Ficlets

The monster rustled his lips and smiled toothily. “That hit the spot.”

“I hope so. Do you know how long it took me to find one? Those mice are nasty little things, and quick, too.”

“You have my thanks.” The monster grinned again. I wished he’d stop doing that. It unnerved me to see those gray and yellow daggers gleaming in the dim light.

“Well?” I was getting impatient. “Are you going to come with me or not?”

The monster chuckled like dry leaves. “I will… but first, indulge my curiosity and tell me your reasons for all this pagentry.”

“Why should I?”

Again, the rustle-chuckle. “I enjoy hearing your voice.”

I frowned and looked away. “My father… he’s gone. Away. If I want to find him, I need… I need your strength. Please. I need—”

I looked up to find the monster gone. “Damn it!” I could have cried. “After all that—”

“Are you coming or what?” The monster’s dry-leaf voice called from behind me. “The road’s waiting.”

I stood, and not for the first time wondered just what I’d gotten myself into.