Kael
The instant we reached the exit to the caverns, I knew something was wrong. I could smell the acrid stench of fuel that the Brakken used to power their ground transports. Unsettled dust hung in the air from being kicked up by massive wheels.
Tarla and I had spent much of the day in the caverns. We could not shelter there at night, as the creatures would awaken and swarm these caves, as well as the open plains.
“Quiet,” I told her. “Enemies approach.” I grabbed Tarla around the waist and pulled her behind me. We crouched down as my skin color changed to match the tones and modulation of the rock. We flattened against the mouth of the cavern.
“Who are they?” she asked.
“The Brakken. They are responsible for the destruction of my Sola and the reason I am here, cut off from my people
