Page 42 of Queen's Griffon

Not one to lie, Avera lifted her chin and stated, “To negotiate passage.”

“You do realize that anyone who agrees will most likely do so under false pretenses and sell you to whoever offers the largest pot.”

“Unless I offer more,” she countered.

“You have nothing,” was his blunt reply.

“Yet. I only need one captain to be tempted by the possibility of some Verlorian gadgets.”

Griff sighed. “You just don’t give up.”

“I can’t.”

“I know, which is why, despite my better judgement, I’m going to take you.”

She blinked. She must have misunderstood. “Take me where?”

“To Verlora,” he grumbled. “Despite thinking—make that knowing—it’s a bad idea, it’s obvious you won’t cease your nattering until I do.”

Her lips stretched into a wide smile. “You’ll take me?” She flung her arms around him.

His hands settled on her hips and a tingling anticipation filled her. “Yes, I’ll take you. However, only you and I will go ashore. I won’t risk the rest of my crew.”

His announcement surprised her. She leaned back to clarify. “You’re coming with me. Why?”

“Because it’s time I saw for myself what happened to my home. Because you shouldn’t go alone. Because my gut says it’s something I have to do.”

“Opal claimed my best chance to succeed was with the Griffon by my side.”

He rolled his eyes. “Well in that case, how can we fail?”

She laughed. “This is marvelous. When do we leave?”

“Soon. Kreed is readying the ship as we speak. Hopefully we’ll have enough crew to sail.”

“You think some will stay behind when they hear our destination?”

“It’s very possible. This journey could well be their last if we misjudge the danger.”

A sobering reminder that it wasn’t just her life she risked. She might have replied only a bell began to clang.

“What’s that?” she asked with a frown.

“Warning bell. Something’s wrong.” He dashed out of the bailey with Avera on his heels. Twilight had fallen and lights were beginning to twinkle in the city below.

Griffon kept moving, jogging down the path and Avera huffed to keep up, her shorter legs no match for his. He pulled ahead, racing to reach the town from which emanated screams mixed with the clanging of the alarm.

Was Saarpira under attack? She’d seen no new ships at dock. A fire seemed unlikely because she smelled no smoke.

Avera got her answer as she reached the top end of the main street. It took her a moment to grasp what she saw, though.

Crabs. Big ones. Their carapaces were a deep green, the hue lightening at their pinchers, massive vises that clacked and grabbed everything in their path. Snapping poles holding lanterns to light the street at night. Smashing against windows. Grabbing a person running past and?—

Avera turned her head and closed her eyes a little too late to avoid witnessing the gruesome death. However, she couldn’t ignore the blood or the dead body or the fact the crab went looking for its next victim.

Despite his choice in careers, the heroic Griffon ran straight for danger, sword out, his shout rallying the townsfolk. “Those who can’t fight, barricade yourselves indoors. Those who can wield a weapon, to me!”

Doors slammed and shutters were tugged shut as people reacted to the unexpected threat.

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