Seven Stones: Part Twenty-Three
Previously on Seven Stones: The next stone leads to the broken remains of a small mountain settlement nestled within a pine forest. Based on the different depths of snow, Haelen suggests whatever smashed the huts did so over the course of several days. Before they can investigate further, the trees to the north start to shudder and thrash.
“It’s coming from there.” Anessa pointed at a section of tree line, her gaze flicking around the settlement. Nothing stood high enough to hide even one of them. “Maybe, we could make for the forest?”
“I don’t think it’ll help.” Kobb indicated the pristine snow. “Even if we can’t be seen, it’ll see fresh tracks.”
A deafening crack rang out.
“We can’t do nothing!” Shivering, Anessa unslung her crossbow.
Haelen tilted his head. “What if we stand close together? It smashed these huts in a line, so if we don’t get in its way…”
“Might work if it ignores us. But if it attacks fast, it would catch us all. Spread out, we make it choose between us and can flank it.” As Kobb jogged for the other side of the settlement, a massive pine slammed down, hurling snow into the air.
A huge hairy shape burst through the white cloud and pounded towards Anessa. She sighted and shot…
