The Dragon Curse

A way out

The kids left the basement once we made sure that the coast was clear. They helped me get Amy out of the hole then I followed climbing out then taking Amy back into my arms. She stirred and whined from pain as I picked her up. She slightly opened her eyes but I could see that she was still too tired to process what happened and where we were.

"Mark..." she whined as she looked at me with confusion in her eyes.

"Shh... it's okay." I said and held her closer to my chest. "I'll take you home." 

I don't think she fully understood what I said so she just closed her eyes again leaning comfortably against me. I was following the three in front of me constantly looking around to avoid soldiers. James said that we were almost there but suddenly I heard shouting from behind us.

"There!" I heard and as I looked back I saw three soldiers at the end of the alley rounding the corner.

We started running until we turned right to enter another alley but at the end, a wall blocked our way. I still heard metal footsteps behind us getting closer but the wall made me worried more. It's a dead-end...

"This way!" shouted James and he opened a trapdoor at the base of the wall quickly disappearing into the hole on the ground.

Abigail and Fergus followed their brother and when I reached the hole Fergus and James helped me with Amy. I quickly jumped into the hole not bothering to use the leader and only stepping on the first step to reach for the trapdoor and close it.

"Let's go." I turned back to the boys to take Amy back and followed them through the tunnel.

It was dark. I barely saw in front of me and it was hard to follow the kids so we had to stay close to not lose each other. We only took a few steps when we heard the squeaking trapdoor being opened. We had to quicken our pace but it was hard to navigate in the complete darkness. That's when a red faint light came from somewhere between Amy and me. I kept walking but I slightly pulled her away from my chest to see what was causing the light. It was the white crystal I gave her. I pulled it out from under her dress and the faint re quickly lit up more. I took the necklace from around her neck and held it higher.

"James," I said and the boy in the front looked back at me as he kept walking. "Here."

I reached out and handed him the crystal. He held it high so now we could see farther ahead of us. Unfortunately, the soldiers were still following us but their heavy steps sounded distant. The kids said that the tunnels were a labyrinth so I only hoped that the soldiers didn't know the way out. Still, we walked faster because we wanted to get away from trouble.

"Mark," said Amy in my arms as she slowly opened her eyes but this time she looked around. "Where are we?"

"Don't worry we are almost out," I said to reassure her but she just panicked more.

"Where is Jack? And Evelien?" she asked then she spotted the siblings walking in front of us.

"They are waiting for us in the forest," I answered then quietly but loud enough I asked the kids. "How far is the exit?"

"We are almost there but I think the soldiers are getting closer," answered James.

"There!" we heard shouting again and without looking back we started running.

We knew who was behind us. At the end of the tunnel, I saw a dim light and it was getting brighter and brighter with each step as we were getting closer. But the soldiers were right behind us so once we were out in the open forest there was no way we would be able to hide or avoid them. The crystal was shining brighter with a deep crimson red glow announcing the danger that was catching up with us. I saw the cave entrance and since the kids were able to run faster they were already out. I stepped out into the brightness shortly after them and even that we were in a forest the sun was blinding me. But I didn't stop... I had to keep running or we will be caught and killed. Once my eyes got used to the sudden brightness I saw the siblings running a few steps before me jumping over obstacles easily. But then an arrow flew by me ending up in a tree and I knew that this was it... I had to stop and fight or an arrow would wound either the kids or myself. If I face the soldiers at least I could protect the kids and Amy. My life doesn't matter at this point... But then a high-pitched little scream pulled me back to reality from my thoughts followed by a worried shout.

"Abigail!" shouted Fergus and that's when I saw that the blonde girl tripped on a stone and now she was lying on the ground trying to get up.

"Fergus!" I shouted and the boy looked at me with fear and confusion.

I stopped beside them and placed Amy on the ground beside Abigail who was still on the ground. Her rankle must've twisted it started to turn in a shade of red and became swollen. Once Amy was safely on the ground I stood up and drew my sword out turning to face the enemy.

"Mark, don't!" I heard Amy crying out but I had to fight with them.

The forest was too big for hiding and the sea was too far to get there in safety. It was 5 men full in armour gripping onto their swords as well. The one closer to me attacked me as soon as he was within reach but I blocked his swing. I tried to push him back but another one tried to stab me so I had to step away. I was completely encircled and they were all watching me with angry eyes waiting for my next move. The one behind me was about to hit me at my head but out of nowhere in the distance, I heard an angry roar that sounded too familiar. I turned around to block the soldier's swing but I was a bit relieved. The wind picked up around us and I heard the large wings then suddenly one of the soldiers was picked up. All the other soldiers followed the unlucky one with their gaze but I didn't look up because I knew who was there. Using their surprise I pushed one of them on the ground then turned to another one stabbing him in the stomach. The soldiers collapsed on the ground beside the other one but that man was quickly on his feet to attack me. The last two were getting on me as well and I tried to block as many of their attacks as I could but they still managed to cut my left shoulder and my left shoulder blade. I managed to get one of them on the ground again when I heard that Jack was coming back but then... pain.

My arms became limp and suddenly I couldn't hold onto my sword anymore. Cold... but burning with pain at the same time. I heard a faint scream I couldn't recognize at first it was ringing in my ears and it was too quiet. Then I looked down and I saw the end of a sword bloody... the cold metal stuck in my body. It shifted in my back and as I looked up I saw Jack flying towards the ground with another soldier in his mouth. That was when my legs gave up as well and I fell on my knees then fell forward on my stomach. The sword was slightly pushed out as I landed on the ground but I could still feel the cold metal. Darkness... it was slowly consuming my vision I couldn't move but I still heard the screaming. Male? Female? I couldn't tell. Whatever was happening I couldn't focus anymore... my eyelids felt heavy and as much as I didn't want to give up on my friends I felt tired and the spreading darkness completely covered my vision and thoughts... that's when I gave up and let my body and mind to fall asleep.