Book Seven: Chapter 82

The forest ahead bent away, expediting their passage. Ratu stayed at the rear of the procession, her flames now a pair of serpents that circled her body and breathed fire at spirits who came close. Quetzalli was panting with exertion behind Mike, and he could feel the humidity thicken as clouds formed overhead, blotting out the night sky. Ingrid’s wands glowed with sinister energy, occasionally blasting a shadow that leapt out in front of them.

Foliage gave way to thick, jagged rocks. Up near the top, Leilani was frantically stabbing her trident down at her assailants. Mike sent lightning spiders ahead to help illuminate the area, and was stunned when the attackers spun around to reveal skeletons in ragged clothes. Several were armed with scimitars while the rest carried daggers, oars, and even a broken surfboard.

“What the actual hell?” muttered Ingrid. “Are those...zombies? Skeletons? Undead pirates?”

Mike didn’t know the answer, but it didn’t matter. The undead