The snow crunched softly as the wagons rolled to a stop at the river’s edge. The bridge was gone. Through the heavy fog, I could see it lying in burnt ruins in the shallows. I shifted, briefly pulling at the heavy chains around my neck.
“Stay, Beast!” the wagon master yelled, seconds before I felt the sting of the whip upon my back. I quickly let my hands fall back to my sides. The captain trotted his horse around our brigade.
“Circle up!” the he yelled. “About face!”
“You think this is an ambush?” the wagon master asked.
“This bridge was here just four days ago,” the captain answered. The soldiers turned and formed a tight circle around me and the wagons, facing the forest path from where we came. In a moment, everything was still. The only sound heard was their heavy breathing and the puffs of steam coming from the horse’s nostrils.
“Water.” My voice echoed in the stillness. The wagon master shuddered but didn’t turn.
“Silent, Beast,” he growled quietly, eyes scanning the trees. Only a few birds chirps could be heard. The river roared in the background.
“Water,” I repeated.
“You best put a cork in it, if you don’t want me at you.”
The horse stamped their feet in agitated and the treetops swayed in the winter breeze.
“Steady men,” the commander said. All eyes scanned the forest. The bushes shook gently and a low gargle could be heard. The men broadened their stances.
“Commander!” I called. He briefly turned, looking at me from over his shoulder. “Water.”
At this, six long tentacles sprung from the depths of the river, flying towards the guard. The horses leapt away in fright, toppling the wagons and sending the men running off in confusion.
“The river!”
A loud howl echoed in the air and dozens of imps came from the trees. The men scattered as the evil creatures drew blood. One of the imps quickly scaled my legs and sat on my shoulders, beginning to unlock the chains around my neck. The wagon master saw first.
“No!” he yelled. “Stop!”
The smiled as the weight around my neck vanished and the heavy chains thud noisily upon the ground. The imp scurried quickly away and I stretched my hands, extending my claws.
Now, let the fun begin.
