The Protectors by J Clair

Author:J Clair
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: high fantasy for young men, coming of age fantasy for young men, epic fantasy, science fiction black authors, fantasy black authors, fantasy adventure books, epic fantasy books
Publisher: Fantasy World Books
Published: 2023-02-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 4 – The Biggest Threat of Them All

“Securing supplies should be our top priority,” Willa said. “I tried to speak with Tristan about it, but it was as if he was lost in his own little world.”

“Sounds like him,” Cameron huffed. “I’m sick of it.”

“At least the trees stopped acting like ravenous dogs,” Amy said.

“Where are we headed?” Willa asked.

“Out of the forest as we intended from the start,” Cameron said. “It’s time to see what’s beyond it. We’ll look for supplies then. Pacified or not, I doubt we’ll find proper supplies with this murderous arbor all around us.”

“After supplies, I would like us to consider going back home to retrieve some weapons,” Willa said. “If what the old man says is true, we will need to be prepared.”

“Sorcerer,” Cameron scoffed. “Now I’ve heard everything.”

“I believe him,” Momo interjected.

“And why’s that?” Cameron asked.

“You didn’t see the energy coming off of him?”

Cameron stopped walking to glare at her. “What are you saying? You can see his power?”

Momo nodded.

“And how is that?”

“We’re trained to,” Momo said, shrugging her shoulders lightly.

“I’ve never received any training like that,” Willa said. “Never heard of it either.”

“The training regimen is softer now,” Momo said. She suddenly frowned at something behind Willa. Cameron and the rest followed her eyes slowly, and they were surprised to see Balin standing before them, leaning a shoulder against one of the trees that had once tried to kill them. He had a smug look on his face and his body was relaxed, as if they were of no threat.

Cameron couldn’t fathom the arrival. How could Balin be calm when Momo was right there? Unless...Balin had an even more powerful ally in the vicinity.

“Don’t engage,” Cameron ordered, but Momo had already taken off. She emerged behind Balin like a demon—only her face was revealed over his shoulder, and then the glint of her steel blade as it flickered beside his neck. Balin was not concerned.

A second later, something grabbed Momo from behind.

It was as if the shadows had consumed her, and suddenly, she was gone. Cameron took a few steps forward, searching for signs of her presence. “What did you do to her?” Cameron shouted.

Balin took a deep breath and propelled himself away from the tree awkwardly. He smiled wide, as if he was a villain on the brink of revealing a master plan, but Willa would not be convinced of his power. She could see the anxiety in his face, the trembling in his hands, the perspiration above his lips. Though something had grabbed Momo, Balin was still not 100% certain that he could win against them.

“If Momo is gone,” Willa whispered. “If she’s been captured, there’s still a chance her sword is over there. If I can get to it, I may be able to stop him, but we’ll need a distraction.”

“That will be unnecessary,” a voice declared from behind Balin. From behind the tree, a person emerged, cradling Momo in his arms. Amy nearly ran towards him, but Willa stopped her, putting a hand to her chest.

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