Ambush (3)

Riding high in the sky atop June, Erik's heart pounded like a drum.

"What in blazes just happened back there, Master?" June hollered over the roar of the wind, his voice a mixture of concern and confusion.

Erik wiped the sweat from his brow, his hand coming away slick with blood. He was panting. He fought against many people and many thaids, but never he had come so close to dying.

"Those bastards, the Blackguards, they ambushed me." When he said that, his voice was rough as gravel, and his breath was labored. "They caught me off guard just as I was about to finish the job."

He glanced back, his gaze falling on Max's lifeless body. The man was sprawled across June's back. A shudder ran down Erik's spine. The Blackguards were stronger than he expected.

"Master," June's voice cut through his thoughts, "I think you should absorb that brain crystal right now."

Erik raised an eyebrow at him. "Now? Up here?"