A blunt force knocked Tesnayr off of his horse. He crashed into the ground as the wind was knocked out of him. Tesnayr rose with his sword in hand. A niht’anda stood before him. Its massive shape and razor claws sent chills through Tesnayr. The bright red spot on its underside reminded him of blood.
It swiped at him with its claws. Tesnayr ducked just in time. He jumped back to his feet and darted to the rear of the creature. Tesnayr leapt for its back. The niht’anda swung around and flung him to the side. Tesnayr crashed into the ground again.
Desperately, Tesnayr searched the dirt for his sword. It lay feet away from him. He scrambled for it. The niht’anda backhanded him sending him flying again. Stunned, Tesnayr lay still for several seconds. He shook his head slowly to clear it. The niht’anda stamped the ground as it neared. The fangs poking through its lips dripped with sticky drool.
Tesnayr dove for his sword. The niht’anda lunged as well. It reached out with its massive claws and snatched Tesnayr. It squeezed tightly, but its grip remained loose enough to not kill him.
“No!”
Jenel appeared from nowhere. She sprang for Tesnayr plunging her dagger deep into the niht’anda’s claw. The creature roared in anger, but its grip held firm. It slammed its fist into Jenel. She gasped and coughed from the impact.
Glancing upward, Jenel watched helplessly as the niht’anda spread its black, leathery wings and lifted into the air with Tesnayr. It rose high above the battle taking its prize to the castle.
Thud! Jenel whirled around. Another niht’anda leered at her. Its foul breath nearly choked her. Jenel’s heart raced. She darted to the left. Before she even got a few steps, the beast reached out with its bony claw snatching her from the ground. It brought her to its face. She struggled helplessly. Suddenly, Jenel found herself being hoisted into the air by the creature, heading for the castle as well. The field below her shrank from her view as she was lifted higher and higher.