Building A Fortress 5

"We take action on three!" Brad hollered, ignoring the strange tension between them.

He didn't care what relationship the two had with the beast. As long as they didn't jeopardize his life, he was more than happy to let them keep their little secret. As far as he was concerned, they were only partners until they reached open land and went their separate ways.

After all, the woman he wanted to follow was no longer around, so why would he stick around to face unnecessary trouble?

"One!" He got into his battle stance, a low crouch with his knife gripped backward as if he were about to slash someone's neck, and beckoned to the woman with his eyes.

Thankfully, she got his message and didn't create a fuss. Walking to the other side of her friend, she held out her hands, palm up, and frost crackled on their surface.

"Two!"

"Three!" At his cry, the wood seemed to groan to live. Vines and roots shot out of nowhere, reaching for their hands and arms, while the beast on the branch lunged at them