I see Squeaks begin to scale the tower corner where the manticore looking gargoyle stands guard. As I give out my warning, I watch it spring to life giving off a squawk that can shatter eardrums. The beast peers down at Squeaks and my breath catches in my throat.
Despite how small he is and the distance between us, I hear his words clearly as the beast starts to stalk down the corner of the tower.
“Bantam fight it! Fight whatever that necromancer did to you!” Squeaks pleads as he slowly skitters down the wall trying to get out of the reach of the gargoyle.
Oh Squeaks, that is not Bantam… I think to myself as he continues to back away from the snarling gargoyle.
Squeaks let out a loud squeak as the gargoyle snatches him into its paw. I watch in horror as the beast brings Squeaks to its mouth. I know now how every mouse I have ever eaten feels in the last moments of its life.
The gargoyle stops just before its mouth closes on Squeaks. I look on confused as I hear the beast begin to purr. Straining, I block out the purring and pick up just barely, the sound of Squeaks’ voice creating a mournful melody.
Once on the gargoyle’s head, Squeaks calls out to me. “Go Mist. Save your wizard! Bantam won’t hurt me now, she remembers. We’ll keep the others from bothering you!”
And just like that, the Bantam gargoyle, equipped with Squeaks, takes off gracefully, rousing every gargoyle they pass until they are all in hot pursuit of them. They head away from the tower, back toward the way we had come.
I spread my wings and dart from my hiding place, now that the coast is clear. As I zoom in on an open window, I chance a glance behind me wondering if I would ever see my little mouse friend again. For the second time in my life, I feel the cold embrace of loneness.