"The Terrifying Encounter"

                                            "The Terrifying Encounter"

         Thud, thud, thud - The sound of horses feet filled the damp air of the forbidden forest. Seven weary travelers slumped in their saddles as their horses trudged through the thick blanket of leaves that covered the forest floor. Huge black trees towered above, dwarfing the adventurers below. All seven journeyed to the city of Alenzar delivering a message to the King. "Halt. We'll make camp here" commanded Randon, a tall sandy haired man with a no nonsense attitude. With grateful nods, each one painfully dismounted their horses. While making camp Odette, the youngest of the group was requested to gather firewood. Odette
had a petite figure, long black hair and brilliant blue eyes situated on a round face.
"Time for a little fun" she grinned to herself. She reached a clearing were limbs lay scattered on the ground. "Help me, help me" she suddenly screamed trying to stifle a giggle. All of her companions thundered to her rescue only to find Odette roaring with laughter. "Gotcha" she chortled wiping tears of laughter off her face. "What in tarnation do you think your doing" roared Bardrick a huge, towering man with a
forest for eyebrows.
Hands on hips Odette stated, "Well excuse me, can't you guys take a joke". Mumbling to themselves as they went her companions returned to camp.
      "That wasn't very wise Odette we all need our rest if we are to reach the city of Alenzar tomorrow" lectured Randon.
    "Fine" Odette mumbled as she began gathering firewood.
    "Hurry and get back to camp, it's late and this forest is dangerous".
When Odette did not respond he turned and proceeded back to camp.
    "Can't even have any fun in this group" Odette complained.

Among the trees a pair of gleaming yellow eyes fixed themselves upon her. Tough bark scraped Odette's hands as she collected logs. "Grrrrrrrrrr", Odette froze, chills tingled up her spine, her mouth went dry. Odette's mind raced with panic. What creature could posess such a horrid sound. Odette slowly turned around.
A horrified gasp escaped her lips as she took in the terrible sight before her. Almost five feet tall Odette couldn't distinguish what beast this ghastly creature could be. It's hideous face resembled that of a dogs but it's body looked like that of a bear. The beast's eyes were locked onto her and she felt as though she could not move. The creature let out another rumbling growl.
    "Help" Odette said in a hoarse whisper.
    "Help" she shrieked. With no further warning the beast hurtled it's massive body toward her.  Odette quickly lunged to the side avoiding the beasts killing stroke by inches. Odette scrambled to her feet and reached her trembling hands toward her sword. Her heart leaped into her throat as she realized her sword no longer rested in it's sheath. She spotted it lying about three yards away. The beast began slinking toward her. Quickly Odette made a dive for her sword and landed with a thud beside it. She grabbed the hilt only to feel it could not be moved.The ghastly shadow of the beast engulfed her as she looked up. The creature had pinned
her sword to the ground. She began screaming without control, and the beast let out an awful howl as it raised it's claw to strike. Odette closed her eyes knowing this was the end. The strike did not come however, instead she heard angry yells and the sound of swords slicing through the beast's flesh. Odette opened her eyes to a much more pleasant view. "Are you ok" inquired Randon with a concerned look. "I'm Fine" she replied shakily. Glancing around she saw the gigantic beast's body lying in a heap with countless sword and axe wounds.
    "I hope you have learned a lesson from this Odette" Randon said.
    "We all thought you were playing another trick until we heard the screaming and the beasts howl" he continued.
    "I did" she replied, "and I promise to never pretend that I am in danger again". The travelers reached Alenzar safely and delivered their message to the King. Odette learned a good lesson that day and never played a prank again. Odette definintly never wanted to endure another terrifying encounter.