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“We need to move faster.” Nadzia sprinted ahead, weapon raised and aimed.

They wove their way toward her goal, using the rocky landscape for cover. But soon they came to an open area. She held up her fist and stopped.

“Do you think the heathen gave up on us?” Makissa whispered.

“I don’t know, but we have to assume she circled around to cut us off. Unfortunately, where we need to go is beyond that outcropping on the other side of the clearing.” She pointed across the sunbaked field to the pile of stone.

“We’ll be totally vulnerable.”

“Yes. Are you ready?” She took a deep breath as she scoped out the terrain.

“I’d hate to see you in real battle.” Makissa shook her head.

Oh, this is a real battle.Nadzia grimaced as she darted out from cover.

She ran toward the next shelter of rock, her muscles burning as she pushed to get across the clearing.

“Ow. The vasta, heathen,” Makissa cursed and fired, as she ran behind her.

She spun when she reached the rock, aimed and fired across the field where she thought she saw movement. But with the sun in her eyes it was hard to tell.

“We need to get behind this rise.”

Makissa nodded in agreement, and they both quickly moved along the rocky face as they fired toward their foe.

“Fuck!” she shouted as a shot hit her armored breastplate.

The tingle made her freeze for a moment until she regained her senses.

That was close.If the blast hit her bare skin she’d be screwed. But at least it clued her in to where their assailant was hiding.

They strafed the opposing hill and quickly made it behind the stone outcropping.

“Let’s go before she catches up.” She headed toward the ancient ruins she spotted earlier.

“Aye.” Makissa sprinted alongside her.

They reached the remnant of the old stone wall, Nadzia got on her knees, and started to work her way into the collapsed shaft.

“Give me your flask and watch your back.” She extended her hand.

“What are you doing?” Makissa gaped at her utterly horrified.

“There’s water down here. It’s a long story.” She shook her hand for the flask.

“I knew this was going to be an adventure.” Makissa reluctantly handed her flask over.

“I’ll be okay,” she reassured her new friend. “I’d suggest you join me but that’s not a good idea.”

“Thanks. I don’t think I’d fit and it’s underground.” Makissa emphasized the last part, her eyes wide as she stared at the dark crevice.

Well, I was thinking more of the birds that would probably murder you down here, but the other excuse is valid, too, she thought as she scooched into the crack.

The downward descent was an ordeal.

My butt’s going to be raw, and I’m gonna have sand in unmentionable places.Her swiss cheese outfit was made for the Osivoire, barely covering her ample ass.But at least it’s cooler down here,she sighed.

The deeper she got, she could hear the twitter and squawks of the flock of alien ostriches. It was oddly comforting, knowing she was in the right place. She reached the bottom and peered around the dilapidated columns at the glowing throng of Xerocle inside. It still amazed her how their luminescent feathers lit up the space, revealing the crumbling colorful mosaics and ornate carvings, making the ancient room look like a fairy oasis.