Chapter 19: The Bloodmaw
Alvaric's life was so relaxed. He went through his daily routine with Ant Bee whom he already considered his child. However, he felt something odd in his life. His heartbeat was 1.5 times faster.
"What's wrong, Master?" Niva saw it. She asked out of worry.
"We're going east tomorrow."
A short answer, but it shocked Niva. She raised her hand a little. She wanted to stop her master, but she held back.
She nodded. "I'll come with you."
Alvaric turned his head. "Of course you have to come. I need a travel companion."
Niva smiled wide.
That day, Alvaric trained very hard. He didn't even go to sleep until past midnight. His defeat by the Giant Sandworm still lingered in his mind. It made him worry that the enemies he would face might be stronger than him.
He and Niva were ready to depart. They stood at the exit of the nest. Behind them, the Ant Bees were waiting.
Alvaric turned around, looking one by one at the Ant Bees standing neatly in a row. They stared at him with their small, round, shining eyes, as if they understood that Alvaric would go on a long journey. They wouldn't see him for quite some time, or maybe even a very long time.
Alvaric took a deep breath, then nodded and smiled at all of them.