Chapter 8

“We get a much-needed tune-up for whatever task the king sets before us. I am looking forward to the excitement,” Bartz smiled.

“Honestly, Bartz, my old, not overly bright friend, I think excitement is way overrated.”

“Falca, you just worry too much,” Bartz said with a shake of his head.

Suddenly and without warning, Bartz grabbed Falca, tucking the bird under his armored arm.

“Hey! What gives here?” Falca squawked as an electro-net fell from the trees above them.

The current from the net deactivated the robo-mount, but Bartz’s flexi-armor was insulated, so he and Falca were okay, at least for now.

“Now do you see why I did what I did?” Bartz said, as the energy from the net around them danced harmlessly across the wires. “I knew my armor would protect you from becoming fried bird.”

“While I thank you for saving me, I feel obliged to point out that we are trapped,” Falca said, trying to sound grateful but not overly in debt.

“We have t