Page 45 of Bosse
With the storm upon him, lightning struck over and over as if it could not decide what to destroy.
He reached a small stand of trees and trudged through them at a slower pace, but he’d run so hard he was wearing down. He and his wolf could go for many hours at a steady pace with some rest.
After passing through the trees, lightning chased across the sky.
He’d heard rushing water and, with another twenty steps, could see it during the next lightning display. A fast-moving stream of water followed the crooked path carved out along the base of a mountain on the other side. Not too wide if the creek ran slower, but this one raged, probably created by a flash flood. He had to get across before the turbulent water got worse. Maybe this would slow down the wolf hunting him.
Or were there more than one by now?
He climbed a tall boulder to stand and scout the area for rocks the water had to flow around. Lightning continued to offer occasional glimpses of a mountain soaring high above. In one bright flash, he saw a black spot halfway up the side of the mountain.
Was that a deep shadow from a rock outcropping or a cave?
A cave would be welcome, but he had to consider if any natural predators lived there. It could be the lair of a bear. Didn’t matter. If he and his wolf could reach that height and rest for a bit, Titan would be even stronger to run the rest of the way.
Who knew how far the Adriatic Sea was or if he was still headed toward it?
He slogged upstream to his right, thinking he’d find a narrower crossing.
Ten minutes later, he was rewarded with a pile of rocks that the water ran around, leaving a froth behind. He leaped from one rock to the next and landed on the other side, where his feet sunk into mud.
Perfect.
Turning back to his left, he began to climb uphill at an angle toward what he hoped was not a mirage.
With the last flickering of lightning, he pinpointed the black spot and scrambled over rocks, clinging to any handhold until he could make out a ledge.
Definitely a cave.
Hooking a hand, he hoisted himself until he could grab with both hands and pull himself up and over the ledge, breathing hard from the exertion. He rolled over and sat up to look at the land he’d crossed, surprised at the distance visible from here. Thanks to the flashing storm moving to what he hoped was east, the sky appeared clear for miles. He saw no sign of the Lammogo or any preternatural wolves. Water drenched the flatlands, which might help disturb his scent trail, especially where he’d run back and forth in a zigzag, trying to avoid Krol’s pet.
That was all he could do for now.
He had no idea if the Lammogo could track him even after the rain.
He snuck close to the cave entrance and listened, hearing no obvious sounds. Taking a few steps in, he sniffed and caught an animal scent. Might even be a bear, but the scent was old. He went deeper inside and stopped short of going too far.
He’d rest near the mouth of the cave. Right now, it smelled like freedom.
Pulling the bag strap of the cloth bag over his head, he sat down on the dirt floor, shocked that he’d made it this far. How was Alifair? Would she be safe as she claimed? His conscience warred with common sense now that he had a break from running. He could save no one if he failed to escape Krol’s hunters.
Adrenaline drained from him faster than water from a broken bowl. Exhaustion took over, dragging his eyes closed. He had done all he could for now and hoped Alifair slept safely in her room under the stairs.
He lay on his side, using the lumpy bag to prop his head, and told Titan,Wake us if you hear anything.
I will.
But could Titan hear a flying threat in time before the Lammogo was on them?
He was too exhausted to worry about what-ifs.
