Clank!
Clang!
Boom!
A sudden sound broke through the rush of the wind.
Michael turned his head sharply.
Far to the east, just beyond a jagged outcrop of trees, flickers of light danced erratically against the dark canopy.
Shadows shifted wildly in uneven bursts.
There were no torches that deep in the woods. No fires.
Something was happening there.
Gale slowed at his command, circling once as Michael narrowed his eyes.
Another loud crash echoed through the night.
Michael didn't hesitate.
"Go there."
Gale tucked its wings and dove, a blur in the sky as they rushed toward the source of the chaos.
The wind howled past him.
As they approached, Michael saw it clearly now: a man, standing alone in a clearing, surrounded by four monsters.
It was Verren.
The knight's blade danced in the dark, tracing arcs of silver as it clashed against claw, scale, and shadow
He moved with skill and grace.
However, there was a slight issue.
Verren was outnumbered.
