Seven Stones: Part Sixteen
Previously on Seven Stones: Kobb finds the Eater asleep in a hidden camp. Attempting to take its staff away, he lets a mask slip from the Eater’s bag. The Eater awakes, but seems unwilling to risk damaging the mask by attacking. Kobb uses the mask to force the Eater to follow him. The Eater reveals that Kobb and it share faith in the Maker.
Anessa crept forward. The ground was mired in rotten leaves and brambles, but the trees seemed less tangled ahead. Something small and dark exploded from the undergrowth, trilling and chittering. Then the wildlife fell silent. She raised her hand.
Eyes flicking from side to side, Haelen crouched down.
Tilting her head, Anessa strained her ears. No thrushes. Wind brushed the treetops. And in the distance, the clump of hooves. Keeping her crossbow up, Anessa eased towards the nearest gap between trees. A path cut through the forest, shafts of light spearing the murk. The brief yellow glint caught her eye.
Peering, she made out Kobb leading Falcon. As Kobb moved closer, she realised another, smaller figure walked beside him. Kobb had captured the Eater. She wasn’t sure how, but he had done it. “Haelen. It’s Kobb.”
Several small animals fled across the track as Haelen pushed his way through the undergrowth.
