Flashback ( PDFDrive )

The pen had a much more cagelike feel than any of the other
Havenfield pastures. But the warps and dents in the metal proved how
necessary that added security was, each a souvenir from a moment
when the gorgodon had slammed its muscled body against the sides,
or struck with its barbed tail, or tried to crunch through the bars with
its long, curved fangs.
Sophie always needed a moment to process the sight of the massive
beast with its reptilian face, lionlike limbs, and sharply angled wings.
And the gorgodon stared right back at her with its slitted yellow eyes
—but only for a second. Then it turned back to the half dozen gnomes
surrounding the enclosure, snarling at each one before settling on
Grady, who stood next to a basket of what looked like purple
cantaloupes.
Shards of the same violet fruit littered the ground both inside and
outside the enclosure, and Grady’s gray tunic was splattered with
purple pulp. But that didn’t stop him from scooping up another melon
and shouting, “NOW!”
All six gnomes reached into their pockets and flung tiny black
pellets into the cage, peppering the gorgodon’s silver feathers.
ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!
As soon as the beast’s mouth opened, Grady hurled the purple fruit,
sending it sailing between the gorgodon’s long fangs and landing on
its slimy tongue. The beast tilted its head to roar again, sending the
fruit rolling to the back of its throat and forcing it to swallow.
“That’s nine!” Grady shouted, pumping his fist. “One more to go!”
The gnomes tossed another batch of black pellets, which were
probably seeds to regrow the trampled grass.
ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!