The Wishing Tree - Book Two [Completed]

The Wishing Tree - Part 4

One hundred yards ahead of us is an old, mangled looking tree that reaches up into the stratosphere. I can't see where it ends. It reminds me of the quaint Second Realm fairy tale of Jack and the Beanstalk.

"That's the Wishing Tree? I think it needs a few wishes of its own," I say, taking in its craggy appearance.

Mason ignores me and continues to inch forward cautiously. "Don't insult the tree," he says turning slightly and glaring at me. "Something will be here guarding it, but what it is changes all the time. You'll need to think quickly whenever it appears."

My pulse accelerates, and I scan the landscape. At any moment I expect to be knocked over by something or find myself running for my life. This is the longest I've gone without encountering any of the deadly beasts on this realm. Whatever is guarding the tree must be truly horrific.

With just a few feet left to go, the ground begins to shake and quake. I look over at Mason for some reassurance, but he looks grim.

"Stand your ground, Hannah and don't say a word."

"Do you know what's coming?" I ask.

"Yes." He stands up straight and pushes me a little behind him so that I'm partially shielded from whatever is about to appear.

In the distance, a giant gray feline appears with razor sharp teeth barred and a guttural sound aimed in our direction. It's at least half the height of The Wishing Tree and is running at a dead sprint.

"Is that coming for us?" I ask. My heart beat matches the cat's gallop.

"Yep."

"Should we run or draw your bow or something?" I suggest.

"Nope." He holds his ground and doesn't turn at all to reassure me that what we're doing isn't suicide.

At the tree, the feline stops abruptly and shakes out its fur. Confusion materializes in its eyes. The cat-like create opens its tremendous jaws and says, "Mason?" Its deep voice reverberates around us.

"Chex." Mason nods at the beast.

I can't tell yet whether this exchange is going to be friendly, civil or end in bloodshed. They seem to be sizing each other up. Chex is huge and resembles both a housecat and a panther. There's something sinister and oddly comforting in his appearance.

"You're The Wishing Tree protector?" Mason dips his head towards the tree and puts his hands on his hips.

"I was assigned for the month. I just got a little too far away." Chex gestures over his shoulder with his giant head, still seeming uneasy. "I didn't mean to be that far."

"We need to dig out a sequence," Mason says.

Chex shakes his head, fur flying around us. "I can't permit you to do that."

Mason sighs. "Look, Chex. I don't want to have to kill you to get the sequence. We both know I'm going to get it. Just let me get it."

Chex looks uncertain for a moment and then his spine stiffens. "If I just let you take one, I'm as good as dead anyway." His eyes narrow at Mason. "You know how this plays out; you used to be the master." Chex motions with his head.

Mason takes in a breath, and I sense that he wants to say something more to Chex. Then, his shoulders sink as though he's resigned himself to something I don't understand.

"You can have a ten-second head start," Chex offers.

Before I can react, Mason withdraws his bow and arrow. He shoots one arrow between Chex's eyes. Chex throws his head and rears up, exposing his chest and neck. Mason continues to fire arrows in rapid succession, targeting all of his vulnerable spots. In less than ten seconds, Chex is on the ground gasping for breath. Mason walks over and strokes Chex's head.