The Dread Heart (Part 7)

A Mythic Fairy Tale

But even as he spoke they found themselves surrounded and could flee only towards the tower. The creatures were swift behind them, so that their claws tore at their backs and would have snared them. But they dove into the pool and swam for the other side. Their pursuers did not follow. And as they both climbed out, they saw them at the farther shore, prowling and snarling, and yet fearful of the water. Then one by one, they dispersed into the shadows of the Wood from which they came, so that the girl and her father were left alone beneath the tower.

Then her father turned and looked upon her. “My daughter! You are wounded!” For there lay a great bleeding gash upon her back where one of the creature’s claws had fallen.

But even as he stretched forth his hands to the wound, they heard a dark and dreadful voice.

“Who has dared to cross my sacred waters?”

TO BE CONTINUED…