Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #16 July 2015 | Page 63

blade landing on the ground near him. Without hesitation Angwenth ran at him, slamming the blade across
his lower arm. It cut through cleanly; blood covered the
blade as she spun around and slammed the tip of sword
into his back. With a spurting cough the man collapsed.

grew louder as a few of them stepped out of the cages.
Ears were back, hair stood on edge across their spines,
as they kept eye contact on the men who had forced
them into that cage. “Now’s your chance boys and girls.
Go get your pay back.”

Not having time to think about her next move,
she ran away from the body to get an advantage point.
She ran toward the clearing and found herself behind
the pens. A few of the men had run toward the forest,
while others attended the wounded. The fires were still
growing, and they were getting closer to the pens, she
needed to help get the animals out or they would all
die. Running towards the cages she slashed the ropes
that kept the cages locked. They split apart as the sword
slammed against the wood.

Men started to take frightened steps away from
the animals. One took off in a run, causing three of the
dogs and wolves to chase him into the forest. There
were snarls and a loud scream of agony. It died after a
few minutes, but gave the rest of the wolves and pups
incentive to take off. After they cleared out, Angwenth
ignored the screams and ran to the other two pens. She
cut the ropes loose on those as well, letting them swing
open so they could join in the fun.

The noise drew attention to her. Several men
stood shooting surprised looks at each other. A handful
of them stood before her, a few humans scattered with
elves and orcs. Most were covered in soot or had burnt
clothes and hair. All of them were angry, and looking
straight at her. Angwenth had an idea that brought a
smile to her face.
An orc, about two feet taller than her, took a
step forward. He had a head full of red hair that contrasted against his tanned greenish coloured skin. Underneath his clothes were muscles that rippled as he
tensed at her smile. “Why are ya smiling? We have you
cornered. You lost!”

There was nothing else for her to do. The animals would finish off what they were doing, hopefully the pets would find their way home, and the wolves
would go back to living in the wild. The fires would die
down before it reached the forest and grow more. She
needed to go back to Grey and get him home to take
care of his broken ribs and arm.
As she walked the sun started to rise. Blood-curdling screams filled the air, but Angwenth didn’t look
back. Her job was done. The animals were free. Now,
they could have their revenge on the people who hurt
them. She smiled.

Pushing through the clearing she glanced up at
the cave. Grey stood at the edge of it, leaning against
Angwenth couldn’t help but let out an almost the wall, holding his broken arm in his grip. He glanced
around worriedly. Shadow sat at his heels looking into
maniacal laughter. It seemed to piss him off more.
the forest as well. The pup saw her first, his tail wagged
“Stop laughin’! You’re going to pay for what as he let out a soft bark before taking off towards her.
you’ve done.”
Angwenth reached down to pick up the pup, let“Oh you want pay back, do you?” Angwenth ting him jump on her chest and lick at her face. “Hello
grinned while still letting out choked laughs.
to you, too.” She said, her voice exhausted.
Wary eyes were glancing around at each othWalking the rest of the way to the cave she saw
er, probably wondering what Angwenth was madness Grey. He lit up when they locked eye contact. “You
was causing her to face them all head on like this. An- shouldn’t have gone off alone.”
gwenth let her grin fade as she replaced it with a tickedShe glanced away. “I didn’t want you to get
off scowl. “Then have your pay back, you bastards.”
hurt.”
Doors to the cage swung inwards, opening
A finger rested against her chin and lifted up her
soundlessly. The growling and snarling of the beasts

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