Chapter 283 - Underlying Threats

Rynold was sure of it.

There was no doubt in his mind that what he saw was indeed a minotaur. Although, Rynold had no idea what it was doing in these backwoods. Rynold's guess was as good as any right now as he turned to the little girl to his side.

As far as Rynold could tell, the little girl was the minotaur's target. It was a strange thing to consider, though, especially if Rynold thought of the minotaur's mythology. Then again, it wasn't the weirdest thing Rynold had experienced. Hell, Rynold worried a lot more for less.

That said, as soon as Rynold had eye contact with the little girl, he flinched to no fault of his own. The little girl was staring at him with the same black, beady eyes as the minotaur. She looked at Rynold curiously, as if studying the stranger that had randomly showed up to save him. Rynold, on the other hand, was not at all impressed by the turn of events.

"You okay?" Rynold asked as he regained his bearings. His eyes dotted around the dark ditch they went in, trying to avoid wherever the little girl looked. He felt awkward, seeing as how someone was studying him at this very moment.

After asking the question, though, the little girl didn't seem to answer. She just stared at Rynold, not so much a peep coming from her.

"Hey," Rynold grabbed the little girl's shoulders and tried to garner her attention, "Are you alright? Do you have any idea why that thing would attack you? No, better question. Can you actually talk to me?"

There was a slight frustration in Rynold's voice. Fortunately, the girl finally snapped out of the curious expression on her face and finally managed to appear conscious.

"Yes, I can," the little girl answered, her voice somewhat sweet and unshaken for a frightened little girl, "I don't know why the monster chased me. But..., thank you for saving me."

"Don't..," Rynold paused as the girl's response aroused suspicion, "Don't mention it. It's hardly any trouble at all. Although, if you don't mind my asking, uh, what's your name? And, while you're at it, can you tell me why you're out here in the middle of the dark?"

"Hm," the little girl gave off a slightly condescending grunt, "I'm Francie, a pleasure to meet you. But I still don't know why the minotaur started chasing me. As for what I'm doing here, I can't say. Because, well, it's, uh, personal."

The doubt formed something more solid with each word Francie said. Rynold didn't think the situation was at all natural. The little girl didn't seem to give off any indication she was alone or scared. There was no fear in her voice, no terror in her eyes. Her appearance aside, Rynold would for sure think that this girl was no kid. The whole well-read vibe coming off of her was more than enough to count as something weird.

"Yeah," Rynold nodded while averting his gaze, remaining calm, "Nice to meet you too."

"So..?"

"So, what?"

"I told you my name. Shouldn't you tell me yours?"

At that moment, Rynold hesitated. He looked to the girl beside him before turning his gaze away almost immediately after. He didn't know whether or not giving her any information would do him good or not. Although, Rynold was leaning toward saying jack squat.

"Heh," Rynold then let out a chuckle as he answered, "Name's Rynold."

It barely took a second for Rynold to realize that saying nothing was much worse. Whoever this girl was, Rynold had no idea how much of a threat she was to him. So, with that in mind, Rynold thought it better to say something. Instead of, well, avoiding what was in front of him.

"Okay, Rynold," Francie nodded before sporting a sly smile, "Tell me. What are you doing here?"

"I'm not at liberty to say," Rynold remained calm and indifferent, answering level-headedly. He kept his answers vague as well, seeing as how this supposedly harmless little girl was an anomaly. Rynold had no reason to let his guard down. Not now of all the times.

"And, why's that?"

"The way I see it, you didn't bother telling me why you're here either. So, why should I tell you?"

Rynold spouted out a logical argument, trying his best to remain neutral. Any signs of hostility and Rynold wouldn't know what the girl would do. Hell, it might be best for Rynold to treat her no different than some monster.

"Fair enough," Francie responded, somewhat disappointed at Rynold's lack of cooperation, "But, whatever it is, I'm sure I can help. I know how to get through the forest. Consider it as thanks for, you know, helping me out back there. Of course, you're also free to decline."

"An intriguing offer," Rynold almost considered saying yes, but the expression on his face was conveying otherwise, "But, I'd rather do this thing by myself. I'm sure you understand."

"No, I don't," Francie saw an opportunity to be stubborn and decided to take it, "With my help, you'll reach your destination in a few hours. I don't see why you would reject such an offer. Most people would kill themselves trying to get a favor from me."

'Where the hell is this coming from?'

That was what Rynold thought as his expression slowly perplexed. The arrogance was something baseless. What kid would act like this? Better yet, who the hell was she to flatter herself that much?

"Sorry, but no. I appreciate the offer, but, like I said, I'm not going to ask for anyone's help on this," Rynold remained adamant in holding her back, regardless of what might happen, "This thing I gotta do is personal. So, if you don't mind, I'd much rather be alone. So, thanks, but no thanks."

At that moment, Francie became annoyed at how Rynold treated her. Even though it was dark and Rynold could barely tell which way was up, he could feel the hostility. He didn't even question it as he felt something coming. It was as if Francie was going to strike him down.

But, in the end, nothing happened.

Rynold couldn't really tell why the girl didn't act on it. Even if he tried guessing, the best he could do was to ballpark an extremely rough estimation. Although, whatever Francie wanted to do, it disappeared. The hostility almost immediately turned to nothing.

"You know," Rynold swallowed a gulp of dry saliva, "If you really want to pay me back for saving you, you can just ask what it is I want. It's not that complicated."

"No," Francie rejected Rynold's proposal, "Whatever you ask of me would only be detrimental to my person. I outright refuse to allow you to gain such an advantage over me."

"I suppose you're right," Rynold nodded in agreement, "Not unless, of course, I tell you to back off. Call us even when you decide to stay away from me. That's it. That's all I ask."

By now, Rynold was sure that whoever this chick was, he should get rid of her. As soon as possible, at that. Because, appearance aside, Rynold was now more confident than ever that this girl was not at all what she appeared to be.

That said, this was the best solution Rynold could come up with. Granted, it wasn't a guaranteed ending, but Rynold had to at least try. Well, of course, doing so was not without its risks.

"Alright, I'll allow it," the little girl answered after much internal deliberation, "But I assure you. One way or another you will need my help. There is no way for you to survive alone going deeper into the forest. That much is certain."

After saying that, Francie disappeared from Rynold's point of view. There was no trace or signs of any spells that would have explained her disappearance. It was as if she wasn't there in the first place. It was as though she had vanished into thin air.

As Rynold sat in that ditch, his eyes widened in surprise. He had no idea who or what that little girl was. But, if she were able to do something like that, Rynold knew she wasn't one to mess around with. The only thing Rynold could do now was hope that she wouldn't show her face again.

So, with a deep exhale, Rynold took a look at his surroundings one more time. He breathed steadily, trying to see if he was being eyed like some prey.

Fortunately enough, though, the coast was clear. Rynold soon pushed himself off the ground and got out of the ditch. He dusted the dirt off of him as he focused on where he needed to go.

Whether or not he'll get there safely, though, Rynold had yet to find out. However, one thing soon became abundantly clear.

Rynold had to be ready. He had to prepare for whatever bad thing that may come. With the minotaur now in play, who knows what else was on the table?