Magic Shield

The hyb whirled the club high above its head, but I saw through that subterfuge. It was intended to distract me, and while I looked up, the long thin talons would strike fast and low like vipers’ tongues.

It was as I anticipated, and I was ready. I charged forward to meet the attack, tail extended, and we passed each other with barely a foot between us. As the hyb leaned toward me, the sharp tips of its talons aimed upward, seeking to slip beneath my ribs and into my heart, I focused my mind until a small, bright magical shield materialized in the air and moved with me.

I positioned it so that it deflected the five deadly talons. I did not immediately strike a blow of my own but, guiding my mount with my knees, drew my saber and followed up my advantage, catching the creature before it had fully come about.

I struck it full upon the head with the hilt of my saber so that the metal of the helmet rang. Then, with my dagger, I tried to pierce its neck at the point of relative weakness where the helmet joined the body armor.

I failed, and we broke contact, both galloping some distance apart.

B11 C10