Page 95 of Oaths & Vengeance
It began to swerve toward Jax, who was finding the best spot to jump on once the creature passed him. I recalled that the worm had excellent senses and could detect movement. Calling out loudly, I ordered my friend to hold still and began stomping the ground.
The disturbed earth immediately shifted my way. I took measured steps backward as it approached—only fifty feet from me now. Everyone else settled into their positions, unmoving as I drew our target my way. In the worst-case scenario, I could teleport, but I hoped it didn’t come to that. Even short hops took nearly a quarter of my power each time. I’d already used some of my magic crushing stinger bugs that attacked us an hour ago and hadn’t fully recharged from that. This battle would require a judicious use of my abilities.
At twenty feet away, its head blasted out of the earth, hanging suspended for a moment before crashing to the ground as it continued its forward momentum. Sand sprayed everywhere and covered us in a thin layer that stuck to our skin and clothes, which were already coated in sweat from the desert heat. I wiped my eyes to clear my vision.
Wisely, everyone kept their curses to themselves as I continued to back up and draw the worm’s attention. The creature was beige with dark brown stripes. Its body was at least ten feet wide, and so far, at least fifty feet long, but the backend hadn’t emerged from the ground yet. I wouldn’t have been surprised if it were twice that length.
All over, the massive worm had malleable spikes that shifted to help it move across the terrain. My feet stilled when it opened large, black eyes and stared directly at me. Its gaze was cold and hungry.
A moment later, their sharpness dimmed as my sister held out her hands and pushed her powers to make the worm drowsy. I estimated at best that it would only make the creature sluggish, but that was far better than fast and alert. Even its forward momentum slowed.
It let out an ear-splitting shriek as Jax grabbed its spikes to climb on top of it, and Loden began hitting it with his light powers, with little effect against the tough exterior. I’d suspected any heat-based magic wouldn’t work well based on desert survivor tales, but it had been worth a try.
The worm’s breath was rotten, and I nearly gagged as the fetid odor reached me.
I spotted multiple rows of needle-sharp teeth at the top and bottom of its mouth. Not wasting a moment, I targeted those with my powers. They were small and easy to yank out despite the worm’s resistance to magic. I plucked the teeth one row at a time as the creature began to thrash and made more pain-filled sounds. Blood dripped from the rapidly multiplying holes in its mouth.
The desert cats joined the fight, ripping and tearing into our target’s sides more effectively than magic or swords. The sandworm twisted and tried to chomp down on the closest felines. One of them didn’t dodge fast enough. I’d just finished removing the last of the creature’s teeth when the cat disappeared inside the massive mouth.
I cursed under my breath, but a moment later, the worm opened its maw and spat the animal out. The cat snarled and growled as it rose to its feet before rejoining its brethren with fresh ferocity. New gashes and spurting blood in the worm’s throat explained why it didn’t keep its prey. Without teeth, it hadn’t stood a chance against the fierce animal.
I used my powers to crush my target’s eyes next until they were nothing more than empty orbs, and then I focused on the hint of brain matter beyond that. Before now, the worm’s skull and other organs blocked my powers from reaching that vital location. I had a direct line of sight to it now and sensed the difference in my ability to latch onto it.
Also, the creature was weakening. Jax, Loden, and the cats had worn it down with numerous injuries. On the other hand, Faina heaved for breath and shook her head at me. The toll it took on her to keep the sandworm sluggish had become too much. Even heavily damaged, the creature would put up a stronger fight the moment she dropped her magic.
I locked onto its brain and focused with all my might, outstretched hands shaking, until I felt the organ crush under the weight of my power. It took nearly every drop I had left to do it, but the worm slumped as life left its body.
“Damn, that was a wild ride,” Jax said, leaping from the limp worm.
Loden shook his head. “I’ve never seen anything resist my light power like that. I barely did any damage, no matter how much I tried.”
The elf half of him was low fae, which was likely why he only had one prominent gift, but we had no idea of the strength of his druid father. I suspected he was on the powerful side since my friend had a better command of his power than he should have. Still, he was nowhere near Aella’s magical ability. Her lineage on both sides gave her an incredible advantage.
We watched for a moment as the desert cats continued to tear into the sandworm with their extended fangs, consuming the creature’s meat. They were due for a fresh meal anyway, and it would save us the trouble of hunting for their food. The rest of us pulled open our packs and took the opportunity to drink water and eat some dried meat.
After half an hour, we resumed our journey. The sun waned on the horizon, leaving us little light to complete the last few miles. It was full dark by the time I spotted the cave opening with only the glow of a half-moon to guide us. As I’d expected, the entrance was hidden with glamour, so it appeared as nothing more than rock and dry bushes. As soon as I pulled out the clarity stone, I was able to spot the path leading up to it.
“Follow me,” I ordered the others as I guided my cat toward the trail.
It wasn’t an easy route, but the agile cats managed it in less than ten minutes. A squat troll with deep, brown skin, heavy wrinkles lining his face, and frizzy gray hair sticking out in all directions stepped outside. He didn’t appear the least bit surprised to see us. I supposed with his abilities, that was to be expected.
“Well, it’s about time,” he said in a grouchy, shrill voice. “Leave the cats outside and come in for tea.”
We did as requested and found a delicate set of white porcelain cups with pink floral print waiting at a center table not far from the cave entrance. The place was surprisingly cozy with rugs covering the floor, comfortable furniture scattered in no discernible pattern, and the stone walls were nearly hidden by shelves upon shelves of dusty old books. A narrow opening at the back likely led to other parts of the cavernous home.
“Sit, drink,” the troll ordered.
We reluctantly did as he requested. I took a sip and grimaced at the bitter, foul taste, but our host looked so pleased that I resisted the urge to spit it out.
The others had a similar reaction, though Jax turned his head to gag after swallowing.
I cleared my throat. “We came to inquire about the Naforya Fountain’s location,” I said, hoping to get through the meeting quickly. There was no telling what the troll might try to give us next if we lingered for long.
“Ah, that. It’s on a planet far, far away—across the Milk Stone Galaxy. It won’t be easy to reach,” he paused dramatically. “But I know you’ve found the right person to help with the portal, so there is hope you can manage it.”
“Yes, but a name for this planet would be helpful,” I said, knowing we needed a designation before we could research how to reach it by portal. Hence, the perilous trip here.
He made a clucking sound and shook his head. “All in good time. There is much to discuss before you leave, and I must make sure you know all of it.” He frowned and stared at his bare feet. “Where did my shoes go?”
