Free Awakening (Telindell Book 1) by Darren Lee Page B

golden light sprang forth from the blade.  It spread through the darkness, driving it back.  Dreathous roared as the light overtook him.  All Lian could see was the bright, blinding light.
    Lian opened his eyes and gasped heavily.  He was back in the ogre’s lair.
    Lian looked to Kane who was sound asleep. “Was that… was that just a dream…” he wondered.
    Lian heard roars coming from the body of water, the grunts of the ogres and the sounds of battle.  Bagra-Shuk appeared from the darkness of the cave.  He had blood dripping from his hands and gaping slices across his upper body.  He no longer carried his club.  Kane sprang up with his ears tucked back and began to growl.
    Bagra-Shuk reached his blood covered hand out to Lian. “Come, boy,” said the Ogre.  “We must go. They have come for you.”
    Lian stared at the bloody, wounded ogre who was offering his hand.
    “Come, boy!  We have to go now!” Bagra-Shuk shouted.
    Lian looked deep into the ogre’s eyes. “Where are—”
    The ogre quickly interrupted Lian’s words, “Out of the pass. That is all that matters. Now get up!”
    Lian nodded and looked to Kane. “Time to go, boy,” he said.
    Kane snorted in agreement.
    Bagra-Shuk pointed to the rear of his lair. “This way, boy,” said the ogre. “The exit to the pass is not far.”  The mighty ogre walked toward the rear of his lair.  He looked back to Lian. “Hurry.  My ogres will be dead soon.  They have claimed the valley, and soon the pass will be theirs, too.”
    Lian’s eyes widened. “Dead?  What do you mean, dead?  You ogres are bigger. You must be stronger!”
    Bagra-Shuk looked at Lian. “These foes possess a power of the likes I have never faced,” said the ogre.  “They are large, they are fast, they are cunning, they are powerful and some wield magics.”  Bagra-Shuk looked toward the rear of the cave.  “We ogres are much stronger than you humans.  That is why we can hold them for a short time.  We are heavily outnumbered.  My ogres will die.  I am taking you out of the pass to ensure their sacrifice is not in vain.”
    Lian quickly stood and shook his head. “Sacrifice!  What sacrifice?” said Lian.  “Why is everyone protecting me?  Why are you doing this?”  Tears escaped Lian’s eyes. “I don’t want anyone to die for me!”
    Bagra-Shuk sighed. “Because it is my oath,” said the ogre.  “That is all I know.  If I wanted to abandon you here, I could.  It will make no difference now.  If I do, we all will die.  Now come, dawn quickly approaches and once we reach the exit of the pass, I will seal it, giving us time to escape beyond the mountains.”
    Lian looked to Kane, then back to Bagra-Shuk. “Seal the pass?” he asked.  “How are you going to do that?”
    Bagra-Shuk grinned, baring his mouthful of fangs “These warriors are not the only ones who can wield magics,” said the ogre.
    “Magic?” Lian asked, curious.
    Bagra-Shuk motioned for Lian and Kane to follow. “No time to explain, boy,” said the ogre.  “You will see soon enough.  Now come.”
    Lian grabbed the sword and held it tightly against his chest.  Bagra-Shuk led them into a passageway.  They journeyed deeper within the mountains, the echoing sounds of the ogres’ battle fading from their ears.  In the distance, a small speck of light became visible.
    Bagra-Shuk pointed towards it. “There’s the exit!” said the ogre.  “We are almost out!”
    The trio began to run as the exit drew closer.  Then, Bagra-Shuk came to a sudden halt.  Lian and Kane stopped behind the colossal ogre.  The pass began to shake.  Lian turned to see a bright light flying towards him.  His eyes widened, and he stood paralyzed by the sight.  Lian felt a large hand grip his upper body and toss him toward the exit of the pass.  Bagra-Shuk let out a roar of pain as a ball of fire struck his body.  Lian raised up as the flames cleared from the pass. Through the smoke, he saw