Page 69 of Forged in Cursed Flames (Crown and Crest 2)

An aquatic weed wrapped itself around my neck while I searched for the surface. Its floppy leaves cling to my wet skin. I yank the slimy thing off, tossing it away.

What capsized the boat?

Suddenly, blue light illuminates the water…glowing brightly enough I’m able to spot the massive shadow swimming under me. It moves back and forth as if agitated.

The reptilian creature is larger than a man and very wide.

Ralnauth.

“Can you see him?” Clover asks frantically from beyond the boat, sounding like she’s near tears—but alive.

“I can only see the ralnauth,” Lawrence growls.

I struggle to remain calm, trying not to draw attention to myself. I’ve fought creatures equally as intimidating on land, but I’m not confident in the water. My boots weigh me down, as do my clothes. I’m not a strong swimmer either.

But it won’t do any good to panic.

Since I don’t relish the idea of meeting my end in a reeking bog, digesting in the belly of an overgrown reptile, I need to get to the other boat.

“I’m fine,” I call to the group, my voice hoarse. “I’m under the boat.”

“You’re not going to be fine in a minute!” Clover exclaims, though she sounds relieved. “The ralnauth is still down there, and the elves are almost here.”

As she says it, another ball of fire falls into the water, sizzling as the magic fizzles out.

The creature swims deeper and then suddenly turns upward, building speed until it rams into the invisible wall of Pranmore’s ward. Its golden eyes lock on mine, and its short tail slashes through the water. He moves as if he’s irate he’s being blocked from an easy meal.

“It’s too strong,” Pranmore gasps. “My ward won’t hold much longer if he keeps running into it like that.”

“Even if it breaks through, try to keep holding the magic,” Lawrence commands. “At the very least, it provides light so we can see.”

“Ayan, do something!” Bartholomew exclaims. “Can’t you scare it away with your magic?”

I don’t wait to hear Ayan’s answer. Drawing in a deep breath before the monster can break through the ward, I grasp hold of the side of the boat and dunk into the water, coming out on the other side.

“Give me a hand,” I say when I break the surface. Filthy marsh water streams down my face, but it’s the least of my worries.

Thankfully, it’s not so dark in the open, and my eyes quickly adjust to the dim light. My companions are blue in the glow of Woodmore magic, and their faces are shadowed with terror.

Pranmore suddenly groans as if in incredible pain, and his light flickers.

“Below you!” Clover yells.

I look down just in time to see the ralnauth break through the ward. It swims toward me, propelling itself forward with webbed feet that are tipped with thick talons. Opening its jaws, it displays a mouth full of sharp teeth. I fumble with my sword, but there’s no time to pull it from its sheath.

Just before it reaches me, I’m suddenly hoisted into the air. I grasp hold of the boat as the others pull me up, hoping I won’t cause it to tip. Before I’m over the side, the monster bites through the leather of my boot. Pain sears through my leg, and I nearly lose my grip.

“Henrik!” Clover screams, her face near my ear as she and the others grasp hold of me. The boat begins to shift, the weight off balance.

Before the whole thing can capsize and send my companions into the water with me, Lawrence leans over the side. His sword glints in the glow of Pranmore’s waning ward as he raises it up. Wasting no time, he thrusts the blade into the water, piercing the ralnauth just below its impenetrable skull.

The monster suddenly releases me, and the boat rocks, dragging me against the side as the others cling to me.

The ralnauth rears back, shaking its great head, and a swirl of black blood clouds the water. Moments later, I’m in the boat, gasping with sick relief even though the pain is almost unbearable.

“Go, Pranmore!” Clover commands.

Just before I pass out, I wonder who decided it was a good idea for Pranmore to operate the propulsion apparatus.

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