The Godling Chronicles : Bundle - Books 4-6 by Brian D. Anderson

Author:Brian D. Anderson [Anderson, Brian D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-10-30T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

Lee and Millet were at last nearing the end of a slime-coated tunnel that began just beyond the western walls of Baltria and led directly into a ruined warehouse on the fringe of the city. Lee was hoping fervently that the invaders had not yet discovered this ancient smugglers’ passage and sealed off the exit. The filth from hundreds of floods was causing the air to reek so badly that Millet had already vomited twice along the way. Lee thought to tease his former servant, but Millet was every bit a lord these days and one stern glance told him that it was a bad idea.

A story for a warm fire and good friends, Lee thought, grinning.

When the pirates had shown him this tunnel many years ago, the warehouse was in the possession of a local merchant who had made most of his fortune by smuggling in goods from the west. It was in a perfect location for such dubious business, being near to the wall and frequently flooded. The repugnant smell alone was enough to keep most people clear, and those few authorities that could not be bribed imagined it to be long abandoned. The hordes of rats and other swamp vermin were also a big help in keeping any unwanted visitors well at bay.

Lee held his breath while pushing up against the steel trapdoor and felt a surge of anxiety when it at first failed to move. He pushed again even harder, and this time it screeched open just enough for him to peer into the gloom. It looked like the place had now been abandoned for real, though not so very long ago. A few broken crates of goods, so molded and deteriorated that they were unrecognizable still lined the far wall. One thing was for certain. The rats were definitely far fewer in number. Without the pirates and dockworkers providing them with a non-stop source of discarded food, most had undoubtedly found better pickings elsewhere.

With a grunt, Lee pushed hard yet again on the trapdoor, and suddenly there was almost no resistance at all. With an unexpected rush it flew completely open. The loud crash of metal striking against the stone floor caused him to wince and remain absolutely still until he was certain that no one was reacting to the noise. Millet scowled and shook his head.

Once out of the tunnel, they took a closer look at their surroundings.

“I thought this place could not have gotten worse,” remarked Millet. “I was wrong.”

“At least the guards won’t likely come around,” Lee told him.

Millet blew a blast of air from his nose as if this would banish the odor. “Not unless they enjoy smelling like the underside of a sewer.”

Lee flashed a playful grin. “Look on the bright side. In our present malodorous condition, no one will want to come near enough to figure out who we are.”

“Either that, or they’ll know we don’t belong in the city,” countered Millet. “We should avoid being seen...or smelled, if we can.

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