“We are,” Casimir said. “Which means this will be over soon, I hope.”
It wasn’t long before they crossed the last dune and stood before their daunting task. The group was silent, scanning the rocks and entrance for any detail indicating danger.
“How deep do you suppose it goes?” Maeryn asked, stepping up next to Casimir.
He shook his head. “It’s impossible to tell. But it must go underground. These rocks aren’t large enough for a cave system.”
“Underground?” Ava asked. “Does that mean we might run across another one of those Jarouki’i?”
“Let’s hope not,” Raine said. “Though my scar is quite fashionable, I don’t need another.”
Casimir addressed the group. “We don’t know what could be awaiting us in the caves. There might be traps, dangerous creatures, or numerous other hazards. Watch where you step. Watch what you touch. Have your weapons and magic ready ata moment’s notice.And”—he let his eyes settle on Jareth—“watch each other’s backs. We work as a team. Not alone. We leave the animals here. It’s not safe for them to come.”
For once I agree with you,Aro said.
“I’m honored.”
Casimir gave Aro a scratch behind his ears as he settled next to the entrance in the shade. Ava kissed the top of Aro’s head, and he let out a satisfied grumble. She knelt to kiss Luna, urging them to be safe. Sabriel barked, wagging her tail expectantly.
“You too?” she asked.
“She feels left out,” said Raine.
Ava kissed the top of Sabriel’s head and she yipped. “You all are ridiculous,” she chastised the animals.
But they’d always been that way. Adoring their princess. Since the first day they’d met her.
“Is everyone ready?” Casimir asked.
Murmurs of assent went through their party.
“I’ll lead.” He headed into the cavern, but several soldiers appeared next to him.
“Excuse me, general,” Zara interrupted. “Let us go first.” She was one of his best fighters. It wasn’t surprising she would volunteer. Her shoulder-length red curls blew in the wind, her arms crossed before her as she stared him down.
“As your leader, I should be in the front.”
“Please forgive our boldness,” said another, his hazel eyes determined. “But as our general, we can’t stand to lose you. We’re asking to go first.”
Casimir furrowed his brow, crossing his arms as he pondered over the statement. A hand landed on his shoulder, and he turned around, face to face with Raine.
Here it comes,he thought, awaiting Raine’s lecture.
Raine gave him a hard look. “They’re right. Let them go first.Theywantto. Stop being a stubborn ass and allow them to do this.”
He grunted.
“You can go in right after them,” Raine said, tilting his head.
“Fine.” Casimir faced them again. “You three may lead. But use caution.”
With a steadying breath, the party began their journey into the depths of the unknown, led by Zara and two other soldiers. Casimir followed, with Ava, Raine and Maeryn close by. Imsel and Gisela came next, then Jareth, and the last couple soldiers taking up the rear.
Twelve of them entered, but he was concerned not all twelve would leave intact.
The entrance was low, causing Casimir, Raine and Imsel to duck due to their heights. Though Casimir was the tallest, Raine was only a couple inches shorter than him, Imsel another inch lower.
They walked through a short tunnel, Casimir and Jareth raising orbs of starlight to float over their heads. The rock was a reddish color, matching the rest of the desert, but as they plunged deeper, it changed.
