The Obelisk

-Chapter 47-

A beam of light danced in Forests eyes as he awoke. The trapdoor was opening. Every morning, that was a sign of the first light.

The others were already awake, except for Nyx, who was curled up in the corner peacefully. Forest stretched his back and yawned tiredly.

There was a scuffle in one of the prison cages in opposite of them, and a large, furry creature stood up. Forest realized for the first time he recognized him—it was the same Thyla from three days ago, the one from the Ruins, who had tried to help them escape.

“Hey!” Forest called to him, skidding up to the bars. “I know you.”

The Thyla glanced at him, inhaling deeply.

“and I know you. Didn’t escape, I see.”

Spark noticed them talking and walked over, squinting at him. “Why would they capture you?” She asked him.

“Because I helped you,” he answered simply.

“Hah!” A creature from one of the cells barked a laugh, the sound of tail thumping reverberating through the prison. “That’s not all he did. He ATTACKED the GENERAL. Nobody does that! I can’t believe you thought you’d get away with it, you fat old cat.”

“I attack whomever I want,” The Thyla retorted, glaring at the creature. Forest couldn’t see the creature, he was in the cell next to them—and Forest couldn’t angle his head enough to see.

“Yeah, but the General? You must have had good reason.” The creature said.

“I did,” the Thyla snapped. “She was trying to capture the Five.”

The creature laughed again, and Forest heard the sound of feathers and scales scraping against stone. “You’re one of

t h e m ,” he said. “I don’t believe in that old Basilisk gibberish. It’s not like Five baby carnivores can save the world. They’re nothing.”

“Oh really?” Asked Crimson. “And what are you, exactly?”

There was a moment of silence from the other cell. “None of your business,” He hissed.

“Not too exciting, is it?” Crimson asked.

“No! I—you—“ the creature growled loudly. “Fine. I’m an assassin.”

Forest, Spark, and Rust gasped. Crimson made a surprised noise.

“Don’t sound so surprised,” the creature spat. “You’re in a prison. What do you expect?”

“Is that why you’re in here?” Forest asked, tilting his head.

“Duh.”

“Listen,” the Thyla began, “no matter what we are or how we got here, we all have one thing in common. We hate the Terror birds. Can’t you agree?”

The creature paused, then said, “I suppose so.”

“Heck yeah!” Cried another prisoner form nearby.

“I agree,” said another voice. “If they don’t fix that arrogant ego of theirs, I swear, once I’m out of here, I’m starting a rebellion! Banish the Terror birds!!”

“Throw em’ in the ocean and feed em’ to the sharks!” Snarled another, female voice. “That’s what I’d do. What do you think, Quartz?”

“I think you’re all dodo brains,” said a male voice.

“What?” Said the female voice again. “Quartz—“

“Haven’t you heard?” Quartz said. “The Terror birds aren’t the ones we should aim for. They’re just the puppets.”

“What are you talking about?” Hissed the assassin.

“The Terror birds have an ally,” growled Quartz. “Someone who’s been controlling them all this time. convincing them to take over.”

There was a snort, and the female vioce said, “the Terror birds wouldn’t ally with a compy if they could help it. Where did you hear this?”

“A friend,” Quartz said. “He was spotted spying on the Terror birds shortly after he told me about it, and ended up tricking the Terror birds to think I was the one spying.”

“So your innocent?” Forest asked.

“For now.” Quartz hissed. “Once I’m out of here, I’m gonna see for myself who this ally is. But, if you listen at night, when the guards are talking, they speak of him. He scares the living daylight out of them, so he must be dangerous, or just smart.”

Forest wondered who this mysterious ally was, if he was real. Forest would have to stay awake at night to hear for himself.

The prisoners started quarreling again—and suddenly there was a slide of stone doors, and all the prisoners fell silent. There was the sound of claws on stone, and six Terror birds walked, haulted, and turned to unlock the Five’s prison door.

“Don’t struggle, and come with us,” said one of the Terror birds as the door slid open.

Nyx awoke by the noise, and let out a fearful squeak at the sight of the soldiers. The six marched in, small spears held under their wings, and each took one of the Five, except for Spark, who got two guards on either side of her.

“Where are we going?” Spark asked.

Forest’s guard snickered, and he recognized the haughty Terror bird named Quake. “Your gonna love it.

The Emperor wants to see you.”