Free (2)

As we caught our breath, I took stock of our situation. We were a ragtag group of survivors huddled in a damp, dark cavern, surrounded by Kraglins.

Our only advantage was that they didn't yet know exactly where we were. We had to use that to our benefit.

Jacob was the first to break the silence, his voice low and urgent. "We can't stay here. They'll find us soon. We need to keep moving."

I nodded, agreeing with him. "We have to find a way out of this labyrinth. There must be another exit somewhere."

Sasha looked at the prisoners, who were still in shock. "We need to keep them together and quiet. Any noise will give us away."

I stood up, trying to gather my thoughts. The faint blue light from the stalactites above cast eerie shadows, making it difficult to gauge the full extent of the cavern.

We needed to find a path that would lead us out of here and fast.

"We'll split into two groups," I said, my voice steady.

"Jacob, you take the lead with Sasha and half the group. I'll bring up the rear with the rest.

If we encounter any Kraglins, we'll need to defend ourselves, but our priority is to get everyone to safety."

Smaller groups were bound to be more cohesive, and this way out chances of being ambushed reduced.

Jacob nodded, his face set with determination. "Got it. Let's move."

We divided the group, making sure each one had a mix of the stronger prisoners and those who needed more help.

With Jacob and Sasha leading the way, we began our journey through the cavern, sticking close to the walls and moving as quietly as possible.

The air was cold and damp, and the ground uneven. The only sounds were our footsteps and the occasional drip of water echoing through the cavern.

The tension was palpable; every shadow seemed like a potential threat, every sound a possible sign of danger.

As we moved deeper into the cavern, the path began to slope upward.

It was a promising sign, indicating we might be heading toward an exit.

But we couldn't let our guard down. The Kraglins were cunning, and we knew they wouldn't give up their search easily.

Suddenly, a distant sound reached my ears—faint, but unmistakable. It was the guttural chatter of Kraglin voices. They were searching for us.

"Everyone, stop," I whispered urgently. The group halted, their eyes wide with fear. "Hide. Now."

We found what cover we could behind rocks and outcroppings, trying to blend into the shadows. I positioned myself at the edge of the group, ready to strike if any Kraglins got too close.

The voices grew louder, and soon I could see the flicker of torches approaching. My heart pounded in my chest as I watched the Kraglins' silhouettes move through the cavern. They were methodical, checking every nook and cranny.

As they passed by, I held my breath, praying they wouldn't notice us. One of the Kraglins stopped, sniffing the air. My grip tightened on my dagger, prepared to defend the group if necessary.

But after a tense moment, the Kraglin moved on, following its companions deeper into the cavern. I waited until the sounds of their footsteps faded before signaling for the group to move again.

"That was close," Sasha whispered, her face pale.

"Too close," I agreed. "But we have to keep going. The exit must be near."

We continued our journey, the air growing colder and the path steeper. Every step brought us closer to freedom, but also deeper into the unknown.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we saw a faint light ahead. It was different from the blue glow of the stalactites—warmer, more natural. It was the light of dawn.

"We're almost there," I said, my voice filled with a mix of relief and determination. "Keep moving."

As we neared the light at the end of the tunnel, the sounds of our footsteps echoed ominously off the stone walls. The taste of freedom was so close, but a nagging sense of foreboding gnawed at me.

Emerging into the sunlight, our group squinted against the brightness, momentarily blinded by the sudden change.

But there was no time to adjust.

A group of Kraglins stood waiting at the entrance, weapons drawn and snarls on their faces. Instinctively, we fanned out, forming a defensive line.

The trained fighters, atleast.

The Kraglins charged, and chaos erupted.

The fight was fierce but brief. Our numbers overwhelmed the Kraglins,

who fell one by one under the onslaught of our desperate and determined blows.

For a moment, it seemed like we might actually have a chance. We hadn't suffered any losses yet.

Then, a chilling roar echoed from the tunnel behind us.

The Kraglin Elder, similar in build to the warden but exuding an even more menacing aura, emerged.

It moved with terrifying speed, cutting down several people before anyone could react. Panic spread through our ranks as the Elder's claws tore through flesh and bone.

"Jacob, Sasha!" I shouted over the din. "Take the others and get them to safety. I'll handle this."

Jacob's eyes widened in protest. "Rybane, you can't—"

"I have to," I cut him off, my voice firm. "They'll only get in the way. I need you two to keep them safe and bring them home to Basil."

Sasha's face was pale, but she nodded resolutely. "Stay alive," she said, her voice trembling.

"I'll do my best," I replied, trying to muster a reassuring smile.

I was afraid. I was afraid to face the people after what I had done.

With a final, determined look, Jacob and Sasha herded the remaining survivors and started to move away from the battle.

The Kraglin Elder's eyes followed them for a moment before settling back on me, a cruel smile spreading across its face.

"Just you and me now," I muttered, drawing my weapon.

The Kraglin Elder lunged at me with terrifying speed, its claws aiming straight for my throat.

I barely managed to sidestep, feeling the rush of air as its attack missed me by inches.

Countering quickly, I slashed at its side, but its tough hide deflected most of the blow.

It snarled, unfazed, and launched another vicious attack.

We circled each other, exchanging blows. It was fast, faster than I had anticipated, and strong.

Each strike it landed sent jolts of pain through my body. I had to stay focused, had to find a way to exploit a weakness.

The Elder's claws raked across my arm, tearing through flesh and muscle.

I hissed in pain but didn't let up, striking back with renewed ferocity. I aimed for its joints and softer parts, landing a few solid hits.

The Elder growled in frustration but didn't slow down.

Its skin wasn't nearly as thick as the warden, but it was faster.

Much, much faster.

It launched itself at me again, and this time I wasn't fast enough. Its claws sliced across my chest, leaving deep, bleeding gashes.

I staggered back, struggling to stay on my feet. The Elder pressed its advantage, its claws a blur as it attacked relentlessly.

I blocked and dodged as best as I could, but I was growing weaker with each passing second. My vision blurred from blood loss, and my movements became sluggish.

The Elder's claws raked across my thigh, nearly bringing me to my knees.

AAAARGH!

A scream from the direction of the group spurred me into action. I couldn't afford any more losses.

Summoning every ounce of strength and skill I had, I launched a desperate flurry of attacks, aiming for its eyes and throat.

The Elder deflected most of my strikes but couldn't avoid them all.

One of my attacks found its mark, slicing across its eye. The Elder howled in pain, momentarily blinded.

I seized the opportunity, driving my blade deep into its side. It roared and lashed out wildly, its claws catching me across the shoulder and sending me crashing to the ground.

Gasping for breath, I forced myself to stand. The Elder was wounded but still dangerous. Blood dripped from my wounds, pooling at my feet.

I couldn't let it end like this.

Not when I was so close.

The Elder lunged at me one last

time, its claws aimed straight for my heart.

I twisted at the last second, feeling the claws graze my side, drawing blood.

With a final, desperate effort, I drove my blade into its throat, twisting it with all my remaining strength.

The Elder gurgled and choked, its eyes wide with shock and rage. It staggered back, collapsing to the ground in a pool of its own blood. I stood over it, barely able to stay on my feet.

The pain was overwhelming, but I couldn't afford to rest. I had to catch up with the others, make sure they were safe.

Clutching my bleeding wounds, I turned and ran toward the direction Sasha and Jacob had

taken the group, praying I wasn't too late.