Tower of DOGS: The Idun Trilogy, #1

By H. H. Miller

After the Great Winter plagued the World of El'Ur for centuries, elemental Aegi faded from existence, taking their Natures with them. As the cold darkness recedes into the north, summer returns, and so do the Natures.

 

Like the rest of the world, the people of the Northern Region, Bhaskar, are unprepared for the resurgence of the Aegi powers. Those who succumb to their innate abilities and lose control are labeled as Berzerkers and cast out from society. But the Berzerkers fight back, their strength growing as the edge of winter moves further north, forcing many people to flee to the northern sanctuary of Idun.

 

Rome and his younger sister Sparrow grew up in Suhn, one of the last standing cities outside of Idun. With the Berzerker threat drawing closer, Rome and Sparrow attempt to leave their home and escape to the sanctuary, but a sudden attack separates the siblings, leaving Rome behind in Suhn. Now, alone in the sanctuary, Sparrow is adopted into a prominent household, and introduced to the elite culture within Idun. There is a strong dislike for Nature and the Old World, but unbeknownst to them, there is a greater power waiting to awaken within the walls of the domed city.

 

Meanwhile, Rome struggles with his responsibilities in Suhn as a member of the Fourth Brotherhood — a group that adopted the southern district and all the orphan boys in it. He is torn between chasing after his sister, and building his life with his brothers. His choice becomes even more important when another group threatens to change the way of life in Suhn, and Rome finds himself at the center of it. If he can't learn to control the power growing within him, he could lose everything...

 

Nature has a way of coming back.

 

(Book 1 in the Idun Trilogy)

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: H. H. Miller
• Release date: Jan 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201272173

H. H. Miller

H. H. Miller lives in Ohio with her husband and two dogs, Atreyu and Tundra, affectionately known as mashed potatoes and gravy. After discovering her passion for art and storytelling, she self-published her own graphic novels between 2006 and 2014. Once those projects were complete, she returned to her roots of writing, and started the first draft of Tower of DOGS—an idea that began in 2008, but finally took form on the page in 2017. Four years later, after teaching English in Japan, returning to the states, getting her life together, and a few editing workshops, she picked up the story again in 2020 to bring you the beginning of Rome and Sparrow’s tale... Follow her progress and sign up for the newsletter to get updates on new releases, giveaways, and more! Halo Moon STUDIOS

Book preview

Chapter 1

ROME

IF THE ORPHAN LOOKED any worse, no one would want it.

The single lookout over the southern border was more of a foreboding crypt than a tower, half sunken and leaning precariously towards the river below. Rotted wood was little support in place of century old carved stone. The once tide-changing location was a shamble of its past self. Abandoned, then forgotten, then torn apart and left on a crutch like a lame street beggar.

Yet, this was the Fourth's greatest treasure.

This was the reason why Rome dragged himself out of his bunk and was standing in a cold, misty rain instead of treating himself to an extra bowl of porridge by the fire. All because Liam decided that today was the day.

I wish summer would hurry up and get here, Liam grumbled before releasing a loud sneeze. He shivered against the chill that came with wet clothes, tucking and untucking his arms with impatience. His hazel green eyes flashed up at the tower, sharply noting every movement under his curly red fringe.

What's taking them so long? he said under his breath, a fine haze pouring out with each word.

Rome squinted up at the tower's top floor, half open to the sky. The space was still as empty as it had been when they arrived. Then, the rain had been light and their hopes higher, but the prolonged response dragged the possibility for a quick transaction through the mud.

We could just kick them out, Rome suggested.

Liam snorted, the corner of his lips turning up on his freckle-dense face. You just want to barge in and tear the place apart.

It doesn’t need any more help from me. The longer Rome looked at the Orphan, the more it seemed like it wasn’t worth the effort. He was supposed to be spending his seventeenth year preparing for a job up north, not fighting for a pile of rocks.

Rome bit the inside of his cheek and shook the last thought away. It wasn’t all Liam’s fault. Rome wanted the tower as much as the next guy. He was tired of sleeping in a large room with thirty other boys who rarely bathed. They decided they would one day live in the tower themselves, and that was a promise forged in blood and dirt years before.

It used to be a tradition in the Fourth to pass the claim of the tower on to a new group each summer. As the needs of the tower itself went ignored, so did the annual exchange. Groups like the one occupying it now were able to hold on to the tower for three or more years before someone as pigheaded as Liam decided to take it.

And if Liam was pigheaded, then Rome was dumber than a rock for standing with him. Yet, somehow two scrawny boys who started out throwing dirt at each other turned into a pair of respectable young men—at least when it came down to a fistfight. Fighting for the tower was one of the few times the boys were encouraged to exchange blows in the Fourth.

Liam continued to watch every port visible from the tower’s north side. Despite his aversion to the cold and wet, he stood unyielding as he waited for a response from inside. A year ago, his cousin Goose swiped his chance to claim the tower, leaving him with a bloody nose and sore ego. Revenge was almost as important as winning this time.

What’re you looking at me for? Liam asked suddenly, catching Rome’s gaze.

Just wondering if your beak really isn’t as big as Goose’s. It’s hard to tell from this angle.

The insult was enough to ignite him without even mentioning his cousin’s name. "Say that again and you’re not getting into my tower."

A snort exploded out of Rome, causing Liam’s face to turn almost as red as his hair. He shoved Rome aside and marched a few paces forward, splashing into the puddle before him.

Ah-ah! We didn’t give you the okay! shouted a voice from the tower.

GOOSE! Get down here so we can finish this!

Liam’s cousin leaned through the hole in the wall that served as a window halfway up the tower, displaying a cocky grin on his face as he swept his straight red hair aside. Rules of war! No beacon, no fight. He waved his hand nonchalantly. Go back to your spot and wait like a good little boy.

Liam growled out a curse and stomped back to Rome’s side, the puddle’s surface laughing up at them.

I hate him, Liam said, crossing his arms and scrunching his shoulders. His hood had fallen back, and the rain soaked his curls, sticking them to his face. The cousins were almost mirror images, both tall, lean, freckled, and pale enough to burn in the moonlight. Liam’s saving grace was he had his mother’s nose and eyes, while Goose sported his bill with unwarranted posterity.

Rome had been the taller one when they first met, but his growth spurt stopped a few inches short. In exchange, he put on more muscle, which was perfect for giving and taking punches. He hadn’t quite grown into his father’s jacket yet, the shoulders and arms having ample room. The red elk skin was heavy enough without absorbing every raindrop that fell on it, and the fur lining was making him warm. Too warm. He dropped the jacket to his elbows, earning another glare from Liam.

What are you doing? Liam grumbled.

Nothing. You told me not to do anything until we get the signal, Rome said, leaning his head back to let the cool rain soak his dark hair. He did enjoy teasing Liam, but time was starting to wash away his patience.

As he tilted his head back, he glanced at the top of the tower. No signal from the occupants. He moved his eyes down to the base where a single figure stood in its shadow, pressed close against the stone wall with an oversized hood and jacket; their third member, Onyx.

No movement from him. No signal.

You know they're doing this just to piss you off, Rome said, running his hand back through his hair. He let it grow over the winter, and it was just long enough to start getting into his eyes.

That was obvious, Liam said, squinting and drawing Rome’s attention to the tower. Onyx had moved. Assuming he went around to the back, Rome yanked his jacket on. About time.

No. That’s not the signal, Liam argued, looking between Rome and the spot where Onyx once stood.

It’s good enough for me!

Before Liam could stop him, Rome rushed forward, clearing their barrier in one step. He ran straight for the door, bracing his body for impact—wood or flesh.

The impact came, but it was stone.

Large rocks fell from the top of the tower, pelting him from above. Behind the curtain of stone, Rome saw a black hood looming over the upper wall. For a moment, the shadowed face looked like Onyx, but he lost track of the figure as a piece of rock knocked into the side of his head. He raised his arms and rolled to the side, taking refuge near the wall. The angle of the tower provided him shelter from another direct strike.

"K’sa," he cursed. Goose was a bastard sure enough, but Rome didn’t expect he’d pull a defense like that.

The smaller rocks that struck true scuffed up his knuckles. His back and shoulders would be bruised, but he avoided the worst of it. A drop of rain trickled down his cheek to his lips, and he tasted blood. The rock that knocked against his head must have broken his skin.

Rome! Are you okay? Liam shouted. He crossed the barrier as well, but stayed out of range of the falling rocks.

Yeah, I’m fine, Rome replied. He wasn’t hurt enough to run away. And now he had even more reason to lay Goose out flat.

His heart raced, waiting for a gap in the falling rocks. Before he lost the adrenaline, he zipped along the edge of the wall to the door and slammed his shoulder into it. The splintered boards gave away and crashed down with him.

Rome scrambled to his feet, slipping on the wood, and bowled over the closest body. Beacon or no, the fight started. He wrestled to pin his enemy down. After having rocks dumped on him, Rome had every right to draw blood.

But the target he sat on wasn’t Goose; it was one of the Moore brothers who also occupied the tower with him. Before he could place the boy’s name, his legs were pulled out from under him. He twisted around too late, smacking his chin against the ground as he was dragged back towards the door. His attacker and victim joined together, each taking a leg while sharing a snicker between them.

They dragged Rome out of the tower, where the light revealed the faces of Ethan and Dylan Moore. The twin brothers had tanned skin, short black hair, and narrow eyes, which made them look like they were always laughing. The only way to tell them apart was the miracle that gave Ethan a few extra pounds to throw around. Picking a fight with either of them meant you had to watch your back for the other.

You broke the code! said Ethan.

And our door! said Dylan.

They dumped Rome’s body outside the threshold in a large standing puddle, the water immediately soaking through every layer of his clothes, chilling even his bones. Beside him were some of the rocks that fell earlier. Rome grabbed one and threw, hitting Dylan in the thigh.

Hey, no weapons! he shouted.

You were the ones who dumped them on me!

No, we didn’t, Ethan said, raising his fists.

Rome lunged at Ethan and wrapped his arms around his legs, pushing him down into the mud. Ethan’s fists pounded against his arms. Rome took one hit to the shoulder as he drew his hand back and threw a solid punch into Ethan’s cheekbone.

Dylan shouted and kicked at Rome’s stomach. A wave of water rushed out in front of his foot, spraying dirt as it went. Before he drew back his leg for another attack, Onyx knocked into him from behind, sending him face first into the puddle.

Where’ve you been? You almost missed the whole fight, Rome said through gritted teeth.

Onyx’s reply was a single blink as he focused on restraining his captive.

With one man down, Rome dropped all of his weight onto Ethan and pinned his hands across his thick chest. They stilled for a moment, a silent countdown running through Rome’s head.

Dylan spat mud and rainwater. I think they got us.

Yeah, said Ethan. I was hoping we had more time before reinforcements showed up. He threw Onyx a look and let out a sigh, the white flag.

Rome stood up, using Ethan as a foundation to push off and shoving one last victory down his throat.

Onyx was much kinder as he released Dylan from his hold, loosening his grip on one hand first to allow the boy to catch himself before splashing into the puddle. He backed away from the mud pile and adjusted his large hood to make sure his long black locks stayed dry.

The landscape around them was empty. Rome quickly confirmed that Liam was missing as Onyx pointed to the tower. From their standpoint, it was hard to see if the cousins' fight reached the top floor, but the rain brought down the sounds of a scuffle. They hurried towards the entrance, Rome’s eyes never leaving the top in case his friend or more falling rocks appeared.

You weren’t up there, were you? he asked Onyx suddenly, remembering the face he had seen.

Onyx stopped at the doorway and gave him a quizzical look while the light was on his face. Rome took one look at his friend and knew it was impossible.

Sorry, he said, shaking his head. I thought I saw you up there earlier. It was probably just Goose under that hood.

Onyx shrugged and led them inside. The entrance room was small and cramped with a fire pit surrounded by a stack of bedrolls and crates. To their right, the stairs lined the outside wall of the tower, curving up into a dark hall. Muffled grunts and thuds echoed down from the floor above.

Knowing Liam was at the top, Rome nudged his way past Onyx and raced up the stairs. Each step was shallower than he expected, and some he quickly realized were unstable. He reached the second level in a few hasty breaths. The floor was empty with a large gaping hole in the center. Rome teetered around the edge and crossed to the next set of stairs. Lengthening his stride to climb even quicker, he found Goose and Liam squaring off. Liam’s chin was bruised and bloodied from a cut lip, but he had managed to land a solid hit on Goose’s pride.

Looks like we’re the last ones, Li, Goose sneered. He tweaked his nose with his thumb and forefinger, taking a long, loud sniff to keep the blood in. You sure you want them to watch you lose again?

Liam shifted his weight and went on the attack, arms out, ready to grapple. Goose absorbed his charge, flipping him onto his back without breaking stride. Air burst out of Liam’s chest, sending a splatter of blood with it.

Rome took another step, but Liam shouted, Don’t!

He rolled over and stood up, keeping his eyes on Goose, who didn’t pursue the opportunity for an attack. This is my fight.

It’s gotta be a complete victory if you want the tower. You lose, and you’re all out, chided Goose.

Just stop playing around and fight me like you mean it.

Goose kept his hands in his pockets, his body unguarded and wide open for another attack. It was another ploy to draw Liam in and humiliate him. Rome saw it, and from the look on Liam’s face, he knew it too.

He took the bait anyway.

Goose batted aside the punch that was directed at his face and slammed his forearm into Liam’s collar. When the counterattack should have driven Liam into the wall, he snapped back, bringing his knee up against his cousin’s arm. The strike wasn’t enough to break it, but it was enough to throw him off guard.

Liam didn’t hesitate. He hefted Goose over his shoulder, flipping him onto the hard floor, and then followed up with another swift punch to his giant nose. This time it was definitely broken.

All right! Stop! Goose raised his hands defensively to keep Liam’s threat at bay.

Say it. Liam kept his fist drawn back while his knee pinned his cousin down. That’s three wins.

I forsake my claim to the Orphan. It’s yours. His modified version of the exchange script was enough to take the tension out of Liam’s shoulders. He stared at his older cousin a while longer and let the words sink in.

You didn’t even want it anymore, did you?

Nah. The place is falling apart. And besides, I found a warmer bed on the Lane, Goose replied with a shameless grin and a wink.

Liam’s nose wrinkled. Then why not leave it?

You still had to earn it. It’s tradition.

Goose extended his open hand to his cousin, who initially refused to take it. It’s not over till you seal the deal, he said after a few moments hung between them.

Liam huffed and clasped Goose’s forearm as he helped him to his feet, the Fourth’s promise to brotherhood. Get out of here, Liam said, holding back a smile and cocking his head to the exit.

Goose clapped him on the back and excused himself, clutching his bloody nose as if the thing would fall off. Liam started to chuckle, then winced, and then immediately shivered. Damn, it’s cold, he said, cringing at the gust of wind which blew through the open section of the wall.

That’s going to be your first announcement?

Shut up and give me your knife.

Rome pulled his father’s hunting knife out of his belt and handed the hilt to his friend.

The southeast side was crumbled down to the wooden support frame, leaving a fraction of the roof and lower wall intact. Most of the rain rolled off the edge, except for the small waterfall that was now drenching the open wall and pooling on the floor. Liam turned in the opposite direction and went to the northwest corner, staying as far from the drafts as possible.

The support beam was already covered in nicks and scratches where previous winners had staked their claim. Liam jammed the knife into the wood and wrenched the blade down, cutting through the worn names below and carving a large ‘L’.

A strong gust of wind tore into the tower, spraying them with rainwater. Liam cursed, yanked out the knife, and retreated to the staircase.

Is that it? Rome asked.

I’ll finish it later!

He escaped into the howling stairwell, grumbling about his wet clothes along the way. Once Onyx and Rome caught up to him, he was standing on a step looking through a hole in the wall where bricks had fallen away.

This place needs a lot of work, he said as he tested the sturdiness of the gap.

You’re just realizing that? Rome asked.

No. But did you have to break the front door, too?

Chapter 2

SPARROW

SPARROW NESTLED INTO her blankets as she skimmed the pages of a large picture book on the verge of a dream. Fields of green and gold always fell under a bright blue sky, though the colors had faded in years past. Men and women wore dresses and coats of more colors than Sparrow could name. She flipped through each scene, having reviewed it several times over the past week of rain, and finally settled on a map of the World.

Bhaskar, her home, was the northern region, sitting above The Mother, the center of the World and its origin. To the east was the land of Kefar, to the south, Sudar, and Nilar to the west beyond the mountains. The map elaborated on the rich forests that used to bridge each region, and the blue waters that nourished the land from The Mother.

But that was all before the Great Winter.

Hundreds of years ago, a great battle erupted between the humans and the elemental Aegi in Nilar. As the legend goes, the Aegi used their water Nature to drown the entire region and cover it in ice. The calamity spread over the mountains and cast the rest of the world into a perpetual cold darkness. The Great Winter.

Are you going to stay in bed all day, dear? asked Pootra, the old woman in the corner. She shifted around on her prayer rug to face Sparrow. Thin streams of gray hair escaped from her head scarf and draped to her waist, barely touching her lap. The deep wrinkles around her eyes creased even more so when she smiled, cracking the black, dead skin on top of her cheeks.

No, Sparrow murmured. She leaned back against the wolf dog behind her. Nooka, she cooed. Time to get up.

Nooka wagged her tail but remained curled around her. Sparrow buried her face in Nooka’s silvery white fur, letting the picture book fall closed. She breathed in her scent and cradled the warmth between them. Behind her eyelids, she pictured them wandering through a great green valley towards a castle with a rainbow of nobles and Aegi.

The quiet moment cracked as Pootra moved to stand up, her knees creaking as they struggled to raise the rest of her weight. She huffed and grunted while grasping a chair for support.

Sparrow leapt off the bed and reached the old woman in seconds. Pootra! You’re supposed to let me help you.

The old woman’s cackle was soft. It got you out of bed quicker this way. Oof. Her balance swayed, but Sparrow held her around the waist until she stood with both feet planted firmly on the ground. She was a shorter woman, and light enough that if Sparrow had to, even she could pick her up off the ground.

Lady rose from her spot by the door and approached them, wiggling her body of silky black fur with excitement. In the same instant, Nooka’s ears perked up and she jumped out of the bed. Instead of joining her sister, she ran to the front door with a high-pitched bark.

Sparrow spun around to see Rome entering the front door. He scratched Nooka’s ears to keep her from jumping on him, laughing as she insisted on licking his face to greet him.

Rome! You’re back! Sparrow said, leaving Pootra at her chair to run to her brother. She flung her body onto him, wrapping her arms around his neck as he picked her up and squeezed tightly. When she was younger, she would have asked to be spun around, but now she was too big to do that without knocking over half the room. As soon as her toes touched the floor, she drew back, wrinkling her nose.

You stink.

You try working all day and see how good you smell, he said, ruffling her feathery brown hair.

Sparrow stepped farther away from him, waving her hand in front of her face and gesturing to his damp trousers. Next time, change first.

But I love it when you make that face. You look like a spotted weasel, he joked, pointing out the prominent line of freckles across her nose. She stuck her tongue out at him and then rubbed her face into Nooka’s fur. You know better than to smell like stinky fish, don’t you, girl?

He laughed in a husky tone. She wasn’t sure if it seemed deeper because she hadn’t seen him as frequently, or if the bass was amplified in the small home.

It’s nice to see my boy smiling, Pootra said, her voice much smaller in comparison.

How have you been? he asked. The lump in his throat bobbed with hesitation. No trouble recently?

Not at all. Why don’t we sit down and chat? Will you be staying long? she said, hobbling around her chair to meet him.

Sparrow leaned into his shoulder and whispered out of the side of her mouth, It’s her knees again.

My knees are fine! It’s just this weather getting into my bones.

You really should use the chair when you pray, Rome said, having picked her up off the floor many times.

Pootra dismissed the suggestion with a wave of her hand. She reached up to embrace Rome, pulling him down to her bosom, and kissed his head. Welcome home, boy.

As they embraced, Nooka pawed at the back of Rome’s leg and whined for attention.

I know, I know. You missed me the most, he said, kneeling to scratch her ears and muzzle. How about we go for a walk?

Both Nooka’s and Sparrow’s ears perked up. I’m going, too! Sparrow shouted, zipping to the back of the room to grab her boots.

≼∾≽

The sky wasn’t blue as Sparrow always hoped, but there were hints of summer on the wind. Dark slate clouds retreated over the western horizon, leaving streaks of white over Suhn. The wet earth was brown and gray, mud and stone juxtaposed to form paths to and fro. Somewhere else, the grass grew green and tall, or rather some when else; as far as Sparrow knew, the Great Winter had whitewashed the entire world. She tried picturing the hilly fields of dirt around her like the lush valleys in her storybooks, but the blandness was so dense that it even muted her thoughts.

She wanted to go farther, to see more. But all that could be seen was hidden behind the thick black barrier of Suhn’s western wall. It crawled along beside them like a chaperone reminding them not to wander too far.

Has she been getting worse? Rome said, breaking Sparrow’s trance.

Not really. It’s hard for her to get out of the house, but she won’t let me get any supplies on my own, even though I’ll be fourteen in a few weeks! If she let me work outside, I could bring in even more rations.

Enjoy it while you can. Work isn’t all that fun, and once you start it, you can’t really stop.

Anything’s better than being stuck at home, Sparrow grumbled, kicking a small stone with the toe of her boot.

Rome stuck his tongue in his cheek while his thoughts drifted, a gesture Sparrow was all too familiar with.

"You could take me next time," Sparrow added, studying his expression. She rubbed her thumbs across her forefingers where small scabs were turning into itchy scars. Pootra tried to teach her how to sew and mend clothing over the winter. It wasn’t difficult, but Sparrow’s thoughts wandered too often to stop herself from pricking her fingers.

I’ll come by when the next train arrives, Rome promised.

That could take weeks!

What do you want me to do about it?

Can’t you stop by sooner? It’s so boring without you here.

He clicked his tongue, a flicker of annoyance darkening his brow. What about Griffen? I thought you two were hanging out.

Sparrow shrugged half-heartedly. "Yeah, but he doesn’t really like to go out and do things. Pootra told him that we can’t leave sight of the house. We can’t go to the market, we can’t do anything. She paused, searching his brown eyes for some recognition. In candlelight, they were warm, like dark honey, but out in the gray and bleak, they were hard and steely. Nothing like hers, which happened to be so dark they looked like mud. Pootra would let me go with you."

She was sure he would reject her request, but to her surprise she received a half smile in return. "Fine. I’ll try to stop by more often," he said, slinging his arm over her shoulder.

Sparrow clung to his jacket, not caring that her cheek was brushing against a mud stain or that he still really, really stank of fish. She picked at the dried mud on the red elk fur. You got Father’s jacket all dirty.

Rome flinched, a small falter in his step. He turned his head in the other direction and mumbled, I’ll take care of it.

I can wash it for you, and you can come back tomorrow. Then we could go to the market together? Sparrow said eagerly.

Instead, he retracted, pulling his arm away, increasing his stride and distance from her. Sparrow lagged behind. She was only five when their father died, too young to remember much about him. Rome was almost nine. He held so tight onto his memories that he refused to share any after Father’s death, even with her.

Sparrow looked away from her brother and scanned the horizon for Nooka. The dog’s head was burrowed into the ground while dirt flew out between her legs. Sparrow whistled and jogged towards the large mound at the base of the wall.

What’d you find, girl?

Within a few steps of Nooka, Sparrow’s foot sank into the soft dirt, and she was pulled under.

≼∾≽

Sparrow pried herself off the ground and kept her eyes shut tight. She tried to brush the dirt off her face, but only smeared on more in the process. Then she peeked, blinking rapidly to keep the dust at bay. All around her was darkness. The only light fell down on her from above, a beam of dancing dust fairies.

Nooka flitted around the opening above, poking her head in and out, but unable to reach Sparrow. Rome shouted her name before pushing Nooka aside and blocking the light with his body. He braced himself over the hole. Are you okay?

Nothing hurt. Yeah, she replied, wiping her mouth and spitting out grains of earth.

Here. Can you reach me? His arm dove through the gaping hole and stretched to its limits. Sparrow stood on her tiptoes and reached back, but he was still too high. Even jumping, their fingertips couldn’t touch.

Her heart tightened and her breath hitched.

She was trapped.

Rome pulled himself out of the hole and frantically looked from side to side. He was starting to panic.

It’s okay. She swallowed her own worry and spoke loud enough for her brother to hear. It looks like a tunnel. Maybe it leads to a way out.

Don’t go anywhere! His voice cracked. She couldn’t see his expression, but his desperation echoed around her. She couldn’t be scared when he needed her to be brave.

Okay. Just go get help! A rope or something!

He gripped the edge of the hole, sending more dirt down her way.

I’m not going to get buried if I stand here, she said, crossing her arms and hoping he got the message. She wasn’t going to die like Father did.

Fine. Don’t move, he said, clambering to his feet. He lingered for another look down the hole and then disappeared beyond its edge. Nooka whined as he curtly ordered her to stay.

Alone and without needing to put on a strong face for her brother, the walls closed in. She didn’t mind being underground, but usually there was a torch of fire or glacier flint to show her the way. To either side of her there was only endless nothing.

Sparrow leaned against the wall behind her and gripped her duck feather necklace. It was a gift from her father, and thinking of him always made her feel braver. He used to say that if she had wings, she would have been the first one to jump out of the nest. But she also promised Rome she would wait, so she might as well get comfortable. The earth cradled her as she sank down, soft and cool. It could have been relaxing, if Nooka wasn’t frantically digging at the hole above her.

Nooka, I’m okay! Stop! Sit!

The dog ignored the commands and pawed insistently. Dirt fell in clots around Sparrow, falling into her hair and shirt. She shook out her hair only to be pelted by more fine particles.

Nooka! Down!

Nooka’s haunches dropped. Her tongue lolled out of her mouth as she panted, her forepaws draped over the edge. She started inching forward, tilting her body into the hole. Before Sparrow could order her to stop—assuming she would listen—the dog slid down and landed next to Sparrow, bringing another torrent of dirt clods upon her.

Sparrow sputtered the dust out of her lungs and tried in vain to shake the dirt from her clothes. It found its way inside her shirt and wedged itself into her chest band where it scratched and itched against her ribs. She twisted her body in the oversized shirt. Once Rome’s and now hers, it was a failed attempt at properly resizing, and there was no refuge from the discomfort.

Thanks, Nooka, she grumbled.

The dog pressed her head up into Sparrow’s hand and she stroked her fur back into place. At least she wasn’t alone now. Sparrow sighed and knelt to wrap her arms around Nooka’s neck. Good girl.

Suddenly, Nooka’s head yanked out of her grasp. She spun around to face the dark tunnel, guarding Sparrow, both ears and tail alert.

Taking deep, quiet breaths, Sparrow listened. There weren’t any voices that she could hear, above or below ground. A low growl rumbled in Nooka’s throat. Beyond her, in the darkness, there was something...

Sparrow had heard stories of children getting lost and eaten by monsters in the underground tunnel system. She prayed they were just stories to keep people from exploring the ancient city beneath them. Without any light to cast on her worry, it grew into an overwhelming fear. She grabbed a handful of Nooka’s fur and pulled in the opposite direction. Come on, girl.

Nooka resisted, standing still as stone. Sparrow adjusted her grip on the dog’s scruff and yanked harder. This way!

They would have to break their promise to Rome, but she would rather find a way out before something else found her.

Nooka finally gave in and followed at her heels. The dark ahead wasn’t any more welcoming, but at least it appeared to be empty. With one hand on Nooka and the other on the wall, they stepped onto the unknown path.

Not this way.

Sparrow hesitated. There were no signs to tell her to stop, but for some reason, she knew the path would lead nowhere. Shaking off the doubt, she took a few steps forward. Next to her, Nooka tensed and whipped her head around on the alert. Sparrow looked too, expecting to see a nightmare.

There was still nothing behind them. The patch of light hung over an empty space.

But Nooka wouldn’t turn away. They waited. Maybe there was nothing after all. Or maybe it was something terrible that she didn’t want to see.

Sparrow gaped, her eyes full of curiosity, hope, and terror. Nooka’s growl moved into her muzzle, a threatening snarl bearing ready fangs and sending chills up Sparrow’s arms.

A shadow moved into the light and took form. The tiny figure shielded its eyes and hunched close to the ground. Her long, straight black hair reached to her knees, and the clothing she wore was in tatters, revealing a swollen stomach and bony limbs.

A lost girl?

Sparrow blinked the dryness from her eyes and studied the girl. Her skin was grayish and sickly, and her legs trembled as she moved.

She needed help.

Without hesitation, Sparrow walked back towards the small girl. Hello? Are you lost?

A wispy rasp leaked between the girl’s lips, her face still shielded from the light above. At Sparrow’s approach, she retreated a few steps to the edge of the darkness.

It’s okay, I won’t hurt you. She crouched down to meet the girl’s height. Realizing she was in her brother’s old clothes, she said, "I’m a girl, too. Don’t be