Page 48

“Good. We’re going to need it,” Custodis said, his keen eyes taking in everything around us.

Several wooden boats rested along the shore. Those competitors who were closest to them turned on each other, fighting to claim one.

“Boats are out.” I strode to the edge of the water. “I suppose we could swim.”

“No. Wait.” Victor grabbed my arm. “Look.” He nodded.

Eager to beat the others, a number of competitors charged into the water. With quick strokes, they swam away from shore.

“Over there,” Drazen pointed.

Directly in front of a small group, water twirled, gathering speed. Screams rang out. Several of the swimmers were caught up in the whirlpool. As the first group vanished beneath the surface, violent waves began to crash. Growing bigger, more powerful, they rolled and tumbled, headed straight for the few who had managed to claim boats. Waves pounded the flimsy timber. Wood splintered, and the boats came apart. As the passengers struggled to hold onto the broken pieces, massive waves claimed them, dragging them under.

In the distance, cheers erupted, the king’s audience enjoying the show.Filthy bastards.

“Athos can manipulate stone,” Custodis stated. “Can Kronk raise them from beneath the water?”

“If Kronk creates stepping stones, we could cross on foot,” I finished the vampire’s thought. “Do it.” I smacked Kronk’s iron arm, then shook out my stinging hand.

“Very well.” Kronk took a knee, plunging his fist deep into the sand. Then, with a brow furrowed look of deep concentration,he summoned his magic. The ground trembled beneath our feet. Out in the water, bubbles exploded in a violent stream. Along the surface, dark mounds erupted, slimy stones the size of adult bula emerging from the depths.

Adrenaline sped through my veins. This might actually work.

“Kronk, you’re a genius.” I ignored Victor’s contribution.

“Ten clicks,” said a mechanical voice.

“Hurry,” Victor ordered, and we took off at a sprint.

One at a time, we leaped from stone to stone. Frigid water sprayed our bodies, wetting our clothes and hair.

I blinked my blurry eyes. We were getting closer. Hope welled inside of me.

“Brace yourselves!” Drazen shouted over the roaring water.

A massive wave exploded against the stones, threatening to knock us off our perches.

“Runa!” Before I could brace for the next impact, a larger wave crashed into the pillar I stood on. It slammed into my chest, knocking me off my feet. I tumbled, knees and elbows cracking on the rock. With the deluge threatening to suck me under, I dug my nails into the slippery stone surface, finding little to stop my fall. Flark. I was going in.

Stony fingers clamped down on my wrist. With one hand, Kronk dragged me up, setting me on my feet.

“Behind us,” Kronk shouted over my head.

I spun to look. Others had taken advantage of our path, leaping across the stones, gaining on us.

“Drazen, your flames,” Victor shouted from the rear.

“Duck,” Drazen yelled, launching a fireball.

The flaming orb sailed over Victor’s head, barely missing him. It crashed into a guy with green scales. The creature squealed, falling into the water, where the waves quickly swallowed him.

“Five clicks,” said the disembodied voice.

“Move,” Victor shouted.

This time, I didn’t balk at the order. I leaned back and hurled my frozen body at the next foothold.

Only a few steps to go. We were so close.