The Ogre's Pendant & The Rat in the Pit

Lycundar's Bane II

Lycundar's Bane II

Silently, Wurhi and the hunting cat darted into the room with both sword and teeth bared. The guards at the entrance only had time to whirl about when a silver blade pierced one through the neck and massive jaws pressed down on anothers skull-

Slptch.

-popping it like a rotten grape.

The Zabyallan eyed the room, but found no more opponents. She recalled more guards when she had been taken to the arena - but it seemed that Milos planned ritual required the presence of most in the cult.

She smiled. Lucky me.

P-please, a voice moaned. A group of trembling slaves, the ones used to open and close the pits, pressed against the wall on the opposite side of the chamber. D-dont hurt us!Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only

Hurt you? she blinked, then her grin widened. The little thief drew herself up, trying to mimic the same easy confidence of the Sengezian. Im not going to hurt you. She wiped the silver of her blade free of gore. Were breaking out.

What in all the-Rat?! a voice like scratching glass shouted from one of the holes. Rat! Is that you!?

Her grin widened further until her cheeks hurt from it, and she scurried over to the hole where it had come from. Through the tied logs, Merrick, Saxa, Gannicus and Agron stared up at her.

WhaII thought you were dead! the Hawk cried. Some guards were saying they fed you to that big, toothy ca-

The titanic sabre-toothed tiger padded up to her, peering curiously into the pit.

-aaaaaaaa Oh bloody piss in hells and heavens! he shrieked, stumbling backward in and nearly tripping over his feet.

Now she widened her grin purposefully to the point where she knew it would be unnerving. Turns out. She nearly bounced in glee. My friend here hates master Milos almost as much as we do!

The beast growled upon the mention of the name.

Or maybe more. She shrugged. Cant ask.

What Saxa had paled as though a corpse had leapt up before her and started cackling. of course you cant ask, he cant talk!

Oh right, watch what you say. He understands us.

What?! Merrick demanded.

The chamber grew louder. The presence of the tiger had driven the other beasts into a frenzy, and they roared and clamoured up the ramps, throwing themselves against the logs sealing their prisons.

Ooookay, we had better be moving. She looked to the tiger. Can you help me move these stonesoh right, you dont have hands.

The cat looked at her, then casually batted a massive rock aside as though it was a mere ball of wool.

fair enough. She shrugged. All of you! She pointed to the slaves. You come help too! Faster we move, the faster were out!

The slaves looked to each other, unsure of what to do.

A growl sounded from the tigers throat.

They quickly became sure of what to do.

Between them, the great beast and Wurhi - though her help counted for little in her human form - they easily moved the stones and logs aside. Captives quickly mounted the ramps and sprang from the pits, tasting freedom. Some had dwelled in these hell holes for only a short span of time, but others were sallow and thin from their long imprisonment in the dark.

Many wept.

Many collapsed in shock at their sudden liberty.

Yet, others were quiet. Their jaws set and their eyes focused in barely stymied wrath. Were weapons placed in their hands, they would have set off to slay their tormenters at once, which was a good thing, for that was what Wurhi intended next. Alright, heres what we do. Weve gotta get out of here. But were going to need weapons.

Gannicus stepped forward. Why? We should just get out of here!

Really? Just get out of here? she slapped her forehead as if in sudden revelation. Just get out of here! Why didnt I think of that!?

I need ten volunteers to face the woman on the peak! Milos barked.

Sacred Alpha!

Half a score of pack-brothers stepped forward at once, including Berard and Adelmar.

Not you, Berard, Milos commanded. I need you here. The rest of you, take a score of acolytes and throw her down the mountain. Slay her at once!

Sacred Alpha!

The pack brothers summoned eager acolytes down from their seats and rushed into the tunnels near the top of the chamber: passageways that would wind up the mountain and lead to corridors near the summit.

The red jewel glinted around the neck of that cur, Haldrych Ameldan, as he followed Adelmar into the passage. Milos could not help but glare after him. If the boy survived, he would need greater punishment. The price of his foolishness was rising.

Sacred Alpha? Berard came to the cult leader. What can I do?

Milos leaned close to the larger man. You and I must organize the rest of the cult. We leave the mountain tonight.

The bear-like lycanthrope gasped. Sacred Alpha? But what of our work in the city? We have made connections and forged alliances-

-that are likely already shattering, the Sacred Alpha pronounced grimly. If that woman found us, then there is a strong chance that others know too. If Duke Kirinius is informed, there will be an army in our valley in haste. We must prepare to quit this place.

But what of Jairus?

Milos grimaced. He might already have gone to the after-world. If we have received no word of him by sunrise, we will-

He paused, his brows drawing together in a frown.

Doyou hear that, Berard?

He turned, his gaze circling the arena in dread.

Do you smell that?

Sniff.

Berards eyes went hard. Bloodand beasts?

Cries sounded from the lower passages that lead to the audience seats. Cries of men in dying throes. Cries of beasts filled with rageand fear?

Another roar sounded. One that shook the stones and caused Milos breath to catch. His tiger? Why was-

A blood-caked acolyte stumbled from one of the passageways. Beware! They are free! They are killing-"

The arena exploded into chaos.

Acolytes shrieked as hulking cave bears, wild cave lions, and dire boars rampaged into their midst, crashing through the black robed figures in a ruinous red tide. Men were leapt upon and mauled or gored in their seats as they tried to stand. Half-starved, frightened and furious, the beasts tore into them with berserk abandon while their human quarry could only try to flee.

Sacred Alpha! Berard cried in alarm, his face mirroring the shock of all others on the arena floor.

Milos blinked, his mouth agape as though he were a village fool. Whatwhat in Lycundars teeth is happening?

The last of the guards died in the tunnel beneath Wurhis sword. The others had been pulled down by the unarmed captives, and stomped into blood and pulp, while their spears were snatched to finish them off.

Down the hall, the sabre-toothed tiger bounded back toward them, having finished herding the beasts into the cults very teeth.

With a vicious snarl of triumph, Wurhi gave it a loving scratch on its massive flank.

She stopped when it stared at her.

Alright, folks, Agron lifted the bar from a door close by and kicked it open.

The armoury for the arena awaited within.