38. Roc

Tick-tock.

Tick-tock.

I don't have to think about what I'm about to do. Whatever the consequences, they'll be worth it.

The line of guards between me and the Captain is twenty-wide, but that's at least fifty fewer than they'd need to stop me.

I target the guy in the middle, the one with the trembling grip and sweaty brow.

I hit him with my shoulder. He flies back easily and slams to the floor with an umph. I wrench the sword from his grip and close the rest of the distance between me and the witch in the span of a breath.

Her crude blade hits my stolen sword with a clang.

Her nostrils flare, her gaze meeting mine in surprise.

"Mine," I tell her.

The ticking gets louder in my head.

Tick-tock.

Tick-tock.

It's time the Crocodile came out to play.