Shadow

1

My horses hooves thudded against the dusted ground of the forest, I held the reins in one hand, while the other hand was hovering above my sword, we leapt over fallen trees tearing down the path which took us deeper and deeper. Aphrodite was beginning to pant harder and foam bubbled ivory from her muzzle. We galloped around the corner of the wood when my filly lost her footing and she slipped over into the cold sludge.

She rolled over and crushed my leg I screamed loudly, my filly neighing and snorting she was sitting there and her feet slid as she tried to stand but once up she carefully walked over to me and nuzzled my shoulder, I noticed she was chewing at the bit. I rubbed her nose and she helped me off the ground, I limped to the nearest tavern, this case could wait, I asked for a bath and room, of course it was extra gold for the warm water but I didn't mind it I needed it.

I made sure Aphrodite was seen to and then I walked into my room where an empty copper bath waited for me, there was warm water on the side which I filled the bath up with, I disrobed and climbed into the bath, soaking my limbs and my hurt leg, I washed the mud from my hair and body before climbing out and then getting ready for the night. I slipped my knife under my pillow and then tried to sleep, but I couldn't I tossed and turned for most of the night and ended up sleeping for a few hours.

The sun soon rose and I knew I needed to leave today to carry on with my case, so I got dressed and strapped on my weapons before walking out to the stables to retrieve Aphrodite, I took her tack off the hook, I slid the bridle on to her face, I held my hand out flat and gently pushed the bit into her mouth and then threw the saddle on her back, I tightened up her girth and adjusted my stirrups, I slipped my feet in and we galloped off through the barns doors, we came onto the main path spooking a dark bay thoroughbred as we past since we nearly collided, its rider was a white haired man who only stared after us, his steed reared up and snorted, I didn't look back I just kept galloping.

We finally came to our destination it was a small village with a strange old lady who took in orphaned children, but she only asked me to come since there was a griffin prowling the area and she was afraid it was going to get one of her children. Her name was Anna and I was the only one who knew she was the Bloody Barons missing wife and she told me she would pay me extra coin to keep quiet and of course I accepted. I pulled my horse to a stop, and I dismounted. My wolf pendant swinging at my side. I walked over to the cabin, the children crowded Aphrodite and petted her gently. I just smiled, I knocked on the door gently and Anna answered the door.

"Shadow I am glad you made it. Please come in" She greeted me and gestured me inside, I walked in and the cabin was barely furnished and the woman was old and bent over as she walked almost as if though her back gave her pain. "Please sit" She told me gesturing to a chair by the fire. "Can I get you anything?" She asked kindly.

"No but I think my mount could do with a drink of water though" I replied.

"Gretta" She yelled, a few seconds later and the door opened, a young dark haired girl skipped in happily, she smiled at me before turning to Anna. "This lovely young girls horse needs a drink, get a bucket from the barn and fill it up from the well" Anna told her, the girl soon left us and Anna soon turned back to me.

"Where was this griffin last seen?" I inquired pushing a raven lock of hair off my shoulder.

"It was last seen where Tommy plays with Johnny" She replied getting up and stirring the substance in the cauldron.

"May I talk to Tommy?" I asked politely.

"He's not allowed to talk to strangers" She replied looking at the tapestry of three women on the wall.

"I need to if I am to know where to find the griffin" I told her.

"Do you really think you can do it?" She asked me.

"Do what?" I asked a little confused.

"Slay the griffin?" She answered.

"Yes" I nodded.

"Okay, but he's shy" She warned me.

"Okay" I nodded. I walked outside to find Tommy when I saw the white haired rider once again. He was dressed in armour, two great swords mounted on his back and his eyes glowed yellow. We both nodded to one another before I approached the playing children and he went into the cabin. The children saw me and stopped playing immediately. "Do you know where I can find Tommy?" I asked bending down to their level.

"Gran taught us never to speak to strangers" One girl spoke up.

"I know but Gran told me in order to keep you safe from the terrifying griffin you will have to answer me" I replied.

"He's there sitting by the river" One boy answered.

"We don't know what's wrong with him!" Another one exclaimed. I walked over to the child and sat down next to him looking at the stream and then looking at him.

"Why are you here alone and not playing with the rest of your friends?" I asked.

"Johnnies gone." He replied.

"Where?" I asked.

"I don't know. I went to go and play with him but he wasn't there anymore" He moaned.

"Well perhaps if you tell me where you two used to play, I can find him for you" I lied.

"You would?" He asked excitedly.

"Yes" I nodded. "Well we play east of here, where the waterfall flows over the cave.

'A cave hidden by a waterfall perfect place for a griffin to hide. Its quiet and well blended with the environment, I guess I should start there' I thought.

Please vote and comment