EIGHTEEN
Haste
They marched hard, trudging tirelessly along the dank artery despite the increasing resistance from the rising tide of the blood river. The viscous red liquid splattered his legs and lower torso, their endless splashing causing crimson globules to sail through the air. It was worse for Anika, now knee deep in the glutinous fluid, whose restricted height made the journey increasingly arduous.
‘Anika, are you good?’ he said, conscious of the knight’s growing struggle.
‘My legs feel numb, but I am trying hard not to think about it. In any event, you have given me hope.’ replied Anika, turning to give her lover a warm smile.
He surged forwards, pulling up alongside the knight, before giving Anika an encouraging firm slap across her back – as Heldran would. Anika smiled,
