Chapter 111: Copperion Flesh
Irwin snuck forward, hammer in one hand, eyes constantly scanning for threats that might lurk deeper in the caves. The smooth, bumpy rock inside the tunnels was a stark contrast with the angular black edges of the outside.
Why is the inside of this place so different? he thought as he inspected a nearby bit of cavern wall.
He quickly found part of the oddity. Sand had been blown over the ages, filling the cracks of the dull brown rock. But that didn't explain the completely different coloring. The outside had been black, gleaming, and with sharp edges.
A dull roar from outside was accompanied by thunderous stomping.
Whatever Fleshgorgers are, they are now here, he thought, feeling a slight worry grow. Would those things follow them inside the caves?
"There are tracks of something going deeper into the cave," Greldo shouted above the deafening sound.
"I see them," Scintilla replied.
Irwin stopped, staring at the scuff marks that moved across the ground.
How are those tracks? he thought, not in the least bit surprised that both Scintilla and Greldo could see in the dark.
He focused on the tracks, but to him, they looked more like sand blown sideways by the wind. Still, he didn't doubt Greldo.
"Are they fresh?" he shouted.
Greldo ran past him and knelt down, inspecting the scuff marks before pushing the edges with his fingers. Then he got up and shook his head.