Read Online The Serpent of Eridor by Alison Gardiner - Free Book Online Page B

danger.
    Tariq changed course, thrashing through the water, heading directly for the crocodile. His furry fist swung out of the water and punched the croc. As the stunned reptile recoiled, Tariq leapt on to the animal’s back, arms clamped round the ripping jaws. Infuriated, the croc submerged itself. The terrified watchers could see dark shadows wrestling in the murky depths. Bloodied water swirled above the fighters.
    Keeko shinned down the mangrove and grabbed a large rock from the shallows.
    â€˜Don’t throw,’ called Alex, treading water, still scraping at the root. ‘You might hit Tariq.’
    â€˜But he’ll drown. He’ll run out of oxygen first,’ shouted Keeko.
    The animals resurfaced, Tariq’s powerful arms flung around the croc’s scaly head in a hideous embrace. Keeko hurled the rock, slamming it accurately on to the crocodile’s skull.
    The crocodile lashed his tail into the bear’s side. Roaring his rage and pain, Tariq raked his claws down the reptile’s underbelly. Scarlet ribbons spurted from the open flesh, staining the water crimson as they were swept downstream.
    Look out, Tariq. The waterfall
, transferred Keeko.
    Tariq must have heard but didn’t look up, his body remaining locked against the crocodile’s.
    Let go, Tariq
, screamed Alex inside his mind.
Swim for it.
    Can’t. He’ll get back upstream quicker than me.
    A moment later the two figures were swept from view. It was over.
    â€˜Tariq,’ screamed Ikara, her voice ragged with pain.
    Horrified, Alex stared at the head of the falls. He couldn’t believe that seconds ago his friend had been fighting for all their lives. Now he was gone. Immobile, Alex hung on to the slippery roots, his body drifting in the water.
    Splashing nearby made Alex drag his eyes away. Two more crocodiles were swimming towards them with lashing sweeps of their scaly green-grey bodies. Ikara slithered towards Alex like greeny-gold lightening. Powered by adrenaline blasting through his system, Alex shoved his knife in his belt and began grappling with the slippery mangrove roots.
    Ikara’s tail reached down. A clamp of snake wound round Alex’s chest, squeezing the air out of him as he scraped painfully up the side of a mangrove. Sore, unable to breathe, Alex grabbed for the higher, dry roots. His grip held. The pressure round his chest was released.
    The closest croc jumped at Alex, using his tail to propel himself out of the water. Alex jerked his feet up just before they were crunched off. Keeko sat within easy reach, face in hands, sobbing.
    â€˜Get away, Keeko,’ yelled Alex. ‘More crocodiles.’
    Her head swung towards him, tear-filled eyes blank.
    â€˜Tariq died saving us,’ screeched Skoodle. ‘Don’t waste his sacrifice.’
    Her trance of pain shattered, Keeko scrambled upwards. ‘You won’t get me,’ she yelled at the crocodiles. ‘I’d murder you if I could.’
    The reptiles circled below Keeko, malicious eyes fixed on her body. Then they headed upstream.
    â€˜They’re aiming for the tunnel through the roots,’ called Ikara. ‘Get to that path before they do.’
    Alex clambered through the mangroves until he reached a branch that hung over the track. Taking a deep breath he launched himself into space, hitting the ground running. From behind him came the sound of lumbering crocodile feet. Alex pounded down the path, but his wet jeans and shoes weighed him down. Tangled roots threatened to trip him at any moment: thick vegetation overhung the path, tearing at him. Slow meant dead. Injured meant dead.
    Not rocket science
, transferred Skoodle, reading his thoughts.
    Nope, it’s logic. Inescapable.
    Like the crocodiles?
    Wrenching branches out of his face, Alex ran after the retreating body of Ikara. The crocodiles moved steadily, getting closer.
    They’re supposed to be slow on land
, transferred Alex to