Rian felt the branch break before he heard it but there was nothing to grab for. He fell sideways, swinging, and landed just over the low churchyard wall.

He winced, but the pain was just from hitting the ground. The other kind of pain would follow, if he stayed.

And another, he realized as he heard a low growl. The grim hadn't wasted time and as much as Rian couldn't find his breath, he scrambled upright and tried to run.

He stumbled, but a sharp whistle kept the grim from biting.

Rian, staring up at the priest, tried to hide his horns.