Chapter 18

"Bring me the champion that defeated the powerful Sky Stealer!"  That was Acathla's command to his Captain of the Guard. 

The news spread far and wide in the last 2 weeks since Angel had slain the flying monster that has been terrifying the inhabitants of Acathla's strange and dangerous world. 

Upon hearing the news that Acathla's favourite toy of destruction was dead, the demon was first outraged and then intrigued.  What powerful creature could possibly defeat the mighty Sky Stealer?

Acathla's armies started tearing up villages and settlements left and right trying to track down the person everybody was whispering about. 

The very same armies that were passing Angel and his terrified companion as they hid in the rocks.

Angel knew that they were looking for him.  He didn't need to hear the buzzing around the encampment about the reward for any news about him to know that Acathla wants to find him.  He also knew that if he didn't leave soon, the people he's been trying to protect will be hurt, and probably killed, trying to protect him. 

Angel was deep in thought when his trembling companion nudged him, whispering, "Angel?  We should go before they come back."

Angel pulled his mind back to the present, looked around quickly, seeing that the company of soldiers have passed their hiding place without noticing them and have disappeared over the rise just south of them.  He nodded quickly and together they disappeared around the rocks and to the east.

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"I have to leave."  Angel sat with a determined look setting his brow as the firelight danced in his eyes.

"If you leave the soldiers will find you.  It is dangerous to kill our Lord Acathla's beasts without his permission.  You could be killed."

The old man, eldest of his clan, and leader of the encampment, spoke softly and slowly.  "We can keep you safe.  Hide you from the soldiers."

"Thank you, Endress, but if I don't leave your people will be in even greater danger.  I don't want to see you hurt trying to protect me."  The concern resonated in Angel's voice. 

"I won't be killed.  I want to be found by the soldiers.  My destiny lies with Acathla, and what better way to meet him than to be invited into his chambers.  You have been kind with me, taking me in and for that I will always be grateful.  Now let me do what I have to do for your safety.  Please."