30
Oxworth and Stavik stood still and barely breathed, as the winged beast panted. Its foul breath filled the stall and its eyes studied them. Oxworth tried to keep his knees from knocking, but it was difficult. Out of the corner of his eye, there was movement. Stavik was slowly reaching under the counter. The beast let out a low threatening growl. The vendor was about to be eaten.
Oxworth stepped toward the gate to gain the beast’s attention. It snapped its jaw. He hopped back. That was all the time Stavik needed. He snatched a bottle from underneath the counter, uncorked it and threw the contents in the beast’s eyes. Puffs of smoke billowed from its face. It fell back onto the dirt road.
“Go,” said Stavik.
Oxworth didn’t hesitate and hopped over the gate. Stavik leaped and ran ahe
