Ben gave a short order. "One, guard the RV.
Don't interfere."
He did not wait for a reply.
He kicked off the ground.
The earth cracked under his feet as he launched toward the lake.
The pickaxe in his hands caught the eerie light from the water.
He raised it high and aimed straight at the Lady of the Lake's glowing eyes.
The guardian did not flinch. "Foolish choice, traveler," she said.
Then she moved.
Her body was massive and bulky, but she glided across the water like smoke.
One tentacle whipped around as she spun and twisted with full control.
She redirected his attack with a smooth motion.
BAM.
Her tentacle snapped up and struck his wrist at the right angle.
The pickaxe flew from his hand.
Before Ben could recover, another limb hooked his ankle and pulled hard.
CRASH.
He hit the water like a thrown stone and sank several feet.
His lungs burned as he kicked and forced himself back to the surface.
As soon as his head broke through, she was already on top of him.
