The Turquoise Queen, Pedro Urvi [e book reader android txt] 📗

nocked another elemental arrow, but instead of running toward the forest he ran toward the monster.

No! Run other way!  Camu messaged, fearing for Lasgol’s life, and Ona hissed in warning.

Lasgol knew he had to seize the advantage before he lost it. The Ogre, seeing him approach, banged its own torso with its fists and roared. It was going to crush him like a slug. Lasgol slipped rapidly to its left, and immediately it charged. He slipped once again toward a specific spot and the Ogre tried to seize him again.

There was another click as the second trap was activated. There followed a frozen explosion of ice which rose up the monster’s feet, then through its huge body, until it reached its head. It was frozen on the spot, unable to move. Lasgol stopped, aimed and released. The elemental arrow struck the ground between the beast’s feet. A roar of immense frustration and rage came from its mouth as it fought to break free of that icy prison, but without success. The cold, which did not seem to affect it, would not kill it, but it would delay it. The icy cold of the trap and the elemental water arrow would freeze its body until it was unable to move as fast as before.

Before it could manage to free itself, Lasgol ran in the opposite direction. As he went, he nocked another elemental arrow. Meanwhile the Ogre managed to free its upper body, roaring. With a tremendous crack it freed one of its feet. It beat on its other leg with its fists until it managed to break the layer of ice that held it. There came another crack, and its other foot was free. With a loud growl it moved toward Lasgol, who was waiting for it at fifteen paces with his bow armed.

It was coming toward him, but in slow motion. Its limbs were frozen, and every step took it an eternity, Lasgol remained calm, even though he knew that if it caught up with him and grabbed him with one of its huge hands, it would be his end.

Escape, Camu messaged, very worried.

I can’t do that. I have to finish this mission and kill it. If I run away, then sooner or later this beast’s going to come back down to the village and kill a bunch of innocent peasants. I can’t let it do that. I’ve got to put an end to it.

Maybe can’t.

True, but I have to try, whatever way I can. I wouldn’t forgive myself if this monster killed a family of farmers because I hadn’t tried everything I could to stop it.

Can’t save everybody.

I know. But nothing’ll stop me from trying. It’s my duty. I’m a Ranger. Nobody else will stop this monster before it causes more grief to other innocents.

Monster very dangerous.

This time I agree with you all the way.

The Ogre was now five paces from Lasgol, who was aiming without releasing. It came closer, to three paces. Lasgol held his breath, and there came a third click. It had stepped on the third trap. He stepped back at the very moment when the trap exploded. This time it was one of fire. The flames enveloped the Ogre, which screamed in pain.

Fire works! Camu transmitted excitedly.

Lasgol got to his feet from where he had thrown himself to one side to avoid the trap, and stood there ready to release. The Ogre was gesticulating in pain and fury. Its body was burning, and this time the fire was penetrating its tough skin. To Lasgol’s surprise, it threw itself on the ground and rolled over, trying to put out the flames.

Monster smart, Camu transmitted. Release.

Lasgol followed his advice and released at the Ogre as it was getting up after putting out the fire that had enveloped its body. The fire arrow exploded in its neck and the flames enveloped its head. Lasgol breathed out in relief. It had been a great shot, though of course the target was a large one. The Ogre roared and screamed, hitting its face with its large hands as it did its best to put out the fire. Lasgol wanted to end its misery, but did not know how to do so. He remembered that he still had one elemental arrow left, that of Air. He always carried one of each kind ready, just in case.

The Ogre spun round, beating its head, roaring and yelling in agony. Lasgol nocked the air arrow, aimed and stepped closer, waiting for a clear shot. The Ogre roared to the sky, and he released. The arrow hit the Ogre in the forehead, and there was a discharge, as if a bolt of lightning had hit the spot where the arrow had struck. It went into its head and fried its mind, which was too much for the Ogre. It fell to one side, dead.

Lasgol gasped in relief and fell to his knees.

We did it!

Chapter 6

With a terrible feeling of concern oppressing his chest, Lasgol ran to see how Ona and Camu were. He found them lying down, with pain on their faces. Ona greeted him with a moan and sad eyes. She licked her hind leg to let him know where she was injured.

Poor Ona, Lasgol sent to her, then knelt beside her and stroked her tenderly. The Ogre had given her a massive blow, and though she had managed to land on her feet, she had made things worse by putting her weight on her injured leg. His eyes moistened.

How is Ona? Camu transmitted. With the message came a feeling of concern about his friend and partner.

Lasgol examined her back legs, ribs and spine carefully, looking for possible broken bones. I don’t think there’s anything broken … but the blow was a very hard one. She might have an internal injury, besides her hind leg.

Ona