Free Awakening (Telindell Book 1) by Darren Lee

kind of reply, a deep voice echoed around them. “Who dares trespass in my lair?”
    Lian heard the footsteps of something large approach him.  A tall, wide figure began to emerge into visibility.  It drew closer, revealing a beast that stood ten feet tall.  The beast’s skin was pasty white, and its muscles appeared as if they were cut from stone.  It carried a club chiseled from stone.  The only piece of clothing it wore was a large piece of fur wrapped around its waist.  Fangs protruded from the beast’s mouth, and it had coal black eyes and long matted black hair covering its head and back.
    The beast glared toward Lian and Kane. “Answer me now!” the beast demanded.  “Why should I not enjoy you and your mangy friend as a snack?”
    Lian gripped the sword tightly. Kane crouched down and began to snarl.
    The beast noticed the sword. “Why do you have that?  Have they…” the beast broke off into silence.   “Yes, that must be it.”  The beast lowered his club and crouched down to the duo with Kane still snarling him. “Calm yourself, wolf. No harm will come to the boy.”
    Kane began to relax, still eyeing the beast with caution.
    The beast looked to Lian. “I am Bagra-Shuk,” he said, “leader of this tribe of ogres.  Shana’s Pass has been our home for nearly a thousand years.”  Bagra-Shuk pointed to the sword. “We have guarded that since it was placed in its chamber.  Now tell me, have they returned?”
    Lian slowly nodded, trembling.
    Bagra-Shuk let out a sigh. “I see.  What of the forest and the village?”
    “Dead,” Lian answered.  “The forest burns.”
    Bagra-shuk lowered his head and closed his eyes. “Did they follow you?”
    Lian nodded.
    The ogre stood. “Come.  We don’t have much time, but you can warm yourself in our lair.  Then, I will show you the way out of the pass.”
    Bagra-shuk turned and walked toward the ogres’ lair.  Lian looked toward Kane and the wolf nodded.  Lian hesitantly followed the ogre with Kane beside him.  He could see fire in the distance.  Lian saw that there were more ogres watching him as he entered their lair.  They were different from Bagra-shuk.  They did not speak, but rather grunted amongst each other.  And their skin was a dark green.
    Bagra-shuk pointed to the fire at the center of his lair. “Sit before you become ill.”
    Lian laid the sword down and did as the large creature commanded.  He sat beside the fire and felt its warmth begin to thaw his nearly frozen body.  Kane stretched and lay next to him, resting his head in Lian’s lap.
    Lian petted Kane’s head. “We’re gonna be alright now.”
    Kane whimpered a bit and closed his eyes.  Lian lowered his head, his eyes now heavy.
    Bagra-Shuk sat across from Lian and dropped his massive stone club on the ground. “It is alright, boy.  Rest while you can.”  Bagra-Shuk’s words sounded almost gentle.  Lian leaned over onto Kane’s soft fur and closed his eyes.

Chapter 5: Into Darkness
     
    Lian slowly opened his eyes. “It’s so dark,” he said.  “Where is everybody?”
    He was greeted only by darkness and a vast emptiness.
    Lian looked around, unable to see anything but darkness. “Kane?  Kane?” he called out.  There was no reply, no howl or whimper from his valued protector. 
    Lian heard a voice echo in the distance. “Come, young Lian. It’s your birthday!”
    Lian looked in the direction of the voice, still seeing only darkness. “But I saw him die,” he thought before shouting, “Elder Marrow!”
    Marrow answered Lian’s call, “Yes, now come, Lian! We’ve no time to dawdle!”
    Lian felt a spark of hope within his heart.  He ran for what seemed like an eternity through the darkness.
    Lian shouted again to the vague figure in the distance, “Elder Marrow!”
    This time he heard only silence.  Lian reached the figure to see Marrow and his eyes widened at the sight him.
    Marrow glared toward Lian. “Your fault,” said Marrow