Underlord (Cradle, #6)

by Will Wight

[Good! That’s good. I was worried it was your face. And you know what? It makes sense. I didn’t expect you to live to Truegold either. Every day you survive is a new surprise for me. Full of surprises, you are.]

Yerin looked around the room, then pulled her Goldsigns close to her back. She shook her head, a smirk on her face, and walked from the room. Orthos chuckled and said something to Eithan, butting the side of his shell up against the Underlord’s hip. Eithan laughed and rested his hand on the turtle’s head, and the two of them walked out as well. Mercy looked bewildered, but she bowed to both Naru Gwei and Bai Rou before leaving, using her staff like a walking stick.

But Harmony…I told him to put his life at risk, and all would become clear.] Dross paused a moment. [Why would I say that? That sounds like terrible advice.]

“Until only days ago, I convinced myself I could make the journey alongside you. But you move so quickly, and I am, after all…a turtle.”

“A dragon is not ashamed of tears,” Orthos said.

“A dragon does not wait around,” he said, red eyes passing over them all. “Protect yourselves. I expect you to stay alive until I see you again.”

Eventually, Orthos passed through the portal back to the Empire, and was gone.

Nooooo

“You could change that. You could lead the family in a better direction, regardless of their personal motivations, as Fury and I do. On your own, you lead only yourself.”

I had chosen Harmony to be the second. If your brother Pride can replace you, that still leaves an empty space for Fury. And one for me.”

[You know what, never mind, I couldn’t do anything with a horse. Stupid idea. If it’s a horse, don’t tell me.]

Lindon reached out with his spiritual sense, connecting to the aura around him. It was easier this time. I fight so I won’t be worthless anymore,

“I...don’t...want to be useless. I move forward to prove that I am...worth something, I guess.”

I practice the sacred arts, she thought, because I don’t want to hurt anymore.

“I am called Orthos,” the turtle said. “I come from your brother Lindon.”

“I am pleased by you already, Wei Shi Kelsa. And I cannot run.” He walked forward, brushing past her, facing her pursuers. “Not when I can fight.”