The Crystal Legacy (Book 2) Read Free

in the current sweeping her down river.
    “The poor, half-starved dog,” Saxthor said. “She’s used the last of her energy. She’s too worn out to swim to us.”
    “The bear’s staring, I think it’s going to go for the dog,” Tournak said. He went for his bow and arrows.
    “Wait Saxthor!” Bodrin said.
    Saxthor dove in and swam to the frantic dog.
    The current caught the struggling dog pulling her under in a swirling eddy.
    “Can you grab her, Saxthor?” Bodrin yelled.
    The current suddenly sped up where the channel narrowed. The dog’s head popped up, but the racing current carried her farther from Saxthor who swam his fastest to get to her. Her head went under in the current again.
    Saxthor foot caught on an underwater snag spinning him around. He freed his foot and looked to the dog. She was bobbing more and struggling less, even when her head did pop up among eddies in the frothy water.
    When we had to escape as kids, I couldn’t be there for Battara in her old age, Saxthor thought. She was the best pup ever. I’m supposed to be here for this dog, and I won’t let her down. I can’t let her down. She looks to me with terror in her eyes. I won’t let her down.
    Saxthor swam on, rocketed faster by the racing current that caught him, too, and shot him along toward the dog. The current relaxed farther downstream. It allowed the drowning beast to keep her head above water. She watched Saxthor gaining on her, but her eyes dulled, reflecting hopelessness.
    Then the soggy creature paddled away from the current when Saxthor approached. Her ears shot up; her eyes brightened. Saxthor reached out and grabbed her skin at the back of her neck pulling her to him.
    She thrashed the water, trying to climb on her rescuer.
    “Hold on, girl. I’ve got you now.”
    The terrified dog stopped panting, looked Saxthor in the eye, and collapsed on him. He held her in one arm over his shoulder, swimming back to the boat drifting down river for him.
    “Don’t bring that mangy animal onboard,” Tournak said. “It can go find an owner elsewhere.”
    “Give it up Tournak,” Bodrin said. “He remembers Battara. He won’t part with this emaciated thing.”
    “We’re not equipped for a dog, Saxthor,” Tournak said, hands on his hips.
    “Have you noticed he’s not listening,” Bodrin said.
    Exasperated, Tournak held Saxthor by his arm while he pushed the struggling beast up to the boat.
    “Take her Bodrin. She’s exhausted and distraught.”
    “Kind of like us.” Bodrin chortled.
    Tournak frowned. “I’ll agree with the last part.”
    Water ran from the dog’s short fur, revealing her black-spotted, white coat. Bright brown eyes above her long muzzle looked at each man as she panted. Her two ears stood at attention with just the tips folding over, facing dripping Saxthor, whose side she wouldn’t leave.
    “She’s soaking wet, aren’t you girl,” Saxthor said.
    As if in response, and unaware of her bad manners, she shook from side to side, head to tail, splashing all three men. The dog stared at the bank for a moment, then looked up to Saxthor. He dropped to his knees hugging his girl who licked her rescuer.
    -
    Twit stared down at the soggy beast from his new perch atop the cabin. They’re graced with the company of this gorgeous bird and they bring that... that thing onboard, thought Twit. It’s going to eat everything that can’t outrun it. There’s no accounting for human taste.
    -
    Bodrin pulled up the anchor and started poling the boat back up river. “That’s that, you won’t part those two Tournak.”
    “That scrawny beast is going to be first to the table, Bodrin,” Tournak said.
    “Yeah, well I’m bigger than she is.”
    -
    Twit looked down with disdain.
    Why do people associate with such uncouth carnivores? Twit thought. People are so easy. Those hairy things know to play stupid to manipulate people. You’d think people would see through it, but they fall for it every time. No