Piper raises his arm, the knife glinting. “I'll feed your heart to the vultures, you ungrateful girl!� Suddenly, Tussi is behind him. She rears up on her hind legs, and her full weight comes down on the Piper's back, knocking his body to the ground. I hear the familiar crack of bones breaking, and the flask flies out of his hand, a stream of clear liquid arcing through the air. The flask lands with a thump at my feet The Piper cries out, and Tussi stomps on his head with her heavy, black foot. Blood seeps from his skull, and he is quiet. I stand shaking for a long time. The Piper is motionless, his head nothing but gore. Tussi is nearby, snorting. Finally, I bend down and pick up the flask. There is a tiny bit left sloshing at the bottom, and before I can change my mind, I tip the flask over and shake its contents onto the ground. I creep towards the Piper. Stooping towards him, I
125