The Violet Flamberge

Inferno Flamberge: Chapter 18

A/N: I finally updated. I'm going to try and finish this story. This may be the final book in this series, therefore making it a trilogy, but I may come back to the world later. I have another series concept I'm getting together right now to start after this. Remember, if you want to support me, please review my books on amazon and goodreads, and of course, these books I'm currently writing, please give me suggestions to make them stronger. Visit my website at www.CraigAPrice.com for more information, as well as sign up for my email list and receive a FREE exclusive book. Thanks so much for reading!

Chapter 18

Searon stared ahead, his crimson cape fluttering in the wind. He wondered why he wore a cape, but then realized it didn't really matter. Guerettos lay just ahead of them, and they watched as smoke rose from the village. They arrived too late.

Sh'on stepped next to him, covering his eyes from the sun to look toward the village. "They're here."

"We're too late," Searon said.

Sh'on placed his hand on Searon's shoulder. "Never give up hope."

Searon turned away from the village to spy a black tent. He tilted his head as he studied it. "I wonder if that's Arria's tent ..."

"If she is with them, I'd guarantee it."

"I'm torn, Sh'on. I want to rush into the village and fight as many of the Ikchani as I can to save Andron and his people ... but another part of me, a selfish part of me, wants nothing more than to run into that tent, see if Anaela is in there, take her, and run away."

Sh'on squeezed his shoulder. "I know. Perhaps we can see if Anaela is in there on our way, and decide from there."

"We need to get closer to see how bad it is," Searon said.

Searon removed his hand from the pommel of his claymore as he began sprinting down the hill. They were still a league away from the gate, and his eagerness of being so close fueled his speed. Already faster than most humans, he outran everyone except the kheshlars who stayed by his side. When he neared the tent, he paused, waiting for everyone else to catch up.

He noticed three women leaving the village, heading to the black tent. Focusing his eyes, he saw Arria in the middle of two other women. She was hurt. The two women helped her walk to her tent. Searon grinned. The last time they'd met, Arria had bested him. He had been worried for their next meeting, but with her injured, his chances increased tenfold.

Laying on the grass, he made sure not to make a sound as he watched Arria and the two women step inside of the tent. Sh'on crawled next to him to see what he saw. The others stayed behind, crouched and silent.

"What do you want to do?" Sh'on asked.

"Arria is in that tent. I will rescue Anaela."

"You cannot face her alone."

"She is injured. I will be fine."

"Are her guards injured as well?"

Searon pressed his lips together and blew hard out of his nose. "No, but I can take them."

Sh'on grabbed Searon's collar. "We did not come this far for you to do something stupid like get yourself killed. I will accompany you. We can send the others to the village to fight the Ikchani."

Searon gritted his teeth. "No."

"No?" Sh'on asked. "Listen, Searon, you will not enter that tent alone."