Four Elements Book 3 - Sacrifice

Part 41

Déjà-vu was getting seriously overrated in Bane's book. He and Zarias had both the easiest and riskiest part of the plan. They had decided to reappear in Zarias's former quarters, even though they knew there was a chance, however slim, they might be guarded. After all, the same could be said for the whole palace.

As soon as they'd touched the floor, they raised their blades, poised for attack. Oddly enough, they heard nothing.

"We mustn't let that fool us," Bane whispered.

Zarias nodded.

Balon? Can you hear me?

Bane?! What the hell-

We came to get you, of course, and Mom. Is she okay?

Don't worry. She's worried sick about you, of course, but she's fine.

Bane sighed with relief.

Is she still in the same place? He asked.

Yes. But be careful, Balon warned. I haven't been able to go snoop around, but he's bound to have minions all over the place.

We know. Hang in there.

He and Zarias exchanged a look.

"I'm sorry you have to go against Zorak. I know it can't be easy."

Zarias seemed to hesitate, then said:

"Let's just move."

Bane didn't argue and followed him out of the room. As soon as they did, they had to hide behind a wall. Swarms of Umbras were ambling around, hissing and slithering like black snakes.

"Is it me or are there a lot more than yesterday?" Bane muttered to Zarias.

"It certainly looks like it."

Bane looked behind them. No sign of Umbras.

"Well, it's not like weren't expecting this," he whispered.

"I know a different way. With luck, it won't be as heavily watched."

Bane frowned.

"You never mentioned it last night," he commented cautiously.

"No one asked me," Zarias shrugged. "You coming, or not?"

Bane let out a small sigh.

"Fine." he decided. "Lead the way."

Instead of following the path they'd taken last time, Zarias led Bane in the opposite direction. For several minutes, it seemed to work. Not one Umbra in sight. Zorak appeared to have focused his forces on the main hallways. This dark passage Bane and Zarias were going through was narrow and covered with dust, a sign that it hadn't been used for a long time.

"I used to try and find several paths there in case Zorak noticed me when I went," Zarias explained quietly.

"... Why did you wait so long to turn against him?" Bane asked.

He wasn't sure he truly believed him yet, so he was subtly trying to figure out whether Zarias was lying or not.

"... I suppose I only truly came to my senses with Adrianna's sister," Zarias replied, not looking at him. "But I had always felt that something wasn't right. I suppose I know why, now."

Bane thought it best to keep silent.

"I still think it would be safer to portal back the moment we get your mother and Balon," Zarias whispered.