Lich-El: Lich Lord Wars book 1

Chapter 7

"This is getting out of hand, Lord Lich-El."

"The prisoners are of no concern."

"Solis and Dilfer were both just killed."

"Teaneas wouldn't break the truce unless he was attacked first. They should have thought out their plan to use the Aguerius family against me better. Oh well, it saves me the trouble of executing them for treason. Hopefully it will serve as an example of what happens when one plots against me. Don't you think so?"

"Yes, my lord."

"Getting the prisoners back is now in the hands of our scouts. And the fate of the Aguerius family is now in their own hands. My protection for them is ended. As soon as the situation is resolved, we'll abandon this base."

Almas was with Bosha when he realized their escape had hit its first obstacle. They caught up to the group gathered in front of a large metal door.

"It's locked," one of the women said in despair.

"Snipies!" Bosha swore. "Where is Lemuem?"

"I...don't know, he was just here!"

"He left us!"

Almas searched the room while walking to the door. It was a small room with two passages going out of it, not counting the door. Had Lemuem abandoned them by going out the other passage? He checked the door but it was locked and looked far stronger than the bars on the cell. Breaking it down wasn't an option.

Almas was sure that this was the door to the exit -- a fortified gate that trapped them in as well as keeping the liches' enemies out. He was looking at the lock when he noticed a familiar smell. He didn't have much time to think about it because he heard foot steps running from the other passage.

At first he thought it might be Lemuem but realized immediately that he couldn't be running. It turned out to be Deleta, who appeared at the entrance with his sword drawn. He smiled in triumph once he saw all the escaped prisoners.

"Going somewhere?" he asked in a gloating voice.

"Yes," Bosha answered, "we decided it's time to leave. Now kindly unlock the doors and we'll leave you alive."

Deleta laughed at the threat, "I have a better idea. All of you go back to your cell now and you might live to the end of the day."

Things were about to get bloody. If his suspicions about the smell were correct, then all they needed was a little more time. It was time to stall and see how strict the rule against killing him was. Taking a deep breath, Almas stepped between Bosha and Deleta.

"None of us are going back so if you are going to start killing people, you will have to start with me."

Almas watched Deleta's face as Bosha protested Almas' interfering and told him to step back. But Almas didn't move. Deleta hesitated with doubt passing momentarily across his face. Then he smiled and said, "In your case I only need to make sure I cause no permanent damage."

Well, so much for that idea. Deleta took another step forward while Almas searched his mind for another idea. Bosha stepped in front of Almas and raised the bar he held, ready for a fight. However, the fight never came. Deleta was hit by another bar from behind without warning. He crumpled to the ground and revealed Lemuem standing behind him.

"Lemuem!" Almas exclaimed, "We thought..."

"I had left you all?" He grinned, "When we hit the locked door, I knew this one would catch up so I had to find a hiding spot and plan an ambush quick."