the small island and slammed into Kale’s shoulder. It landed with ease on the wet ground in front of him.
Kale lost his footing, slipping backwards into the thick, sticky mud. Surprised, Kale kicked out his left leg and knocked the creature backward into the water.
“Do not resist, boy. The pain will not last long.” The creature stood, approaching the island rapidly.
The other two positioned themselves on opposite sides and closed in on Kale—attempting to trap him for an attack.
Kale had already regained his footing, shifting his eyes around to view all three creatures. He knew he was outnumbered, yet, after having fled from General Jedah, his pride would not allow him to run a second time. One of the creatures crept close enough to extend a long, slender arm outward, wrenching its hand forcefully around Kale’s bicep. Kale grimaced and his arm burned, feeling as though it would be ripped from the socket at any moment. He struggled to keep his footing.
Kale knew he needed to make his move before it was too late. He angled his free arm back, preparing to swing a powerful blow. As the rod swooshed through the air, it made contact with the creature, slamming hard against its rib cage. The monster cried out, buckling over and gripping its side. Before Kale could feel any enthusiasm about his accomplishment, he felt an agonizing sensation on his leg. He glanced back just in time to see the third monster gnawing viciously at his calf. While focusing on striking the other creature, Kale had not noticed another of the monstrosities returning from the water. Vulgar words spat from Kale’s mouth as his body filled with a combination of pain and anger. He reached down to his belt, grasping the handle of the small dagger.
Kale maneuvered his fingers around the weapon until they pinched the tip of the blade. He bit his lower lip, preparing for the pain he would endure when he jerked his leg from the monster’s mouth. The skin tore and blood splattered to the ground as he tore free. As Kale’s anger rose, so did his determination to live. His palms grew hot, the temperature increasing with every passing moment. He flung the dagger as hard as his wrist would allow toward the creature that had bitten him. As the weapon spun through the air, Kale became fully aware of his surroundings and managed to duck down to avoid an attack as another creature reached to grab his neck.
Kale watched in awe as the dagger’s tip pierced through the creature’s forehead, sliding smoothly through its skull. The dagger exited through the back of the creature’s head, taking small pink pieces of brain along for the ride. As the dagger hit the lake’s surface it sizzled loudly before sinking out of sight. The monster’s yellow eyes rolled back into its skull as it plummeted face down into the mud.
Kale felt a refreshing sense of confidence after his successful kill. There were only two opponents left—he had a chance. Kale gripped the rod with both hands, prepared to finish the fight. His palms were emitting even more heat than before as he swung the rod fiercely toward the next closest creature. Its disgusting mouth hung open, preparing to rip a chunk of flesh from Kale’s bicep. The rod struck the monster’s jaw with amazing force. Kale’s eyes grew wide as the upper half of the creature’s head spun through the air. Blood and chunks of innards that resembled maggots flung in every direction. The creature’s body fell lifeless and limp to the ground.
The remaining monster took a step back, now intimidated by Kale.
From his peripheral vision, Kale could see a faint orange glow along the iron rod, the same appearance as metal heated to an extreme temperature.
What is happening ? Kale thought. He blinked, quickly shaking the thought from his mind. There was still one creature left to fight—he had not yet won the battle and this was no time to become reckless, or allow his mind to wander. He dug his toes into the mud as he prepared
Kale lost his footing, slipping backwards into the thick, sticky mud. Surprised, Kale kicked out his left leg and knocked the creature backward into the water.
“Do not resist, boy. The pain will not last long.” The creature stood, approaching the island rapidly.
The other two positioned themselves on opposite sides and closed in on Kale—attempting to trap him for an attack.
Kale had already regained his footing, shifting his eyes around to view all three creatures. He knew he was outnumbered, yet, after having fled from General Jedah, his pride would not allow him to run a second time. One of the creatures crept close enough to extend a long, slender arm outward, wrenching its hand forcefully around Kale’s bicep. Kale grimaced and his arm burned, feeling as though it would be ripped from the socket at any moment. He struggled to keep his footing.
Kale knew he needed to make his move before it was too late. He angled his free arm back, preparing to swing a powerful blow. As the rod swooshed through the air, it made contact with the creature, slamming hard against its rib cage. The monster cried out, buckling over and gripping its side. Before Kale could feel any enthusiasm about his accomplishment, he felt an agonizing sensation on his leg. He glanced back just in time to see the third monster gnawing viciously at his calf. While focusing on striking the other creature, Kale had not noticed another of the monstrosities returning from the water. Vulgar words spat from Kale’s mouth as his body filled with a combination of pain and anger. He reached down to his belt, grasping the handle of the small dagger.
Kale maneuvered his fingers around the weapon until they pinched the tip of the blade. He bit his lower lip, preparing for the pain he would endure when he jerked his leg from the monster’s mouth. The skin tore and blood splattered to the ground as he tore free. As Kale’s anger rose, so did his determination to live. His palms grew hot, the temperature increasing with every passing moment. He flung the dagger as hard as his wrist would allow toward the creature that had bitten him. As the weapon spun through the air, Kale became fully aware of his surroundings and managed to duck down to avoid an attack as another creature reached to grab his neck.
Kale watched in awe as the dagger’s tip pierced through the creature’s forehead, sliding smoothly through its skull. The dagger exited through the back of the creature’s head, taking small pink pieces of brain along for the ride. As the dagger hit the lake’s surface it sizzled loudly before sinking out of sight. The monster’s yellow eyes rolled back into its skull as it plummeted face down into the mud.
Kale felt a refreshing sense of confidence after his successful kill. There were only two opponents left—he had a chance. Kale gripped the rod with both hands, prepared to finish the fight. His palms were emitting even more heat than before as he swung the rod fiercely toward the next closest creature. Its disgusting mouth hung open, preparing to rip a chunk of flesh from Kale’s bicep. The rod struck the monster’s jaw with amazing force. Kale’s eyes grew wide as the upper half of the creature’s head spun through the air. Blood and chunks of innards that resembled maggots flung in every direction. The creature’s body fell lifeless and limp to the ground.
The remaining monster took a step back, now intimidated by Kale.
From his peripheral vision, Kale could see a faint orange glow along the iron rod, the same appearance as metal heated to an extreme temperature.
What is happening ? Kale thought. He blinked, quickly shaking the thought from his mind. There was still one creature left to fight—he had not yet won the battle and this was no time to become reckless, or allow his mind to wander. He dug his toes into the mud as he prepared
Similar Books
