The Dreadbeast charged. Its massive form blurred like a shadow against the cold moonlight, claws gleaming like obsidian blades.
Alexander barely had time to react. He threw himself to the side, rolling over the damp earth, just as the beast's claws carved deep trenches into the ground where he had stood.
The soldiers behind him were frozen in fear, their exhaustion muting their ability to fight back.
But one man, Captain Eryon, loyal beyond reason, let out a battle cry and leaped forward, his enchanted spear bursting with a pale blue light. He aimed for the beast's throat.
The Dreadbeast moved faster than thought. With a flick of its tail, Eryon was thrown through the air like a broken doll, crashing against a tree with a sickening crack.
Blood splattered across the bark, and he did not rise. The others finally broke from their stupor.
