Chapter 14

My luck must be improving, I thought as I peeked around and saw the large wagon stopped right next to the house on its way out the gates.

The creature pulling it resembled a horse in the mane and tail. But the rest of the body was either a bear, a dog, or both. The animal was exceptionally large, beautiful, and seemed incredibly docile.

I watched its handler jump off its back before patting its nose and hissed something to the creature in a soft, soothing tone. The creature purred like a cat then sat down much like a dog would when told to stay.

The guards joined the wagon driver next to the creature and began talking to one another like old friends.

My heart sped up as I realized that they had inadvertently left the gate unguarded. I knew my opportunity wouldn't last long, and I had to take advantage of it. Keeping my body low, I hurried to the back of the wagon and pressed up against it, slowly moving along the side, trying to keep out of their view. The clattering of the village