Blaidd

Faster, the uni-skiff needed to go faster. He was pushing it at a ridiculous speed, but didn’t care. Blaidd recognized the winding river and the valley between the two mountain peaks. The distinctive sweet scent of the tall grass and lush trees would forever be burned into his mind. These were the first glorious sights and scents that greeted him after seasons of being robbed of the light of day. But today, they didn’t bring him the same sense of comfort.

Blaidd aimed for the river’s source, the squadron of omegas at his back. Just as the mouth of the cavern came into view, he was shocked by another sight, and reigned back the throttle. The uni-skiff stopped so abruptly the nose dipped, kicking up grass and dirt as it came to a halt by the river flowing out of the gaping cavern.

“You are supposed to be guarding Immanis,” Blaidd greeted Zaftan.

“It’s good to see you too. Don’t get your tail in a knot. Tekmu is guarding the Kralova,” the Pacherma replied, his giant ears flapping incredulously.

Blaidd nodded, appeased by Zaftan’s choice in guardians for Nameless and Serus’ mother. Tekmu, was a Symus. No one in their right mind would go against the giant silverback.

“Zaftan,” Galen greeted the rotund male, as he came to a halt with the rest of the omegas.

“What are you doing here?” The medicus asked his Pacherma friend.

“I figured you might need help traversing the passage.” Zaftan tapped his elongated snout.

Blaidd remembered Zaftan’s ability to scent a water source.

“I appreciate your help, but I plan to follow the river with these.” Blaidd pointed to the uni-skiffs.

This time they wouldn’t be on foot, attempting to follow winding passages that paralleled the underground river as it cut its way out of the mountain.

“That’ll me much quicker.” Zaftan nodded.

Blaidd considered the large male and the uni-skiff. They hadn’t brought another vehicle for him.

“We can ride together. I’m lighter than these brutes,” Galen piped up, seeing the problem.

Blaidd nodded. Zaftan and the old Torvus male loaded up, and they were off again. The horde of skimmers barreled through the cavern entrance, following the river into the belly of the mountain. The lights on the vehicles made it easy to avoid the rock, as it jutted down here and there. What took them half a day by foot when they were escaping the Hold, took mere minutes to traverse, and soon they emerged into a massive vaulted cavern. The waterfall pouring out of the far wall was a daunting sight to behold. How they made it down to the cavern floor the first time, without being washed over the edge and getting their brains dashed out on the unforgiving rock below, was a miracle.

Zaftan trumpeted, capturing Blaidd’s attention. The Pacherma pointed out the remnants of where they camped so many moons ago.

“Looks like the Arma made a new camp,” Galen hollered to his riding companion, over the crashing sound of water.

It wasn’t surprising the skittish armored earth dwellers avoided the spot, setting up their own camp when they made pilgrimages into the outside world.

Blaidd revved up his engine and shot toward the head of the waterfall, bypassing the harrowing watery tumult with ridiculous ease.

I would’ve given my left canine to have this skiff the last go round.

The mob of Lupercalia followed the river, rather than the narrow foot tunnels that often veered away from the underground stream. It wasn’t until they reached a small gallery that they were forced to slow. The stream disappeared into the rock wall, making it impossible to follow. Thankfully the passage was broad and high enough to let them pass single file. Blaidd ducked low, hugging the controls, as he slowly maneuvered the uni-skiff. He sighed in relief when the vehicle made it through the opening, leading to the subterranean pool.

Blaidd dimmed his light and took in the sight. The luminescent worms clustered on the ceiling looked like stars in a night sky. The way they reflected in the still water was something out of a dream. Discovering this pool had been the birth of their salvation. Blaidd glanced at Galen and Zaftan as they entered the oasis behind him.

“When Nameless and I found this, I remembered what hope was,” Zaftan commented reverently.

Blaidd wished there was more time for reflection. He smiled, recalling how he wanted to hug and punch Nameless at the same time for keeping such a wondrous place secret.

“Let’s go. We ride a bit further, then go on foot.” Blaidd didn’t dare risk the sound of the vehicles echoing in the passage.

The caravan continued single file, till the glowing insects, which only inhabited humid passages, disappeared. Blaidd pulled to a stop as their tunnel intersected with a much broader passage. He hopped down, then began running toward the Hold. His vision easily adjusted to the darkness, having spent so many seasons in the vile place.

It wasn’t long before a recognizable light appeared up ahead. Blaidd held up his fist, silently halting his cohorts. They gathered around waiting for his command.

“We converge just inside the entrance, then on my signal attack. You,” Blaidd pointed to a group, “will take out any one on the levels up and center. You cover our left, you, our right, and you watch our tails.” Blaidd handed out assignments. “I will take anyone on the cavern floor with Coal and the Pila team.”

Coal grunted in approval.

“Won’t they scent us coming?” Someone asked.

“No.” Blaidd shook his head. “Air shafts above the Hold push air through. We’re down wind.”

Unlike the others who were likely distracted by all the new and dank smells of the cavern, Blaidd remembered them only too well. He could already scent the faint traces of his foes wafting down the passage.

“What about me,” Zaftan asked. The Pacherma’s hands were beefy, and not made for dexterity. Which meant he wasn’t that great with ordnances.

“Do what you do best, my friend,” Blaidd chuckled.

The male couldn’t aim and shoot with accuracy, but his sheer size and brute force meant anyone he barreled into wasn’t getting up again. His thick skin could also survive a blast that would down a Lupercalia.

“I’ll get eyes on Vivian and aid her,” Galen spoke up.

Blaidd nodded grimly. He was determined to rid his people of these traitors, but he cared more about reaching Vivian. The sound of her torment would haunt him till the end of days. Blaidd let it whip him into an unrivaled fury that burned hotter with every stride toward the doomed bastards.

 

Vivian

The unbelievable pain in her side and arm woke Vivian. As she drew in a sharp breath, her agonized gasp was stunted by the swath of fabric binding her chest. As tight as it was, it was a wonder she could breathe at all. Vivian lay face down on the same patch of hard rock she’d passed out on, the crevasse just within reach. She wasn’t sure how long she’d been out, as she quietly turned her eyes toward the traitors. Her heart suddenly dropped when she noticed the newcomers. The number of assholes had doubled, and were armed to the teeth.

“Nyk, my price has gone up,” Ubel snarled at Nyk.

I can’t believe that asshole ate with us, acting like he was Blaidd’s best friend.

“How dare you,” Nyk roared, pounding his clawed fist on the table.

The two groups squared off against each other, their hair bristling, low menacing growls vibrating the air. Ubel held up his hand to halt his men.

“You failed to mention we were going up against the Torvus Primitus,” Ubel countered. “And this,” he waived to the cavernous prison, “is a shooting gallery.”

“Blaidd has no right! He was imprisoned here for half his ill begotten rule,” Nyk growled indignantly. “And when I hired you, it was understood no obstacle was too big.”

“Your need to twist the knife by bringing him here is a foolish risk. My team could’ve just as easily infiltrated his tower.”

“And deprive me of watching him chase his tail. No. I suffered under his sire’s cowardice, and now the whelp has joined forces with the new Kral. I was this close to securing Lupercalia rule on Torvus, when those bastards got in the way,” Nyk bellowed.

Vivian silently watched the men argue, while the opposing groups eyed each other warily.

Maybe they’ll kill each other before Blaidd gets here. She could only hope.

Vivian glanced back at the crevice. This was her chance to reach cover, while everyone was distracted. The pain was staggering as Vivian lifted onto her elbows and knees, but she bit her lip, tamping it down. She’d been in pain before. She could do this. Vivian’s broken forearm violently protested, dragging at an odd angle, as she started to army crawl toward her refuge. She nearly passed out, but forced the gathering stars and darkness back.

You will do this! Just a little bit further.

Vivian didn’t dare look back. There was no point in wasting the effort to turn her head. Either she made it to the crack, or the hammer would drop. Vivian nearly cried out in triumph as she gripped the edge of the fissure. Vivian cradled her broken arm, and rolled into the long opening. The low hanging rock grazed her midriff, as she wedged into the space. She was unable to repress the agonized cry that burst past her lips.

“Koyat’g fate,” she heard an enraged snarl, followed by stomping feet.

Oh god!

Refusing to give up, Vivian continued to wiggle into the space. Fear of being dragged out, and relief the space extended deeper, propelled her faster, giving Vivian the strength to overcome the blinding pain. Hands snaked in, attempting to grab her, while voices growled and cursed her. Vivian struggled back, uncaring if the giant roaches also occupied the same space. She was shocked to feel the crevice widen, so she didn’t have to kiss the rocky ground. She tucked herself against the craggy wall, and warily watched the narrow band of light at the entrance, as the shadows of her pursuers paced and raged. Vivian sighed in relief, when it became apparent not even Amber was small enough to reach her.

Vivian’s side pounded, it hurt so bad. She gingerly felt her ribs, noting they were wet and sticky. She was bleeding through her bandage. It was a blessing the small cavern was dark; she really didn’t need to see how bad her injury was. Now that Vivian was in a safer place her adrenalin flagged, and Vivian lost the battle against the excruciating pain. As the tunnel vision claimed her, Vivian prayed for Blaidd. 

 

Blaidd

Vivian was nowhere to be seen, from where Blaidd crouched behind the rubble at the entrance and surveyed the Hold. He knew they hadn’t taken her elsewhere, the air was filled with the strong sweet metallic scent of her blood. Blaidd’s claws dug into his palms, as he clenched his fists. It took every ounce of control, to shove down the growl simmering in his chest. Blaidd staggered as his eyes came to rest on the crimson stain pooled on the rocky floor.

Fate, no! The spot was near the crack in the wall. They’d done this because she attempted to flee. I told her to hide. The realization shattered him. I caused this to my Prima.

Blaidd turned wild eyes toward his omegas. His jaw clenched, lips pulled back in a barely leashed snarl, as he flicked his chin upward. Coal understood and raised his fist signaling the horde. It was a good thing, because the curt gesture was the only warning Blaidd was capable of at the moment. He forgot every sane precaution, and burst from the passage, leaping over a downed boulder, his ordinance aimed with lethal accuracy. Before Blaidd landed, two of the traitors had fallen to his wrath. The gray bastard, Ubel, started firing back, with the viper Nyk by his side.

“You invited death,” Blaidd’s voiced boomed. “Well I have come, and you’re on my playground,” he roared, his inhumanly deep voice bouncing off the walls.

It was disturbing how quickly he fell into old ways. Unlike the last time Blaidd warred in the pit, his foes were armed. But so was he. And this pathetic rabble was nothing compared to what he fought day in and day out, just to win a meal. Blaidd leapt and flipped midair, avoiding ordnance fire. His boot strategically struck the power conduit along the wall, extinguishing the meager pale blue light, casting the cavern into darkness. Blaidd was more than fine in the dark, and his men had been in the tunnels, they would adapt quicker than the enemy.

Ordnance blasts lit up the cavern in flashing bursts, as both sides traded fire. Blaidd effortlessly leapt to the second level. Before the opposing male’s eyes could adjust, Blaidd twisted his neck with a sickening crunch, then tossed the male aside. Blaidd followed Ubel and Nyk, down below. They were angling for cover, while firing blindly.

Koyat’g fools.

Not only did the traitorous pair not realize they were too slow and firing at an already empty cavern entrance, they were also being stalked. The instant he had a clear shot, Blaidd sent a hailstorm of fire aimed at their legs.

Ubel went down with a roar. Nyk was hit but managed to dart beneath the overhanging balcony. Blaidd fired again, to assure himself the gray-haired mercenary stayed down, then launched himself off the balcony, reaching for the chain suspended from the ceiling. Midair, fire seared through his shoulder as a blast from above struck, but Blaidd was too far gone to acknowledge it. He gripped the chain, swung, and fired where Nyk fled. Too late the bastard realized the error of retreating into one of the cells. Nyk lifted his ordnance, but Blaidd shot it from his grip, rendering his hand useless.

Blaidd dodged the waning stray fire, as he dropped to the cavern floor, landing in a crouch. It took one glance to note the omegas had reduced the traitors to a few holdouts. Blaidd didn’t repress the menacing animalistic sounds that poured out as he approached Nyk lying on the cell floor. Every hair stood bristling as he stood over the male struggling to get up. Blaidd shot Nyk in the opposite leg, and the traitor’s struggle ceased with a pained roar. Blaidd didn’t want to analyze all the sick reasons it pleased him to watch the bastard writhe in the dirt.

“You are not fit to rule. Your own mother killed Vanum,” Nyk snarled.

“And you helped her. If my sire wasn’t Primitus her clan would’ve put him down, and you know it. But that is not why we stand here today,” Blaidd growled.

“You doom us to servitude, banding with the twin Kral’s, just like your cowardly father tried to do with Nox.”

“No. You sold us out to Nox, when you betrayed me and had me sent here. You have only yourself to blame for the last few seasons our people have suffered. And if you’re too foolish to see a new era has dawned, then it’s you who are not fit to lead. But again, that is politics, and this has surpassed such civility,” Blaidd’s growl deepened as he stepped on Nyk’s chest. “You are the coward who refused to openly challenge me. Instead you attacked my female, my mother, and my clan,” Blaidd roared as he cut off the male’s ability to breathe. “I should gut you and hang you by your own entrails.” Blaidd leveled his ordnance at the bastard’s head.

A hand on his back stopped Blaidd from acting on the spiraling rage. He whirled to find Coal.

“We might want to question him, son,” Coal advised. It was wise advice, as much as he hated it.

Blaidd’s breath huffed out, as he attempted to calm himself. The firing had ceased, and artificial light again illuminated the vast cavern. The battle was won.

“Watch him.” Blaidd didn’t trust himself to not end the traitor, and he needed to find Vivian.

He emerged to find Galen kneeling over her blood on the ground. Blaidd felt no remorse when he stepped over Amber’s body to reach the Torvus medicus.

“There’s smears of blood going through the dirt.” The old male pointed.

The tracks had been marred by several boots, but he could see they led to the fissure in the wall. Blaidd was at the crack in a heartbeat.

“Vivian,” Blaidd yelled into the crevice, his heart in his throat.

He could smell Vivian and the distressing scent of her blood, but she didn’t respond.

“Quiet,” Blaidd bellowed, silencing everyone.

He listened, and could just make out the sound of her ragged shallow breath. Someone handed Blaidd a light, and he shone it into the crack, revealing his precious treasure. She lay unconscious, just out of reach. He started to panic, seeing how much blood covered her still form. The swarmed her, gnawing on the stained bandage.

“I need something to hook onto her clothing.”

Blaidd hated to drag Vivian out, but he had no other options. She needed help- NOW.

Someone shattered a table, and handed him a length of wood. Blaidd extended the board into the crack, and attempted to nudge her legs, so he could reach in and snag her. He couldn’t budge her, the board slipping.

“Come on beautiful, wake up for me,” Blaidd begged. “Please, treasure.” He refused to give up, and kept trying.

Suddenly a pair of eyes shone in the dark recess of the crevice, and they weren’t Vivian’s. The set of eyes resting above a long narrow snout was joined by another pair, as the squat armored earth dwellers crawled into the fissure from an obscured passage at the back.

One Arma kept a wary eye on Blaidd, while the other studied Vivian. The creatures, with plates of armor lining their backs, picked the scavenging insects off Vivian, spearing the wriggling vermin before shoving them into woven bags. It was enough to send the other vile charognard fleeing. The two Arma twittered back and forth in a language that didn’t translate, as their stubby arms gestured wildly.

“Please. She needs help,” Blaidd implored the small creatures, hoping they would understand and didn’t shy away.

The Arma gripped Vivian by the arm and leg, and began to drag her toward the entrance. Vivian cried out, and recoiled, but didn’t rouse any further. The strident sound stabbed straight to his soul. Blaidd saw her mangled arm and repressed an angry snarl. He couldn’t chance the Arma misinterpreting his rage, and fleeing.

The smaller Arma twittered, sounding distressed, as it gestured to the other.

“Please,” he encouraged. Blaidd would spare Vivian any agony, but she would die in there.

The Arma gripped Vivian beneath the shoulders and began tugging, despite her heart rending whimpers. As the creatures backed out of the space, while crouched on their knees, Blaidd instantly cradled Vivian’s head, and took over.

“Thank you,” he choked. The gratitude he felt could never be repaid.

The Arma uninterested in his thanks fled back into the fissure.

Ever so carefully, but swiftly, Blaidd pulled Vivian the rest of the way out. She cried in pain as he cradled her in his arms. Vivian covered in blood, abused and in pain, was a sight he vowed would never happen again. And not only had he failed, he was the cause. Blaidd nuzzled her tangled dark hair, as terrible regret and guilt ripped through him.

“I need you to move your arm,” Galen spoke sternly, breaking through Blaidd’s rending pain.

Blaidd adjusted his guarded hold on Vivian. The overprotective side of him didn’t even object, relenting with a silent desperate whine. He watched and prayed as Galen stabilized Vivian.

“That will have to do, till we make it back to the clinic.” Galen grimly nodded.

“That will be faster for some of us than expected. Tekmu just hailed me. They’ve got the limen up and running in the Imperial House,” Zaftan reported, broad ears flapping as he looked in distress at Vivian.

It couldn’t have come at a better time. The Pacherma pulled the remote limen off his shirt. Blaidd traded it for his own.

“Once you get your receivers reprogrammed to tap into the imperial limen, you know where to take the traitor,” Blaidd rumbled to his males.

Zaftan grasped the remote limen with his snout, and nodded. Blaidd set the destination, gripped Galen’s shoulder and shifted straight to the tower clinic with Vivian.