31 A warrior’s experience

Damien was a foolish brute, a brother in arms to Paul but foolish nonetheless. After escaping that harrowing scene, Paul didn't know what to do. He saw his best friend being smashed to the ground by a gigantic monster no human had a chance of defeating. He had to use that mysterious man as bait and run for his life.

He was now standing underneath the great bridge. That man was stubborn and kept fighting the beast. He wondered if he was brave or foolish like Damien. He had no time to think though as beasts in the street had been aroused by the fight above and were on their guard. He had no intention of engaging in a fight with them and all he wanted to do was to find a way to the Cathedral Ward.

He had seen another bridge in the distance while he was inspecting the surrounding area from the highway above. He decided to make his way over there. He took an alley under the bridge and found himself on a street full of caged dogs. The animals were barking crazily at the sound of the furious fight taking place above.

Even the dogs in this city were hideous. Their fur had decayed into ashen white and it started to fall out. He could see patches of pink hide on their bodies. Only their fangs kept their original form. It was his chance to get away from there as the dogs didn't notice him and even if they did, the cages held them inside.

He walked among the caged animals and crossed a small bridge. He could see an aqueduct under it. At that moment, he heard two shots in the distance, followed by that beast's terrible roar. It was definitely angry and the ground was shaking as a result of whatever was going on up there.

Paul was glad he didn't linger around for long. From that small bridge, he could make out the other road he had spotted earlier. He'd have to go through the aqueducts to access it. It was fine; he could face any danger, but not that colossus.

He heard footsteps behind him and felt fangs penetrate his shoulder as he attempted to step aside. A dog had freed itself from one of the cages and attacked him. The commotion distracted the others, but it had worked both ways. The malformed animal had its fangs firmly installed in his muscles and any movement he attempted, made him scream in pain.

He had to act quickly before the others free themselves and kill him. He rolled forward and smashed the dog to the ground. With a small wimping sound the dog stood up and bared its teeth to Paul. He took his axe in his left hand and threw it with all his might towards the dog's head: "Thud!" It was an instant kill.