Chapter 86: Armless
"Alright, we are out of sight," Greldo said as he turned and stared in the direction of the city.
Irwin sighed in relief as he looked at the others. Lamia was looking around, eyes narrowed.
Although there was some starlight out, the thick cloud cover was making it hard for all except him to see further than a few dozen feet.
"I'll walk in the front," Irwin said as he moved forward. "Greldo, tell me where to go."
"As soon as we are further away, I'll summon Coal. He can lead us around any demons," Greldo said as he moved alongside Irwin. "For now, we need to reach the location of the old northern gate. Do you see it?"
Irwin looked ahead. A vast dirty white layer of snow, marred by deep gauges and furrows inflicted during the many battles and fights, separated them from the ruins of Esterdon. Beyond lay the towering gray and black ruins, and even from this far, he could see a few glimmers of portals in a few locations. A massive section of wall with half of a tower remained on one side, all that remained of what must have been an enormous entrance long ago.
"Alright, let's head out," he said, repressing a shiver. It was cold, colder than he would like, but he didn't dare summon his Coperion Body yet. He might need all of its duration later.
They continued onward, and ten minutes later, Greldo summoned Coal. As soon as the enormous hound was out, he sniffed the air walking around. Then he headed out, changing direction slightly.
"There are a few burrowed things ahead," Greldo said as he followed his summon. "Coal will lead us around them, but make sure you all stay quiet. No talking."
Irwin didn't respond, taking the back so he could keep an eye on anything that might sneak up on them. Daubutim and Lamia moved in between, Daubutim fully armored and with his greatsword out.
As they continued on, Coal kept changing directions, causing them to zigzag toward the ruins at a slow pace. Nobody was complaining, though.
I wonder if Hutch will understand what we did, Irwin thought as he looked around, standing still and looking behind him.