Jason Ravenshade strode into the clearing like a storm made flesh.
Every step cracked twigs, bent roots, shook the ground. The forest seemed to recoil from him. His spear gleamed with runes, heat rippling from its point.
Lumberling didn't wait.
He lunged forward with a shout, spear striking like lightning. Jason parried, sparks bursting as metal kissed metal. Their weapons clashed again, then again, faster, harder, until Jason spun and slammed his elbow into Lumberling's ribs.
Lumberling hit the ground with a grunt.
Skitz was already moving. A silver flicker. A dagger aimed for Jason's throat.
Jason turned. Caught it.
Not the blade, Skitz's wrist.
The True Knight's gauntlet crushed down.
Crack.
Skitz screamed and twisted, breaking free, barely dodging a follow-up swing that split a tree in half behind him.
