Axe

By: Rhonda Parish
September 9, 2008

A cloud moved over the sun, erasing the picturesque dappling of the forest floor and casting it in shadow. If he'd had a mouth Axe might have smiled at the change in atmosphere accompanying the temperature drop, it suited his mood, but alas, he did not. He was propped up against the rough trunk of a tree, enjoying the feeling of the dew-laden grass beneath him but soon, he knew, the woodcutter, Jacob, would put him to work again. The bastard never let him rest long. For now, however, he was left to his own devices and was determined to enjoy it. He had to rethink this partnership with Jacob anyhow, under their current arrangement he got all the headaches while Jacob reaped the rewards. What was the point of being a magic axe if you got used just like any other hunk of wood and metal? Soon, soon he would issue an ultimatum, but for now he was content to rest.

His leisure time came to an abrupt end as a girl's scream careened through the woods. The birds scattered and the next thing Axe knew Jacob was dragging him behind him on his way toward the noise. Axe could feel the time for that ultimatum draw closer with each step. Sneaky vines tugged at him and slender branches whipped across his surface as he and the woodcutter raced through the forest. Another scream sounded and they put on a burst of speed and then crashed into a clearing.

"Help, oh help!" cried the girl. "It's eaten my grandmother, please, help!"

Axe smelled the distinct muggy odor of a wolf and groaned inwardly. Just what he needed, more work. No doubt he'd be left to deal with the wolf while Jacob sat back and accepted the gratitude of the screaming girl. Axe had never gotten any "gratitude" and he reckoned he was due.

Without warning the wolf pounced and Axe whizzed through the air, again and again, in one direction then another as the woodcutter ineptly tried to parry and then counter-attack each strike from the wily animal. The scent of the wolf was heavy around Axe, disorienting him. He could hear its jaws snap near him and feel foam from its mouth land on him, sticky and hot. For the first time in a very long time, Axe was glad he couldn't see – it was difficult enough to keep his courage up without being able to see the face of Danger itself.

Now available at Amazon.com