Ben banged against the goblin's back as the creature carried him in the sack. The sack jostled with every step. His head throbbed, a dull ache settled at the base of his skull and refused to move.
The cockatrice warbled piteously.
The sack lowered. Ben crunched against the ground. He groaned.
The cockatrice flapped its wings and screeched.
"Shut up." The goblin kicked Ben in the ribs.
Ben coughed. "He's scared. Let us out."
"Good thing we're here," Monty said.
The sack opened. The goblin peered inside and grinned. Sunlight poured into the sack, illuminating the cockatrice.
It crooned. The cockatrice twisted its neck, searching for the sun.
The goblin raised his arms to cover his eyes. "Gah! Keep that beast away!"
The cockatrice pounced, leaping from the bag and landing on the goblin's arms. It pecked furiously at the goblin. Welts grew on the goblin's green skin. Blood pooled beneath the bruises. Flecks of green blood dropped to the leaf strewn ground. The cockatrice continued its barrage.
The goblin shook his arms. "Get off!"
The cockatrice flapped its wings to keep steady.
The goblin spun in a frantic circle.
"Enough!" Monty clapped his hands. Both the goblin and the cockatrice froze. "I have little patience for games and gimmicks." He strode forward, plucked the cockatrice off the goblin's arm, and covered its head with a hood.
The goblin blinked. Drool dripped from the corner of his mouth.
Ben gaped.
Monty shrugged and walked away, leaving the goblin stuck.
Ben struggled out of the burlap sack (why's it always burlap?). It tangled with his feet and he hopped and hobbled until he finally broke free.
The goblin chortled.
Ben ignored the mocking laughter and chased Monty. "Give me back my cockatrice."
Monty didn't even slow. He marched right into the trunk of a tree.
Ben slammed into the rough bark. He peeled his face off the tree, but its impression remained. Ben grimaced. "How'd he do that?" He scratched his head.
He chewed his lip and studied the tree. He walked around the trunk. Ben glanced at the goblin. "You know. You can let me in."
The goblin still couldn't move.
"Tell me!" Ben stomped toward the goblin, fists clenched.
"Can't." The goblin's lips didn't move as he spoke. "Hrozen."
Ben sighed and sank to the ground. "It'll wear off eventually."
YOU ARE READING
Ben's Hen
FantasyIn a world ruled by dragons, one boy hatches a cockatrice on a whim. His mother wants to destroy it, but he loves it. *I'm open to suggestions* I write the story, but you help shape it. It's a bit of an experimental "Choose Your Own Adventure".
