Blood War

Chapter 6

Cold stone pressed against my back as I turned my head around the corner. An empty hallway met me.

"Coast is clear," I whispered. Now that we were out of the dungeon we had to be significantly quieter, no five feet thick walls blocking our voices.

We've done really well so far, no guards yelling in our direction, no alarms ringing. But it was too quiet, the most we've seen was a group of newer guards training in the courtyard. This was Mistalgia's capital city, I'd expected there to be a festival and guards.

Maulo tapped my shoulder and I whipped around to face her. "Atlas, what happens if we get caught? Will they actually hurt us this time?"

I frowned. "We're not getting caught." I glared at Rogue. "Again."

"I beg your pardon!" Rogue whisper-screamed in retaliation, his heterochromatic eyes gleaming in the dim lighting. "Why don't YOU go and try to open a giant obsidian gate without making any noise?"

My eyes rolled away, looking back to the corridor. How much time had passed since we saw anyone? Around ten minutes? The lack of supervision concerned me.

"Ugh, why is this building so big!" Rogue huffed. "I just want to get out of here."

"Get in line," I muttered as we crossed the corridor to the next blind spot.

Maulo hummed. "Why don't we just steal some officer uniforms and sneak around like spies!" Her lips pulled up in a smile. "That would be so fun! And, I bet nobody would even notice us."

My interest peaked. That could work. Even if there was nobody around, better safe than sorry. The only problem is how we would get them.

Rogue voiced my thoughts, "Ooo! Yeah!" I shushed him and he continued quieter, "Do we get to attack the guards and then steal theirs?"

A tap, tap, tap, from down the corridor made us all crouch down in unison and shuffle silently behind one of the many pillars.

A guard. Hobbling down the hallway, he gingerly touched his bleeding nose to an already soaked handkerchief. I recognized him from one of the few newer guards we saw in the courtyard. Ouch, rough training.

He was coming straight at us, which wouldn't have been a problem if our hiding spot actually imposed any coverage. I silently prayed for him to turn away. Luckily, he actually did, stomping into the next corridor just before reaching us.

I let out an exasperated gasp when Rogue stepped forward and began to saunter down the hallway.

"Rogue!" I hissed quietly, stepping carefully after him. "What the heck! Get back here!"

Rogue turned around and brought his pointer finger to his lips. "Shut up! I'm gonna follow that guard and find out where he's going. Maybe it's some room that will give us a hint about what those guys in the alleyway were talking about. Whenever that was."

I pursed my lips, realizing that wasn't such a bad idea.

What was up with Rogue being right today?

It was unnatural.

I waved my hand as a signal for Maulo to follow me and began to stalk after Rogue, who had already turned into the other corridor, only to turn back immediately, grab the blonde's hand and drag her behind me. It only took a second to realize I should probably follow them. I skidded safely behind our hiding place just as the guard turned the corner.

Now in non-bloody, fresh new clothes, the guard from before, still clutching a handkerchief to his nose, tramped away and back to the courtyard.

Rogue waited until he was out of sight before swiftly running back around the corner. I grabbed Maulo's hand, who was staring at the star-shaped carvings on the walls, and followed.