Cinder by James Maxey

Author:James Maxey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: dragon, superhero action adventure, dragon adventure fantasy
Publisher: James Maxey

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CAGE OF BONE

“Your hair is growing fast,” Slate said, running his fingers across the top of Sorrow’s head. She raised her hand to feel the fuzz, soft as baby hair. She looked at herself in the smooth surface of Slate’s glass armor. It looked almost as if she wore a dark skull cap.

“I guess this is the closest thing we have to a clock,” she said, rising. She didn’t know how far they’d walked after their encounter with the child. It had felt like many hours, but in this sunless, moonless place, devoid even of a consistent horizon, there was no way to keep track of time. They’d walked until they were weary, moving ever closer to the mountain peaks, then rested. She’d fallen asleep with her head on Slate’s lap.

“Did you sleep any?” she asked.

He shook his head.

“Why not catch a nap while I keep watch? You must be exhausted.”

“I’m fine,” said Slate.

He didn’t look fine. He looked like he’d aged ten years since they’d been here. Still, she knew it would be pointless to argue.

She dug through her pack for the dried cod and the bottomless bottle. She pulled out the meat, then wrinkled her nose in disgust. The leathery, salt white flesh writhed with maggots. She tossed it away, then emptied her bag. All their rations were spoiled.

“Looks like were on a liquid diet,” she said, removing the cork from the bottle. She took a deep swig. As her thirst vanished, she grew more keenly aware of her hunger. She tried to ignore it, but any time she pushed it from her mind it came back instantly. Her enhanced awareness of her body had one downside, it seemed.

Slate took a long draught from the bottle, then lifted the demon hand. He asked, “Ready?”

She nodded as she stuffed the wine bottle back into her pack. She fastened her cloak as Slate marched off. She had to walk swiftly to catch up to him. She understood his sense of urgency. As her hair and her hunger testified, time still passed for them. Perhaps they wouldn’t die of thirst, but death by hunger was now a real possibility. It struck her as poignant, the notion that she would have survived armies, giants and dragons only to be brought down because she had nothing to eat. She’d long assumed she’d perish through violence, dying in the thick of battle, or perhaps finally caught by the church and burned at the stake. Starvation had never been a concern.

They walked, kept walking, then walked some more. By now, the magic of their lovemaking had ebbed. She still carried a small spark of energy, cradled next to her heart, saved for a moment she would truly need it. She didn’t want to waste it on simply making her walk easier. Her weariness was great, but as long as Slate had the strength to move, she swore to herself she’d stay on her feet. He seemed so driven, so focused. She was certain that, should she collapse, he would simply pick her up and carry her.

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