It's a bear.
A huge, teeth baring, snarling Brown bear. It's long snout sniffs the ground and air as it approaches, clearly mad at my presence.
I can't move. Frozen to the spot I come to the conclusion this is it. There's no way I'll survive a bear attack.
The bear begins its approach at a steady pace, the leaves crumbling beneath its giant leather pads, a single growl erupts from it's huge jaws as it rises to a standing position. It's got to be at least 5 foot tall.
Trembling, I too rise slowly to my feet, if I'm going to have any chance at surviving I need to be on my feet. I could climb. Black bears can climb, but Brown bears cannot. I've always been good at climbing, I'm quick too. Standing only angers the bear more.
The bear let's out another growl, thumping it's giant front paws back to the ground, again on all fours it starts to race towards me. This is my chance, I have to run now!
Without hesitation I turn and run towards the biggest tree I can see, my pace builds quickly, I pick up speed as I hear the bear gaining ground behind me, I daren't turn around.
Upon reaching the tree I jump, digging my nails in hard to keep grip. Like a monkey I scale the bark with ease, reaching higher and higher until I find myself at least 10 foot high looking down at the ground below. The bear looking right back up at me, claws pawing at the bark as it tries to reach me.
I made it.
The bear grunts and growls desperately pawing, shaking the tree as it tries to reach me. I feel the tree shake under the pressure of this huge creature battling the trunk below. The branch I'm currently perched upon isn't the sturdiest, it bounces with every swipe the bear makes at the base of the tree. Then I hear it, a crack and the branch wobbles, another crack and I slip.
The branch I was just comfortably perched on was now hanging, dangling me off the end of it. I grip as tightly as I can, but my hands are sweaty, I begin to slip. Finger by finger my grip loosens until I can't hold on anymore.
I hit the ground with a loud thud, landing awkwardly on my elbow, something cracks, a sharp pain shoots up my arm, I scream out in pain.
Those golden brown glowing eyes I'd seen appear from the woods fixate on me as I scramble across the floor looking for an escape. I shuffle backwards on my butt watching as the bear moves closer and closer.
Only seconds pass before it's stood towering over me, it's hind paws just inches from my feet. The bear let's out almost like a bark before slamming it's 2 front paws down either side of my head, a growl rumbles from its trembling lips.
I watch helplessly, almost as in slow motion as the bear lifts its paw before swiping it back down towards me. I bring my arms up in some kind of attempt to protect myself.
Searing pain shoots across my arm, I scream out again. Blood trickles quickly from the deep scratch. I can feel the bears hot warm breath as it comes at me mouth open, almost instinctively I kick up with both feet with as much force as possible.
The bear falls backwards landing on its rump, but is quick to get back to its feet. I don't know how I managed to move a 400lb bear, but I did. With no time to waste I jump to my feet with ease, turn and begin running for the exit. If I can just get out of these woods!
I run as fast as I can, like my life literally depends on it, but with the blood loss from my wound I'm slightly dizzy and very weak. I feel myself getting breathless very quickly, I try to keep my pace but I feel the presence of the bear gaining ground, getting closer by the second. I can see the light through the trees in the distance, if I can just get out the woods someone will help me.
A loud hum rings in my ears, my vision starts to blacken as I slow to almost a stop. Collapsing to my knees I brace for impact.
Suddenly out of the shadows a large creature, almost dog like charges the bear knocking it to its side and away from me, giving me enough time to get back to my feet and take shelter behind a nearby rock. I peer over panting, out of breath and struggling to keep my eyes open. Another creature appears quickly out of nowhere joining the other as they stand together, between the bear and me, almost like they are protecting me.
I frantically look around for my nearest escape, it's only then I find myself being met with at least 3 more pairs of glowing eyes quickly emerging from the trees.
Within seconds another creature lunges past me, it's jaws connecting fiercely onto the bears leg, it swings its head ripping some of the bears tough skin. Roars, howls and yelps fill the silence of the woods as these wild animals tear at each other. The bear quickly becomes outnumbered, attacked from all angles it doesn't take long before the bear succumbs to its injuries, falling to the floor with a loud thud.
It's only then I can fully take in my surroundings. I stare intently as the 4 dog like creatures start to move slowly closer giving me a better look at them.
Broad shoulders, long snouts and beautiful colourings, from a shaggy grey to a reddish brown, if it weren't for their overwhelming size you would think they were dogs.
Could the rumours be true? Are these the guardians people speak of? The protectors of the woods.
One last thought crosses my mind before I slip into the dark unconscious.
Wolves!
YOU ARE READING
I Am Cursed
Hombres LoboA curse not asked for! A world unknown to most. My mother would say to me; "It's a curse, just calm down!" Little did I know, this curse she spoke of was real. Its true. I am cursed.
