Dawn of The Dragon

Chapter 17: Boilos

Chaos erupts all around as Tomas struggles to take aim at a saber tooth panther. He shoots but misses as one rips the flesh from the bone of a slave not two feet from him.  An arrow flies over Tomas' head striking it.

Turning to find Molly has hit the target spot on. Moving in her direction, Tomas is blocked by an Enforcer.

Cling!

Clang!

The image of Shelleann's burnt body is at the forefront of his mind as he moves his right foot forward thrusting his blade towards Tomas' chest. Bending his upper torso back toward the ground he misses. Snapping back in place, their swords meet. Tomas swings and swings thrusting his body forward as his love for his wife radiates through him.

Clang!

Clang!

Clang!

Swoosh!

The Enforcer's head leaves his body rolling into the mouth of a saber.

Tomas runs as the big cat leaps for him. Its sharp claws impale Tomas' shoulders as it spun impaling it deeper. He gauges its giant eyes as it strikes for his neck.

Thunk!

The beast roars as two arrows penetrate its thick fur, muscle, and bone nearly striking Tomas.

Molly screams as she pulls and jerks releasing the monster's claws from Tomas' flesh. Standing to his feet, he gazes looking for any of the slaves from their platform, but they are either scattered or dead. Then his attention turns to Ager.

Shereen and Lord Boolong are speaking to Ager with concerned faces. Ager rises and walks through the curtain along with the ten Shellions. Turning to Molly Tomas realizes something more is wrong.

The metal platforms and cages erupt sending shrapnel throughout the area. Everyone gets down, but not soon enough. Tomas pulls a piece from Molly's hand as everyone attempts to flee, but it is too late.

Jubilant screams are now sounds of panic and fear as people trample each other. While others are toppling over onto the arena floor. Reaching the exit, they are jolted back as Tomas anxiously clutch his sword, and Molly opens and closes her hands around the bow. Their eyes are fixed on people falling, splitting their heads on stone as an unknown power forces its way through them.

 The sabers still standing have a sense of calm about them as if they were not wild beast. Laying their bodies on the floor, they stare as fire penetrates as an arch behind them.

Tomas turns to Molly. We protect each other as best we can. No matter what, you have been a friend. It has been an honor. The fire ceases as the arch freezes before them.

Kaboom!

The ice falls upon them striking the sand becoming a whisk of dusk. As it clears, he appears. His army stretching beyond the city into the outlands. Tomas taking his eyes to the sky notices a barrier. Thousands of Death Claws awaiting their master's orders stomp their feet in the ground.

***

The flight was long as Molly sobs. Zoran assumes it was for Musfall though she did not know him. Zoran hands her a tissue.

"I didn't know him that well, but  Musfall was a good man." He says.

Molly looks to him. Your friend. I am sure he was good. I am thinking of my husband and children. How could I have betrayed the man who saved me from the horrors of the realm?

Zoran takes her hand and leans her head on his shoulder. She closes her eyes, falling into a deep sleep. Snapshots of her past fill her deepest thoughts. She sees the day she had become of age. The day it was time for her to go to Liber for training.