The Lengthening Shadow
Chapter 29: Scorpions

A huge pincer emerged. Then another, and finally a head. The head was covered in black armor, with eight glittering eyes. The body scrabbled through, followed by a huge stinger. Looking at it, Samuel finally realized what the Scorpionguard really were.

“Tarsch, they’re scorpions! Giant, evil scorpions!”

The pair ran from the main cave, Spera blasting spells after them that smashed into the walls. Suddenly, scorpions jumped in behind them. Tarsch killed several with an energy bolt, but they kept on coming.

“You can’t run, woodlanders,” sneered the mink. “There’s nearly four hundred of the beauties in this Bluff. If you’re stung, you’ll melt into a puddle in under forty seconds. They’re armored with blackplate and their carapace, with pincers that’ll snap you in half. Amazing, aren’t they?” he asked with the air of one talking about a beloved pet. Samuel drew his sword as he and Tarsch came out of the tunnel into the upper levels. Alrack barred their way.

“My task is done, Master,” the weasel addressed Spera. “And, for my reward?”

Spera smiled wickedly. “As I said to Samuel, everyone is disposable. Even you.” The scorpions burst out of the tunnel mouth. Alrack’s jaw dropped.

“But… but… you promised!”

“Never trust a Destromancer. Get them, my pets!”

Two of the scorpions leaped onto a platform. “Havka and Scovu reporting,” they clicked to Spera.

“Good. Now, tell your troops to kill the animals, every last one. Just leave the mouse to me. Go! Now, Samuel, how do you like it here? Because your bones will rot in the Bluff for all eternity after I’m through with you. Die now, Samuel Lenolin!”

The mink charged and shot a bolt at Samuel, it missed, and the mouse jumped up again, ready for battle. Alrack whimpered and bolted into a small cave, locking the door behind him. The black weasel looked around for a way out as the clicking drew closer to the door. Luckily for him, the door was made of blackplate and held fast against the giant arachnids. Samuel smashed through a scorpion’s eye with his sword, killing it on the spot. Spera swung his wand, sending red bolts in every direction. Samuel ducked, got up, and prepared for a battle to the death.

The officers Burnfang and Mindreve urged their troops on to join with the forces of Rivenhand and Vurgal. Burnfang called out to the pair. “What of Fangedeye and Heingg?”

“Both dead!” replied Rivenhand.

Jake struck at that moment. He swung down on a thick rope and swung his sword through Mindreve’s head. The officer died on the spot. Burnfang unluckily turned at that moment and was killed as well. The pair watching drew swords, but Rivenhand ducked and leaped onto another level. Vurgal did not see him go, but he did see Jake striding towards him. The Maow raised his blade and slashed Vurgal’s out of his hand. There was a soft thud as the body of the vermin hit the floor. The king yanked his sword out of Vurgal’s carcass and wiped it on his cloak. “Scum, dirtying my blade like that.”

Kondurt the mole lashed out with his digging claws at the closest enemy. He had stood his ground against the tide of vermin for quite some time, but he was beginning to weaken. At that moment, Rivenhand landed on the open stairwell in front of him. The fisher drew his bow and fired two shafts into Kondurt’s chest before the mole could move. The defender stumbled and fell at Rivenhand’s feet. Whipping out his rapier, he finished the job. Suddenly, he became aware that Felixa the squirrel was standing at the top of the stairwell, waiting for him. The fisher turned and saw her draw a double-bladed sword. He charged, and clanging echoed around as the blades met and swung away, only to meet again. None but the greatest of swordsbeasts could survive a duel like this one.

The scorpions skittered out from countless holes to attack the army of Fernwood. Both parties suffered losses in that confrontation of animal and arachnid. However, because Vi’lle was with them, the Fernwooders had an advantage. Soon, the scorpions retreated down into the caves, awaiting another chance to conquer. Havka and Scovu were the only ones left who had not retreated, facing down Vi’lle in the hall. The outcome was inevitable, and soon both villains were blown off the ledge and down into the pits. Such was the end of Spera’s lieutenants. It was then that the battle really began.