Chapter 82: We can’t win like this!!
The creature’s rage rippled through its reforming body, water flowing and hardening into something less elven, more monstrous with each passing moment. Its limbs elongated, fingers stretching into claws nearly a handspan long. The silver hair writhed around its head like living tendrils, and its mouth—now a gash across what remained of its face—opened unnaturally wide.
"Get to the horses," Nari gasped, clutching her shattered ribs. "We can’t win this fight."
Seril staggered to her feet, blood matting the intricate patterns on her scalp. "Captain, I don’t think I can—"
The creature struck with the speed of a striking viper. One elongated arm shot forward, extending impossibly as water flowed and propelled it. Claws sliced through the air where Seril’s head had been a heartbeat earlier, the warrior barely managing to throw herself sideways.
SWISH!
The claws continued their arc, slashing into the trunk of a nearby silver-bark. Five parallel gashes appeared in the wood, deep enough that sap immediately began to flow.
SCHHHKKK!
Nari seized the moment, driving her remaining dagger into the creature’s extended arm. The blade sank deep, but the creature merely flowed around the weapon, water momentarily parting before closing again, undamaged.
"The horses!" Nari shouted again, desperation edging her voice.
Both warriors scrambled toward their mounts, which had retreated to the edge of the clearing during the battle. The gray stallion reared in terror as the creature’s attention turned toward the animals, sensing easier prey.
"No!" Seril cried out, but it was too late.