Page 53 of Tattle Tail
He had glanced at the pamphlets and read enough to know that if he ever saw a mornclaw, he should leave it the fuck alone.
The creature had six legs, each with too many joints, and a pair of massive claws. The body lifted onto its back legs, and its mandibles tested the air.
“Listen carefully,” he said, keeping his voice calm and even. Peaceable had been a star during the crisis on the ship, but staring down a monster differed from ship repairs. “When I say run, you run.”
“It will chase,” she said.
“Then we run faster.”
“Right now, let’s get out of the water. Carefully.”
They edged toward the riverbank. His toe knocked into a rock. He bent down to grab it, wincing at the splash. The creature jerked in their direction. It must have tracked sound.
Joseph held up a hand and slowly counted, putting down fingers. At zero, he threw the rock behind the mornclaw. It spun, chasing the sound.
Peaceable took off, running across the muddy bank, into the trees, and toward the ship. He followed, adrenaline numbing him to the pain in his feet as he ran barefoot over the uneven ground. Branches lashed against his skin, making him wish he wore something other than a pair of boxers.
His foot caught a root, and he stumbled to his knees. Peaceable paused.
“Go,” he urged.
The mornclaw lunged. He raised his arm to block. Razor-sharp claws sliced into his forearm. He shook it off and leaped to his feet. The pain barely registered. It was a distant burn. All he could focus on was running, his eyes on the ground to avoid another fall.
They broke through the trees into the clearing with the ship. Peaceable skidded to a halt.
Three mornclaws waited for them.
The one at the river had herded them toward the ambush.
“Are they supposed to be this smart?” he asked.
“I do not know.”
The creatures scuttled closer, surrounding them.
Peaceable bent at the knees, as if ready to pounce. Her claws were fully extended.
He picked up a fallen branch. It was not an ideal weapon, but it was better than nothing. “Run to the ship.”
“No,” she said.
“Dammit, Peaceable. I will not let you be mauled because I forgot to scan daily for hostile lifeforms.”
“I will not leave you defenseless.”
The closest mornclaw moved forward. Joseph kicked at it, sending it back a few feet. It made a chittering noise cold enough to freeze the blood in his veins.
They didn’t have time to argue.
“We go together,” she said.
His heart swelled at the bravery in her voice. How had he ever thought she needed a protector?
“To the left,” he said. “Now!”
They lunged to the left, making it halfway to the ship before the mornclaws cut them off. The creatures circled, moving closer. Joseph waved the branch, keeping the mornclaws back.
One broke from the circle, leaping toward him. He swung the branch, hitting the mornclaw. The wood splintered on the creature’s shell.
