Chapter 2

"Better for who?" I snapped.

"Don't be too rough on the girl, hehehe."The rat-faced man puts a cloak over my shoulders.

"Just do what you're told, and things will be easier," the woman said. She was leaning casually against the wall of the cave, watching me.

"I don't take orders from anyone," I said. "Especially not from strangers."

"Well, you do now." The big man leaned in close, his foul breath hot on my face.

"Leave her alone, Jorn," the woman said. "She's just a kid. What's the harm in telling her?" said with a smile.

Jorn grunted but backed off. "Fine. We're taking you to the city of Under City."

"Why?" I asked.

"The boss has an important meeting there, and he wants you there."

"Why does he want me?"

"We don't ask questions. We just do as we're told."

"And who is the boss?"

Jorn glared at me, his lips tightening. I got the impression he didn't like me asking so many questions.

"His name is Targos, but you'll call him Master Targos."

"I'll call him whatever I want," I muttered.

"Shut up and move," the woman said. "We need to get going. The boss is waiting."

The three of them pushed and prodded me toward the right-hand tunnel. The cave floor was uneven and rocky, making it difficult to walk. My head still hurt, and I was weak and dizzy.

"Why can't you just let me go?" I asked.

"Because then the boss would have to kill us." The rat-faced man chuckled.

"I'd like to see you try." I tried to sound tough, but my voice trembled a little.

The woman snorted. "Save your energy. You're going to need it."

They led me through the tunnel, which seemed to go on forever. The air was cool and damp, and the only sound was the soft scrape of our boots on the stone floor. I was weak and disoriented, and I had no idea how long we'd been walking before I finally spoke again.

"Can we stop for a moment?" I asked. "I need to catch my breath."

"We don't have time," the woman said. "We're already late."

"Please," I said. "Just for a moment. I promise I won't slow you down."

"You're slowing us down right now," the Jorn said.

"Give her a break," the woman said.

"We don't have time for a break Rhea," the Jorn insisted. "We need to get moving."

the woman named Rhea shook her head. "We'll make time. It's not like the boss is going anywhere."

"He's going to be pissed off enough that we're late," the Jorn argued.

"So? We'll blame it on the girl," the rat-faced man suggested.

The Jorn laughed. "Yeah, that might work. The boss won't take it out on us if he's mad at her."

"Good. Now shut up and give her a minute, bunch of idiots" Rhea said.

"Thank you," I said, trying to catch my breath. My chest felt tight, and my heart was racing. I didn't know why these people had taken me, but I was terrified of what they were going to do to me.