Page 53 of Where Darkness Falls

There’s only one creature that I know of that could match this behemoth’s description…

I-It’s an Eitcham,I say, a slight quiver in my tone.

Yes, the voice replies.

I read about them in one of the Cales’ books. They were once the guardians of all that entered the woods, correct?I ask.

They still are, but the Drakhul’s curse changed them. They were once docile, but now they crave blood and flesh,she replies.

As the Eitcham draws closer, I see the captain’s blood dribbling from its maw—leaving a speckled trail of crimson in its wake. Its claws scrape against the cobblestone, and my jaw clenches at the irritating sound.

Whatever you do, stay still,the voice instructs.You cannot react or run because it’ll kill you on instinct.

You just told me to run moments ago,I retort.

Well, that was before you decided to sit there like a statue, which regained its attention,she huffs.

A growl rumbles through the Eitcham as it towers over me. Even on all fours, it stands three-feet taller than me. Its soulless eyes stare into mine, assessing me. Though my body trembles at the proximity of the creature, I don’t move—not even when the creature leans down and sniffs me with two slits that I assume must be its nose.

With a huff, the creature backs away, and a small sigh of relief escapes me.

At least the Eitcham doesn’t plan to make me his dessert after the captain,I say.

Perhaps not yet, anyway,the voice grumbles.

Then, the Eitcham does something I’m not expecting.

It bows.

The creature prostrates itself fully across the cobblestones. I look around to see if perhaps another Eitcham has arrived, but there’s only us in the quickly darkening square. A growl, quieter than before, emits from the creature as its large eyes rise slowly to meet mine.

What in all Celestae?

Nod your head once,the voice instructs.

Though I find the request odd, I obey her instructionsand nod at the Eitcham.

This satisfies the creature as it rises back to its full height. It returns my nod before disappearing into the misty streets.

What… was… that?I ask the voice.

A sign of fealty and respect,she says, a tinge of awe in her tone.

My brow furrows.To whom?I inquire.

To you, my dear. The Eitcham must have sensed you were in danger and came to your aid,she replies.

I rub my temple.

This doesn’t make any sense.

I’m not sure I understand. Why would it show me respect?I ask.

Because,the voice whispers,you’re worthy.

I stepout of the tub, and throw on a nightgown one of the maids brought up on the High General’s behalf. The thought of the Galrosan over the king’s armies makes my blood boil.“They’re only following orders, Miss Cale. Many of them have families that depend on them. Now they don’t even have bodies to bury,”the General’s words stir the deep chasm of anger within me. I want to unleash my fury on him too, but seeing how poorly that went for me with the captain, I decide it unwise and trivial, given my current circumstances.

However, rationality does nothing to dampen my anger.