a race against time

Barely out of the cave, the minautor hurried along the path leading to the forest. They crossed the edge of the forest at full speed, the trees whizzing by and the branches nipping at Lyre's clothes and the minotaur's bare skin. Lyre had never been very good at orienteering, but she called out: "to the right"

and the bull complied. The trio advanced at full speed, the sun getting closer to its cradle for the night with every passing moment.

after what felt like hours, the beasts smelled burning wood, continuing in this direction, the sounds and smells of the forest gave way to the sound of saws, the cries of men barking orders. as they emerged from the forest, running at full speed, the cries of women and children were heard, as they hurried away from the monster's path into the town. they made their way up the main alley until they reached the central square. In front of them stood the town hall, its occupant striding up the stairs, his eyes round as saucers at the sight of the strange trio. As the minautore came to a halt, Lyre jumped off the beast and shouted:

-"Help! I need help!

the mayor approached, keeping his distance from the minautore, and in turn shouted:

-What's all this racket, and what's this animal doing in the middle of the village, and where's the guard when you need her?

Lyre almost jumped on the man and said:

• -my friend is wounded she needs urgent care

The mayor glanced at the other girl whom the minautore was gently placing on the ground.

-By the gods, that's just my luck.

At the same time, twenty or so guards arrived on the square, surrounding the group.

Their sergeant approached the mayor:-Don't worry, sir, everything's under control.

-Ah! Loid, you're just in time, send for the doctor, we've got a wounded woman.

The sergeant complied, but didn't take his eyes off the beast in town. After a while, a gray-haired man arrived on the scene and took his place beside the wounded woman. He quickly examined her, then asked that the young girl be taken to his surgery.

understanding these words, the minautore gently grabbed the wounded girl and began to follow the doctor.

Lyre was about to follow when the mayor approached her

-Young lady,“ he said, ”I'm going to need an explanation.

-yes, of course. lyre replied hesitantly. Before following the mayor into the building