“Just the fabric of my tunic,” Ransom said.
“Do we have a torch?Talon, are you okay?”
A faint growl carried to them.
“I have a lamp.It’s in the side pocket of my pack.”
“No way are you toting a lamp in there,” Scarlett eyed his pack.
“Back right pocket.The lamp is silver.”
Scarlett fumbled in the pocket Ransom indicated and produced a silver square.“Where I come from, this isn’t a lamp.”She handed it over, and Ransom activated a switch.
The lamp illuminated a large area when Ransom directed it at the hole.
“Talon, wait there,” Ransom ordered.“We’re coming inside.”He turned to face her, the hole going dark again because he’d redirected the light.
But before they could move, Talon shrieked and scuttled from the hole.He bounced up and down and slapped his claws at a long, hissing thing that had attached to his fur.
“Snake!”Scarlett backed up so fast, she tripped over a rock and fell on her arse.
Ransom yanked on the animal-creature—whatever it was—and threw it away from the entrance.“It’s harmless, but its bite is nasty.”Ransom kneeled beside Talon and checked his coat.“You’re fine.Your fur is too thick.”
“I wonder what other surprises they have in there,” Scarlett said.“Did you see the prince?”
Talon shook his head.
“We need to get inside,” Ransom said.“Ideas?”
“Well, we know a short-arse like Talon wasn’t in danger.What if you and I crawl?We can leave our packs out here.From the glimpse I got, it looks as it only the entrance is low and we should be able to stand once we get as far as Talon did.Are there any more of those snake things?”
“They hide from the light,” Ransom said.“As long as we have the lamp, they’ll keep away.”
Scarlett retreated.“I’m not so gung-ho about going in there.Indiana Jones keeps popping into my head.”
“Who’s Indiana Jones?”Ransom’s eyes narrowed to dragon-slits while his body expanded.
Scarlet raised her right hand in a stop motion.“Whoa, dragon-man.You don’t have to do the big, scary monster thing.It’s a vid series.Entertainment.If you ever visit the resort, I’ll treat you to dinner and a vid.”
Ransom winced and cupped his aching skull.
“We need to hurry,” Scarlett said.“We don’t know how long it will take, and if the potion wears off, we’re in trouble.”
“Shush, someone might be listening.”
“Good point.Let’s do this.”She scratched her arm, and Talon hissed a warning.She ignored him to keep scratching, and he leaped at her with bared teeth.Before she could shake him off, he nipped her.“Ow, you crazy wee demon.I am not the enemy.”
“Cut it out.Both of you,” Ransom snapped.
“Yes, Dad,” Scarlett said, her tone syrupy sweet.
“Haw-haw-haw.”
Scarlett stared at the Trolleris with irritation.“Bite me again and Iwilluse you for a rugby ball.”
“The pair of you are worse than dragon younglings going on their first flight.Not another word from either of you.”
“Talon, you go first.”
