Red Glass

04.

Chasing the sounds of danger and distress Faris and Axil race deep into the northern black forest. Closing into the commotion, hounds of the night are circling, furious and hungry for flesh.

"Wait, do you see them? I make out seven." Axil says, halting to a crouching position, staring into the dark.

"And somebody on top. Looks like a boy." Faris whispers. "Any ideas?"

"Just one."

Axil clears his throat and yells. "Hello there!"

Faris spins back as his comrade with  wide eyes.

"Hello? Please help!" A gentle voice is heard from atop the prison over the growls.

"We are working on it, just don't move!"

Axil and Faris feel the ground for dead branches and twigs. Tying them together with travel bandages they light the two torches. Holding the swords and torches above their heads, the two stand side by side, creating a large sillouet and cautiously move towards the danger, growling like a bear.

"If this does not work..."

"Relax, it'll work." Faris assures his very nervous friend.

The wolves are barking and snarling, trying to run up the rock face.

"It's not working Faris!"

"Just stay calm and stick to the plan. Remember; no eye contact, no fear and absolutely no running."

"Yeah, no running." Axil murmurs as his heart beats like a birds.

"Pleeease!!" The hostage pleads, feeling her life's end closing in.

Approaching the sixteen rows of snarling fangs they realise they have gotten close! The wolves turn! Dark, hateful and powerful enough to tear a large deer to shreds. Flaring their teeth gnarling and vicious, the pack stare unflinching and bold.

"What have we done?"

"Relax Axil; confident but not threatening okay?"

"..."

"Okay?"

"I got it!" Axil nods.

The vengeful eyes of a dozen wild beasts glow piercing white against the flames, staring at the impending creature with judgement. Axil's grip around the torch turns red, each breath draws deeper, each beat thumps harder. Glowing beneath the flames they are easy prey without hope against the wrath of natural predators. The buzzards in light of the approaching monster turn, fleeing into the darkness. Axil lets out a nervous laugh in relief which Faris joins. They approach the rock to wrap up a job well done.

"You can come down now, it's just us here." Axil boasts, feeling rather chuffed with himself.

No reply comes, just quite sobbing. Axil and Faris look at each other feeling a little awkward as neither really know what to do.

Axil nods his head to tell Faris it's his turn. "Hello, miss? It's safe now. you can come down."

"How can I know you are more safe than the wolves?" A frightened voice asks.

Faris looks at Axil as if to throw his hands in the air. "We have just risked our...
Look, my name is Faris and this is my companion and collegue: Axil. We are investigators out here from Vatala on an case. If we never came you would still be trapped. We just need to know you're alright, but if you would prefer we can just leave you here, it's your choice."

Again no answer from atop the rock, just gentle sobbing. Looking up, it is evident she is a little shaken and needs her own space. Axil looks at Faris wondering what to do as it is evident they do not want to leave somebody in the deep wilderness alone at this time, but what can be done? Faris and Axil continue to listen a moment longer and agree it's probably best to just leave.