Page 20 of Poseidon's Trident
“Friends not safe.” His eye widens as something occurs to him. “No heat.”
Claud scrambles from under the bench and grabs me in a meaty fist around the waist before plucking Raven from the ground as well and standing at his full height.
“I hope you know what you’re doing,” Thad says as he stares up at us in the huge cyclops’ grip.
“Claud, put us down.” I pat his hand. “We need to know what’s happening with the volcano.”
“No, fire hurt friends.” Claud shakes his huge head.
“Yes, the fire will hurt us but do you see him? He’s an earth shaker and can help us. We need to make sure our home is safe, right?” I pat his shoulder.
I’m probably talking too fast for him, but when he tilts his head to the side in thought, I think I’ve convinced him to put us down but I’m horribly wrong. Claud takes a threatening step toward Thad before I can stop him.
“Earth shaker. I not do it,” Claud roars.
“No.” Thad raises his hands in surrender. “You didn’t and neither did I. We need to figure out what’s happening with the volcano. I can help. Will you let me help?”
“Friend?” Claud turns to Jayden instead of me and Raven.
“Yes, Claud. I guess the earth shaker is a friend. He’s here to help.” I’m not the only one who can hear the reluctance in his voice.
He doesn’t want to admit it, but Thad is the best way for us to figure this all out. I glance at Jayden with a smile, still grasped in Claud’s fist. I pat his hand. Claud is a good friend. He’s so innocent and sweet, I just want to wrap him up in Bubble Wrap so he’s never hurt by anything.
“Friend?” His eye narrows with suspicion.
“Yes, Claud. He knows you didn’t hurt the forge or the academy. He can make sure no one even thinks of sending you back. We won’t let that happen. I promise.” I pat his finger.
“Thad, help,” Kira yells from the mouth of the volcano.
“Are you actually able to go in there?” I shout as Thad takes a step toward the door.
“No, I’m not lava proof.” Thad grimaces. “But there are other ways I can help.”
Thad picks his way to the metal door and places his hand on the wall. He frowns before crouching on the ground outside the door.
“Are you going to play in the dirt again?” Raven asks with a grin.
“Shut it, Raven. The volcano is unstable. We need Thad’s help,” Kira barks.
I turn wide eyes on Raven. I’ve never heard Kira talk to anyone so forcefully. She is definitely finding her confidence. Raven scowls but I secretly love that we’ve had a good influence on our friend. Raven’s eyes meet mine and I can tell she’s not hating this new Kira either. Good for her.
Thad places his hands on the ground and closes his eyes in concentration. A rumble shakes the ground and Claud squeals and shuffles his feet.
“Shhh, Claud. It’s okay, the earth shaker is working his magic. We can’t let this volcano erupt inside the wards. Everyone in the academy is in danger,” I say.
“Friends in danger.” His head swings in every direction before he takes a single step and the ground shakes again.
“No, Claud. Don’t move. We need to let him work.” I brush his hand with mine.
“Sorry.” He hangs his head and a tear leaks from his eye.
“You’re okay, I know it’s not your fault. Bad people stole the gods’ items of power and we have to find them. The earth shaker, Poseidon is next. I’m sure of it.” I frown.
“How’s it coming, Thad?” Kira asks as he stands.
“I think I have it stabilized for now.” Sweat pours from his brow.
Did that take every bit of magic he has? Thad stumbles and the asshole Max catches him before he can fall on the ground.
