THE BLUE DAUNTLESS!  The man who helps!

Story & Characters © 2010 by Peter W. Mitsopoulos  

                Illustrations by Jana Pivkova

                    Chapter Seven of Ten

                      Venom in the Dark

     “Everyone stay together!” ordered the Dauntless.  “Keep your flashlights pointed at the ground.  And don’t bend down for any reason.”

     Professor Fletcher peered at the squiggles in the sand.  “Poisonous snakes?”

     “Yes.  The Viper Woman has had them released into this tunnel.”  The Dauntless looked up and glanced around.  “The question is how many.”

     “A bunch,” declared Linda.  “You can bet on it.”

     “We have the rifles,” said Samantha. 

     The Dauntless shook his head.  “These snakes will be small and fast.  A volley of rifle fire will get one or two, but our best protection is flight.  We must get to the rear entrance as quickly as possible.”

     “At least we know the Viper and her gang won’t follow us right away,” said Dr. Fletcher.  “They won’t want to be caught in their own scheme.”

  “That’s true,” the Dauntless answered.  “Now let’s move.”

     They started down the tunnel at a brisk pace.  Following the big man’s instructions, the group huddled together, Linda and Samantha in the center. 

     “We should rotate,” offered Linda.  “It’s not fair for me and Sam to stay protected while the fellas walk on the outside.”

     “Suggestion noted,” the Dauntless replied, “and duly rejected.”

     Linda frowned.  “But I don’t think-”

     “Shut up, Lindy.”  Samantha nudged her sister.  “If the guys want to be gallant, that’s fine with me.”

     As they proceeded, Linda walked directly behind the Dauntless.  Despite the danger they faced, she found herself gazing up at his massive shoulders.  What did he look like without his mask and hood?  She was absolutely aching to know.