After a while, they came to a small town. Shocktail paused, and, if worms could crouch, it did
that too.
As if it sensed enemy territory, he thought.
They scouted around the outskirts, using boulders as cover. Shocktail paused and growled. A
Han patrol was coming out of the town.
We’ve got to get out of here.
Shocktail did better than that. It entered a tunnel.
C’mon, if you don’t want to die, it’s expression read.
Uxei had no choice but to follow. He hoped Shocktail would eat up all the nasty animals that
slept here.
It turned out that Uxei didn’t need to crouch. The tunnel was high enough for cavalry.
What if the Han have been using these tunnels to move around?
What if we meet a Han patrol?
Shocktail moved briskly and soon Uxei had to run to keep up.
“You sure this is the right way?’’
Silence.
Shocktail started to run faster, making Uxei breathless.
“Can’t we stop for a break?’’ Uxei panted.
The Han are near. Can’t you sense it? it seemed to say.
“Well, no.’’
Humans and their miniscule brains. It rolled its eyes. Typical.
“Hey!’’
No more chitchat. We have to move now.
“Can’t I ride on your back?’’
Alright. But be careful not to touch my sensitive parts.
“What?’’
Never mind.
After a while, the duo exited the tunnels.
“I’m thirsty,’’ Uxei said.
There’s an oasis nearby.
“A what?’’
O-a-s-i-s. A rest stop with water. Didn’t you learn anything from your mama worm?
“In case you’re wondering, I do not have a worm for a mother.’’
Oh yes. Sorry. This spot is very near your hometown.
“You know where I live?’’
Of course. I know all your secrets. I’m much more intelligent than you think.
“Even my secret crush?’’
Let’s not get started, it snapped. Uh-oh. Han alert!!!
“Where?’’
There!!
With a sinking feeling, Uxei could see that Shocktail was right. A thousand Hans were just
rounding the corner.
Come on, I’ll cover you. You go warn your colleagues.
“But will you be alright?’’
