Friday, June 01, 2007

Burning Shadows (Chapter 9)

“So Dagon isn’t officially in charge here?”

“No,” Vertigo replied, “but he’s taken over with incredible ease, even though he only has ten guards at the most.” Notek’s visage clouded over.

“Then why can’t you all free yourselves? He’d be no match for the students here if they chose to rise up against him simultaneously.” Vertigo looked away from Notek, unable to return his gaze. “Verti,” Notek said as he gently took her hand. “What are you not telling me?” Vertigo’s head sagged, and as she relayed her story she could not stop her tears.

“There was an uprising almost immediately . . . every student that had trained in hand-to-hand fighting and those few teachers who possessed weapons rallied together and tried to repel Dagon and his men.” She sobbed. “They were slaughtered. Everyone that offered resistance was mercilessly destroyed. Notek . . . he’s more powerful than you can imagine.” With vengeance burned onto his face, Notek stood.

“I must go,” he seethed. “I’ll bring help, and together we will repel this evil.” Vertigo stood and took hold of his shoulders.

“Please don’t leave me here Notek . . . please . . . not again.” The light that invaded the room was dimming, and Notek remembered Dagon’s threat as he brushed Vertigo off.

“I have to hurry, it will be dark soon.” He looked her straight in the eye. “You’ll be safe . . . I promise.”

“Notek,” Vertigo said, anger boiling the tears in her eyes. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

No comments: