-1"I'm going to go and bring in the goats!" the young girl with the brown curls called.
"Don't stay out too long. It's almost dark" replied the man chopping wood beside the house. I crouched down lower, a smile playing over my face. Perfect. She walked around the back of the house were there was a small paddock. Two goats bleated at her as she clambered over the fence. A small dog followed at her heels, yapping cheerfully. I stalked closer, examining the girl. She was short, with delicate ivory limbs, her pinafore showing her gentle curves. She had shoulder length, curly brown her, chocolate eyes and sweet features. I could smell her from my spot amongst the trees. A fresh, pure, floral scent that lingered in the nostrils. I composed my face, then ran out at human speed.
"Can you help me?" I asked as soon as I was near.
"Why? What's wrong?"
"My goat got hurt. She's trapped in the forest, with a hurt hoof. I can't move her. Please help" I tinged my voice with just the right amount of desperation.
"Oh. I'm not allowed to go in the forest. My mother says it's dangerous"
"Please. I can't leave her. She's all our family has"
"Okay…but I have to be back before dark" I smiled. I knew she'd say yes. I could have killed her there and then but it was in clear sight of her house and that would mean not just unnecessary death but a delay to my plans. I led her into the forest, heading away from all human activity. She was glancing around uncertainly, constantly checking the sky.
"It's getting dark. I should go back. I'm sure my father could help"
"We're so close. She's right behind that tree"
"I can't hear anything. Surely she'd be bleating"
"You told me your mother told you to stay out of the woods because they are dangerous?"
"Yes"
"She was right" my associate seized her from behind, hitting her head on a branch until she went limp.
"A perfect find"
"Thank you. But I must say your attack lacked finesse. What if we hurt her to much? You know that this is important"
"My humble apologies. Now let's get her out of here"
"Yes. In a little while this place will be swarming with humans searching for her. It would be wise to move quickly to the castle" I noticed that the third member of our party sniffing the girl, her eyes dark.
"Ingrid! We need her in one piece. Vanessa, control her please"
"Sorry Stefan. She is mouth-watering though"
"If you can't stay in control, then leave"
"I am fine. Do not worry" I picked up the girl, cradling her as we ran. The castle loomed into view before us.
"There it is. Château mer Morte"