“An Alphyn?” Alfred asked in disbelief. “Those haven’t been around for centuries! And besides, if it were one, aren’t they supposed to be guardians of the royal family?”

The wood nymph shot him a cold gaze.
“I said ‘rabid’, didn’t I?” she let out a sigh of frustration. “Well, I don’t really care what you do, but get rid of it!”

And with that, she disappeared in flurry of shimmering greenery. Alfred sighed and rubbed his temples.

The legendary Alphyn was a little of lion, eagle with a long, coiling tail; not to mention it came along with huge claws and a vast amount of intelligence. In the Olden Days, Alphyns would even speak to chosen humans.

Alfred was pacing now, his head spinning.

Alright, he thought. To – do list...

1. Find Sioni.
2. Capture a legendary monster that hasn’t been around for over five hundred years.

Alfred rubbed his temples again, a frustrated sigh escaping his lips.

“Prince Alfred? Would you like some water?” Percy asked, hopefully.

“Yes, please.”