Book 4 Chapter 6

At the valley entrance, yells of fear, pain, and anger mixed as Dun’s hunters did their best to hold the Beasts back. Spears and arrows flew from their hands in dangerous arcs and small spikes of rock could be seen rising from the ground to stab at the Beasts from below. yet despite their struggle, their attacks proved ineffective and they were forced to watch as another one of their clansmen was caught.

The big cat let out a happy yowl as he pinned the young man below him. Standing still for a moment as it reveled in its catch, The hunters around it felt their breath catch in their throats.

The creature had an imposing figure, standing at over ten feet in height and probably more than twice that in length Its body looked lean but the steel-like muscles could be seen tensing under its golden fur with its ever move.

Large fangs hung from its mouth and claws bigger than a child dug into the back of the man underneath it. As he screamed again, the other hunters let out their own cries of rage. Launching another attack in a desperate bid to free their comrade.

The Beast moved in a flash the young man picked up by the teeth as it sprung away from another series of attacks. Swinging its captive wildly as it did so. The fearsome creature gave off a feeling of cruel joy as it played, paying no attention to the screams of the man between its jaws as he was flung and battered.

Eventually, the young man's body went limp, any signs of life had left it. The big cat, bored with its toy immediately flung it up once more. As the body sailed down towards its waiting and open mouth., a blur crossed its path, swiping the meal away into its own jaws. The other cat ignored the first one's protest, quickly devouring the young hunter before turning towards the rest.

The other hunters swallowed their fear as the two Beasts approached, steeling their nerves as they called out for another round of attacks. No one wanted to be here, fighting the Beasts in the open without having made any preparation.

But what were they to do? Just behind them was the path that led into the valley where their family and friends lived. Where their Clan had made its home for centuries. Trying to fight was suicide, but it was better than the alternative. They fell back, just enough to regroup before pressing in towards the creatures again. As the Beasts pounced towards the waiting line, A light yet fierce voice called out.

“Hmph, just a couple of kittens, yet you come here to cause trouble….” Tirr said as he crested the lip of the valley. Behind him, Maria and Sera followed with Garm held firmly in Sera’s arms. The hunters at first were confused but as they noticed Dun, hope spread quickly through their hearts. /

The two Beasts didn’t know what to make of the two newcomers. They paused momentarily, some instinct or maybe 6th telling them to be careful, these people didn’t seem to be afraid…

Even as Dunn called for his men and women to fall back, the cats crouched down, suddenly moving with caution as they split to circle the new arrivals. Seeing that they continued to try and cause trouble even after seeing him, Tirr frowned. “Still don’t recognize me… Fine, I’ll give you a beating…”

He turned to Sera signally to let the young teen drop Garm. She did so slowly, as if reluctant, though no signs of any such feeling showed on her face. The small wolf shook itself excitedly as it gained its freedom. It turned, barking at the Cats that were still creeping around them, letting them know its master’s fury.

The Cats though, having not seen any movement, decided there shouldn’t be any danger. One of them rushed forward eager to catch a new toy to play with. Powerful legs carried across the distance in a moment ad its paw was reaching out towards Tirr ready to pin him down like a rat caught by the farm cat.

As the Paw swung down, Tirr’s body flickered, the paw slammed into the ground leaving the cat confused, until it heard the child’s voice say. “Down here…”

The Cat reacted quickly but still couldn't completely avoid Tirr’s fist as it slammed into the big cat. It skid back, letting out a pained cry while glaring furiously at Tirr. On the other side, the remaining cat was more cautious than its fellow. It waited and seeing the hit the other cat took, decided to rush in while the strong enemy was occupied.

He rushed forward not even notices the small pup barking in front of it. As it tried to reach for the others. It suddenly felt like it hit the side of a mountain. When the Cat looked up, That small pup had grown into a giant. Dwarfing the cat easily as Garm stood, waiting for his directions.

Tirr growled, “Remind them who I am…”