The Orison Chronicles: Underground

Chapter 1

March 19

Rain fell heavily, coming down in sheets around the two figures. Hidden deep within the trees, they stood across from each other, squaring off. The smaller of the two, a girl, narrowed her eyes as she calculated the chances of any attack landing in these conditions. The best bet would be hand to hand combat, but it was three times her size with claws as long as her forearms. It growled, a deep roar erupting from its throat and shaking the ground. In a voice as rough as sandpaper, the thing spoke.

“Come on then, Hunter. Slay me. Is that not your job?”

It’s dark lips pulled back to reveal rows of yellowing fangs, purple tongue sliding across canines as it stared at a supposedly guaranteed meal. The hunter smiled in return, reaching into her belt for a dagger.

“Don’t worry. I will. I’m just trying to figure out what to do with your body. It’s getting cold and I could use a fur coat.”

Another growl shook the forest and the girl threw her dagger, distracting the best long enough to attack. She swung out her leg, round kicking the best in the head. It staggered back and knocked over a tree in its wake. Running towards her again, the monster extended both arms and grabbed the girl, sending her crashing into the ground. It lifted her, pinning her against a tree by the throat, hot breath hitting her face.

“Come now,” the monster purred, “Is this really the best the Orison has to offer? A snot nosed brat with a big ego?”

Its purple tongue slid across the hunter’s cheek, causing her to gag. Looking up at him through wet hair, she laughed a little, moving again for her belt. The hunter pulled a new knife and rammed it through meaty flesh until the jeweled hilt was barely visible. The grip around her throat loosened and she watched as the bests golden eyes turned dull.

“Who the hell said I with Orison?”

They both fell to the ground, her holding her right arm in pain. She watched as, like the others, the monster dissolved before her eyes, blue liquid mixing with the mud and rain.

“I need to start getting paid for this,” the hunter muttered as she limped towards her satchel. Each step felt like a mile and each breath was labored. The hunter’s eyes were blurry from blood and rain.

“Miss Azalea!”

Her heartbeat sped up and her fingers were stained red with blood. Unsure of what to do and exhausted from battle, the hunter collapsed.

“Mistress!”

She felt arms around her waist as she was lifted from the ground. A young man dressed in a black suit held her in his arms, staring down at her and frowning. She was unconscious, fainted. The young man wiped at the cut on her forehead with a handkerchief.

“I’m so sorry, Miss,” he said, voice tight. “I’m so sorry.”

*****

They ran down corridors, heavy breathing and the pounding of footsteps the only sounds in the house. The hallway split into two up ahead and the boy paused, looking down both paths. A shriek to the right let them know which way to turn. The boy took hold of his sister's hand and led her towards the sounds.

The younger girl stumbled down the hall, tripping over her dress. Her brother finally gave up and lifted the girl onto his back. He couldn’t move as quickly, but it was easier than dragging her along. The girl looked around the corridor fearfully.

“Do you think we’ll find her before it’s too late?” she questioned. Her brother nodded, picking up his pace and maneuvering around a table that had been flipped over.