“I don’t trust you,” Irene Gladman said.

Credic stepped down and into the newly opened hatch. He turned to her. “You can come with me, or you can trust.” No one spoke, and Credic seemed to soften. “Listen. Irene, this is my grandson,” he said. “Nothing’s going to happen to him, understand?”

She nodded slightly but didn’t seem convinced.

“Mom,” Will said. “I think we’ll be ok, and I’m not leaving.” He turned his eyes toward Bet and Ezra. “You either.”

Credic disappeared into the tunnel, and without another word, Will finalized the unspoken choice. He stepped down and into the darkness of the hatch, then reached upward and sealed the lid. Inside, everything was dark except the soft glow of Swoop.

“Let’s go. No time to waste,” Credic said. He took off at a swift pace, and Will followed close behind.

“Where does this lead?”

“The woods,” Credic said.

“Can’t we just open a pocket once we’re far enough away from the Rizzets?”

Credic stopped and turned around.

“No, Will, listen to me. As a Darkhand you don’t wander through solids unless they’re small and you’re aware of what exactly lies on the other side. If you were to go into the Voidside and run up against a Rizzet in the outside world, you wouldn’t be able to leave. Then you’d have to make enough distance before you could get out. If you got driven further into the ground, you might never find your way.” Credic then turned and ran, this time much quicker.

After thirty yards or so, Credic came against another set of stairs. He followed them up and began to push against the exit hatch. Each try made a loud echoing thud. Eventually, Credic struck the exit with enough force that it propped open and stayed.

Light raced into the darkened tunnel, and Will’s eyes pinched a bit with a sudden sharp sensation. He wondered if anyone outside had heard. Credic pushed the hatch away a bit. He waited as Greggin exited first. Then, after a few seconds, he climbed up and out. Will followed cautiously.

“This way,” Credic gestured toward an opening in the trees. “Stay low,” he said. “And keep that bird from getting into the air.”

The two of them edged their way closer to the clearing until finally Will could see what they were dealing with.

It didn’t look good. Seven Link Masters stood in the open area. Near each man or woman was some sort of Link, There was a beetle, a raccoon, something like a monkey, and several others. It was hard to keep track since Will really had no idea what type of Links they were. Most were away from the house, but a few stood close. There seemed to be someone at each edge of the house, and in front of each of these individuals was a bat-like, gray and yellow creature that clung to the corner. Those were the Rizzets.

“Will,” Credic placed his hand on Will’s shoulder. “We don’t have much time. Hubrin, your mother’s toad, is making them reconsider, but very shortly they’re going to attack. There’s likely at least fifteen of ‘em.”

“I only count ten,” Will said.

“There’s others on the opposite side.” Credic gave a quick sniff. “Here’s what we do. I’m going to draw their attention away from the house, understand? The Rizzets have to move. At that point, someone has to let the others inside know they can leave. That’s your job.”

Without thinking about it, Will’s hand slipped to his pill bottle.

“One more thing,” Credic said. “Promise me something.”

“What?” Will said.

“If they get me, I need you to promise me you’ll let me go.”

“But—”

“Will, it’s my fault we’re in this situation. I need you to promise.” Credic gripped Will against the shoulder.

“Ok.” Will said. “I… I promise.”

“All right,” Credic said. “Let’s do this.”

With a surprise attack

He should approach them as if he’s a friend

This Poll is Closed