Questline Sabotage (A New Eternity Book 2) by C.R. Rowenson & Michael Anderle

Author:C.R. Rowenson & Michael Anderle [Rowenson, C.R. & Anderle, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: LMBPN Publishing
Published: 2025-12-19T00:00:00+00:00

34

BATTLE ON CORAL

We checked another small island with similar results and were soon wading through the lake’s warm water, our gaze fixed on the next closest island. While the surface of the coral-like path beneath our feet did rise and fall as we walked, the fluctuations were never more than a few feet up or down. Which was why we spotted the obstacle long before we reached it.

A dark shape loomed in the path ahead of us. At first, I didn’t think it would be much to deal with, but it was farther away and much larger than I’d suspected. The next island was far out from the first two, and it took nearly ten minutes of walking before the obstacle came into focus.

The submerged path had narrowed to little more than ten feet across, forcing the stoneskitters behind us to move single file. The shape was a mound with the occasional jagged angle or jut of gray material protruding. A foul smell of rot and decay filled the air. My breath caught in my throat as I realized it was the carcass of some colossal crustacean.

It wasn’t fully settled on the path, but caught on the edge, one side dipping into the water while the rest thrust toward the sky. The creature must have been at least nine feet wide while alive. Now, all that remained was the dull gray shell with the occasional splash of vibrant colors along the top.

I glanced at Gorthgrak to ask for direction. The creature didn’t even wait for me to speak before pointing forcefully toward the corpse.

“Who knew that giant ant monsters could be such pricks?” I muttered as I turned back around and continued forward. When we were maybe forty feet from the dead creature, the brightly-colored growths along the top suddenly moved. At first, I thought I’d imagined it and drew to a halt. Then, the strange growths sped to the side, moving along the top of the shell before plunging into the water with a series of splashes.

“Well, shit,” I hissed. “Back up, quick.”

A glance back showed that the stoneskitters hadn’t continued forward with us, instead staying far back with a variety of objects already in their hands.

“Gorthgrak,” Nettle yelled across the intervening space. “What are you doing?”

“Too narrow,” the creature called back, smugness dripping from its words. “Clear path first.”

“Umm, guys,” Biliku muttered. “Something’s coming.”

He was pointing off the path, into the water. I followed his finger and instantly saw what he was talking about. The sunlight reflected off bright, iridescent shapes skimming below the surface of the water. At least six of them, coming right toward us and leaving rippling wakes behind. A moment later, the ripples disappeared.

“Biliku, fall back!” I shouted, pulling my spear from my back. “Arnora and Nettle in front.”

Everyone immediately followed the directions. Nettle slid off my shoulders and swam alongside Arnora as she jogged ten feet ahead. Biliku retreated toward the stoneskitter expedition. I considered dropping my pack, but quickly decided against it. It would increase my maneuverability but do little else to help me on this narrow walkway.

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