After traveling many a day and night, my thoughts began to dwell on failure. I have crossed the great desert of uncertainty, scaled the great peaks of self doubt, I finally descended into a valley of great beauty, yet filled with mystifying enchantments. Maybe I would never find this creature.

Walking though this valley my senses were becoming overwhelmed. The air cradled my nostrils with the sweet smell of perfume. The birds sang in melodious harmony. A brook trickled accompaniment nearby. The trees, colored by the rainbow, were overladen with fruit of which I have never seen. “Surely I must be dead and entered the kingdoms of the gods” I thought to myself. The aching of my feet made me realize I wasn’t.

“I shall sit here in this wondrous land and rest my tired feet” I gleefully thought. Then, who wouldn’t rejoice in such a wondrous place.

As I sank back into this amazing place, I became intoxicated in the splendor.

Suddenly, I was brought back to my senses by a nearby rustle in the brush. I must have been there for hours because dusk had begun to fall. I squinted to try to make out what had made the disturbance. Only for an instance did I glimpse it. But that was more that enough. It was a vile, evil creature. So horrible, I cannot begin to describe it. Suddenly, it bellowed. A sound so horrible and ear-splitting I could not take it.

Without even knowing it, I was on my feet. Running, faster than I thought my feet could carry me. It was like the wind could not win this race with me. Faster and faster I ran, only to hear the terrible sound gaining from behind.

Back up the mountains I raced, the creature never relented pursuit. It seemed like I ran forever. Exhausted, I tripped on something. Down the hill I tumbled. At some point I lost consciousness.

When I awoke, face down in the cool mud next to a small stream, I realized it was morning. Remembering my ordeal, I bolted upright, fearing for my very life. After I had hurriedly scanned the area, I realized the beast was gone. But for how long?

I splashed the cool water on my face to wash away the mud and decided not to linger. I got to my feet and hurried on my way.

I never saw the beast again. I cannot describe it, but just the same I will never forget it. One day I will return to that glorious valley. Who could stay away? And when I do, I will be prepared for the beast.