Chapter 16 Into the cave
They had agreed to work for her, but Mich expected that she didn't quite believe them. She doubted Katessa was that trusting. Unfortunately, with her wound slowing her down she suspected her skills with the sword would be no match for any of these men. She did not think she would be a match for these men regardless. They were either very well trained or had lots of experience.
Despite her injury her curiosity was peeked at the realization that one of these men carried the symbol for Vlad the Impaler, "Katessa, who are these men? I know these are not ordinary henchmen." Without pause Katessa responded, "You are correct, long life is a gift. And I choose only the most talented." Isz gave Mich a sideways glance, could this lead into a villainous monologue. Katessa continued as she turned and pointed to each man first to the swordsman with the dragon symbol, "Vlad Tepe also known as Vlad the Impaler, Genghis Khan and former gladiator champion Marcus Attius." She clearly took great pride in showing off their names," All three accepted my help and immortality to defeat their enemies. How could they not, I have lived a long time and I do not lose." Mich felt fear curling around her mind and heart; even more so when they heard familiar voices echoing for the approaching room.
"Does this seem backward to ye?"
"Jack? That is your thought at this exact moment?"
"What? I steal things and rescue women! This is not covered by my usual plans!"
"Mich!"
The tunnel led to a room carved out of the stone walls. Along the walls were broken statutes of once powerful greek gods. In the back of the room Merrick and Jack were hanging from the ceiling by their wrists over what looked like part of an underground river. Shadow had said the monster guarded the tree, so where was it?
Isz raised her sword and let out a low threatening voice," You said if we agreed, we could all live; so let them go."
Katessa laughed," Do you think I am a fool? You hero types are all the same! I know true loyalty only comes from those who know where the power lies. I am more powerful than the Greek Gods ever were. Did you truly believe I would accept just your word? I found him, "She pointed to Merrick," Sneaking around the grounds last night. As for the other one he tried to walk through my front door?! "She paused before changing her tone from disbelief to a confident one," I will let them go once I know you are both loyal to me." She walked along the edge of the cave wall to the tree and picked an ambrosia fruit off the nearest branch.
" This fruit has allowed me to live for thousands of years, and with one bite you will be healed. but without me or the fruit you will slowly die from your wounds." Katessa carried the fruit with her as she returned to stand in front of the underground river. She held out the fruit to Mich.
"Just take one bite Michelle Fairchild, that's all it will take. Then I will have your men cut down and we can discuss our business arrangement farther."
Merrick looked like he was about to shout something when a sound surprised them all.
Chop, chop. Mich noticed someone was by the tree attempting to cut it down. She could not believe her eyes when she realized it was her father.
"What?! What are you doing?!" Katessa spoke in a rage. She moved toward the edge of the river and started whispering something. Mich fired an arrow at her, but she avoided it. She had to hope that she did not have time to call the monster out of hiding. Shouts of pain came from behind her. The chopping had done damage to the henchmen. All of them were starting to bleed and feel the pain of the several wounds suddenly appearing all over their bodies. The former gladiator charged forward. Mich pulled her arm off her best mate's shoulder so Isz could fight. Clash, clash, twice she had blocked the gladiator sword. The next swing had sliced a cut into Isz's sleeve. She had to focus, she took a deep breath as she pulled her bow and two arrows. She needed to free Merrick and Jack. As she pulled the string back she had to ignore the pain radiating for her wound.
She shouted," Hold your breath gents!" The first shot cut the edge of Merrick's rope while the second cut Jacks. After a moment the ropes broke and they landed in the water with a splash. As the second arrow reached its target Vlad threw his sword over the river, and it landed with a heavy thud in Edward Fairchild's shoulder.
"No!" Mich yelled as she turned and aimed two arrows into Vlad's shoulder. She blinked, and he fell forward. For a moment he seemed afraid of death, he seemed more human.
Isz avoided a sideways cut of the gladiator's blade and thrust her sword into his side. The wound made him back away. All of the henchmen out of the fight, meant they had a chance. It was just them and Katessa. Losing her henchmen had damaged the calm control she had a few moments ago.
"Do you think those Goddesses actually care about you?! No magical weapons, just some training and a prayer! I can give you immortality. All I want is to kill them."
Isz held her sword at the ready while she replied, "Honestly lady, I'm just tired of you trying to mess with our lives. So no thanks."
"Then I hope you enjoy your short lives, while my pet feasts on your men."
Katessa ran out into the cave tunnel into the darkness leaving Isz and Mich to fight the nine headed hydra emerging from the water.
Isz stared as the hydra turned all eighteen eyes on them, two arms splashed toward the edge, "Jack!" His voice carried from the back of the cave as he climbed out, "pet? Somebody forgot ta get that lass a puppy."
Mich had already began aiming her arrows at the second set of eyes; in hopes of blinding it. Isz charged forward. She sliced off one head that snapped its teeth after Jack.
