21
Max raced through the trees, followed by the others. Once the message was sent, it didn’t take long for him to realize that they were farther away from Busby Stoop than he thought. They’d been running for over an hour with no sign of the dwarf village.
“We have to stop,” breathed Snoop. “Can’t. Run. Anymore.”
“Just a little farther,” called Max. “It’s just up ahead. I’m sure of it.”
“That’s the second time you’ve said that,” said Snoop. “I think we’re lost.”
Max gripped his side. The pain had started a couple miles back, but he pushed on. He wanted to rest, too, but there was no time. They had to get to Busby Stoop before Ole Black or risk the others being turned into Trith.
“We’ve already passed Thunder Run River,” said Merna.
“Then we must be getting close,” said Milo.
“We sho
