Imagine: The Elementals, #1

By Jenna Greene

A fierce wind and a blast of green light during a strange storm causes everything to change for Katharine Bowers and Becky Thatcher. The girls wake up in Oren, an entirely different realm than their earthly city. They meet Enalie, a fading magical presence who sets an incredible destiny before them… then simply disappears.

 

Left alone to fend off creatures that hunt them in the night, they must relay a magical heritage that doesn't make sense, and--if possible--save a world that they know nothing about.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Champagne Book Group
• Release date: Aug 3, 2015
• ISBN: 9781771551205

Jenna Greene

Jenna Greene is a writer from Lethbridge, Alberta. She teaches grade six at D.A. Ferguson Middle School. When she isn’t teaching, writing, or spending time with her daughter, Olivia, or husband, Scott, Jenna coaches, drums, and paddles with several dragonboat teams.She is the author of several YA novels, including HEROINE and the IMAGINE series.

Book preview

One

Becky Thatcher, turn that light off and go to sleep. Not only is it a school night, you have a math test tomorrow.

Becky wrinkled her nose and reluctantly closed her Harry Potter book. Reaching from her bed, she flicked off her bedside lamp. Out in the hall, Dad waited until the room went dark before footsteps announced a retreat to his own bedroom.

Fluffing her pillows in mild annoyance, she pouted about the unfairness of bedtimes. Math tests too. Not school—she loved school. It was just that English was her preferred subject, as well as Art and Music and even sometimes Social Studies. Math was a dull and uncreative subject. Fractions didn’t make a lick of sense. She doubted she would score well on that test tomorrow.

She could have gone to sleep as Dad instructed without too much distress. It wasn’t the first time she’d read J.K. Rowling’s famous work. She wouldn’t be tossing and turning in agony all night, desperate to know the conclusion.

Except it was Sunday night, the end of the weekend, and Becky wasn’t the least bit tired. Since she wasn’t ready for sleep, and had no last-minute homework to complete, there were only two things she could think to do: read or draw.

Drawing was tricky beneath the bedcovers, but reading was manageable. After sneaking a flashlight from under her bed and pulling the blankets over her shoulders and head, she retrieved her recently-abandoned book. It wasn’t Harry Potter, though, but Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Digging underneath again, she found her original read. Now, staring at the two familiar covers, she bit her lip in disgruntlement. Which one? That was a real dilemma.

Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Lord of the Rings, Eragon, The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner—she owned, devoured, and adored them all. With her advanced reading skills, Becky had no difficulties following their elaborate plots.

But she had a small secret. Sure, she loved reading for the sake of reading. Stories were an adventurous pleasure. But she didn’t just admire each hero and heroine. She wanted to be them.

Becky’s window slammed shut, and she jumped.

Weird. She hadn’t realized it had been left open.

A thick gust of wind passed over her bed. She glanced back at the window with a shiver. The window was sealed tight.

So how was there wind in her bedroom?

A stack of papers near the door rustled and flittered about the floor.

Alarmed, Becky sat up. Her pillow and blankets slid off the bed. A framed picture dropped from the wall and hit the floor with a thud.

The temperature in the room grew unpleasantly cool. Her eyes widened as her bookshelf wavered precariously. There was a subtle humming noise, which seemed to come from the floor itself. The wind reappeared with another strong gust. Along with a stuffed bear, she was pushed flat against her mattress.

What was going on?

When she leapt from her bed, there was resistance to her movements. Taking a step was as easy as running under water. A book hit her in the side of the head, and she stumbled over a roller skate that slid in front of her.

At the doorway, she was stuck. The door wouldn’t budge. To the window she went next, acting on a whim, but it was sealed tight too. She was trapped in her room, facing a turbulent hurricane rising around her. Her heart started to beat quicker, and her breathing became ragged.

A macaroni necklace sprang from her dresser. A toy duck was sucked from under her bed. Her school lunch bag sailed past her legs, and a set of barrettes skittered across the floor.

Mom? Dad!

Back at the door, Becky pounded against the wood, rattling the frame but not budging it. Her iPod and her fifth grade math textbook struck her back, adding to the bruises she was sure to have. Her hair was a tempest, blocking her vision. But it didn’t keep her from seeing the way her room suddenly lit up. The light felt more powerful than a thousand spotlights.

Becky didn’t know whether to be relieved or more afraid when the wind dissipated. Warily, she opened her eyes. Her hair returned to her shoulders. Objects settled on the ground. The light pulsated then…

Two

Peeking over the edge of the horizon was bright sunshine that warmed the skin and blinded the eyes. Against Kat Bowers’ cheek, lush grass prickled her skin. The fragrance of flowers permeated her senses.

She sat up. Disoriented, she moved her hand to her forehead.

Where was she?

The last thing she remembered was arguing with her mother and slamming out of the house to fume about driving privileges, curfews, and study habits. She’d ended up at a local park, moping on a swing like a young child. Soon after, quiet raindrops began to fall, which matched Kat’s mood perfectly. She’d remained at the park, taking deep breaths to cool her temper as dark clouds covered the horizon.

A gust of wind had caught her unaware, twirling the swing into a tight circle. As she struggled for balance, sticks and pebbles pelted her skin. Then the swing lurched, as if it had been pushed, but a quick double-check told her no one was behind her. As the seat wavered beneath her, she gripped the supporting chains tightly.

She missed the chance to leap off, as a moment later she was launched high into the sky and held there. Theories about physics and gravity whirled through her head as she was kept frozen on the swing, her body parallel to the sky.

Above her, the clouds swirled. Sweat popped up behind her neck and on her forehead. The word help was just forming on her lips when there was a powerful flash that knocked Kat from the swing. Light enveloped her as she plummeted.

Which left her where she was now. Her surroundings had changed. The swing, playground, and park were gone. So were far-off houses and car-driven streets. Replacing them was an open field full of yellow blossoms.

Hoping it was a dream, or even a concussion, Kat blinked her eyes. The park refused to appear. The grass, sun, and flowers remained. Something else was present too, which she hadn’t noticed before: a body.

Tucking her short hair behind her ear, she cautiously crept forward, staying low and likely creating grass stains on the knees of her jeans.

A young girl, wearing Alice in Wonderland pjs with her hair braided into two pigtails, was sprawled on the ground. A small array of freckles coated the bridge of her nose. Along her chin there was a long scratch that looked like a recent wound. Unsure whether she was alive or dead, Kat bent over to check for breathing. When eyes sprang open, she skittered back with a shriek.

The girl sat up with an echoing screech. An unsteady finger pointed. Who are you?

An answer didn’t come immediately to mind. A long moment went by before she muttered, Kat. Another beat passed. Who are you?

The girl responded with a quiet, Becky.

Fumbling for something to say, Kat asked, You all right?

As she patted her body, Becky responded, Y-es. I think so. Just…what happened? Where am I?

After a quick glance at the lit sky, where mere moments before there had been storm clouds, a dark sky, and a slender moon, Kat said, I don’t know.

My room— The comment ended. Where are we?

Tears formed in Becky’s brown eyes. A feeling of protectiveness washed over Kat as she stared at the younger girl. Unwilling to admit she had no answers, she instead suggested, Let’s find out.

Unsteadily, she rose then offered a hand to Becky, who stood slowly. While Becky patted dew off her clothes, Kat assessed the surroundings. There was nothing but field and flowers. Still, when Becky asked, Which way? Kat had a response ready.

Let’s go this way. She moved forward, not revealing her choice of direction was a mere whim. The light of the rising sun struck her unprotected head, a head filled with worries and criss-crossing thoughts.

At her side, Becky struggled to shuffle along in her bare feet. Kat offered her own sneakers, but the shoes proved to be too large to be useful for Becky.

After fifteen or twenty minutes of silent movement, Kat halted as a structure appeared, a mere fifty meters in the distance. Rolling her eyes, she thought, what next?

The structure was not tall, and in form resembled a small cottage in a metallic shade of gray. An unnatural choice for a building, but then the construction was odd in itself. There were no visible seams, lines, nails, hinges…anything. It was a solid square from top to bottom. The roof did have a slant to it, and the chimney was short and slender, but there were no windows or outer decorations.

Was that there a second ago? Becky asked.

Kat shrugged. With Becky ambling by her side, Kat walked a full circle around the house. Pinching her lips together, she noted that there was no door. Leaning to one side, she glanced back around the corner. Spying the outline of a doorknob, she turned to investigate.

She shook her head at the tall, rectangular frame. Placing her fingers on the wood panel to assure herself of its presence, she flinched when the door reacted to her touch and swung inward without a sound.

Hello? she called hesitantly. No response.

Should we just go in?

Thirst persuaded Kat away from caution and manners. She stepped inside. From the outside, the cottage appeared tiny. Inside, it was not. The ceiling was high and the room spacious. Aside from the strange silver coloration of the walls, the inside was beyond magnificent in its rich splendor. A gilded chandelier hung from the center of the main room. Golden prisms sparkled into every corner, even without the assistance of light from a window. Ruby carpets were spread on the floor, some embedded with actual jewels. Large paintings depicting a different pastoral scene hung on all four walls. The furniture was mainly ivory in color, covered with the same tasseled pillows her grandmother favored, and the patterns on the fabric as intricate as a tapestry. China cups and saucers covered a table beside a settee, each steaming with fresh tea.

This just can’t get any stranger, she murmured.

Becky nudged her as a woman emerged from a hidden alcove and glided into the room.

Kat sighed. Never mind. Things had just gotten stranger.

Long ebony locks floating with a natural curl stood out most on the woman. Next were her eyes—a sharp gray-blue. Not a single wrinkle or flaw creased her skin, making her age impossible to guess. There was a natural shine to the nails of the woman’s lengthy fingers. Her dress, in the exact same shade as her eyes, stretched from her neck to her wrists and ankles, but clung to her curvy body. Something about the way the fabric shimmered seemed magical.

Hello, came her warm greeting.

Uh, hi, Becky stammered as the woman took her hand.

Kat said nothing, but narrowed her eyes with suspicion.

Welcome. The woman’s voice had a lilting quality. Please, sit.

When Becky moved to obey, Kat held her back with a light touch on her arm. No thanks.

Is something the matter? the woman asked.

A lot was the matter! It had been a rough few…hours? Minutes? Kat wasn’t sure. The whole situation from the time she woke made her question her own sanity. Yes.

Do you intend to blame me?

If I have to, Kat rejoined without missing a beat.

Becky’s gaze shifted between Kat and the strange woman. Sensing the awaiting question, Kat tossed over her shoulder, I don’t trust her.

In response, the woman smiled, a smile full of meaning. Sit down, she repeated, this time more as a command.

No, we’re fine, Kat insisted.

Fine. Stand. Stand and wait forever. Or sit and receive some answers to your many questions.

Immediately, Becky took a seat on the couch. With reluctance, Kat did too. Who are you?

Enalie.

And…?

And I am the one responsible for bringing both of you here. We’ll get to the how and why in a moment. For now, understand I have great skills and as such I deserve respect or, if needed, fear.

Silence. Out of the corner of her eye, Kat spied Becky’s rolling shiver.

Well, at least I have your attention, Enalie continued. Drink your tea and listen.

Becky lifted the nearest cup and sipped. As a small act of defiance, Kat didn’t touch the tea.

Enalie took her own seat. You must realize two facts right away in order for us to proceed. First, you left your own realm and traveled to a new one.

Like a new city? Becky asked. Or a new country?

Neither. You are on a whole new world. Earth is where you’re from, and Oren is where you are now.

Doubtful, Kat mumbled.

Ignoring her, Enalie continued, Second, magic is real. It is not an invention of your human fantasy novels, but an entity that can be manipulated by some, understood by many, and witnessed by all. It is hidden where you were from, but very active here. It is something I have a natural power in, which allowed me to bring you here.

Kat snorted. Really—

Silence, please, Enalie ordered.

I won’t— Kat recoiled, the sharpness of a slap stinging her cheek, even though she hadn’t been touched. With a light caress, she fingered her skin. What the heck?

Enalie studied Kat then said, Magic for some is a skill that can be mastered. Spells can be conquered through practice and mental agility. This is one type of magic. Inventive, yet limited. The other type—the kind I possess—is something one is born with and requires some skill to master, but does not need years of study. Its use goes beyond what mere spell casters can accomplish, for it is a power from within. Passed from being to being, this magic changes with each generation. It is never the same and is always alive.

She paused for a moment. But before long, she proceeded. In your travels, as you discover this new land you are now a part of, you will learn about other holders of this natural magic. Their names, for the most part, are well known. Our powers are great.

Kat opened her mouth, hesitated, and then gathered her courage. Why did you bring us here?

Enalie rested a hand on her forehead and gave a faint sigh. It is difficult to explain.

Give it a try.

The older woman frowned. "All right. I’ll start by repeating that magic—the second type—has a flow to it. Generations ago, there were a dozen people who inherited this gift and could communicate with the spirits of past days with ease and could foretell events to come. It is well-known they soothed feelings and expanded thoughts. They were the protectors of Oren’s treasures, but they had no great skill at defense. Their powers were greatly limited in what they could do to protect themselves and others. As they died out, their magic passed on to the next recipients, the magic changing and expanding to fit the user and time.

I am a part of the next group that developed. We were given the name ‘Naturals’ by the people of this land because our skill with magic went beyond anything that existed before. Our powers had no foreseeable limits. Anything we wished for could be made possible. We were like gods.

Becky nodded, but her furrowed brow indicated the gesture was a lie. She looked to Kat for further explanation.

Were? Kat repeated.

Enalie gazed skyward for a moment. Her voice was softer as she said, Power that extreme is good for no one. The longer it lasts, the worse it is.

The air flickered. In that instant, everything vanished. The pillows, paintings, and the walls disappeared, as did every piece of furniture except the couch they sat on. Even Enalie whisked away in that blink of time before everything settled.

Becky gasped, and Kat leapt out of her seat. What is going on?

I’m running out of time, Enalie said in a curt tone. "Magic doesn’t last forever. The age of the Naturals is ending. Ended, really. I am the last one left. Though I am still here, I have not as much strength as I once had. Others are ready to inherit my talents. One of these people sits before me now."

Becky clutched her chest, but Enalie shook her head. It is you, Kat.

Me?

Yes, you. Do me the favor of not doubting this. I have neither the time nor the patience remaining. I must give you information and tasks to complete before it is too late.

Too late for what?

Too late for Oren. For justice. And life.

I don’t understand what you are talking about, Kat said with a mild sigh.

Then be silent and listen, Enalie snapped. "There are important facts you should know. I will start at the time of the Naturals which came at an age where strong magical influences were needed. We swept across the land—fourteen of us in total—keeping the peace and purging evil from the villages. We banished disease and villains, poverty and all manner of hardship. For us, no real effort was needed. Our abilities were beyond anything a warlord—magically skilled or not—could even imagine. Oren achieved a golden age of prosperity under our rule.

"Only…we got bored. We wanted to test the extent of our abilities. We fought all manner of creatures, torturing them without effort. When these became tiresome, we moved onto new enemies. We brought forth monsters from foreign corners to battle—vicious things that would cause nightmares for the bravest man. When no new, challenging monsters could be found, we created our own. We battled each other. We became obsessed with our own powers. We drew in toward ourselves. Self-worship became a habit, as did displays of our greatness. Yet as mighty as we were, we were also forgetful and selfish. Do you think a Natural who wanted to brave the mighty waves with one finger cared about the farmland they flooded? Do you think all the monsters brought over were disposed of neatly?

No, she concluded. The answer is no. As I am the last Natural left, there is no chance I can undo all that has been done.

I have a horrible feeling you expect me to be able to do something about this. Kat practically moaned as she spoke.

You are one of ‘those who shall come next.’ I have heard that you shall have none of the greatness of the Naturals, either in number or strength, but shall be more in touch with the land and its people. It falls to you to put mistakes to right.

With less ability? Oh, that’s good news. Kat lifted a brow. What else you got?

Lines creased Enalie’s forehead. Pardon?

Shaking her head, Kat mumbled, Never mind, and gestured for the narration to continue.

The flicker came again. Enalie vanished, taking the décor with her. This time the couch disappeared, dropping Becky unexpectedly to the ground with a harsh bump and rolling her a few feet across the floor.

Kat grimaced as the sun re-appeared, noting that the evaporation of everything lasted longer than before. There were seconds that allowed time to be counted, which passed before Enalie and her cottage came back into sight.

When she emerged, she was quite changed. Her ebony hair was now snow white. Wrinkles covered her shaking hands and drew down the lines of her face. Unpleasant blue veins criss-crossed her sagging skin.

She didn’t acknowledge this change. Instead, she rapidly discharged information. The Elementals you shall be called. There are three of you. Kat, water. Leda, air. Jamee, earth. The three. The trio who must be brought together.

You missed one, Kat said.

I’m sorry?

You missed one. The fourth element. Earth, air, water, and fire.

Enalie shook her head adamantly. Fire is all engulfing. Fire is pure destruction. It is not a natural source that belongs to the earth. Remember that. The Elementals are from the natural places. She turned her attention to the younger girl. But the Unifier is needed to bring them together. Becky Thatcher, that is your role. No one here could do it, discover its power. You were nearby—I found you. I saw inside your heart.

M-my role is to what? Becky’s eyebrows edged toward her hairline.

Enalie’s gaze wouldn’t—or couldn’t—remain steady. She mumbled out a few words Kat couldn’t hear. The Unifier, she repeated louder. "It must be found. Becky shall find it. Who knows where it may be."

Enalie—you’re not—slow down. Kat leaned forward, holding her hands up, palm outward.

Enalie’s head popped up. To Areth you must go. Now! They shall explain about Nandor. The orb. The rest—

Then she was gone. For the third time, the cottage and all its furnishings disappeared, leaving in its place a field of canary-yellow flowers and a mid-day sun. And a sensation of finality. For some reason when she vanished this time, it felt permanent. Kat knew, without articulating how, that Enalie wasn’t coming back.

Three

Becky said, Now what? Looking to Kat for answers, all she received was a blank expression.

The cottage was gone, leaving Becky standing on a field of grass in bare toes. It was warm, so no shivers attacked her. In fact, she had the opposite problem. Sweat seeped from her armpits, causing her pyjamas to stick to her skin.

I guess… We walk?

Becky nodded. Which way?

A finger rose as Kat pointed away from the blinding sun.

With a shrug, Becky muttered, All right. Lifting the trailing edges of her pant legs, she walked.

The field they strode across appeared endless, and there was no certain hope anything of use would be found at the other side. Thirst, tiredness, and an unending sense of bewilderment struck Becky. Forcing a smile onto her face, she offered, Should we make a list?

A list?

A list of what we do know of our situation and a list of what we don’t.

Kat snorted. That’ll be a very lopsided list. What we know—nothing. What we don’t know—where we are, what’s going on, whether we are both certifiably insane.

Becky shook her head. We know this place is called Oren. We know about how magic on this world flows. In fact, its transfer of power isn’t that different from that of the Greek gods. Of course, Zeus had to defeat the Titans in order to begin his rule on Mount Olympus, not wait until they died, but the similarities—

What are you talking about? Kat snapped.

Becky’s words stuck in her throat. She didn’t enjoy being spoken to harshly, nor was it something she was used to. I just meant…

You’re rambling.

"I’m not. I just read a lot of Percy Jackson books and—"

This is not a book, Kat said. This is one messed up day that makes me wish I was old enough to drink.

Alcohol? Becky gasped.

No, Diet Sprite. A roll of the eyes accompanied the comment. How old are you again?

Ten.

With a nod, Kat said, That explains it.

As her pace quickened, Becky hustled to keep up. It was hard to take quick and careful steps without shoes though. Explains what?

You.

Me?

Your innocence.

Innocence?

Kat turned to look down at her, slowing her stride a bit. Her eyes narrowed perceptively. You believe everything Enalie told us, don’t you?

Becky hesitated. Of course she had, but she suspected that wasn’t the correct answer. Shouldn’t I?

A bark of laughter erupted from the older girl’s throat. Lord, no!

Why not?

You mean, beyond the fact she is far from a credible source? The story she told us, by itself, should raise your doubts. It’s preposterous. I’m a magical something-or-other? Yea, right.

But, Kat.

What?

What other explanation do you have for all this? For everything that happened? As far as I know, cottages don’t normally appear and disappear spontaneously. My room has never been torn apart by a hurricane before, either. And how did we get here, if not by magic?

There is a logical explanation for everything, Kat said, stressing the word logical. But it has nothing to do with magic.

What then? Becky prompted.

Kat growled out, I don’t know yet.

So nothing Enalie said could be true?

No.

Not even—

No.

For the moment, Becky dropped the conversation.

Flat terrain transformed into rolling hills, making walking barefoot even more difficult than before. Pebbles found their way between her toes. As well, hunger pangs gnawed at her stomach and thirst made her throat raw.

When she came upon a small stream, Becky stopped and hunkered down to drink greedily. After, she soaked her injured toes in the cool water, then allowed Kat to rub them dry with the sleeves of her red hoodie.

Once her thirst was gone, Becky sat back on her knees. That felt nice.

I don’t know how we’re going to find food, Kat said, gnawing at her lower lip. "The sooner we find…someone, the better."

Let’s keep going, Becky suggested. I’m sure we’ll find help soon.

As she walked, she spied thicker groups of trees and taller hills. The sun shimmered off a distant lake. Just at the edge of her line of sight was a tall structure that dotted a large portion of the horizon.

Do you see that?

Covering her eyes with one hand, Kat squinted in the direction Becky pointed. I can’t really make it out. But a building that large must have people.

Can we make it there before dark?

I doubt it. Kat frowned. Let’s try though.

Hours passed. With each step, Becky gained an increasing ache in her calves. Stomach pains competed for attention with cut feet. The structure, a dark mass without definition, was still far from reach, seeming to slip further away each minute.

Thoughts twirled through her head. As she reviewed the events of the day, Becky ended up with more questions than answers. When she thought about her parents, a stab went through her heart. What were they thinking? Feeling? Had anything happened to them? If they phoned the police, what had they said about their missing child? When emotion overwhelmed her, she forced all thoughts from her mind.

The sun eventually completed its traditional arc across the sky and was replaced by a bright moon. Since Kat made no mention of stopping to rest, neither did Becky. Ignoring the signals her body gave her, she pressed on, using the light of stars and moon to guide her hesitant steps.

She was face-down in the dirt before she realized her legs were sinking out from under her. As she examined her scraped palms, tears filled her vision. I can’t go any farther! she wailed.

Me neither, Kat announced, coming to a stop beside her. I thought by now we’d find someone to help us.

No food, she mumbled, mostly to herself.

We’ll rest. Kat swept a hand under Becky’s armpit, gesturing with her free one. Can you make it to those trees?

With assistance, Becky made it to the small thicket of trees Kat indicated. Once there, Becky sank to the ground with a grateful smile. Half-dazed, she glanced at her surroundings. There was a lake not too far off, faint ripples covering the surface of the water. The one I saw earlier?

She slid onto her side, bending her elbow to make a pillow. At the same time, Kat removed her hoodie and swept it around Becky’s shoulders.

Seeing Kat shiver, Becky said, You don’t have to.

Just take it before I change my mind.

Thank you.

Just as Becky was closing her eyes, she realized Kat hadn’t laid down. Clutching the hoodie to her chest, Becky wearily sat up. Aren’t you going to sleep?

No. Not yet. Kat wasn’t looking Becky’s way. She scanned the shadows between the trees.

Is something wrong?

Shaking her head, Kat said, No. I don’t know. Probably nothing. She walked away. Sleep. I’m just going to take a quick look at something.

Knowing she should offer to accompany Kat, Becky nonetheless stayed silent. There was no way she could force her limbs to move any further. She’d missed half a night’s sleep already. Her brain was powering down. When she settled again, the position wasn’t even comfortable, yet she didn’t move. As a faint wind breathed through surrounding leaves, her eyes closed.

They flew open a moment later when a noise caught her attention. The snuffling sound reminded her of a dog hunting for a lost scent. It was quick and nostril, and came from somewhere nearby.

Her heart thudded rapidly. Kat? A branch snapped to her left.

Rising, Becky took Kat’s hoodie and tied it around her waist. Holding herself perfectly still, she held her breath and listened for other sounds. At an indistinct noise from behind her, she whirled, panic flooding into her system and weakening her knees. Bending, she snatched the nearest rock and held it above her head in a ready-to-strike position.

Kat crashed through the trees. Both her eyes and mouth were open wide. Run!

What—

Kat cut her off immediately. Shh!

But—

Run!

The horror-filled tone caught Becky’s attention. There was also a warning within it that spoke of absolute terror and desperation. Without another question, she swiveled on the spot and bolted.

Four

The monsters reminded Kat of two ferocious dinosaurs. Not only was their skin leather-like with a reptilian tinge, but they were tall—at what might have been close to seven feet—with muscular builds. Upon seeing them, her mouth dropped open.

Their height and build wasn’t the only feature which made them scary. Fangs, claws, and huge arms that swung forward like enormous clubs elevated Kat’s fear. The saliva that dripped from uneven jaws added to their gruesome appearance, as did the lumps above their elbows. With just one glance, sheer dread slithered up her rigid spine.

So she bolted, almost forgetting to fetch Becky.

Now as Becky stumbled time and time again, Kat pushed with everything she had to keep them moving speedily enough. Noises warned of pursuit, and the snuffling sounds indicated the creatures weren’t too far behind. It was all she could do not to scream in abject terror each time a thud echoed through the small wood.

While dodging trees and hauling Becky through rough undergrowth, Kat’s mind worked at a frantic pace. Cursing the brightness of the night’s sky, with full moon and stars, she tried to figure out a way to hide. Climb a tree? No. The creatures were far too tall. Besides, Becky’s short stature hinted she would struggle with the task.

Earlier, Kat believed she found a wise place to camp for the night. Now she cursed her decision. The collection of trees was not dense enough to aid their flight for long. If they ran much further, they would reach the end of the wood. Beyond that was the open field and hills which were too low to offer concealment. All that was left was the lake.

She pulled up short. Becky thumped into her side but didn’t utter a word of protest.

To the left, a head peeked around a thick trunk. Long jaws, complete with overlapping fangs that overshadowed thin lips, jutted forward. Green saliva dripped down the creature’s chin.

It didn’t move. Neither did Kat. Or Becky.

Why the creature didn’t charge forward to seize easy prey puzzled Kat. As did the fact that the eyes failed to shift in any way. Once she had a moment to digest what she saw, she noted that each pupil had a filmy quality.

Before she could process what that meant, the creature inhaled loudly. As its entire head lifted, it drew in a breath through oversized nostrils then took a step in Kat’s direction.

Turning, she fled, tugging Becky with her. Thumping steps sounded behind her, and these were almost immediately joined by another set.

They separated to find us easier. She wasn’t too pleased with her assessment. The beasts were too clever by far. And yet, why hadn’t they caught their prey?

Oh snap! Kat exclaimed. They’re blind.

Well, maybe not blind, but visually-impaired at the very least. They were tracking by scent, not sight. That explained the loud sniffing noises.

The water, she whispered. If dogs couldn’t trace a scent through water…

She veered too sharply, lost her footing, and pitched forward. Using both hands, she pushed herself off the ground and continued running, wavering slightly.

Steps away from the water, Kat slowed. Reaching for Becky, she flung her into the water with as much power as she could manage. A second later, Kat dove in, nearly gasping at the shocking coldness. When she tried to touch bottom, her feet found a slippery purchase. She kicked at something slimy that became tangled around her leg. Eventually she had to reach down and free her limb with her fingers. Her calf stung instantly. Ignoring the pain, she eased into a front crawl stroke that was as fluid as she could manage.

Once the pair were a fair distance across the lake, they stopped swimming and began treading water. Becky tilted her head back to keep it above water. Kat was able to bob smoothly, and from this position searched the shore.

The creatures were there, standing side-by-side, nipping at each other