runt didn’t end well for either combatant.

No. Not this time. But what should I do? My previous dealings with rabdogs had been wonderful. Other than giving them all a good cuddle and a tasty snack that didn’t involve our internal organs, I was at a loss.

“Here, little doggies,” he taunted, stepping closer to them. “Come and get me.”

As a pack, the rabdogs focused on his weapons, their lips peeling back to display not one but two rows of jagged teeth. Their bodies vibrated, every muscle coiled with malice. The air thickened, abuzz with collective aggression.

Think!

“What are you waiting for? Afraid of losing a limb?” Jasher swung the axes, taking another step forward. A single bead of sweat traced the curve of his jaw and dropped from his chin, landing on the smooth foundation under our feet.

I felt it move and splash. Felt every tinge of moisture in every part of my being. Inhaled its salty bouquet and reached for it…

Something seized me. An unseen hand that gripped my ankles and yanked me down, down into the thin sheen of water soaked into the stone. The world blinked out, swallowed in a rush of darkness. Then, just as suddenly, I absorbed the droplet and rose. But I was no longer behind Jasher. I shielded him, facing the pack.

I blinked rapidly. So did the rabdogs. “What—just—happened?” I demanded.

“Looks like it’s your time to shine, princess,” Jasher said, now calm. Amused even. “Do it. Dance within the mist.”

Did he say dance…within mist?

The rabdogs growled at me and advanced.

“How?” I cried and braced for attack. They crouched in unison, preparing to pounce.

“I’ve waited lifetimes for this moment. Do it. Dance,” Jasher commanded, and this time, my body obeyed as if compelled by the cuffs I no longer wore.

My body melted into motion, gliding into an elegant ballet born of visions and dreams I hadn’t known I’d harbored. At first, I swayed with tentative grace, a gentle rocking in time to the tender melody humming in my bones.

The rabdogs watched, mesmerized. Without attacking.

Muscle memory took the wheel, shredding hesitation. My movements deepened into fluid spirals and soft, hypnotic turns that flowed like silk on water.

Kevin, as unhelpful as ever, offered commentary.

You are doing so good at not dying.

Wow! That was almost graceful.

I am very proud and mildly alarmed.

Though the atmosphere quickly dried, I continued to sense the subtle shimmer of unseen moisture, as if the molecules danced with me, pulling and releasing my body in quiet pulses of energy. Guiding me in waves of ethereal grace.

The aggression of my audience gradually sharpened into fear, and the rabdogs backed away as a pack, finally diving out of the cavern. When they vanished, I stilled, and the world tilted, as if the foundation under my feet dissolved. Then I collapsed, all strength abandoning my legs.

Strong arms caught me before I crashed. I could do nothing but sag against Jasher’s chest, movement utterly impossible.

“I did it,” Kevin announced. “You’re welcome.”