Page 66 of Chained

“Hoard?” Retah looks as confused as I feel. “This place is supposed to be abandoned.”

“That’s what theywantyou to think. But the Lepke jewelers still use this place to store their goods,” Xavir says. “We decided the best way to keep would be interested parties out would be to pretend it was abandoned and use scare tactics to deal with those more curious.”

“Xavir runs one of the foremost security firms in Tatatunga,” Retah says to us.

“You do know the Bogarok have invaded, don’t you?” I say, confused. “They’ve been on the planet for the last three nova-days.”

Maxym scents the air.

“The smell, it’s designed to repel, isn’t it?” he growls.

Xavir grins. “Well spotted, Gryn,” he says. “It is designed to repel predators like you. No one should really get this far.” He turns to me, brow furrowed. “What was that about Bogarok?”

“How long have you been down here, friend?” Retah asks.

“One of my staff was injured on a job, so I had to take over. My shift started three nova-days ago…I think.”

“You think?”

“Time is strange down here,” Xavir says with shrug. “But the Bogarok have invaded?”

“Yes, the Bogarok have invaded. We’re trying to get to the dome, to return this gladiator who got separated from the others,” Retah says smoothly. “Can we still get through?”

“Of course. The way is clear.”

“You don’t have to stay down here. You know that, don’t you?” Cleo says.

“On the contrary. If there’s an invasion, I’m not going to get my relief, am I?” Xavir says with a smile. “Looks like I’m stuck.”

“We can get a message to your team, if they’ve avoided the Bogarok. They can come get you.”

Xavir snorts a laugh. “And risk the Bogarok eating the hoard? Not a chance.”

“Eating it?” I query.

“Bogarok eat precious stones and metals. It’s how they support their exoskeletons,” Retah says quietly. “You’d better get back to it,” he says with a smile which somehow doesn’t quite make it over the rest of his face.

Next to me, I feel Maxym tensing.

“We’ll be on our way,” Retah adds.

“Good luck,” Xavir says as we walk on ahead.

“Shouldn’t we help him or something?” I ask as we get farther away from the strange Oykig.

“I’ve never trusted Xavir,” Retah says under his breath. “And there’s no way any security firm boss would remain unconnected from their business for three nova-hours, let alone three nova-days. We’re going to have to speed this up.”

“You believe he’s in league with the Bogarok?” Maxym rumbles.

“I believe my acquaintance with him is the only reason we’re not completely dead, yet,” Retah says darkly. “He’s got to get a message to them first.”

Both Maxym and Retah turn to look at the Oykig who has vanished like smoke.

“Yes, speed it up,” Maxym says, increasing his pace. “I’d rather maintain the element of surprise, if we can.”

I jog to keep up with the pair of them, their much longer legs eating up the distance as the passage narrows and there are a number of branches leading off it.

“That one leads to the dome, but it’s blocked. Potentially Xavir might think we’re going to use it, so I think we should take…” He turns ninety degrees. “This one.”

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