- Chapter 19 -
Hop, Skip or Jump
©2000 Quizzard
The rough trail twisted over the top of the mountain, and began its torturous descent toward the western foothills
of the Dragon's Teeth. It felt like Lawboy had ridden on this errand for years, rather than just one week. He grunted
as the mudskipper lurched again, and the raw patches on his rear flamed up anew. Gingerly, he reset himself in the
saddle, and hung on. His grim visage twisted in agony and determination. He could not rest, for although he had
seen no sign of his adversaries, he could feel their eyes upon him. He HAD to get there first. He had no desire to
disappoint his master, or feel the consequences. What he wouldn't give for a good horse right about now. The large
lizard-like mudskipper lurched again, and a soft moan escaped his lips.
Killy had a momentary sense of pity for the man when he heard the cry of anguish. He knew that there was a trick
to riding a mudskipper, especially over rough terrain. But then, reality intruded itself, and his resolve tightened. He
WOULD not fail to get the next Egar Gem. The visions tortured him, but he could not let go of his quest now. He
knew what the stakes were. He turned to Greyeyes, "Is everything ready for when the Ambassador retrieves the gem
for us?"
"Yes, Killy. He won't possess the gem for even 5 minutes after he exits the cave. He doesn't have a chance."
"Good. We don't have much time. He should have the gem soon. Then we'll take it, and hustle back to camp. This
has taken too long already. Who knows what's happening back there. Besides, the Nog Wumb reside in this range,
and we don't want to mess with them." The others shifted uneasily at that news. "Let's move. I don't want to be too
far behind him when he retrieves the gem."
With almost no noise, our heros descended the pass behind the travel weary figure. Soon, the next chapter would
unfold in the history of Amphibia.