The Search Begins Volume 02 of An Unwanted Destiny

Fifty-Three

It was just under two weeks after leaving Togus that we arrived at the Golia Gorge. I starred in amazement as I looked to the north then to the south. All I could see was the large gash in the surface of the world stretching out¬ as fast as the eye could see¬. The eastern edge was out of sight as well. I shook my head before heading towards the side, looking down in amazement. It seemed that it went down nearly a mile. I searched around and found a trail that appeared to head down straight to the bottom.

"There is a trail over there, but it is starting to get dark. Perhaps we should set up camp. In the morning head down with the first light," I stared at the sky.

"Agreed," Sky said dropping his duffle bag on the ground. "It is odd to sleep out in the open under the stars, but I am starting to really miss a bed."

"I know how you feel. Majority of our time since leaving Cinnar has been sleeping out in the open," Drak said as he created a small fire. "You'll think you will get used to it but no. I don't think I ever will."

"Quit complaining big man," Eryn said laughing. "I agree that it is odd, but I grew up on a ship, so I prefer the swaying of the boat on the ocean."

"Anyway," I took a seat in front of the fire. "Once we are done here we will head to the closest town. We will stay for a bit so for now let's get some sleep."

"Fine, fine," Drak said as he lay down. Within minutes he was asleep, snoring loudly. In the morning we started down the path and at some points were very narrow, forcing us to press up against the wall and at other times we were able to walk freely tow abreast.

After a couple hours the path led to a significant platform where we found the remains of a couple Kupmehs which looked like they had been partially eaten.

"What do you think did this to them?" I asked kneeling beside one of the bodies.

"I believe that," Sky said pointing high up the canyon wall.

I looked to see a lizard-like creature clinging to the wall. It seemed to be nearly five feet long and covered in scales which blended in with the wall. Its tail had what looked like a giant stinger on the end that could easily pierce any armor. Its yellow slanted eyes looked at us and a high pitch screech emitted from its mouth a second later.

The ground rumbled. I watched as up from the platform appeared two dozen more of these lizards. One of the beasts opened its mouth letting loose a stream of green liquid. It the ground at my feet and steam rose up as it burned its way through the soil.

"Guys we need to move!" I yelled as more of the lizards started to spit out the green liquid. We danced around dodging stream after stream, fighting our way down the path. Everything was going well until the path became too narrow for us to fight.

"You guys go on ahead. I will take care of them," Drak said putting his axe away.

I waved Sky and Eryn to move then looked back towards Drak. I watched as he started to channel his Ahanko just before he blew forth a stream of fire from his mouth. I watched the flames engulf most of the lizards which let out another high pitch screech as they burned and there was a popping sound that could be heard as the creature's blood vessels exploded. As we continued, we encountered more of the lizards but managed to kill some while keeping the others just out of reach. At the bottom, we expected to be attacked by more as screeches went up in all directions. After a few minutes, the shrieks seemed to fade. We all let out a sigh of relief. I hoped that we would not see any more of the strange creatures.

"Let's get moving before any more show up," I said as I put Diark away.

"They won't be able to sneak up on us as long as I am around. I will sense them long before they can shoot that green liquid," Sky said tugging his gauntlets.