Page 56 - Microsoft Word - FANG EMPIRE - NOVEL.docx

from the high rock ceilings. Cracks in the mountain admit sunbursts of light into the darkness,

ethereal and magical. Colorful rare minerals sparkled and shimmered in the cave walls: emerald

tourmaline, fire opal, purple gypsum, Eye of Aluul.

They arrived at an opening into a cavern room. Sooth, Zuba, Cane, Raki and several

soldiers bowed as GoGo entered. Her eyes were immediately drawn to a bizarre sight.

Sygnosis was chained by the arms, neck and feet, and splayed out off the ground against

the cave wall. Her pale face was filthy. Her eyes were like cat eyes, inhuman and complex. Her

long black hair was stained with human blood and black molasses. Streaks of molasses and dirt

were stuck to her skin. She had a strange brand above her left breast that said, “NORN”.

GoGo was transfixed. Zuba stood under Sygnosis with a leather whip. GoGo walked

slowly forward. Sygnosis glared at her.

“Do you know who I am?” GoGo said.

“The Queen . . . of Dogs,” Sygnosis replied.

Zuba cracked Sygnosis with the whip. She grimaced in pain but did not yell. The whip cut

a long gash in Sygnosis’ body. But those who witnessed gasped as the wound slowly closed and

vanished.

“How is this possible?” GoGo thought.

She noticed Sygnosis’ fang configuration: two on top, and one on the bottom.

“Three fangs,” she said under her breath. She looked at the strange brand. “What is

‘Norn’?”

Sygnosis did not answer.

“My men tell me your name is Sygnosis.”

She didn’t answer.

“You will answer or burn.”

“Release me.”

“In time,” GoGo said. “What are you doing in my land?”

“It is the Bloodland. I come for the orajin,” Sygnosis said.