They whirled around just in time to see a young man on horseback come galloping out of the trees, a massive branch in his powerful hands

T

he trees split apart and the golem appeared. Everyone scrambled for safety as his giant feet stomped on the ground, flattening the carriage like an eggshell. Sylvester’s soldiers drew their crossbows and began to fire upward. The golem roared in anger and pain, stumbling backward. Slowly, like a giant tree trembling in the wind, the Golem’s enormous body rocked back and forth, finally landing on his back.

The forest floor shook violently from the giant fall, and everyone was knocked off their feet. In the mayhem, as everyone scrambled to regain their footing, Sylvester raced forward, climbing over the Golem’s giant legs, until he reached Reb Shabsi.

“Let me go! Pinchas! Pinchas! Help! He’s taking me away!”

But the golem could only groan in pain and shake its head in confusion as Sylvester dragged Reb Shabsi backward, disappearing into the trees.

Shimshon and Jorin stood up, but they were soon surrounded by two of the soldiers who were still conscious.

“Don’t… move…” The soldiers pointed with their swords.

Suddenly, a horse whinnied behind the soldiers. They whirled around just in time to see a young man on horseback come galloping out of the trees, a massive branch in his powerful hands.