The Marenon Chronicles Collection - By Jason D. Morrow Page 0,17

Silas wasn't sure whether Kaden would care if this happened.

“You're saying they want me alive?”

Kaden nodded.

“But why?”

“That's a conversation you need to save for your grandfather.”

“My grandfather is dead, in case you haven’t noticed.”

Kaden looked at Silas and for a moment their gazes locked. The silence was heavy.

“What are you saying, Kaden?”

“I'm saying that you need to stay here behind the bushes. I'm going to the truck. Where is the medallion?”

Silas was silent.

“Silas,” he said to bring him out of his trance. “Where is it?”

“There’s a hidden compartment behind the passenger seat,” Silas said. “Kaden, wait!”

Kaden turned.

“What are you saying about talking to my grandfather?”

“The Stühocs want you, Silas. They want to make you one of their own, and they can do it. All they need is to capture you, and it's done.”

“You didn’t answer my question.”

“I'm going to get the medallion,” Kaden said. “Stay put.”

Kaden drew his sword from his back as he lightly stepped toward the truck. He looked from side to side seeing nothing suspicious. He knew the Stühocs were near and he knew in this position and location, it would be difficult to stop an attack. But the medallion was a vital part of his mission. Silas was not so important yet.

When he finally reached the truck, he again looked in every direction to detect any approach. Luckily, the passenger side door had sprung open during the truck’s impact with the ground. Kaden pushed the passenger’s seat forward and ran his fingers along the floorboard, feeling for the compartment. It took a few seconds, but he found it quickly enough. He wrapped his fingers around the chain and pulled. The medallion came out easily and its sapphire jewel glinted in the full moonlight. He placed the medallion in his pocket and once again scanned in every direction for the enemy.

Silas watched Kaden during his silent operation. Everything seemed to be going smoothly, yet he felt Kaden was taking way too long to grab the stupid thing. He watched as Kaden turned his head in every direction, and then gripped his sword tighter when Kaden did a double take and focused in on one place in the distance. He lifted a hand and held a finger to his mouth telling Silas to remain quiet. Kaden crouched low at the front of the truck.

What happened next took Silas by surprise for several reasons. Seemingly out of nowhere, a creature at least a foot taller than Silas jumped on top of the truck thrashing its claws at Kaden. It had a long scaly snout with sharp teeth; its eyes were wide with anger. It was like a giant, gray lizard that stood upright, but had hind legs like a dog. Its claws were weapons that tore through the metal roof of the truck.

It let out a deafening scream; a warning sound to Kaden letting him know his life was about to end. Kaden didn't flinch, standing firm with his sword in front of him. The creature shrieked again and in seconds, two more Leapers jumped from out of the shadows to its side.

Kaden was in trouble, but he wasn't showing it. He didn't fear the Stühocs, but it had been a long time since he had fought one. Two of the gray-skinned Stühocs tried to flank Kaden while the one on top of the truck charged him. He ducked below a swipe that would have taken his head off and countered with a sword thrust to the Stühoc’s side. Kaden was now on top of the truck, a high position. He swung his sword down on a Stühoc, but was blocked by its steel-like claws.

Silas knew he had to do something. If Kaden were killed, there would be no one to help him. He also knew that the Stühocs could not be allowed to get that medallion. His training had not prepared him to take on creatures such as this, he thought. Or had it? Silas stood and crept in behind one of the Stühocs. The sword felt heavy in Silas’ tired hands.

Kaden was a master. Every move was a block against six flailing arms aiming to rip him to shreds.

Silas crouched low and got within inches of the first Stühoc and stabbed it through the back of the heart. The Stühoc let out a loud scream and crumpled to the ground.

Kaden took the distraction as an opportunity to drive his sword through the skull of another. It instantly dropped to the ground, taking his sword with it. Thinking