Let It Fall

Jackals

  Dismissing Pavla's talk of the gods, I kept my focus on staying as close to her as possible. The bright moon's light barely shone through the dense canopy made up of swaying limbs. The cacophony of animal sounds drew quiet as a howl pierced the air. Pavla quickly looked around and quickened her pace. The damp earth beneath our feet squished with every step. Shining eyes followed us on either side of the path, waiting for the chance to strike. Our panting breaths drowned out the sound of cracking twigs and low snarls.

"We do not have farther to go," Pavla said as she pointed to barely visible light up ahead. Spurred on by the hope of safety, I ran with everything I had, grabbing Pavla's hand and pulling her with me. Our path was quickly cut off as a huge beast left its cover, snapping its jaws as it moved closer. Reading its hind legs, the jackal shifted its head between us as if deciding which to strike first. Two more jackals positioned themselves behind Pavla, making sure we could not run. Turning our backs to each other, we made sure to keep our eyes on the beasts.

 Lifting off the ground with its eyes locked on mine, the leader was sent flying off the path by a dark shape that came barreling from the trees. Seeing an opening I quickly grabbed Pavla and ran to the light. The jackals regained their ground quickly and attacked from behind. One hit Pavla so hard, it knocked her into the brush out of my sight. The other caught my hair in its jaws, slinging me to the ground. Searching frantically for a weapon to ward of the beast, I did not see the beast as it bit into my ankle. Crying out in pain, I kicked the jackal in the face forcing it to release me. Scrambling to get away, the beast made no move to attack again.

Slowing my panting breaths, I tried to discreetly search for Pavla without losing sight of the jackal. The jackal bared its bloody teeth and began to back away slowly. Wavering torchlight approached from behind, causing the beast to back away further and jet back to cover. 

"Thank you so much," I tried to get to my feet but could support weight on the injured ankle, "my guide, Pavla, is in the trees. Can you look for her?"

Without speaking, the figure placed the torch into my hands.  They walked to the edge of the path, quickly glanced back, then disappeared in search of Pavla. Holding tightly to the torch, I searched the surrounding for any signs of jackals returning. Shadows jumped with the flickering flames, but no eyes returned. Leaves rustled above, causing me to jump. twigs began to snap, getting closure with each one. Panic began to rise. Using my good leg, I tried to scramble closer to the end of the path while keeping the torch in hand.