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Dust showered down from the ceiling as the wall exploded. The room was filled with clouds of powder and sand.

Luke jumped up. He brushed some splinters out of his hair. His torch had rolled away somewhere. The table in the center of the room had fallen over again. The candles were flickering on the floor. In the darkness of the room the beastly shadow of the shadowed beast cast a darkened outline on the obscuring clouds.

The creature sneezed from the dust. It turned its massive head left and right. It was looking for them.

Luke scurried over a pile of loose stones.

“Ash! Ave! Where are you?” He called.

“Over here.” Said Ash. He pushed a few loose rocks out of his way.

Ave groaned. “Chattering chestnuts, I landed on my left ankle again.” She twisted herself out from under the debris.

Ash held up his still lit torch. The giant form of the Manticore twisted in the smoke.

“It looks really angry.” Ash said.

“We should get out of here.” Luke replied.

“Help me up.” Ave said from the pile of stones she was laying on top of.

Luke picked Ave up. She put an arm over his shoulder.

“Over here.” Eins shouted.

The tiny dog was *Scratching* at the door on the far side of the room.

Ash, Luke, and Ave made their way to the door. Ash pushed the door open and helped Ave through. She leaned against the wall on the other side.

*Crunch*

The Shadowbeast stepped through the smoke. It’s eyes locked on Ash and Luke. The monster started to move towards them.

Ash looked around in a panic.

“Luke! The shelves!” Ash pointed to several nearby shelves that were packed with wine bottles.

“Got it!” Luke yelled.

Luke quickly hopped to the side of the shelves. He grabbed a hold of the shelf closest to the wall and pushed. There was the *Creak* of wood and the *Clatter* glass as the shelf tipped on its feet.

With a *Thunk*Thunk*Thunk* the first shelf toppled into the next shelf, then the next, then the next.

“Oh, that’s a waste of good wine.” Eins whined.

With a thunderingly expensive *CRASH* the line of shelves toppled onto the Shadowbeast. The monster was knocked to the ground. Glass bottles and wood shelves broke apart and filled the room. The beast started fighting to free itself.

“Come here.” Ash grabbed Eins.

“What are you doing?” the dog asked.

Ash held the dog up so that they were facing each other.

“You wanted us to kill that thing so now you’re going to help us. Can you make fire!?” Ash demanded.

“I can’t do it on command!” Eins eschewed. The dog's back legs kicked the air.

“I thought it was one of your godly special abilities!?”

“It is but I need energy to make it happen!”

Ash grabbed a chunk of gouda off of a shelf. “Will this do?”

“Yes.”

“Then open wide!” Ash served up the cheese to the dog on the palm of his hand.

“Oh, this is a waste of good gouda.” Eins gobbled the cheese as fast as it could. The dog’s cheeks puffed out. Crumbs covered its lips. There was a *Gurgle* from Eins’ stomach.

“Ugh…*Burp* Eins held a paw in front of its mouth. The fur around its face turned slightly green. “Get ready. Here it comes…”

Ash turned around and pointed the dog like a balloon at the heap of wood, glass, alcohol, and monster on the other side of the room.

*Belch… Ka-FWOOOOSH!*

A cheese powered lance of blue green flame erupted from the dog’s mouth. Ash held on to the dog’s midsection as a rush of hot air filled the cramped space.

The flame jet arced through the air and bathed the trapped Manticore in cheese flavored fire. The wine soaked wooden shelves *Conflagrated* like matchsticks. A shockwave of rapidly expanding hot air exploded. Ash and Eins rolled backwards out of the room to escape the blast.

Luke slammed the door shut behind them. He put his back against the frame.

“Do you think that got it?” Luke hoped.

*GrrraaaRRRoooaaarrr*

“Guess not.” Luke frowned.

Eins danced nervously from paw to paw. “This is bad. We’re on the wrong side of the donjon. The west exit was on the other side.”

“What’s the closest one to us right now?” Ash asked.

Eins eyes darted back and forth for a second. “The north exit. That’s the closest one.”

“Can we make it?”

“Yes but…”

“But what?”

“I know I can make it. But you mortals might have a problem.” Eins’ ears twitched.

“Why is that?”

“The north exit hasn’t been used in a long time. There aren’t any villages nearby. No adventurers. Some of the passages are trapped. And those traps will possibly, maybe still be active.” Eins conceded.

“Can you disarm them?” Ash pressed.

*Ka-Slam*

The wall behind them cracked.

“We don’t have time. We could run to the east entrance. That’s where you came in. But it is farther away.” Eins used one of its back legs to scratch an itch.

*Ka-Slam*

The door behind Luke vibrated. Ave propped herself on her elbow on the ground.

“Is there a safe path through? To the north exit?” Ash asked.

“Some of the paths are safe.” Eins nodded.

“Do you know which ones?”

Eins made a frowny face. “Sorry. I don’t remember. The traps don’t trigger for a creature my size. I can walk right through.”

Ash gripped the handle of the torch he was holding.

“Ash!” Luke shouted.

Ash looked back.

“Take Ave and run. I’ll hold it back.” Luke said.

Ash’s knuckles turned white. Eins looked at the ground. Ave’s mouth made a thin line.

*Ka-Slam*

A piece of rock fell from the ceiling. It bounced off of the stone floor below with a *Tick* sound.

Ash looked down.

“Not today!” he yelled.

“What?” Luke asked in confusion.

“If I’m going to save the world then I’m going to have to save us first. You grab Ave and follow me.” He pointed at Eins. “You’re with me. Lead us to the north exit. Use the shortest route possible.”

“What about the traps?” The dog tilted its head to the side.

Ash held out a hand. There was the *Snap*Crackle*Pop* of energy. A pile of marbles appeared in his palm.

“I’ll take care of them.” Ash declared.

#

Ash and Eins ran side by side down the dark hallway of the Dungeon. Luke followed close behind with Ave. Ash held a torch in one hand and the marbles in his other.

“Turn right here!” Eins barked.

The group turned right at a branching hallway.

“Keep going straight.”

They kept running.

There was a massive *Ka-Smash*.

“Sounds like our friend destroyed another wall.” Ave said as she peeked over Luke’s shoulder.

There was a dim glow coming from the corridor behind them.

*Stomp*Stomp*Stomp*

The Shadowbeast lunged around the corner. It was rushing at full speed after them. Tongues of fire licked at the edge of the beast’s shaggy mane. Its flame cracked lips parted revealing rows of blackened fangs.

Ash glanced back.

“Great. Now it’s chasing us while it’s on fire!” Ash yelled.

“At least we can see better now.” Luke observed.

*Sniff*

“Does it smell delicious to anyone else?” Ave asked.

*Sniff*Sniff*

“The smell of roasted cheese and boiled wine. I would be hungry if we weren’t fleeing for our lives.” Eins remarked.

*Tick*

Ash threw a marble into the hallway ahead of them.

*Tick*

He threw another.

“What are you doing?” Luke yelled as he ran.

“Quiet. No talking. I need to concentrate.” Ash called back. He squinted his eyes and threw another marble.

*Tick*

*Tick*

*Tac*

Ash’s eyes shot open.

“A trap!” Ash exclaimed.

“Where?” Luke asked.

“About four meters ahead. One the left. Run to the right.” Ash shouted.

“My right or…” Luke wavered.

“Just move!” Ash shoved Luke to the side.

The group shifted to the right side of the corridor as they ran. Eins bounded along next to Ash.

“I see. You’re throwing marbles to detect the traps.” Eins barked at him.

“The pressure plates make a different sound compared to the normal Dungeon floor stones.” Ash barked back.

“How did you figure that out?” Eins asked.

“I stepped on one earlier.” Ash looked back over his shoulder. “That Shadowbeast is still behind us. Maybe the trap will slow it down?”

#

There was a *Click* as the Shadowbeast landed on the pressure plate.

A large scything blade swung out from the wall.

With a *Roar* the beast opened its mouth and then bit down on the blade. The blade *Cracked* and *Shattered*. The monster spit out the leftover chunks of metal onto the ground.

“Nope.” Eins remarked.

“Keep running!” Ash shouted. He threw another marble.

#

“Light!” Ave yelled. “I can see light ahead.”

“It must be the north entrance to the donjon.” Eins panted as it ran.

“We’re almost there. *Wheeze* Just a little further.” Ash struggled to breathe, talk, run, listen, and throw marbles at the same time.

*Tick*

*Tick*

*Tac*

“Another trap.” Ash noticed. He threw another marble.

*Tac*

“A big one.”

*Tac*

“Really big! Get ready. *Wheeze* We’re going to have to jump!” Ash shouted.

The Shadowbeast pounded the ground behind them. They ran faster.

“I’m not going to make it!” Eins barked.

“Huh?” Ash looked down at the dog.

Eins flapped his paws. “My little legs aren’t meant for jumping.”

“What about your wings?” Ash asked.

“They’re not big enough! They’re just for show!” The dog wailed.

“Donkey balls!” Ash cursed. He dropped the rest of his marbles on the ground. With his free hand he performed a running scoop. He slapped a hand on Eins’ bottom, then lifted and tucked the dog under his arm like a kickball. Eins whimpered but didn’t complain out loud.

“I can see it.” Ave said ”There’s a section of raised flooring ahead. Almost three meters across.”

“We can make it.” Luke cheered.

“That’s right *Wheeze*” Ash groaned.

“Ready!...

Jump!”

They jumped.

Luke soared through the air. His powerful legs stretched out in front and behind him with perfect poise. With a *Slam* he hit the ground on the far side of the trap. Luke braced his legs and absorbed the impact keeping Ave held protectively in his arms.

Ash landed in the middle of the trap. There was a *Click* as the false floor of the trap fell open beneath him. The two panels swung apart to the sides revealing a square pit as wide as the corridor.

Ash tried desperately to run on air. Like a duck taking off from water.

In a final act of desperation he pulled his arm back then underhand pitched Eins onto the safe side of the trap.

The last of his momentum carried him a few more meters. Ash slammed into the wall on the far side of the pit. He felt the wind go out of his lungs. He started to fall.

Like an eagle’s talon Luke’s hand snatched out and grabbed Ash’s wrist.

“I’ve got you.” Luke acclaimed.

Luke was balanced at his middle over the edge of the pit. His arms and torso were hanging down into the pit so that he could grab hold of Ash. His legs formed a ninety degree angle at his waist allowing him to ‘pinch’ the corner of the pit with his stomach and thighs.

“You need to stop falling in pits.” Luke said in jest.

“This is the last time. I swear.” Ash snarked back.

*Grrraaawwwaaarrr*

A menacing orange glow appeared at the far end of the corridor. The Manticore prowled towards them, picking up speed.

“It’s still chasing us!?” Ash cried out in annoyance.

“You two should really get out of that pit.” Eins said. The dog hopped in fear at the edge of the hole.

Luke tried to lift Ash up. Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. Luke’s legs twitched with exertion.

“Crapsnagglers.” He cursed. “I’ve got no leverage. Ave can you pull him up?”

Ave rolled to the edge of the pit. She reached out a hand.

“You’re too far over. Can you pull him up closer?” she said.

Luke tried again. There was a *Scrape* sound. One of Luke’s boots slid closer to the pit. Ave grabbed his belt to prevent him from moving any further.

“I don’t have a good grip.” Luke frowned.

The Shadowbeast *Stomp*Stomped* its way closer.

“We’re out of time. I have an idea.” Luke said.

Luke looked Ash in the eyes. He tightened his grip around Ash’s forearm.

“I’m going to swing you.” He said.

“Please don’t.” Ash pleaded.

“Here we go!” Luke exclaimed.

Luke began swinging Ash back and forth. Ash tried his best to kick his feet out as he bounced along the stone wall of the trap shaft. With each pendulous pivot Ash was pushed further towards the rim of the perilous pit. Ash stretched out a hand. He could almost reach the edge of the floor above.

The Shadowbeast was upon them!

*Grawr*

*Stomp*

*Leap*

Luke and Ash both watched as the Shadowbeast soared over the open hole towards them.

With a final massive heave Luke swung Ash up to the edge of the pit. Ash grabbed on for his dear sweet cherished life.

The creature’s claws *Slammed* into the wall of the shaft just below the boys. It held for a second. Its massive jaws snapping at Ash’s feet.

With an ear piercing *Scrrreee* the monster slid down the wall. Its claws gouged deep gashes in the sides of the stone pit. Gravity finally claimed its prize. The giant monster tumbled from the side of the wall into the pit below.

*R

O

O

O

A

A

A

R

R

R

…*

*thud*

A dark lingering smoke began to fill the bottom of the trap.

Ave helped Luke and Ash back up. Ash scrambled over the top. He flattened out on the floor. Ash panted for air. Luke pulled himself up afterwards. He absentmindedly brushed his bangs away from his face.

“You got *Wheeze* strong in the Capital.” Ash said.

“I did a lot of heavy reading.” Luke mimed opening and closing a book. “Dancing too. Also tea parties.”

“Heh heh…”

“Ha ha…”

“Let’s never do that again.” Ash said.

“Agreed. No more dungeons.” Luke agreed.