Page 14 of Beauty and the Grendel

As we crept through the underbrush, my heart pounded in my chest. The Camazotz was mere yards ahead of us, its massive form lumbering towards a distant farm. The wind blew towards us, masking our scent, and I silently thanked the gods for this small mercy.

Harlow moved beside me, her steps light and silent. I glanced at her, marveling at the determined set of her jaw and the fire in her eyes. She caught my gaze and gave me a tight nod, her hand gripping the hilt of the dagger at her waist.

We followed the Camazotz from a distance, our eyes never leaving its hulking form. Its matted fur was dirty, and I could see the glint of its razor-sharp claws in the moonlight. It moved with a predatory grace, its muscles rippling beneath its skin.

As we drew closer to the farm, I could hear the distant lowing of cattle and the bleating of sheep. The Camazotz seemed to perk up at the sound, its pace quickening. I knew that if we didn’t act soon, those animals would become its next meal.

I motioned for Harlow to stay low and follow my lead. We crept closer, using the trees and bushes as cover. The Camazotz was almost at the edge of the farm now, its eyes gleaming with hunger.

I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins, my muscles tensed and ready for action. Harlow moved beside me, her breathing steady and controlled. We exchanged a glance, a silent communication passing between us.

As the Camazotz stepped out into the open field, I knew it was now or never. I signaled to Harlow, and we burst from the underbrush, our weapons at the ready.

The Camazotz whirled around, its eyes widening in surprise. It let out a deafening roar, its fangs gleaming in the moonlight. I could see the muscles rippling beneath its skin as it prepared to charge.

Harlow and I spread out, circling the beast from opposite sides. Its gaze darted between us, its claws flexing in anticipation. I could feel the fear and excitement thrumming through my body, but I pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand.

We had to capture this creature, to put an end to its reign of terror. The lives of the community depended on us, and I couldn’t bear the thought of failing them.

As the Camazotz lunged forward, I dodged to the side, my sword flashing in the moonlight. Harlow leapt into action, her dagger finding its mark in the beast’s flank. It howled in pain, its tail lashing out and narrowly missing her head.

We danced around the creature, our weapons striking at its hide. It was a formidable opponent, its strength and speed unmatched. But we had the advantage of numbers and strategy, and we used them to our full advantage.

As the battle raged on, my muscles burned with exertion. Sweat poured down my face, stinging my eyes, but I refused to give up. Harlow fought beside me, her movements fluid and graceful, her eyes blazing with determination.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we saw our chance. The Camazotz stumbled, its leg caught in a tangle of vines. Harlow and I exchanged a glance, knowing that this was our moment.

We closed in on the beast, our weapons at the ready. It thrashed and roared, but we held fast, determined to see this through to the end.

As we stood there, facing down the creature that had terrorized the community for so long, I felt a surge of hope and determination. We would capture this beast, and we would put an end to its reign of terror once and for all.

With a final nod to Harlow, we prepared to make our move, ready to confront and capture the Camazotz at last.

Chapter 11

Harlow

The Camazotz’s shriek pierced my ears as it dove towards Griiq, talons extended. I lunged forward, dagger in hand, determined to protect him at all costs. Our blades sliced through the air, but the creature was too quick. It swerved and slashed with lightning speed, its razor-sharp claws grazing our skin.

Griiq grunted in pain beside me. “Watch out!”

I ducked just in time as the Camazotz’s wing whistled past my head. Heart pounding, I circled around to flank the beast. Up close, its leathery skin reeked of decay.

“Aim for the eyes!” Griiq shouted, his sword a blur of silver.

I gritted my teeth and charged, but the Camazotz anticipated my attack. With a bone-rattling screech, it whirled to face me, jaws snapping inches from my face. I stumbled back, barely keeping my footing on the uneven ground.

Griiq seized the momentary distraction to strike, his blade finding its mark in the creature’s side. Black blood splattered the earth. The Camazotz roared in fury and pain, rearing up on its hind legs.

“Get down!” I yelled, but it was too late.

A powerful gust of wind burst from the beast, slamming into Griiq and sending him flying backwards. He collided with me and we tumbled to the ground in a tangle of limbs as the air knocked from our lungs.

Dazed, I struggled to sit up, blinking away stars. The Camazotz loomed over us, its bulbous eyes glowing with malice. Griiq lay motionless beside me. Panic seized my chest. I had to do something, fast.

Fumbling for my dagger, I brandished it at the advancing monster. “Stay back!”

To my surprise, the Camazotz hesitated, cocking its misshapen head as if considering me. For a tense moment, we stared each other down, neither willing to back down. Then, with a final hiss of contempt, the creature turned tail and fled, vanishing into the shadows as swiftly as it had appeared.

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