Backahast (bahk-ah-hahst)

Backahast

A backahast was a carnivorous water horse found in swamps, ponds and marshes. They were nocturnal predators who camouflaged themselves expertly against the night sky with their dark coats. During the day, they could be found sleeping with only their black heads poking out of the water. Their webbed duck feet didn’t make the backahast a fast runner. Hunting was usually done with the backahast submerging itself in the water and lying in wait for prey to cross its path. Backahasts were one of the few monsters who would eat people if given the chance. An average of 56 people a year fell prey to the backahast. Light was the only thing that could drive them away because they associated it with fire.