in the air, as if even the trees knew that something dangerous lurked nearby. Floyd's small, nimble feet moved carefully over the underbrush, his senses alert. His father walked ahe

to make Floyd feel both prot

?" BohLin's voice was lo

not yet familiar, but it made him feel a little more secure. The magic that flowed through him had been restless all day

his voice steady despite the uneas

er. "Good. Trust your instincts. They'll be y

em. The trees grew thicker, their twisted branches reaching toward the sky like gnarled hands. The usual chirp

ea, while his magical awareness flared, probing for the unseen force. It was like trying to c

rowl shattere

growl that seemed to vibrate in his chest. It was followed by a rustling sound that g

yes glowed a fiery red, a primal intelligence gleaming in them. The beast's massive jaws snapped shut with a thunderous sound, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth

y abilities. No one in Glimmerwood dared venture into the woods after dark, for creatures like this roamed freely, hunting anything that m

any traveler. And ne

e in a fluid motion. "Stay back, Floyd," he said,

er man was faster. He sidestepped with the grace of a dancer, his sword flashing in the air as he brought it down with a powerful strike. The Night Howler howled in pain a

ng just in time to see the beast a

shot out, palm open, and for the first time, he felt the raw surge of power course through him. A wave of

t was disoriented but not defeated. The creature let out a shrill screech, a sound that

y, like a river flowing freely. A barrier of shimmering light appeared in front of him just as the Night Howler lunged. The beast collided with the barrier, its claws s

ain, his voice edged with

e creature. He had learned enough from his father's teachings to know that ret

ity, quickening his heartbeat and sharpening his senses. The world around him seemed to slow as he concentrate

fferent. The air crackled with raw energy as he summoned a wave of p

was too slow. The wave of magic collided with the creature, sending i

, there was

el the sweat trickling down his brow, the adrenaline pumping th

dn't say anything at first, merely studying Floyd with an unread

ou did w

a warm blanket. He had done it. He had defended himself, protected both himsel

ast, a thought crossed his mind-a realiz

only the

-