Jessie ran with all her might dragging a stolen sword.

Growing up all her life at this elevation, her heart and lungs were used to this exertion.

“Stop the girl! Kill her!”

Running straight towards the chained and bloody beast, she swung her sword with both hands.

Clang!

The magical sword sliced cleanly through the thickest chain.

Catching up, two beast keepers readied their spears to skewer the girl.

With a roar, the beast stunned the keepers in place before crushing them beneath its taloned claw.

Picking up the girl in its beak, it limped to the edge of the platform and dove into the clouds below.

“Ah!”

In free-fall, the screaming girl was moved to one of its talons. It clutched gently but snuggly, careful not to hurt its friend and saviour.

Spreading its wings, the beast rode the wind away from its abusers.