"One, guard the RV. Don't interfere," Ben ordered.
Without waiting for a response, he kicked off the ground, the earth cracking beneath his feet as he launched forward. The pickaxe in his hands glinted under the lake's eerie light, raised high and aimed straight for the Lady of the Lake's glowing eyes.
The guardian didn't flinch. "Foolish choice, traveler," she said coolly.
Then she moved. Despite her massive, bulky form, she flowed across the water like smoke, one tentacled limb whipping around. She spun—yes, spun—and twisted her body with perfect control, redirecting Ben's attack with fluid motion.
BAM!
Her tentacle snapped upward, striking his wrist at just the right angle. The pickaxe was knocked out. Before Ben could recover, another limb hooked around his ankle and yanked Hard.
CRASH!
He hit the water like a stone, sinking several feet before kicking his way back to the surface. The moment his head broke through, she was already there.
