Free Shieldwolf Dawning by Selena Nemorin Page B

jeans. "I think I ate too much."
    Merganser watched her disapprovingly. "The path through Iggibar Monds is treacherous. You must be vigilant at all times. The trail is slippery and winds through the home of the Rock Biters, so be prepared for the worst. When Rock Biters tumble toward their prey there is only one way of escape."
    "What's that?" Samarra propped her arms on the table and listened with renewed interest.
    "Run." Merganser paused on her way out of the kitchen. "I shall inform your brother that if he resists, my orders are to bind him and send him to the hotbox where he will remain for three days and three nights. The same conditions apply to you." The door swung shut and Merganser disappeared.
    A tight ball formed in Samarra's throat. "Oh no," she mumbled on her way to her room. "Cass is going to hate me even more."

    ****
    It took a few hours for the trio to reach the Grand Bazaar. Although the road was soft from recent rainfall, making every step a balancing act, they found the path through Iggibar Monds with little trouble. The forests had a gentle beauty that Samarra had never seen before. From the moment she'd left Merganser's cottage, she had been preoccupied with the flora and fauna indigenous to the area, so time had flown by almost unnoticed. Hidden in the leafy green of giant trees lining the way, fluffy grey owls perched drowsily on thick, twisting branches. Alongside bumblebees, iridescent blue sprites collected pollen from flowering meadows. Undines in the lake shape-shifted into dazzling forms made of water. Insects buzzed and butterflies fluttered. Samarra was positively amazed.
    "Ah, there it is." Merganser pointed at the signpost leading to the Grand Bazaar. The world ahead of them loomed into dull grey rock.
    After a quick rest, they scrambled up and down tricky ledges and over a narrow steel bridge that connected the two halves of Iggibar Monds. Samarra stopped to catch her breath, looked over the side of the bridge, and felt dizzy at the sight of the long drop to more rock. "Keep moving." Merganser shouted at her.
    Samarra waited for her brother to catch up. "You better walk in the middle, Cass."
    "I don't want you to talk to me."
    Samarra frowned and hoped he would get over his mood. She missed the old Cassian.
    The group braved their way through steep, narrow passes and over harsh rock with no more trees or signs of green to break the monotony. The path ended at an opening that gave access to the Grand Bazaar. Above the entryway, a sign flashed on and off: Enter at your own risk. Merganser ignored the warning and shooed everyone inside and down a spiraling rock staircase.
    They hit a dead end in a small room when they reached the lower level. Before anyone could comment, concentric rings of purple energy rose from the ground and scanned their bodies. The sensors faded without a sound and the wall directly in front of them dissipated. Samarra stepped into a sprawling underground marketplace and gasped in delight. "This is unreal!"
    "Welcome to the Grand Bazaar," Merganser announced, lingering at the entrance to give Samarra and Cassian time to take in their surroundings.
    Crystal trees sprouting from the polished marble floor decorated the bustling marketplace. Twisted wire branches drizzled with amethyst leaves sparkled under a ceiling of white lanterns. Built into the walls of the cave were shops and restaurants oozing distinctive character from the gems and precious metals that framed each doorway. The rest of the area was home to a colourful maze of food stalls, art and craft tables, enchantment vendors, and performers of all types.
    Merganser indicated for Samarra and Cassian to follow. Without hesitation, they jumped right into the thick of the marketplace, past stalls selling charm bracelets and mood rings of protection, monster-hair scarves and potions of tranquility. All around the Kairu shopped and ate and talked. They came in all shapes and sizes, all colours and shades, and a range