The four warriors marched Steve and I forward with their swords inches from our backs. They forced us out of our hiding spot in the shadows and drove us ever closer to their warrior brethren gathered around the fire.

Since we were deep in an underground cavern with no escape route in sight, there really wasn’t a way out of our predicament. I glanced over at Steve to find a deep frown etched on his face. Neither of us seemed to have high hopes for our future.

Dozens of armor clad man turned at our approach. The low rumble of conversation dissolved into silence as looks of confusion spread over their battle scared faces.

A large man that stood a head taller than the surrounding warriors pushed to the front of the crowd. His head was shaved clean with dark, tattoo-like markings covering the top of his head.

“Who are they?” The tall, bald man spoke in a deep, gritty voice.

“Spies,” the warrior holding a sword at my back spoke. “We found them at edge of the eastern cave.”

“We’re not spies,” Steve said.

The bald man drew close. His leather armor seemed barely strong enough to contain his hulking frame underneath. The man had to be nearly seven feet tall.

“If you’re not spies,” he said. “What are you doing here?”

“We got separated from our friends,” I said. “We were trying to get across the chasm and ended up in the cave where you found us.”

“Trying to get across?” He said. “And just how did you manage that?”

I paused for a moment, trying to formulate a believable way to explain how we flew through the air using some kind of enchanted spiderweb.

“Elven magic,” Steve spoke up. “My girlfriend is an elven warrior that used magic on a bunch of netting that floated us across the cavern.”

The cold steel of a blade pressed against my throat.

“Shall I dispatch them, Captain Tallik?” The warrior behind me said. “They’re obviously lying.”

The bald giant who apparently was their captain held up his hand. “Easy soldier. Such magic exists.” The captain turned to Steve. “Elven warrior, eh? Who is she? Where do her allegiances lie?”

Steve hesitated. “Her business is her own.”

Fast as lightning, Captain Tallik drew a long dagger and pointed it at Steve’s throat.

“Her name is Tarialla,” Steve spoke quickly. “She’s part of the ancient forest guild.”

Captain Tallik’s eyebrow raised. “Ancient forest guild? Well now, there’s a bit of good news.” He withdrew his dagger and sheathed it. “And you two are aligned with her cause?”

Steve and I nodded quickly, all too happy to find a point of connection with this beast of a man.

The captain gave a grim smile. “So the ancient forest guild has finally taken action, eh? Are they joining the thieves guild to finally take down the heroes guild?”

“Um,” I paused, unsure how much I should embellish on our little band of attackers. “We’re part of the forward team. Kind of a reconnaissance, first strike kind of thing.”

“I did hear them mention Vyrkine,” one of the four soldiers that first discovered us spoke up. “They seemed to be plotting against him.”

Why that soldier didn’t speak up when our neck was on the line was highly annoying but I suppose it was better late than never.

“Excellent,” Captain Tallik said. “Any enemy of Vyrkine is a friend of mine. Not only will I spare your life, but I will allow you to fight at my side with the thieves guild. We shall storm the hideout of the heroes guild and bring them to ruin.”

A chorus of cheers rippled through the ranks of the warriors.

“You’re preparing to attack the heroes guild?” I said.

“Aye,” the captain said. “You’ve arrived just in time. The moment of our victory draws near.”

Steve and I shared a worried glance.

“So,” I said. “Do you have a way into their hideout?”

“Indeed we do,” the captain said. “We will emerge from beneath their very feet. They’ll never see us coming. Why do you think we linger in the caverns under the hideout?”

“Clever.” Steve nodded.

“A surprise diversion from an enchanter it’s just a thing we need for a grand entrance.” Captain Tallik locked eyes with me. “You shall lead the charge.”

I pointed to myself in shock. “Me?”

“Aye. A nice upheaval of stones or perhaps a whirlwind to throw the enemy into confusion. I’m sure such things are within your powers since you travel with the ancient forest guild.”

“Um,” my mind scrambled for a way out of this. “See, the thing is–”

Steve elbowed me. “Of course he can do it. He’s a dangerous enchanter. And I’m a deadly axe wielder. You’re lucky to have us.”

The captain gave what appeared to be a good natured slap on Steve’s shoulder but the force of it spun him sideways.

“Spoken like a true fighter,” the captain said. “What shall I call the two of you?”

“I’m Steve.” Steve rubbed his shoulder. “And this is Carter. Carter the enchanter they call him.”

I narrowed my eyes at Steve.

“Very well.” The captain turned to face the awaiting warriors. “Men, our forces have just become even stronger. The ancient forest guild has sent reinforcements for the fight. Although we are heavily outnumbered and our enemy seems beyond us, our hearts are united and our cause is just. Prepare yourselves for battle. Today we fight with Steve the axe-wielder and Carter the enchanter!”

A chorus of ‘hurrahs’ echoed through the cavern as the fighters raised their weapons. The warriors behind us patted us on the back as they marched forward to join their companions.

I glared at Steve and whispered. “What have you done?”

“They were about to kill us,” Steve whispered. “I just saved us.”

“You mean you saved us so we could die in the battle that’s about to happen in about two seconds?”

Steve shrugged. “Better later than now.”

I shook my head, a heavy sense of dread growing in the pit of my stomach.

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