Book 3 Chapter 20: 2 Ambushes

Book 3 Chapter 20: 2 Ambushes

I took a breath, I had a bit of time before the Ursans closed in. They were being cautious, perhaps the recent losses theyd experienced against the freshly armed and more dangerous Rens had taught them a lesson or two. I took another improvised rope from my pack, tied one part of it to the Undertaker, still screaming through duct tape, and a rock. I threw the rock over a high sturdy branch above me and after it was over and landed, I hauled my ward up until he was dangling around twenty feet up, then tied the rope to a nearby tree. Once that was done I climbed a tree above where I believed the Ursans would approach from.

A few minutes after Id settled in, my new sword drawn, standing from the branch, I started to hear the sounds of the Ursans moving through the woods. They were unnaturally quiet for beasts as large as they were, and I wouldnt have heard their approach if I hadnt already been listening for it. They were both as large as the others Id seen, around the size of a small house. They made their way into the clearing and toward the writhing form of my bait, who was doing his best to be enticing, like a worm on a hook.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

The Ursans separated and started approaching the undertaker from two different angles, warily looking along the edge of the treeline and searching the ground as they slowly moved toward him. It looked as if I was right that theyd gotten smarter since the Rens began more actively hunting and trapping them. It was hard not to look at such an easy meal as a trap. In all fairness, it was a trap, but I wouldve preferred them to be a bit dumber for my own sake.

When one of them reared up to approach the undertaker and sniff at him, the other passed beneath me. I leapt down and activated the enhanced edge of my new sword. To my surprise, the Ursan actually rolled away, avoiding the blow I'd aimed at the base of its neck.

I slammed into the ground hard, driving the sword deep into the patch of earth Id landed on. I drew the sword out quickly as the Ursan slashed at me with claws the size of bowie knives. It bit at me, and I slashed at it, driving its head back. It slashed at me again, and this time I met the blow head on, with the blade of my sword activated. It neatly bisected the creature's paw, and it let out a pained cry as hot blood splattered the ground in front of it.

I moved in for the kill before it could recover, but its companion leapt toward me, cutting me off before I could reach it, and slamming into me with its shoulder. I was knocked backward, but recovered quickly. I raised my sword and ran at both of them. It wouldve been suicide before, but with my enhanced healing, strength, and new sword I knew I could handle them.

The uninjured Ursan attempted to back away from my blade, but was at a disadvantage in the narrow clearing. I drove my blade deep into its side, and drew it downward. I smelled blood and saw the neatly severed halves of ribs sticking from its side. It hunched down, seeming to lose consciousness, but before it fully fell down, its eyes flicked to me and it managed one more attempt to bite my leg. Before it could reach me, I drew my sword close and let the momentum of its attack slice its own head in half. The other Ursan, started to back into the woods, but I didnt let it run.

Before it could build up speed I ran toward it and severed its hind leg at the knee. It roared in pain as it fell, crashing into the treeline as it did so. I didnt let it suffer for long, moving to its chest and driving the blade into its heart.

I deactivated the sword, moving to clean it, but realized that there was no blood or viscera still on it. Whatever powered its enhanced edge must keep it clean as well. Feeling spiteful, I cut off the head of one Ursan, then the other. I still had meat leftover from the first one Id killed outside of the rEvolutionarly virus bunker, but I sliced off a few fresh steaks anyway, eating one as I lowered my fellow deadman down from his spot in the air. He seemed to be writhing a little less, perhaps broken from whatever madness hed been experiencing by what hed just witnessed.

I knelt down next to him after he was lowered and held the fresh, bloody meat of the ursan up to his face. You hungry? I asked. He didnt respond, but he didnt scream either. I took a risk and ripped the duct tape off his mouth.

Let me go back you fucking piece of shit! Put me back where you found me! I swear to god Ill rip out your fucking throat if you dont-

I gave him a firm, open-handed slap across the mouth. I asked if you were hungry?

He was silent for just a moment, and I hoped hed snapped out of what the sound had done for him. He lunged at me, flinging his entire body in my direction like a coiled snake.

I caught him by the hair, and held him for a moment, sighing. Ill give you until were back at the Rens castle. If you dont eat by then Ill probably have to force feed you. Not sure how long youve gone without food.

I shook my head. No, but do you have a dungeon?

Angela chuckled. Thats the freshest line I think Ive ever heard someone open with.

Shay ignored the comment. Yes, but why?

Undertaker got exposed to some nasty tech in a bunker. Im hoping itll wear off, but until it does hes a danger to himself and others.

She nodded. The dungeons unoccupied havent had much use of it since the Khans Justice arrived here.

Careful, muttered Angela with a touch of danger to her tone.

Shay grunted. Ill go ensure its ready. Well get a room for you as well.

I shook my head. Ill stay in the dungeon too. Need to keep my eye on him.

She nodded, and went on her way.

Wondering why Im here? asked Angela.

I shook my head. Not particularly.

She smiled. The Khan wants to speak with you.

I gritted my teeth. I cant make a trip to Fette now. I need to get to the front and bring him back to Potts. I gestured to the load on my back.

She smiled. Dont worry about it. The Khans here.