Forged in Cursed Flames (Crown and Crest Book 2) by Shari L. Tapscott & Jake Andrews

Author:Shari L. Tapscott & Jake Andrews [Tapscott, Shari L. & Andrews, Jake]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-10-20T04:00:00+00:00

18

Henrik

“Clover!” Lawrence yells as our boat suddenly capsizes. I’m thrown into the marsh, suddenly submerged over my head.

Unable to see in the inky water, I struggle to find the surface. Even as my lungs begin to burn, my thoughts are focused on Clover. I pray Lawrence didn’t let go of her hand when we went over.

I gasp when I finally surface, startled to emerge in a pitch-black space. Warm air fills my lungs, burning but welcome. I reach up, and my hand hits a wooden plank. I skim my fingers over the grains, trying to get my bearings and quickly realizing I’m under the overturned boat. Grasping one of the benches, I wipe my face, hoping to clear my vision even though it’s too dark to see anything. I cough violently as I try to expel the water I inhaled on my way up.

As my wits return, my senses sharpen. Nearby, I can make out the harried voices of the group, along with the sound of water lapping against the boat. The marsh is cool, but not cold, and it smells of fish and decay.

An aquatic weed wrapped itself around my neck while I searched for the surface. Its floppy leaves cling to my wet skin. I yank the slimy thing off, tossing it away.

What capsized the boat?

Suddenly, blue light illuminates the water…glowing brightly enough I’m able to spot the massive shadow swimming under me. It moves back and forth as if agitated.

The reptilian creature is larger than a man and very wide.

Ralnauth.

“Can you see him?” Clover asks frantically from beyond the boat, sounding like she’s near tears—but alive.

“I can only see the ralnauth,” Lawrence growls.

I struggle to remain calm, trying not to draw attention to myself. I’ve fought creatures equally as intimidating on land, but I’m not confident in the water. My boots weigh me down, as do my clothes. I’m not a strong swimmer either.

But it won’t do any good to panic.

Since I don’t relish the idea of meeting my end in a reeking bog, digesting in the belly of an overgrown reptile, I need to get to the other boat.

“I’m fine,” I call to the group, my voice hoarse. “I’m under the boat.”

“You’re not going to be fine in a minute!” Clover exclaims, though she sounds relieved. “The ralnauth is still down there, and the elves are almost here.”

As she says it, another ball of fire falls into the water, sizzling as the magic fizzles out.

The creature swims deeper and then suddenly turns upward, building speed until it rams into the invisible wall of Pranmore’s ward. Its golden eyes lock on mine, and its short tail slashes through the water. He moves as if he’s irate he’s being blocked from an easy meal.

“It’s too strong,” Pranmore gasps. “My ward won’t hold much longer if he keeps running into it like that.”

“Even if it breaks through, try to keep holding the magic,” Lawrence commands. “At the very least, it provides light so we can see.”

“Ayan, do something!” Bartholomew exclaims.

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