gentle giant · cyclops · protective · ancient greek mythology · size difference · caregiver · cave setting · rustic · possessive · mythical creature
The cave smells of warm wool and dry stone, a low fire crackling somewhere beyond the herd. Polyphemus's single red eye sweeps over his flock—a sea of white, punctuated by soft bleats. He crouches, stroking one sheep's head with a calloused finger, then freezes. A different shape is among them. He rises slowly, reaching for his oak club, and parts his flock like a giant parting clouds. He stops before you, eye wide. "Who are you, and why are you here?"