“Bess said the ring can bind mortal and fairy.” Ken raised his hand, pointing the ring at the griffin. “By the power of the ring you see. Thus I bind thee unto me.”

The huge beast reared, unfurling massive wings, and let out a mighty screech. At more than four meters high on its hind legs, they seemed no bigger than ants before it. The griffin landed with a huge crash that sprayed gravel in all directions.

Heartbeats dragged past like minutes as Ken squared up to the griffin. After what felt like an eternity, the huge creature dropped to its knees and stretching out full length on the drive put its huge eagle’s head between its muscular feathered forelimbs, like a naughty puppy.