Chronicles of Dras

Chapter 13: The River's Fury

The squad didn't waste any time, quickly finding a trail along the valley floor. Maris, with his keen sense of direction, took the lead, guiding them forward at a swift pace. Despite the urgency, there was a sense of relief amongst the group. For the first time in days, they were moving away from danger, not towards it.

Toren attempted to use his recovery magic on Joren. He chanted a spell, his voice steady despite the sweat dripping down his face. The magic, however, fizzled out, failing to alleviate Joren's pain. Toren frowned, his brow furrowing in concern. He was about to attempt again when Dras stepped forward.

"Let me try," Dras said, his eyes focused on Joren. Toren nodded, stepping back to give Dras space. Dras began his chant, his voice low but clear. The magic swirled around his hands, a soft glow illuminating the darkening valley. He placed his hands on Joren, the magic seeping into him. Joren gasped, his face relaxing slightly as the pain eased. It wasn't a full recovery, but it was enough to keep him going.

As they weaved their way along the side of the valley, they spotted movement on the opposite side of a steep ravine. Squinting against the sun, Dras made out the familiar uniforms of their own platoon. The other squad was stationed on a higher elevation, their figures tiny against the vast backdrop of the sprawling mountain range.

A shout echoed across the ravine, a clear voice slicing through the ambient sounds of the desert. "Oi! Over here!" the call sounded, magnified by the valley's natural acoustics.

Dras raised his hand in response, signalling their acknowledgement. "That's one of ours!" he shouted back to his squad over the wind, his eyes never leaving the figures across the ravine.

A woman stepped forward from the other squad, her voice booming out across the expanse as she called out to them. "We've sighted the Fire Akelops!" she warned. Her words seemed to linger in the air, a chilling proclamation that made their hearts pound in their chests. "It's not too far behind! From our vantage point, we could see its horrific form on a nearby ridge line. It's heading your way!"

Her words hung in the air, a dreadful echo reverberating off the valley walls. She added with an ominous tone, "It seemed to be chasing something. Its screeches were echoing through the mountains."

Joren swore under his breath, his hands tightening on his reins. The others mirrored his expression, the fear evident in their eyes. "Thank you for the warning!" Dras shouted back, his voice echoing in the silence that had fallen over them.

The reality of their situation set in, spurring them into motion. The thought of the Fire Akelops on their tail was a terrifying prospect, one they were desperate to avoid. They hurried along the trail, their footfalls creating a rhythmic beat against the hard-packed earth.

As the squads exchanged their final words, the other squad leader made a pointing gesture towards the south. "We'll help if it attacks! There's a village not too far from here, lies right by a river," she called out. "There's a ferry crossing there. We'll make our way there, meet up with you. It's a good place to mount a defence if the Fire Akelops catches up."

Dras squinted into the distance, making out the faint outline of what seemed to be a settlement. A glint of sunlight off water confirmed the presence of a river. He nodded in understanding, raising his hand in a final salute. "We'll see you there!" he shouted back, his voice carrying clearly across the ravine.

With that, they spurred their camels into a faster pace. The urgency of their situation drove them forward, their thoughts consumed by the looming threat of the Fire Akelops. The village and the river crossing were now their immediate goal, their potential salvation. A place to rest, regroup, and perhaps even mount a defence against the monstrous creature that was doggedly pursuing them.