The Obelisk

-Chapter 56-

Forest dropped the rune into the sack and quickly swung it over his shoulder, settling it in place. Not losing this again, he thought with determination.

Coal skidded passed Crimson to a second exit on the other side of the room. He gestured his head for them to follow, and slipped out of sight.

Crimson and Bramble were first. Spark was second, and then Forest made his way for the exit. Rust and Nyx followed close behind him.

Coal was moving quickly, sprinting through the halls, checking behind him to make sure Forest and the others were following. He took a left turn.

Forest sprinted up closer to Crimson and Bramble, who kept scanning the surrounding halls and rooms for any Terror birds. All was silent. Forest couldn’t help imagining the tiny Terror bird hatchling, screaming as she ran to find her parents. They need to get out of here before everyone knew.

The prince took another left, and the others followed.

Out of the corner of his eye, Fores tjrouced the rune in the sack was glowing bright again. Rust—who was behind him, gave the sack a puzzled look. Nyx noticed too, but instead of looking confused, her eyes widened and she glanced around.

“HEY!” A dark brown Terror bird appeared in the other end of the hallway, her spear tilted upright. “What do you think you’re doing?” Everyone skidded to a stop in front of her.

Coal inhaled sharply and everyone turned to run—but then another Terror bird stepped in behind them. There was only one way out now. Coal spread his wings menacingly, hissing at the soldiers.

“Prince Coal?” One soldier asked.

Coal stared at her, his face a mask of terror and guilt.

The rune in Forests sack grew brighter and brighter. Nyx gasped and backed up away from it. Crimson snarled at the soldiers, thumping her tail on the ground.

And then the walls collapsed.