The Hunter's Apprentice by Mark Stentson Page A

blocked the attack and he cut the spider’s head off.
    He backed away from the corpse both mentally and physically drained. He could not continue like this. The spiders would only get bigger and bigger and he would soon not be able to cope anymore. He then thought of something and felt a tingle of excitement. He turned towards where the Zorg was fighting with the hunter. It had grown darker and bigger now. The hunter was on the defensive. Aerys knew that they did not have much time. He examined the Zorg’s sword. It was dark and blunt but its features were splendid. There was a dragon calved on the hilt and a thin golden line that ran across the middle of the blade.
    He ran towards the swords and scanned the whole place in search of a similar sword. He had no time. He had to find it quickly. He heard the hunter cry in pain behind him but he dared not turn. He just hoped that he could resist a bit longer. His heart was nearly trying to tear out of his chest. He tried to calm down but failed. He walked desperately amongst the swords…a dragon shaped hilt…a golden line along its blade. He could not find it and the pressure increased. Where was it? Was it not the solution? Panicking, he wondered if he had to take all the swords out. But then his eyes saw it; the dragon hilt sword. It was there, hidden in the darkness. He rushed forward and grabbed it. He took it out and it came out without disappearing this time. He had succeeded. He smiled foolishly and held it up. It shone brightly and turned red. He felt a sudden warmth in his hand as if the artifact welcomed its new master.
    But then there was a roar as Aerys turned he saw the hunter sent crashing on the cave’s wall. He fell heavily but he stood up immediately much to Aerys surprised without any sign of injury. He looked towards him and saw the artifact in his hands. A smile appeared on his face but it quickly disappeared when the Zorgs roared loudly again but this time it did not target the hunter. It had noticed the artifact too and he rushed towards Aerys who stood unable to move as he watched the fearsome creature approach. He was paralyzed.
    It covered the distance in an instant and stood before Aerys. It lifted its sword and struck. Aerys did not even have the time to close his eyes as the Zorg’s attack was unbelievably quick. The blade initiated its descent but it did not made contact with Aerys. The latter was pushed roughly to the side and there was a deafening sound as Drake’s blade connected with it. He launched a series of quick attacks which repelled the Zorg and he finally managed to hit it. The Zorg had no reaction when the Drake’s sword penetrated its flesh just above where its heart must have been. 
    Its body flared with a red glow and it grew in size. Aerys watched with incredulous eyes in front of such a spectacle. How were they supposed to kill this monster if he was not affected by even an artifact? He did not have any time to think about it for Drake rushed towards him and pushed him towards the exit.
    -Go, he yelled. I will retain him. Go.
    Aerys paused unsure. Would the hunter be alright fighting alone? He wanted to escape but he did not want to let the hunter fight this creature alone and die for him. Even if he was afraid, he shook his head.
    -I’m not letting you here alone, he replied.
    Drake smiled but then he shoved him away roughly.
    -Go, he replied. I won’t die here. Trust me.
    Aerys hesitated. He had faith in the hunter. After all was he not the strongest one alive. He nodded finally and headed for the exit half heartedly. He heard the roar of the Zorg and other waves of force as the swords clashed again and again. He did not turn back for he dreaded what he might see. The exit appeared then and he dived through it. He fell down on the soft grass. The cold wind welcomed him back in the northern region. He crawled away from the portal and waited anxiously. Would the hunter succeed? The wait was unbearable. Each second seemed