"What jus....WAIT! NO!"
The game ended as abruptly and as awful as being awakened by a splash of cold water just when your dream was getting to the good part. Rhawnyn's "no" bore the same firmness and command that resided in her mother's voice whenever she was angered by the antics of one of her eight children. Channeling the family matriarch's wrath, her shout was accompanied by a finger pointing at the fleeing charlatan, which had the unintended result of sending her raven friend after the man.
Baldrick's caws echoed in the square as he flew speedily toward what he had interpreted to be an enemy of his young charge. He clawed and pecked at the man's head, his large wings allowing the bird to keep pace with the escaping thief. Rhawnyn was torn between calling Baldrick back or letting him punishing the con man, but the decision was delayed when she remembered the burly man who had tripped while making a grab for the wily robber.
"Are you okay," the young woman asked the large stranger as Baldrick's caws and loud cursing echoed echo in the distance.
"Oh no..."
With a brief glance toward the continued sounds of her raven and the echo of curses, Rhawnwyn saw the dishonest street performer waving his arms in a futile attempt to beat back the vindictive bird. Streaks and blots of blood marred what was once thought a beautiful face. Alarmed by what she saw, remorse and embarrassment flooded Rhawnwyn's mind as she called to her feathered friend, both aloud and mentally.
"Baldrick, please....stop!"
