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Loyal Dogs The Traitor By Evan Drake © 2019- 2020, Evan Drake, All Rights Reserved

Chapter 9: The Secret

Thern wasn't sure what was worse as they descended, the tension in the group, or knowing they were going to face a deadly afflicted beast they knew nothing about.

Millian was the only one who didn't seem worried. She led the way, tail erect and mumbling to herself. Gaius kept his distance--not that Thern could blame him. Even Sirius seemed hesitant to approach her.

A fine mist surrounded them. Phen explained it was because of the aether and that wasn't a good thing. Sirius, Millian, and Parris didn't have amulets, so they needed to stay close. Millian wouldn't listen and they had to keep a brisk pace or risk her getting too far ahead and affected by the aether.

The passages became rougher the further they descended. Thick webs lining the walls and ceiling didn't help matters any. Thern kept his tail close to his body to avoid getting caught on the sticky coverings.

The tunnel twisted and turned with seemingly no end in sight. Thern completely lost track of what time it was, how far they had walked, and how long they had been down there. He began to pant from the heat. Whenever they rested it only lasted a few minutes. Thern decided to count their rest stops as days until he knew otherwise.

After the second "day", the aether grew thicker. Now it looked like a watery veil in the air. At times, Thern could swear he saw his reflection or that of the others. It became harder to see and breathe.

"Um, I don't wanna worry everyone," Parris said. "But those amulets won't save us this far in. At best, it'll buy time."

"We keep going," Millian said with a loud growl.

"Gaius, how long does it take for something to become afflicted without protection?" Thern asked.

"It varies. With aether this thick, I'd say a few days."

Thern nodded. A few days sounded like plenty of time, but with no concept of time nor how far they had to travel, it brought little comfort.

There was little conversation among them after that. Whether from a lack of things to talk about or to conserve strength, Thern didn't know. He supposed it made little difference.

After the fifth "day" Bayli spoke. "So are we going to talk about what we learned? The spiders claim they weren't holding the town hostage, and given that they let us live, I believe them. Besides, that elevator had been there for a while."

"It's obvious isn't it?" Cecili said, her voice full of contempt. "Someone uses these caves as a dumping ground." She hacked at a thick piece of webbing blocking their path. "A killer is running loose in the town and the spiders are taking the blame for it. If anything, the spiders are making it harder for the killer. They're in his way."

"That means the killings will likely increase once the spiders leave," Phen said. "Gaius, we have to--"

"I'll send word to the Kingsglaive when we leave."

"But--"

"Phen we've wasted enough time. This is a local matter. We cannot interfere."

Phen looked crestfallen, but he said nothing.

They continued. The sound of their steps on the rocky ground was the only break to the silence. Save for the occasional turn, Thern couldn't see the end of the tunnel. It continued in a single line with no forks.

It bothered him a little that he didn't feel hungry or tired. Several days had passed by now.

"It's the aether," Parris whispered.

Thern turned to the coyote. "What?"

"The aether is affecting us. Anyone who casts magic will notice a serious boost in power. But it works both ways. Whatever we're gonna fight has the same advantage. Ready yourself."

"Yeah, I met a rat that could use magic. It...wasn't fun."

Parris chuckled. "It doesn't sound like fun."

"No, it wasn't. It would've killed me if I had been alone."

"Guess it's a good thing you're not alone now."

Thern nodded. He still had no idea what to make of the coyote. A yote with pale fur was behind the kidnappings. It seemed unlikely that this was the same one, but it was a coincidence he couldn't ignore.

But what would he do if this was the yote they were looking for? That question nagged at him until Parris broke the silence again. "So how'd you lot meet?"

"What do you care?" Millian spat.

"Just trying to fill the time. It's awfully quiet."

"Good. I like the quiet."

"Maybe you do, but I prefer a distraction from endless walking."

Millian turned on the yote. "No one asked you to come down here! If you don't like it, take your ass back!"

Parris shrank away and said nothing. Everyone continued as if the outburst never took place.

Silence led the conversation for the next three "days".

Finally, the tunnel opened up into a massive cavern. It was hard to see through the thick fog of aether, but massive stone columns extended upwards into the darkness. The ground was still roughly hewn but it showed signs of once being paved and smooth. giant glowing mushrooms provided some light so they could see in the distance. There were large structures, arranged in rows, rotting from decay like broken teeth.

"This city is old. Very old," Gaius said.

"Wait, canids lived down here?" Thern asked. "How did we survive with the aether so thick?"

Millian inhaled sharply and shouted. "SHOW YOUR FACE YOU HIDEOUS FUCKER!"

Sirius grabbed her arm and pulled her aside. "Have you lost your mind?! We don't know what's down here."

"Your point? I'm sick of all this waiting. If the aether's going to kill me, I'm going to take that thing down before I do."

"You could've at least given us a chance to set up a trap," Gaius said, nettled. "Now you--"

His words were cut short by the sound of heavy footsteps and something being dragged. With a wave of his paw, everyone turned off their lights. The glowing mushrooms didn't illuminate the entire cavern, but Thern could make out the immediate area around him at least.

They each broke off into pairs and got off the "road" and took shelter in one of the stone structures. Thern hid with Phen.

The steps became louder and heavier. Thern drew his weapon and held his breath. The pup seemed oddly calm holding his short sword and staring into the semi-darkness.

It didn't take long before a massive beast came into view. It stood as tall as the stone structures, if not larger, and was covered in brown and yellow scales. It walked on four legs, thick as trees. Each leg ended in a large paw tipped with long claws that dug furrows in the ground with every step. It swept its wide snake-like head back and forth as it flicked its forked tongue.

Thern's strength left him at the sight of the creature. How in the name of all things divine are we supposed to face that thing?

Suddenly, the beast whirled around and faced one of the structures where the others were hiding.

"It's going to attack the others!" Phen said before springing from his hiding place. Thern swore and followed.

The beast noticed them almost immediately. Phen pointed his paw at the creature and a bolt of energy struck it on the muzzle. The creature didn't even flinch. Thern could swear he saw a smile on its face.

A bright light appeared overhead illuminating the creature and everything around it. The beast hissed in pain. Thern felt sick just looking at it. Its body was jagged and lumpy like a bloated sack. Its brown scales glistened like mucus and what he thought were yellow scales now resembled puss oozing between the gaps of its natural armor.

The beast suddenly roared in pain and turned. Firion and Sirius had approached the creature from the other side and were hacking at one of its forelegs. Thern quickly took advantage of its distraction to attack its other side. Millian and Bayli attacked from behind. Gaius, Cecili, Parris, and Phen circled the creature, harassing it with magic. The creature couldn't decide who to go after. Whenever its attention was diverted, the others made sure to capitalize on the opening.

The beast threw back its head and roared. The sound reverberated off the walls and ceiling. It made Thern's bones ache. He stopped his attack to cover his ears.

While everyone was stunned, the beast snatched up Sirius in its massive jaws. His legs were the only part visible, flailing about. The beast shook its head savagely then opened its maw, sending the dog sailing over a nearby building.

Millian's scream of pain and outrage was almost as loud as the beast's roar from before. She charged forward and sank her blade up to the hilt in the monster's leg. The beast cried out and stumbled away.

Thern felt a familiar tingling feeling creep over his body. "Everyone! It's about to use magic!"

"Everyone on me!" Gaius shouted.

They all huddled together, magic users in the front. The mages held out their paws and a blue wall of light appeared between them and the creature. The beast opened it's massive jaws and fired a beam of energy.

Thern had no idea what happened next. The moment the spells collided, dazzling lights filled his vision, a deafening boom drowned out all other sounds, and a strong force knocked him violently into the air.

He landed on something, a rock, a mushroom, one of the others, he didn't know. Pain wracked his entire body. A loud ringing filled his head and he struggled to breathe. His vision was blurred and he could just make out the large blob that was likely the beast rampaging.

No matter how much Thern willed his body to move, it wouldn't respond. The large shadow drew closer.

Suddenly, it stopped and began thrashing about. Thern felt something touch him and a muffled voice spoke in his ear. A feeling of warmth washed over him and the pain lessened. His vision cleared and he saw Bayli kneeling next to him. Her fur was filled with dirt and she bled from a cut just above her left brow.

"You're going to be okay," Bayli said. "I thought that thing had us for a moment."

Thern didn't respond. He was transfixed by Phen on top of the creature's head. "What is that crazy pup doing?!"

Bayli spun around and her ears fell. "Phen, no!"

Phen slammed his paws onto the beast's head. Chains of light erupted from the pup's paws and wrapped around the beast. It thrashed against its magical bindings as its eyes filled with light and fear.

A shrill ring, like nails on glass, filled the chamber. The light emanating from the beast grew brighter surpassing even the bright orb illuminating the area. The beast increased its struggle, rattling the walls and ceiling. Phen continued to hang on, stuck on as if a growth from the creature's hide.

"RETURN TO THE VOID AND STAY THERE!" Phen roared.

Dazzling light filled Thern's vision. He cried out and shielded his eyes. The ringing intensified, hurting his ears.

It all ended at once. Thern slowly opened his eyes. The light Bayli had created still lit up the chamber. The beast lay on its side, smoke flowing from its empty eye sockets and the corners of its maw. Phen lay convulsing on the ground near the creature's head.

Thern rushed to the pup's side. Bayli, despite her smaller size, easily overtook him and reached Phen first. She pulled him close and pulled a flask from her pocket then ripped off the cap with her teeth. "Phen, hold still. Here drink this."

Phen continued to shake, his mouth opening and closing as he pulled at Bayli's shirt. He stared blankly up at the ceiling.

Bayli held the flask to Phen's mouth. Most of the dark liquid poured down his neck and face, but he lapped at it eagerly as if dying of thirst. The convulsing stopped, but his chest heaved rapidly.

Bayli removed the pup's leather tunic and started to lift his shirt. Phen grabbed her arms.

"But...But the others..."

"Not important." She pulled free and resumed her task.

Thern inhaled sharply as he stepped backward. Black lines, originating from Phen's heart, formed a web around the pup's torso which was covered in white fur. Bayli pressed her paws over Phen's chest and a soft light enveloped him.

"You twisted motherfucker!" Millian shouted.

Thern spun around just in time to see the hound's fist connect with Gaius's muzzle. The resounding blow echoed through the now silent cavern. Cecili growled and started towards the pair but halted when Gaius held out a paw signaling her to stop.

"You don't understand, Millian," Gaius said.

"I understand plenty!" She punched him in the face again. Gaius fell to his knees. "Did you really let that pup become a damn cleanser?!"

Cecili stepped forward again, pointing her sword at Millian. "That's enough."

Millian continued to glare at Gaius, taking no notice of the larger hound or blade inches from her throat. "You better curb your bitch."

"Cecili, this is between me and Millian."

"If you think I'm going to stand by while she beats you half to death--"

"I can handle this."

Thern realized he was holding his breath this whole time and let it out slowly. Bayli was ignoring the whole affair, her attention fixed on Phen. The pup's breathing had regulated, but the black marks had not changed. Firion stood stiffly behind Gaius as if preparing to step in the way if need be. Parris stood away from everyone, watching the events unfold with wide eyes.

"There is an explanation for this," Gaius said.

"Save it," Millian spat. Her voice and gaze became even colder. "I don't wanna hear your excuses. You know what will happen to that boy."

"What is going to happen to him?" Thern asked. "What's going on?"

"You didn't tell him?" Millian asked. "Isn't he one of you?"

"You all aren't together?" Parris asked. He fell silent at the glare Millian sent his way.

Gaius slowly stood and rubbed his muzzle. "Millian, there is an explanation, but not here. We need to get Phen to the surface first."

Millian snarled then turned away.

Bayli helped Phen stand. "I'll explain everything when we get to the surface, okay?" she said to Thern.

They stepped around the beast's hulking corpse. And headed back the way they came. The moment they reached the tunnel entrance, Gaius held up a paw, signaling everyone to stop.

Thern listened closely. He heard something that sounded like a lot of steps moving at once.

"The spiders seem to know we filled our end of the bargain," Cecili said. "They must have followed us."

"We have to go. Now," Gaius said. He spun and headed in the opposite direction.

"Can't we just blast our way through them?" Parris asked.

Thern looked up. The light didn't reach the ceiling, but the sounds coming from above told him plenty. "I don't think that's an option." He scooped up Phen in his arms.

They ran deeper into the city. The chittering of spiders grew louder. Thern kept his gaze fixed on Gaius directly in front of him.

"Those eight-legged bastards turned on us!" Millian cried. "I knew we couldn't trust them!"

"Letting us live was never a part of the agreement!" Cecili said.

"You think they'd be grateful!"

Thern just hoped Gaius had an idea of where to lead them. It seemed the fox was running blindly and going wherever the spiders weren't and praying for the best. Now and then he would raise his paw over his head and a dazzling orb of light would appear. Whenever he did that, hisses of pain would surround them.

They reached the far side of the city.

Firion pointed at a large tunnel had been carved into the cavern wall and shouted, "Look, there's the way out!"

"How do we know that leads outside?" Bayli asked.

No one offered an answer and rushed into the tunnel.

"Now to make sure we aren't followed," Parris said.

Thern spun around. "Wait, don't!"

A blast of magical energy caused the ceiling to collapse and plug the entrance, but the destruction didn't stop there.

Without a word, everyone began running again. Between the thick aether and the rocks falling around them, Thern could barely see. The collapsing tunnels drowned out all noises. It was like being inside the throat of a great beast as it roared in pain and rage. Each deafening boom of boulders following around him made him think that the end had come. Even still, he refused to slow down.

It surprised him to urge more speed out of his legs, but he was grateful all the same. Somehow he surpassed everyone and led the way. The tunnel didn't bend or fork so it was easy enough to follow.

Eventually, a light appeared at the end of the tunnel. He pressed Phen close to his chest and kept his gaze fixed on the exit. He somehow kept ahead of the falling rocks, never once slipping or tripping on the increasingly unstable ground.

Just before reaching the end of the tunnel, one final boulder fell into his path. He leaped over it easily, shielding Phen's body with his own. The two burst out of the tunnel into the light and rolled across the rocky ground.

The moment they stopped moving, Thern drew his sword and faced the cave entrance. No spiders had followed them out. The others were nowhere to be seen. The cave entrance had been completely blocked. Thern looked around again, hoping to see them standing nearby even though he knew otherwise.

"We can't stay here," Phen said his voice breaking. "The spiders might still be following us."

Thern wanted to argue, but he knew the pup was right. "Can you stand?"

"I'm fine." He pushed away from Thern and stood. He was wobbling, but it proved his point. Fresh tears left streaks in the pup's dirty fur. "Now let's go."

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