Vlad watched as the wolf beast tore through his troops leaving many of his men dead and dying. This was worse than anything he could have imagined. There was no way his army could defeat the enemy with such an animal ripping his soldiers apart. He glanced up at the forbidden mountain. He had to go. The creature, if it did exist, could help him and he would offer the creature a place to live out its days as a sign of gratitude. Vlad shuddered to think it had come to this. He was going to chase after a fairytale to win a war. There really was no choice. Vlad’s men brought his horse to him and he started the treacherous journey up the mountain. It wasn’t until dark fall that he finally reached the plateau where the cave was located and where the monster was said to live. A foul stench filled his nostrils. Death. Blood. “You have chosen a good time to see me,” a rough voice spoke from the dark. “I have just fed.” “Who are you?” Vlad jumped down from his frightened horse. “Come in to see.” The voice was taunting and sweet to Vlad’s ears. “No, I have only come to ask for help.” “You do not want help. You want annihilation.” The voice sounded closer, yet still very far away. “I want to win this war.” “You want to destroy your enemy.” This time the voice was behind Vlad. Vlad turned and faced darkness. Fingers wrapped around Vlad’s throat. “I can smell your desire for power all over you.” The pale face of a demon stared into Vlad’s eyes, its teeth stained from blood. The foul vapor of its breath gagged him. Vlad swallowed hard. “I just want your help.” “No.” The creature released his grip. “I beg of you. I will give you a place to live for the rest of your days.” The creature laughed. “I do not want someplace to live. I want freed from this curse and you are just the person to do so.” “Anything … just as long as you help.” “That is all I wanted to hear.” Rendered in Daz with post work done in photoshop and topaz