Chapter 128

Bredret took the lead as they slowly emerged from the crystal crevice they had taken a rest inside of. When it came to being built like a tank a dragon was definitely a good way to go among their group. Every step they took was slow, careful, and as quiet as possible to not draw unwanted attention in their direction. The scorpions had returned to their hidden positions among the crystals making them difficult to notice unless they made movement or randomly released a hiss that almost gave a sound similar to a clicking noise.

Due to Ashley's agility he remained in the back of the group as they moved. Vampires were extremely agile beings. It was simple work for them to remain unnoticed and remain silent regardless of the quick movements they had. With this placement in the front and back to help the group move forward it was the safest possible lineup they could put together to escape the are and move forward in the underground dungeon.

Every step that Vorbuk took was taken with great caution. His paws had to be careful not to scrape his claws against the ground. Carefully releasing his mana into his feet a faint black smoke escaped his lower body and became thicker the closer it got to his paws until his feet were no longer visible through the smoke. His body slowly merged into the shadow cast by Leo in front of him. Slowly his entire form sank into the prince's shadow. Like a hitch hiker, his presence merged with the prince's shadow, becoming nothing more then a passenger among the darkness.

Step. Step. Step.

They carefully moved forward as Bredret carefully scanned their surroundings. His golden eyes glowing as he kept watch for the scorpions and a way out. The only pathway he could find was behind a large group of scorpions that they would not be able to cross without drawing attention to themselves. Gritting his teeth he knew someone would have to clear a pathway for the others for anyone to get out.

"Anything?" Daryl asked him in a low whisper as to not draw attention to them.

Instead of speaking Bredret closed his eyes with a slight nod of his head. Given his personality one would not be certain if he nodded out of caution or simply because he was too lazy to give a verbal reply. Following up with his nod he tilted his liquor up for a heavy drink.

"Seriously, is this the time for that?" Daryl's brow twitched as he glared at him.

"Yes, because I'm preparing." Bredret muttered his response.

"What could you possibly need that to-" Daryl paused for a moment with a blank expression. "Don't tell me you-"

"Ashley," Bredret spoke up without holding back and pointed forward. "Your in charge from here on to lead them in that direction. There should be a pathway along the wall that seemed to lead downward."

"What are you doing?" Prince Leo asked as he glanced at Ashley who had a frustrated expression and back at the dragon who had turned away already and began heading forward.

"Someone is gonna have to clear the path for you damned weaklings." Bredret clicked his tongue and rushed forward as quick as he could.

Ashley kept himself placed at the back so that he could keep watch so nobody got left behind. Watching as the dragon ran on his two feet straight into a large number of scorpions. He knew something troublesome would arise while trying to take care of the entire group but he could not go against the commands of his master. Glancing down at the shadow behind Prince Leo at his shadow Ashley could see the faint red glow of eyes where Vorbuk was hidden and observing as they moved.

BOOM!

Prince Leo covered his eyes at the sight of a large explosion set off by Bredret's flames in front of them. The flame was so bright that it seemed to illuminate the entire area around them. Crystal shards and dirt were thrown about the air to fall like rain. Angry and agonizing screams from the scorpions could be heard but they could not waste time on the scenery. They had to move in the direction that Bredret was in as quickly as possible because no matter how strong the dragon was his life was still at risk the longer they remained still.

"Now! Move!" Daryl shouted from the front as their navigator as they rushed forth in Bredret's direction.

The sounds of the screaming scorpions only drew more attention towards the direction they were in making it impossible to hold them back forever. On the ground were those that Bredret had already burnt to ash. Even though he was in human form right now his throat still bellowed out a deep rumbling noise as he charred one scorpion after another with his flames. A excited smile formed on his face as he enjoyed having an excuse to run a bit wild. After all it was in his nature as a dragon to enjoy a good hunt.

"Ah-!" Prince Leo pulled out his sword in order to stop a scorpion's tail from piercing down at him from the right and jumped back before it could grab him.

Thud!

The scorpion hit the ground hard as Ashley's feet landed on top of it's back. His scythe's blade slicing downwards right through the beast with ease. Without hesitation he glanced over at Leo with a strange expression that quickly changed into a polite smile.

"Always watch your surroundings carefully, your highness." Ashley spat those words out in a cold tone as if he was forcing himself to be kind.

"Hah? Thank you." Prince Leo responded sarcastically because he knew the one Ashley was really protecting was not him but the beast within his shadow.

Leo quickly took off running again after the others. He could see Daryl and Zoe already at the wall. The second he reached the wall where they were Daryl dove into the hole that Bredret had found for them to escape further. Following behind Daryl was Zoe as Leo stood back with Ashley to glance over at Bredret's situation. Scorpions were beginning to swarm him with pure rage for him slaughtering so many of them with his flames.

"You must go too! Now!" Ashley spoke quickly as he pushed the prince towards the hole in the wall.

"What about Bredret? He's completely surrounded now!" Prince Leo asked while debating on if he should move forward or help the dragon.

"I will take care of it! Now! Go!" Ashley demanded and forced the prince through the hole in the wall before he could refute any further.

As soon as he slipped through the wall the ground was steep. Flopping backward onto his back the ground became similar to a slide sending his body shooting downwards to an unknown destination where Daryl and Zoe had already gone ahead to. Everything was moving fast causing his heart to race as he wondered what would await them at the bottom of the tunnel. He was not sure what would happen to Ashley and Bredret who were still behind him but he doubted they would be unable to find a way out. The dragon was just too stubborn to let him fall so easily.