Read Clash of Heroes: Nath Dragon meets The Darkslayer for Free Online Page A

his hand. He stared over a rugged, dirt-coated landscape where the trees had no leaves. In the distance, a bright burning sun sank over the rocky hillsides with another, smaller yellow sun behind it. “I can see why you’d rather live above than below. It’s hot but incredible.”
    With his back turned to the hot blaze, Oran said, “Indeed. Come, we need to go.”
    Nath followed, taking in the landscape as he strolled. Little spiny lizards darted over the sunbaked ground. Green-brown cacti seemed to burst from it. Ahead, facing the sun’s burning light, Nath’s keen eyes could make out the details of a large stagnant marsh filled with vines and willow trees. A gentle breeze drifted in the foul sulphur-like smell. “We are going in there?”
    “Yes.” Oran replied.
    “You seem a little quiet. Why is that?”
    “It’s places like this where that butcher thrives. We never know when he may strike, but we often find sanctuary in these marshes. The smell keeps men away. Often we have survivors hiding there. Come.”
    Nath found himself slowing down from time to time because Oran struggled to keep up with his long strides. Judging by the ugly grimace on the underling's face, Oran was either scared or out of his element. Or both. His face had been drawn tight since they left the caves.
    It took about an hour, but finally they entered the swamp, just as the last ray of sunlight dimmed.
    Ankle deep in murky waters, Nath covered his nose with the back of his hand and pushed through the thickets. Small creatures with big white eyes hopped from tree to tree. Ugly birds cawed. Something snaked through the waters past his ankles. Unable to help himself, Nath said, “And your people live here? I think the caves are better.”
    Oran grumbled a chitter. “It’s not ideal, but many prefer the lands above ground. Underlings are fearless and often live on the edge, Darkslayer or no. We will not cower forever. That’s why you’re here.”
    “I see.”
    After venturing deeper into the dark swamp, Nath came to a stop. He reached forward and grabbed Oran by his robes. The scales on his neck tingled. His hand reached behind his back and locked around the pommel of his sword.
    The soft breath of a nearby predator pricked his ears, and then the sound of metal slipping from leather sheaths.
    Peering in the dimness, Nath found himself surrounded by dozens of gemstone eyes, dark colors: red, blue, and green that gave off the faintest twinkle of light in the dimness.
    “Be still,” Oran warned.
    On cat's feet, smallish and intent figures revealed themselves and closed in. They were stout and wiry underlings, with various razor-sharp blades that filled their hands. Some carried small crossbows, and others had blowguns pressed to their lips. They moved with deadly intent, wiry bodies corded in muscle, ready and poised to strike.
    “Friends of yours?” Nath said through his teeth.
    Palms up, Oran started speaking Underling in strange chitters. Their weapons remained poised at his and Nath’s chests. The underling cleric spoke fast, with authority behind it.
    Nath tried to put together bits and pieces of the odd language. He hadn't had any trouble with the one Oran had taught him, but this one was more complicated. He wasn’t exactly sure why Oran hadn't bothered to teach it to him, but for now he’d just have to accept it.
    Finally, the underlings lowered their weapons and put them away. One of them approached, a shirtless little brute with two curved swords strapped on his hips. The emerald-eyed underling ran his finger over Nath’s forearm and let out an excited chitter.
    “What’s going on, Oran?” Nath asked.
    “They are inspecting you. Just give them a moment and they’ll soon be through.”
    Nath wasn’t sure why, but he had the urge to recoil from the pressing throng of hard-faced underlings. Finally, after about a minute or so, they broke off and vanished back into the marsh. “Where are they going?”
    “To the