Chapter 17. Watchling

The two lackeys that were scouting the area, had been jotting down information on a map. Those with a higher standing must be equipped with maps that held valuable info. When Ash heard about the demon, he thought back to the goblins but couldn't be sure they were one and the same.

He was about to steadily retreat when he heard something loud. It was an owl, but it looked utterly bizarre. Eyes of pure yellow, it's coat a green color with gray rings, plus an extra mouth on it's abdomen with nasty jagged teeth. The scream came from the mouth on it's abdomen and it took off at extreme speeds towards the two lackeys.

There was a scream as blood spewed onto the floor. Ash and Grim made sure to keep quiet as they watched in horror as the boy was consumed by this beast.

The owl seemed to let out a strange purr as it ate the boy. Sounds of bones crunching were still going as the predator turned it's head 180 degrees to look at it's next prey. The other boy ran but used an escaping technique as he became pale but ran much faster. Ash preformed a status check on the owl.

Wicked Watchling

Str: 3

Vit: 2.2

Agi: 4

Sta:3

Int: 2.7

Spir: 1.2

Element/Concept: Wind/Metal

Age: newborn

Judging by the stats on this thing it was most likely at the e- stage. This was definitely a beast that would slaughter the two. They were at enough distance where they could try to wait it out the chase but Ash knew they may be screwed.

This watchling seemed to be a variant with the grey rings and eyes of pure yellow. Normally they had a green coat with brown eyes. The mouth on it's stomach let Ash know that this owl was probably going to evolve into a beast with a strange bloodline. It may have a skill to detect the two, he prayed that the owl would keep following the other guy.

Ash knew he was quick but not enough to completely out run that owl. If it snatched the guy but turned around for him he was going to be fresh meat. The guy didn't make it that far, maybe about a mile before he was killed. Ash held his breath but commanded Grim to slow his breathing as much as possible. Ash guessed that since it had a wind element, then it may be triggered by motion or noise.

The two held there breath for about four minutes in absolute silence as the watchling finished it's meal and then picked at it's feathers. Finally, it's ears perked up as it flew off in another direction, however not before it seemingly looked directly at the two before moving. The watchling sped off before arriving in front of a young man with a blind fold and sickening smile. In a raspy voice he questioned, "Did you have fun my dear? I hope your snack didn't fill you, we have more food coming."