Free The Soul Forge by Andrew Lashway Page B

the doors that Thomas snapped out of it. They all hit the cobblestone and just kept running, determined to put as much distance between themselves and any other living – or otherwise – thing.
    They reached the relative safety of the safe house when they stopped for good. As soon as they entered, the Trask twins started packing everything they owned. The small boy Thomas hadn’t properly met asked what had gone wrong, but Miranda shushed him, promising to fill him in later.
    “What’s going on?” Thomas asked when he could breathe again.
    “We’re getting out of here,” Miranda answered. “I don’t know what’s going on, and I don’t want to be here to find out. Here’s your pay,” she finished, tossing a small pouch to Thomas. He could feel the jingle of coins inside it. It was a strange sound.
    “I didn’t complete the job,” Thomas replied, offering it back.
    “You made sure the bad guys didn’t get the staff. That was the job. I’m not sure the way you did it was ideal, but hey. Job well done nonetheless. Not your fault the Dark Priest is back and the King is probably dead…”
    She trailed off, the ramifications hitting everyone in the room.
    “What?” the little one said, his young voice sounding even more timid. Thomas could see a tear sparking in his young face. What was a child doing in this environment? And who was this child?
    “Who are you?” Thomas asked in what he hoped was a pleasant voice.
    “Ben,” the boy replied, taking a deep sniff and standing as straight as he could. Thomas felt a swelling of pride at the strength the boy was trying to display, though he had no reason to be feeling it.
    “He’s the information gatherer for our little gang,” Miranda said with a smile, though she didn’t pause while making preparations. “Everyone tells little kids stuff when they ask. It’s great.”
    Thomas opened his mouth to reply, but couldn’t think of anything.
    “Your horse is right back there,” the taller twin said, pushing Thomas out of the way of a barrel. “She’s got a saddle. I suggest you get to riding.”
    “Where do I go?” Thomas asked without thinking. This was spinning out of control, and he had had very little control to begin with.
    “Away from here,” Miranda said, “go somewhere. Anywhere. Just run.”
    “We can’t just run away,” Thomas argued, “no one knows what’s happened! If we run, Ludicra is done for sure!”
    “The King is gone and the Dark Priest is in control of the castle,” the shorter twin said as he hefted a bag of grain. “Ludicra is already done.”
    “Not yet,” Thomas said, drawing the General’s sword. “I could hurt those things with this. I couldn’t kill them, but I could hurt ‘em. No one else’s weapon could do that. Why do you think that is?”
    “Ask the elves,” Miranda said, lifting Ben onto her back. “Story has it the elves designed it and dwarves crafted it. If you want answers, the elves are your best bet.”
    Thomas said nothing else, choosing instead to nod. He had to check up on Cynthia anyway, and she was supposed to be in Verdonti.
    “Anyone happen to have a map?” Thomas asked as he made his way to the back room.
    “Sorry, fresh out,” Miranda said, following him.
    There were four horses and a carriage in the back room. Lucille pawed the ground at the sight of Thomas, and he crossed to her with more energy than he really had at the moment. The twins loaded up the carriage with the supplies, and Miranda settles into her horse’s saddle. The gray and white animal didn’t look the least bit perturbed by the proceedings.
    Thomas mounted Lucille, letting out a small sigh of relief to be sitting in an actual saddle. His feet found the stirrups, and they all gave each other a single look. Thomas made sure the General’s sword and shield and his gold pouch were all intact, then he clicked his tongue. Immediately, Lucille took off through the stable into the streets.
    They ran into an army of