Page 16 of Escape from Amazdom
"I think you might be right," she says, her voice trembling with fear.
I want to scream and run, to escape the clutches of these monstrous beings, but that will only capture their attention.
"Slowly shuffle that way," I say, nodding towards a tool hut.
We begin to move, but Webos shouts at us.
"Hey, stay still," he cries. "There's no escaping Fej's vultures when they choose their victim."
"Don't listen to him," I whisper. "Follow me. Now."
As we slide along the rough floor, the vultures soar, descending upon us like harbingers of doom.
"Okay, scrap that, run, and fast."
We speed towards the hut, running barefoot across the rugged floor. My heart hammers in my chest when I sense Liz slipping on the ground behind. I turn around, and panic rips through me as the flying beasts dive towards her.
"Get up."
"I'm trying," she says, pushing herself up.
But she's running out of time.
I have to save her.
I can't let the vultures take her to Fej. That could be the end of her.
As they reach for Liz, their skeletal claws outstretched, my body moves before I can think, and my pick-axe becomes a weapon of desperation and defiance. The taste of grit and dust is forgotten as adrenaline courses through my veins, fueling my determination to protect my friend at all costs. I have to fight to keep Liz safe, to ensure that none of us fall victim to these vile creatures.
"Get back," I shout, swiping my pick-axe at one as it goes for Liz. I catch it clean on the wing, and it recoils from my attack, its screech intensifying as it retreats.
But then it darts across the floor and grabs someone else, Fej's next poor victim. Guilt swarms as the woman screams. The vultures go on either side and carry her high, back towards the tower, towards our enemy.
"Thanks," says Liz as I help her up. "I owe you one."
"I think that's even now," I say, winking. "I wonder what's going to happen to her," I add, trying not to feel bad for not saving a fellow female as well.
"Nothing good," says Liz.
"You're right there," I say. "Looks like we got lucky, but I may have upset a certain Egghead."
Webos approaches us with a cruel sneer, his presence emitting an unsettling aura.
"You shouldn't interfere with Fej's choice," he says, glaring harshly.
"Just protecting my friend," I assert, refusing to back down.
"You've made a big mistake," another guard threatens, his voice dripping with menace.
"I'm sure it won't be the last time," says Liz, standing by me.
Webos darts up to her and goes to swing, but I move my pick-axe in the way, and he strikes that instead.
"Oops," I say, cupping my mouth.
"You bitch," he says, staring at me.
"Takes one to know one."