🐲 Dragon and Phoenix (Path of Light and Fire Book #2) (Completed) 🐲

Chapter 54

"You know, this wouldn't have been the worst place to die."

Sakima shook his head at Turrent, marveling at the Durain's ability to keep his humor given the gravity of the situation. The six of them were hooked arm in arm as Sabin led them through the Wastelands. Lighting them to his coat had proven a futile effort, but in hindsight, it was likely better not to go into the lion's den with depleted strength.

Alaina hooked into his arm, with Sakima behind her, then Turrent and Leena, with Yulan taking up the rear. Yet Turrent's words were as clear as if he'd been standing next to Sabin.

The barrier didn't push them away. No, it was more subtle than that, pulling them in the opposing directions. The pull strengthened the closer Sabin got to the building, so it took a little trial of error before he was sure he was on the right track.

Sabin kept his eyes shut, relying on his sense of touch and hearing to guide them. The other Seriens were keeping an eye out for impending danger, but unless whatever approached was deathly silent, he would hear it first.

Wait, what is that?

A deep repetitive sound drummed in the distance. When he'd last entered the Wastelands, a ganero who called himself Steven had warned him of such a creature, though what came for them then had been much worse.

"Do you know what it is?" Sabin asked Wade.

"It is a giant creation of flesh and metal," Wade responded. "Take care with it. It is more dangerous than you know."

"Stop," Sabin said. "Remember that thing I mentioned had frightened that ganero? I hear it."

Leena scoffed. "Let's kick its ass on the way."

Sabin shook his head. "Wade says it is a half-metal giant," he said. "We shouldn't take it lightly."

"You mean like those cyclops in the stories?" Leena asked. She nodded to Sakima. "We have our own giant right behind you."

Sakima snickered. "You flatter me," he said.

"Keep your eyes open," Sabin said. "Tell me if you spot anything."

"I see something," Alaina said.

That was quick.

"It's bigger than an ugar," she said. "With scales that look like metal snakeskin."

As she finished the last word, the drumming stopped.

That doesn't sound good.

The repetitive drumming restarted, this time much faster than before.

"It's headed this way," Alaina said. "Should we unlatch?"

"No, stay together," Sabin said. "I will handle it."

Sabin unlocked his sight as the giant creature approached. It was the size of a large building with three arms that jutted from each side of its frame. Its skin was metal as Wade had warned him, but metal like that of the giant tower. It had one red eye at the center of its face.

Turrent sighed. "You had to summon a cyclops," he said.

"Shove it, Turrent," Leena said.

Sabin pulled his god-spears. "You all stay together," he said. "I'll handle this."

The cyclops-like machine tapped the side of its head with its top left arm. "Humans sighted," it said.

"That sounds like a warning," Sakima said. He pulled Alaina's arm to Turrent's.