Book 4 chapter 7

Garm growled in response, eager to demonstrate his usefulness once again. The young guardian had been feeling stifled for a while now as it had been some time since it had been able to properly show off for his master.

Back in the merchant confederation, he hadn’t been able to do much in the tight underground tunnels… And even before that in Lutel, Tirr had scolded it for its mistake in the fight against the Mother Starfish Beast. A fight Which had left Garm too injured to help with any of the following hardships there.

Now, having gained an opportunity to show off, Garm was going to use it to its fullest. He stared at the shocked Cat Beast, raising his head to look down at the creature in a way that was obviously mimicked from his master.

The Cat Beast's eyes narrowed angrily, it had never seen another Beast such as this on the mountains and wasn’t sure where it would fit in the hierarchy. But seeing the proud way the wolf looked down on it, it felt its stomach boiling with anger. It let out a yowl, launching itself forward as it reared its head back, claws and fangs speeding towards Garm’s throat.

The colossal wolf waited till the last second… Just as the Cat Beast felt its victory nearing, its fangs only inches from the wolf’s throat, Garm suddenly twisted, his body evading the other's attack while slamming his shoulder into the airborne creature. It slammed into the ground skimming against the dirt and stones before finally regaining its footing.

The Cat Beast had a look of disbelief on its face. It was used to being one of the fastest hunters on the mountain, even compared to the stronger Beasts that lived further up. But just now it hadn’t been able to even react before it was struck.

Garm continued looking down on the creature, like a noble disgusted at having to converse with a peasant. He would have given off an imposing aura if it weren’t for the way he peaked back towards Tirr to see if his master was watching.

Unfortunately, after giving his orders, Tirr had ignored the young wolf completely, instead stretching as he walked towards the other big cat. Garm couldn’t help but be disappointed, His shoulders slouching as he lost his motivation.

Maria, seeing Garm be so miserable, couldn't help but give him a cheer. “Show it, why you're the guardian!” She called from beside Dun. They had stood back, letting Tirr and Garm have the spotlight.

Hearing Maria's shout Garm felt his energy returning. He stood eagerly, howling as he dared the big cat to charge again. However, the Cat Beast wasn’t going to fall for the same thing twice. It crouched as it started to circle the wolf looking for any weak points. Garm however stood still, just watching the cat mockingly.

Over on the other side, Tirr continued to walk towards the other cat, who backed away. I felt like there was no reason to be afraid of the small fleshy creature in front of it. Yet there was an indescribable fear in its heart. An instinct that said it should turn and flee and avoid ever seeing this child again.

The big cat had its pride though, it yet out a yowl, trying to push away the fear that had spread through its heart. It lept toward Tirr, claws at the ready. Tirr watched the cat’s attack unworriedly. Even as the cat started its leap, Tirr channeled his faith, and the world around him slowed to a crawl…

In front of him, The big cat was mid-leap. Eyes flashing, claws extended, teeth showing in a furious growl…. Yet it stayed there, frozen in mid-air. Tirr glanced around, looking at the rest, Maria and Dun were behind him, standing stock-still. The same was true of Garm, who was still mid-fight. Even the air around him seemed to be held in place, leaving no sounds of wind or nature…

Tirr walked forwards, moving towards the still frozen cat. As he reached it, his hand went out, grabbing towards the Beast’s leg. Just before contact, the world returned. The cat found itself twisting, its target suddenly under it as Tirr grabbed the cat and spun. He directed the cat's momentum, and the cat could only helplessly watch as Tirr threw it over his shoulder, slamming the cat into the ground in a terrifying impact.

Tirr hummed contentedly. Seeing the cat's motionless body, he turned to look over towards Garm. The large wolf had continued staring his own opponent down. And the cat, not finding an opening, was too hesitant to charge again. Seeing the way Tirr had taken down its fellow. It suddenly turned to run. But Garm wouldn’t let it escape so easily. Even as the Cat turned, Garm had already reached it. He slammed into it once more and dodging the Cat Beast’s panicked scratches, tore down onto its throat, gripping it tightly between his jaws…

The Cat’s body froze, it didn’t dare to even breathe as Garms razor-sharp teeth dug into its skin. Tirr grunted, pleased with the wolf's results before turning back toward the still unconscious cat next to him. He moved towards its head, kicking the large skull and shocking the Beast awake. It sprung up in fear and confusion looking around. and when its eyes landed on Tirr they instantly filled with fear…

The Cat turned and ran abandoning its comrade without a second thought as it did its best to get as far away from Tirr as it could. Watching it go, Tirr turned to Garm, nodded at his guardian. Garm’s teeth loosened and in a flash, his captive had taken off as well running after the other one.

On the side, Dun stood in shock, hardly believing how easily the ferocious beasts had been handled. Looking down towards where his men were still recovering, he couldn’t help but feel somewhat dissatisfied.

“Killing them would have been better…” He muttered as Tirr came back towards them….

“Then be strong enough to do it yourself…” Tirr answered uncaringly as he walked past, “Come on… I want to see how the others are doing…”