Chapter 10

After the tripwire trap it was safe. No tricks or snares of any kind. As such the two got to actually talk.

"So we're clear we don't like or trust each other?" Tyler asked. It was so obvious Sammy was puzzled why he asked.

"Yes but you are my best chance of getting out alive," he replied. "Oh can you read? You had to learn lunar patterns somewhere."

"Very little," he admitted looking away. Tyler could feel his face going red. No, it was nothing to be ashamed of. "Usually that luxury's for the rich but we commoners have our ways."

Even though Sammy enjoyed the peace he wondered if this was another game. No way would Claudia Ronan make it so easy. He was about to point that out until the floor began to give out.

With a look an understanding passed between them and they bolted. For a moment Sammy dared to look back. He could see spikes shining as if they were smiling. No matter how fast they went only two or three inches stood between them and death.

Tyler couldn't count the number of times he felt he'd die. Even some so unreasonable and absurd with hindsight.

The loss of control as he stood toward the edge of panic. Panic and terror so raw and beyond his mere mortal body... that it stared back.

But it wasn't all about him. Losing Sammy, a strange feeling came with the thought. Almost like he was sinking.

All at once he stopped, grabbing the scruff of Sammy's shirt. With a heave he threw the prince sending him flying. His cheer brought the barest flicker of a smile even as his arm ripped open.

The adrenaline had quickly died letting Sammy register stabs of pain across his body. Crazy or not he was giving Tyler a piece of his mind, barely aware he was on solid ground.

His breath left him seeing Tyler barely hanging on a solitary bit of rock. Even he couldn't disguise the agony his arm must have been giving him. "Hang on!" Sammy called out, racing towards Tyler.

"No stop! turn around and keep going," Tyler insisted. Shock made him heed the first order but Sammy refused to turn around. It just wouldn't be honorable.

Lying on his stomach Sammy stretched out for his hand. "Please the ground could completely give out," Tyler continued to insist.

"I won't leave," Sammy grunted leaning farther. Then he saw the sword.

"Your sword! I can use it to pull you up," he proposed. Tyler unstrapped his belt, sacrificing the item. Gripping the leather sheath Sammy heaved.

Using it as a vine Tyler dug his claw-like nails into the wall and climbed up to Sammy. He was okay, so why did the Prince look like he'd be sick? Then he realized he couldn't feel his arm. Tyler shook his arm. Seeing the movement but the limb still felt dead.