“Keep her occupied.”


    Oh aye, lass, Oskar thought grimly as he strode forward, towards the writhing dragon in the dimly lit clearing. She’d managed to roll away from the continuing firestorm, digging her head into the ground and keening as she shoved, attempting to extinguish the flames. I’ll keep her occupied, to be sure.


    “Do NOT engage.”


    “Use the trees… That’s an order!”


    Why is she no killing me? Is she playing wi’ me? I should run. I should run now.


    Fool,” she hissed in Dwarven. “You think you can master me? The butterflies obey my command, they swing from the trees and bring me diamonds!”


    “Um,” Oskar replied, nonplussed. “What?”


    “Nobody hides from my sight,” she spat. “I have ten million eyes, and they see the feelings! The truth in the rain sparkles over the ocean YOU’LL NEVER TAKE ME!”


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    The immense impact as the tail slapped into his side carried him off his feet and threw him, again, across the clearing, sending him to the opposite side from which his friends had gone. Oskar was ready for it this time, and he focused, bringing his rage back into the forefront of his mind. As the chains once again burst from his flesh, he used the momentum of his emotions to form that last spell, casting it out just as he hit the trees.


    Dammit. I just had that enchanted.


    Sorry Ness, Oskar thought with finality. I’m sorry I couldna delay any longer. Marent...


    “I would’ve had her, even if you hadna come back. One more good swing, and she fell. I could have taken her.”


    “I know, lad. Maybe we just wanted to watch you do it.” Marent spoke almost silently, mouthing the words with exaggerated care as he raised a hand to brush hair from Oskar’s face. “But once I saw you on the ground, I couldna help myself.”


    “Well, I canna say I’m sorry you did. Wouldna have fancied a hike through the forest, searching for that damn lake, in this condition.” He winced, hauling himself to his feet. Marent tried to get under Oskar to support him, but Oskar staggered away. “No, no, you’re as bad off as I am. I’ll not lean on you, Love.”


    Marent sighed. “I may look worse than you,” he mouthed. “But I managed to heal myself, so I’ll do.” He moved under Oskar’s arm, taking the swaying man’s weight on his shoulder. He nudged gently, and they began moving forward.


    “Stubborn old man,” Oskar muttered in his hollow voice.


    “Not nearly as stubborn as you, lad,” Marent replied quietly as he walked at Oskar’s side. Oskar was watching the ground in front of them, and did not notice.