"Stay hidden," Caspian commanded firmly. "There is still a threat."
'Focus, Caspian. You must not be diverted by this lady's audacity. Her safety is at risk.'
In a calculated move, Caspian's hand extended. It is a clear command for her to stay low.
The lady's determination, however, remained unshaken. "I must see it for myself."
Caspian's jaw tightened, a glimpse of his inner restraint.
'Such a woman I've never witnessed before.' His surprise mixed with irritation.
His attention swiftly returned to the looming Umbrathrax. And just as he expected, the creature sensed the lady's scent.
"Hide!"
In a decisive motion, he lifted the cloak and hid the young lady again.
As the Umbrathrax moved swiftly toward them, Caspian's mind raced to find a solution.
'Using my powers would be the most effective way to handle the creature. But revealing my abilities to the lady was out of the question.'
She was too inquisitive, and he couldn't risk her peeking and discovering his true nature.
'I will just use the protective shield.' He couldn't afford to hesitate.
With a decisive gesture, Caspian extended his hand. Caspian's demigod abilities manifested. And he created a barrier that would fend off the impending danger.
'He must not penetrate this.' Caspian kept his focus on maintaining the shield. He ensured its strength and integrity as the Umbrathrax drew nearer.
Scraaaawwl!
The Umbrathrax lunged at them with its menacing claws. But the protective shield held firm, shielding Caspian and the young lady from harm.
"Stay put," Caspian muttered. His frustration was evident as he observed the creature's failed attack.
'If not for the lady,' Caspian gritted her teeth, 'this would be a simple task.'
His eyes remained fixated on the Umbrathrax. And his mind analyzed its every move. 'Where is your weakness?'
Yet, his focus occasionally shifted to the young lady. He wanted to make sure that her safety remained his top priority.
To Caspian's surprise, the young lady's finger shot out of his cloak. And she pointed to a place where the monster couldn't reach them.
"There, behind those rocks!" she exclaimed with a mix of confidence and excitement.
Caspian's mind briefly registered his astonishment, but he quickly regained his composure.
He followed her gesture and assessed the area she indicated. 'Indeed, it is advantageous.'
He couldn't help but feel surprised by her keen perception. 'She possessed the mind of a knight despite her gender.'
"This way," Caspian said as he led the young lady towards the safe haven she had cleverly spotted amidst the chaos.
The shield still protected them from the Umbrathrax's relentless attacks.
Inside the safety of the rocks, his mind raced with surprise at her resourcefulness. 'Impressive,' he thought.
A smile formed on his lips as he acknowledged her quick thinking in the face of danger. Even still, he concealed any signs of emotion.
Scraaaawwl!
The Umbrathrax's screeches reverberated through the rocks.
To his bewilderment, the young lady's voice rose above the din.
"Listen carefully, milord," she said. "I can imitate nature's sounds. I'll distract the monster, and you can fight it."
Caspian's mind grappled with the boldness of her proposition. 'This spirited young woman is indeed a daredevil,' he muttered to himself.
She seemed undeterred by the looming threat. Her confidence in the face of peril left him both intrigued and cautious, unsure of what to make of her.
'But how can her imitation change the situation?' Caspian pondered as he thought of what to do.
Scraaaawwl!
The Umbrathrax's screeches continued to echo through the rocks.
'I couldn't afford to take any potential risks. Especially with a spirited woman like this young lady. She seemed determined to face danger head-on.'
"Very well, you must remain here, milady," Caspian said firmly agreeing with her so she will not go out.
He regarded her with an air of authority. The weight of responsibility was evident in his demeanor.
"No matter what happens, do not leave this place," he emphasized. She must understand the gravity of his request.
He knew he possessed the strength and power to handle the monster without her assistance.
'I just need her to be safe.'
"Sure. You've got this, milord!" the young lady surprisingly cheered. Her voice brimmed with unexpected enthusiasm.
Fists raised in a show of unwavering support, she nodded affirmatively.
Caspian couldn't help but find a subtle smile curving his lips. 'A spirited ally,' he acknowledged.
Her cheerfulness was a refreshing contrast to the impending challenge.
His focus, however, remained steadfast on the imminent task. The creature loomed, its menace demanding his full attention.
Caspian's head nodded with certainty, stepping boldly from behind the rocks. His mind calculated, focused on his plan.
'I shall confront it head-on,' his determination unwavering.
In that instant, the looming creature poised for attack met his unwavering gaze.
Scraaaawwl!
A deep inhale filled Caspian's lungs. His demeanor was unyielding even in the face of imminent danger.
Yet, as the Umbrathrax lunged with deadly intent, a peculiar echo rippled through the air. A mimicry, mirroring the creature's own screech.
Scraaaawwl!
Frozen mid-leap, the Umbrathrax's head swiveled in search of the source. Confusion clouded its fearsome look.
"What just happened?" Caspian's eyes widened as realization dawned. "It's the red-haired lady."
Her mimicry was bizarre, a near-perfect match to the Umbrathrax's call.
"It worked," he murmured. A mixture of surprise and triumph laced his words.