Chapter 5

I wanted to scream. To let out the fear I felt. However, no sound came out. It was trapped in my lungs. I was simply frozen, staring at a pair of golden eyes that seem to glow within the shadows below me. I was high up in this tree, but the height of the beast meant those eyes were closer than I'd like.

My birthmark seemed to glow brighter, and burn even more. Another low rumble came from the winged monster. This time, my body was able to respond.

My feet began to illuminate, amd I lept out of the tree with all of my might. I took steps on the air, an invisible platform taking shape with each step, and disappearing just as quick. I ran above the trees as fast as I could. I could hear the tremble of the earth as the demon began to follow me with a quick pace.

The air kicked up around me with great force, making me glance behind me. Those giant eyes were rising out of the trees as it took flight, and revealed the enormous black dragon, that looked almost blue under the moonlight. The dragon was nearly the size of a town, and that only confused me. How it was able to sneak up on me in the forest without causing destruction among the trees?

I watched as the dragon opened its large mouth, and the sight pushed my adrenaline and pushed me to run faster. A load and booming roar evacuated its lungs, and the sound wave was powerful enough to blow my brunette hair, forward in front of my face.

I quickly brushed it out of my view, and continued to make my escape in the light of the moon, above the forest's canopy. However, it seemed like my human legs are not enough to gain significant distance between the dragon and myself. It was now time to use the old man's teachings.

While keeping my running speed, I twisted my back and looked toward the beast that was flying right on my tail. I put my hands out, and an orange aura formed. I pulled one of my hands back, as if I was holding a bow and arrow, and the light of the aura formed itself into the very weapon. I aimed to my best ability, at the space between the dragon's eyes.

I could see recognition in its eyes as he figured out what I was doing. It began to dive toward the trees for cover, but it was too late. I fired the arrow made of light and magic, and it whizzed through the air. There was a hushed puncture sound as the arrow pierced the scales of the dragons back. The dodge saved itself from a direct hit to the head, but a pained whimper fell from its mouth and it began to fall out of the sky.

I kept moving, nearly to the cottage. If I could just get home, I'm sure the geezer could help me slay this beast. The thump it made when it hit the ground, was quite loud, and it shook the forest. It wasn't down for long though. With a mighty roar, it began sprinting toward me on the ground.

I felt my body begin to tire out. I don't have much more magic power left in me. I can feel my magical stamina, mana, being drained. I used too much in my escape above the treeline. Though, I don't think I had any other choice. Moving on the forrest floor would've only sealed my fate.

I begin to see the dark silhouette of the cabin on the horizon. Barely visible under the lunar light. There was no light within the cabin however, which struck me as odd. Merlin tended to fall asleep in his study, with at least one candle still lit. A dangerous habit, but a tale tell sign that I might be in a bit of a pickle.

Without a second to spend on worrying, I just continued to book it toward help. With a second gush of wind, the beast had taken flight once more. I looked to see that the magic arrow I shot the thing with, was no longer there in its back to slow it down. My magic was too weak.

A hot searing tear ran down my cheek as fear began to truly seep through the cracks of numbness that the adrenaline put up in my mind. The water from my eyes was flung off of my face, though, as my legs persevered through the emotional shit storm that was brewing within me. My normal strongwilled exterior was starting to fade. I was actually scared for my life. A feeling I now wouldn't wish upon my worst enemy.

I barely landed on the ground just twenty feet from the cabin door, with my life. The scaly creature was too close for comfort. I ran in the door, and was greeted with silence. My heart raced as I burst through the study room of my master. It was completely empty of life, but I took note of a loose leaf shit of parchment that laid out on his desk. It was too small to be a magic scroll he was working on.

I peered down at the old man's handwriting, and reading those words in front of me made my body tremble in fear.

'Dearest Annora, I have received summons from his majesty, and had to take my leave immediately. Please do not worry, this trip shall be a short one. I should be back in perhaps a week's time.'

My shoulders violently shook while I cried and prepared to face the music. At any second now, the winged spawn of satan she be upon me, and I will not go down without a fight. I will do what my master has taught me, not only to make him proud, but to give myself the best chance for survival.

The cabin began to tremor as a huge weight seemed to press on top of the cottage roof. I shielded my head from the debris of the commotion, but it was soon the entirety of the roof was ripped off of the body of the place I once called home. I hesitantly looked up to see that the dragon had tossed the roof of my home, off tp the side as if it weighed nothing. But now, a fiery beast stood perched on the foundation of the cottage, looking directly at me.

I conjured up what little mana resided in my body, and I formed the magical bow once more. I took a deep breathe, steadying my nerves, and with all of my heart, shot the arrow straight at the heart of the serpent.