The call had come into the guild late into the evening. Ever since the events with the giant dragon, work at the Arid Mesa had been frequent, almost overwhelmingly so. That being said, it was good work. The Mesa was changing from a bleak and dusty place to a thriving ecosystem over night. While the new burst of life meant new opportunities for several people, the wildlife were something different all together.

With the influx of people, especially on the coast, some of the more unfriendly and dangerous wildlife were being disturbed. Some had even taken to attacking the boats and sailors in some of the more remote coasts. This is where the request came in. Some of the explorers were seeking body guards to protect them and their merchandise from the aggressive creatures. 

Shaa was just about to leave to head for the coast when he thought better about it. This was a more of a two man gig. One to protect, the other to attack. The guild was pretty busy today. He wondered who might be available to help him calm the situation down. There were still a lot of unknown variables with all the changes going on so he would need someone who could handle themselves.

The big Minotaur walked out into the massive hallway of the guild hall There were several people eating dinner and talking amongst themselves. Hey! Do any of you like sea food? 

---

Quest Name: Emperor’s Favor
Location: Arid Mesa
Post Requirements: 6 posts per person, 200 words per post
Reward: +1 Renown, Choice of 2 Common crafting materials

Sarne stopped talking at the sound of Shaa's bellowing vice. "Seafood?" Sarne mumbled. Sarne let out a chuckle. Sarne jumped up onto a bench and looked at Shaa. Sarne knew whatever Shaa could be up to. If Sarne did not speak up he would be left behind. Shaa first to speak was the one to be picked most of the time.

"Hay Shaa! Tuna!" replied Sarne with a sly grin. "What did I win?" shouted Sarne jokingly. Ya ya, Sarne knew this was not proper etiquette for him. But what the hell Sarne could act like a normal person here, and no one gave a shit about it. Even if he gets all his family land and title back Sarne would come to the guild and relax and just be one of the guys.

Sarne started at Shaa waiting. Sarne was no fool he knew Shaa was looking for something. But Seafood? Sarne had heard of a few jobs with the guild but was not sure this was one of them. Being a noble has some benefits you get to hear things and his fallows are good at getting information. Others in the room looked at Sarne with some jealousy as Sarne was doing his best to stand out.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

For my own notes. Description: A variety of operations have been launched since the chaos in the Arid Mesa, with all types of companies, organizations, and groups seeking to leave their mark on the mostly unexplored region. Because of this, the once abandoned coastlines have become riddled with camps, settlements and docked ships, who are now disturbing the local wildlife who are used to quiet emptiness. While most passive species have just fled inland, the mighty Emperor Akhlut has decided upon another course of action. Packs of these odd coastal creatures have begun assaulting nearby camps and ships as they attempt to set up or offload cargo. A request for body guards has been put out, seeking help in protecting employees from these creatures while they try to do their jobs.

Shaa looks around the hall for responses but almost immediately hears Sarne’s voice ring out from one of the benches. What did you win? A free trip to the chilly part of the Arid Mesa. Go pack your Long John’s and something stabby. We leave within the hour. Shaa considered a moment and decided to take his own advice. He was already naturally resistant to the weather due to his elementalism but a couple extra snacks for the road wouldn’t hurt. It was going to be a long trip out there and who knew what would be waiting for them.

After departing from the guild, the trip itself is smooth and uneventful. Shaa is grateful for the nice change of pace. With all of the tumult in the world, he was finding the small bits of peace and quiet nice respites from the noise. He was also grateful for the chance to hang out with Sarne again. He had been with him on the mission to rescue Athena but they had not really had a chance to truly catch up. He had been gone for a long time and Shaa wasn’t entirely sure what had happened to him. He thought back to that Inn in Thunderhoof village where they had met so long ago with Ray. Things were a lot more simple back then. Get the girl. Beat up some cultists. Call it a day. Things were complicated for everyone he supposed.

They are about an hour out from the camp that submitted the request to the guild when Shaa sees some movement from the underbrush. He stops and looks at the bushes, waiting in anticipation for something to happen. Slowly, a pair of small Ashland Jackels emerge from the brush. Ashland Jackels? He wonders out loud. What in the world are they doing here in the Arid Mesa? The two ethereal creatures look at them inquisitively and hop back into the thick brush. Ok that was weird. Best be on our guard. Who knows what else we are going to run into.

Soon enough, the reach the shoreline where several boats and tents are set up. The air is busy and nervous. Despite the action, it all seems centered on the camp itself. Something looks off to the Minotaur but he can’t quite put a finger on it until it finally dawns on him. No one was in a boat. The boats were all just sitting there like silent sentinels watching over the camp. But there was no one on them pulling lines or hauling cargo. He sees a man approaching them from one of the larger tents. A halfling by the looks of him, the man waves his hand in the air and motions them to come over.

Back at the Guild Sarne Smiled "What no free seafood!" shouted Srane over the others there his tone joking. "You are a hard person to bargain with," said Sarne as he jumped down from the bench. Sarne raised his hand in the air so Sarne could be seen walking away. "Meet you outside Shaa!" Shouted Sarne with a smile on his face.

Sarne talked some on the way there with Shaa mostly being happy Sarne was able to help his old friend. Sarne only wished he could be a woman to fight for. Athena was a lucky woman to have Shaa look after her. When Shaa tried to thank Sarne. He stopped him and told him his motives at the time hunting down the trader to his family but was there to back Shaa too. the trip was quite something the two warriors needed.

Sarne was aware of the movement around them as they got close not only on the land but the air and water the screech of the hawk overhead that seemed to be going their way. Sarne had known about the Ashland Jackels just before they showed themselves they were large pups just winged Sarne taught. He heard Shaa's question and thought about it. "I guess that's why we are here to find out," replied Sarne looking as they vanished back into the undergroath. "Whatever it is that drove them here can't be good." remarked Sarne looking at the ground. "A lot of tracks Shaa not only merchants here," commented Sarne looking around. Sarne saw the puggy Halfling. "Oh, this should be interesting" joked Sarne.

Sarne and Shaa got closer. The guy had to be one of the Merchants of the area. The Hafling looked up at Shaa and then at Sarne. "My Lord? Are you traveling with this ah.... bodyguard? I thought you two were soldiers here to help." said the Halfling Merchant. Sarne gives a nod to the Hafling Smiles. Points his thumb to Shaa, "You have it wrong Master Merchant. I am his bodyguard," said Sarne with a sarcastic grin.

Shaa laughs a little and claps the small man on the shoulder. No, you’re both wrong. We are here to protect your bodies from….rats…or crabs or something? The request was a little vague. Why don’t you point the way to the mess hall and we can talk about what’s going on. For example, why a bunch of sailors are like…ya know… not sailing.

The halfling shook his head slowly. Thank you so much for coming but food will have to wait. If you really want to understand what the problem is well. I’m afraid you just kind of have to see it for yourself. It’s… it’s just…..well come on.

The halfling motions for them to follow him towards the docks. As they go, he continues with the explanation. Ah, while we are at it, I suppose introductions are in order. My name is Jaruk. Originally I came in here as part of the first trade ships from the Cresent Isles. That was about 3 weeks ago. When we got here, the whole place looked…strange. Pirates? Demons? Shaa was being absolutely serious. I wish.  Pirates you can run off or fight. Demons you can exorcise or hunt. It’s much more complicated than that. Suddenly from the docks, a voice calls out. There’s one coming in! A loud bell starts ringing and several men and women start swarming to the dock. They are all carrying flags, torches and other items to draw attention to themselves. Curious, the three hurry to witness the spectacle.

What’s going on! The Minotaur says loudly over the din of shouting, horns and bells.  There’s a boat coming in. They don’t know! Shaa was starting to get annoyed. KNOW WHAT?! That! Jaruk points to the medium sized boat that is making their way to the dock. The sailors on the boat apparently are mistaking the commotion for cheering as several of them are on the stern waving. No, those idiots. Turn! Turn! But it’s too late. From out of the water, the heads of several creatures appear. Even though he can only see heads, the size of the waves they are turning up tell him that, whatever they are, they are big.

The creatures continue to circle the boat. The sailors can see them now and start yelling, not understanding what is happening. With a loud crunching noise, the boat lurches to the side violently to one side. Solaris protect them, they already got in! The sailors continue to shout as some get tossed into the water. Swim for it fools! Swim! As the boat starts to sink, several sailors swim desperately for the shore. Shaa can see some of the shapes peel off and start to peel towards the swimmers. Sarne! Quick! They aren’t going to make it!

Shaa rushes over to the dock slipping on his Ring of Water Walking from his bag of the infinite. When he gets there, he runs right out onto the water without slowing down towards the swimming sailors. He reaches the first one in time, hauling him up out of the water and over his shoulder. From the water, the head of a massive bird emerges and attempts to snap at him. Shaa kicks it squarely in the face with a loud thump. Barely even phased, the bird shakes it large head to recover. Shaa himself has already started moving towards a second sailor pulling him out. A sailor in each arm, he rushes back to the docks as quickly as he can. He can feel the force of the beasts swimming close behind him, lapping at his heels in quick succession. He tries to pick up the pace but running on the water combined with the awkwardness of carrying two people makes it a close call. With a final leap, he jumps on the dock. To his surprise, one of the creatures jumps up with them. Standing at his full height, he can confirm the cause of everyone’s issue. They were being invaded by Emperor Akhlut. It had been years since Shaa had last seen one but he knew full well, they were in trouble.

---

Ring of water walking 
Adrenaline Rush
Bulls Strength Tattoo 

[1]Sarne drew his sword and readied his shield as Shaa ran out o to the water Sarne had nothing he could use on the water. Sarne was not even a good swimmer. Feeling his shortcoming Sarne had to think fast as Shaa was running back to the docks Sarne leaned forward to lunge with his shield and sword.

Neverseeing one before a form of Avianbear the Emperor Akhlut. Sarne could not believe his eyes as it started to jump from the water. As Shaa moved Sarne stepped to one side.[2]Then Dashed at inhuman speeds forward. Sarne's movements were fluid and quick as he charged the Emperor Akhlut as it came out of the water.

Just as the Emperor Akhlut was about to land on the dock Sarne slammed into it hard there was a loud thud as his shield spike barred into it low in its abdomen. spinning it some and sending it back towards the water. crashing into another one. Both of them sink back into the water.

Sarne was no doubt he was not going to hang a round there Sarne turned and dashed back to land dragging anyone still on the docks.

Sliding to a stop near Shaa, Sarne gave a grin. "If you want to go swimming check the water first." said Sarne sarcastically and breathing hard.

[1] Inspiring Presence
[2] Rushing Charge

What are you talking about? Water’s great! The big fighter says equally sarcastically. He drops the the two sailors down on the ground as gently as he can. They both stand up staggeringly and gasping for air. You guys ok? Shaa asks slightly concerned he might of squished them a bit in the commotion. One of the sailors waves at him weakly. Yes, yes we are fine. Thank you for saving us. Shaa nods and then notices the other sailors foot. It’s missing at the ankle. Ummm bro, your foot. The sailor looks down at his missing foot and stares at it blankly, shaking his leg a bit as if his brain wasn’t able to calculate what was happening. 

The pale sailor collapses and suddenly they are swarmed by men and women from the camp who start tending to the man, wrapping the stump of his leg. Seeing he is well tended to, Shaa looks back to the unlucky ( or lucky depending on your perspective) sailor’s boat as it had already now mostly sank beneath the waves. Looking at the gruesome scene, there were no sign of any other sailors in the water. All in all, it looked like only 4 had managed to make it back to the shore.

Jaruk runs back up to the pair painting. Did you just…run out there? Wow, that’s pretty handy. You might have to teach me that one. Thank you for getting those guys. Sure, no problem. The remaining sailor who was saved angrily interjects. No problem! My crew just got murdered by those Beakers! Yeah, I noticed. I just got chased by them saving your ungrateful butt. The sailor calms down a bit. Look, I don’t mean to sound like that, it’s just. Well look! My crew, the boat, the cargo! We have been sailing for weeks and now, it’s gone. It’s just all gone. The harrowed sailor sinks to his knees and starts to sob. Shaa had been in enough battles to recognize what was happening. He just wasn’t sure what to do about it.

Don’t listen to him. Believe it or not, those damn things have done worse. Sometimes, they will come into the camp late at night and pull people right out of their tents. Then they go back in the water before anyone can even do anything. Shaa is flabbergasted. They are raiding the camp? Yeah. Believe it. They may be beasts but they are smart. Work in tandem too. About a week ago, a pair of them started making a ruckus at the pier. A bunch of the group went down to deal with it but after they left, a different pair raided our supply tent, completely trashing it. We were lucky to get a caravan a couple days later but..l.it was close. Too close. If something doesn’t get done, it will only be a matter of time.

Shaa rubs his chin thoughtfully. If he had known this was the situation, he would have brought more guild members…or heavy weaponry or something. But the reality was that even if they left to get reinforcements now, there may be nothing left to get back to.  They would have to deal with this here and now.

"Great water, right," remarks Sarne as he drops his kite shield. Sarne moves his arm around some seeing that the sailors are still alive. Seeing the injury to the sailor Sarne wished he had learned more advanced light domain healing. Sarne could have helped more. Sarne looked out at the mast sticking out of the water now and a few splashes now and then of the Emperor Akhlut They could not hide from Sarne's keen eyes.

Sarne thought for a moment that could have been them. If they came straight in from the sea. Sarne and Shaa stopped off at another seaport and walked up the coast. Sarne suggested that so He might find more information as they traveled and possibly did some tracking to see what they were dealing with. Sarne was surprised about this turn of events.

Sarne said nothing as the remaining sailor broke down about the ship his crewmembers and cargo being lost. Looking back out again sarne found it odd that Emperor Akhlut stayed back off shore now. They were watching waiting for another chance at the camp. Sarne also thought they were watching Shaa and Sarne as well.

Sarne knew what Shaa was thinking we should have brought more with us. As Shaa rubbed his chin Sarne smiled. "Remind me not to try to run into one of those Akhlut. It felt like hitting a bear with a twig. I think one of those things could give you a hard time face-to-face." said Sarne looking at Shaa with a grin as Sarne picked up his shield.

Glancing around the camp. "We have a few problems here. One, The camp is too close to the water. Making it easy for Akhlut to do hit-and-run tactics." Sarne started to explain looking closer Fall back to the tree line and cut some trees down on the perimeter that will slow them down keep the logs as big as possible. We do not need Akhlut to pick them up and throw them at the camp." suggested Sarne.

Sarne started to walk some "The worrier's tents to the perimeter with the most variable to the center. Then set some defensive walls and spikes." said Sarne giving his view of the situation. "I can help if you need it. When you have the camp better set. I will help with the placing of the guard," offered Sarne with a smile.

Shaa nods his head in agreement with Sarne’s assessment. That’s not a bad idea. He looks over to Jaruk. Help Sarne organize the camp to push everything back to the trees. You guys are wide open. Maybe some active deterrents will keep them at bay. If you do it long enough, they might even lose interest and move on. 

Jaruk looks at the pair skeptically. That is all well and good but we are sailors. We still have to go back to the water to go out and in. If we move the camp out, what’s to stop them from wrecking every boat that comes here? Once the word gets out, boats will stop coming all together and the camp will die, plain and simple. Either by beast or by starvation. Your plan will only buy us a bit of time, that’s all.

Shaa was going to argue but he knew that the halfling had a point. The beasts had turned it into a war of attrition and they had all the time in the world. Even if they weren’t eating people, they were in the water eating fish and whatever. They could be out there for a while. 

Fine fine, you guys work on the camp. I will see if I can do something about our friends out there to “encourage” them to leave. Shaa knew that taking them one on one would be a mistake. Even one of those things would be a problem, let alone a whole coordinated group of them. Maybe he could do something to use their team work against them….

Sarne gives a concerned look. "Well, then Jaruk, we slow them down. It could be more work for your camp. But we can compromise. Pointing we put the logs there and there stacked with stakes in the ground 3 feet apart. The stakes need to be 4 inches around 5 feet long and pouted into the ground on both sides of the logs to hold them in place." suggested Sarne thinking.

"After we reinforce this camp we will make a fallback camp in the woods. It will be smaller and easier to defend Jaruk." proposed Sarne still examining the camp. Sarne opposed Shaa going alone to face the Akhlut. Sarne looked like he disagreed with Shaa. "I don't think you are going to face the Akhlut alone Shaa. I will be there too. They can start and I can direct them later," stated Sarne looking at Jaruk. "I am sure they can handle a few trees," remarked Sarne with a smile.

Sarne grinned. "Besides, I would like one of those Akhlut as a rug at the Gray Keep," said Sarne. It was hard to tell if he was joking or not. That would be a site to see for visitors thought Sarne looking up at Shaa. With Shaa there with him, this might be his only chance to do something like that.

Looking at the water Sarne started to walk in that direction "Shaa do you want their attention?" Sarne said loudly.

The big Minotaur shakes his head and chuckles deeply. No no, I didn’t mean I was going to fight them alone. I may be tough but that would just be stupid. As far as I can figure it, these guys have 3 advantages. 1. They are awesome swimmers, better than anyone here. 2 They are smart and fight in groups. They are aware of advantages and take them. And 3… well they are big bird bear things. Nuff said. We can’t do anything about 3, but maybe we can do something about 1 and 2.

Anyone who knew Shaa knew that he had a penchant for being “creative” in battle. It was one of things that made fighting him so incredibly frustrating. You think he was going to punch you and bam, here comes a chicken. You attack him with a sword bam. Your sword is now a lighting rod and you feel like a fried version of the chicken. Maybe it was all those years wandering alone on the road that made him how he was.

Shaa walked over close to the dock but not too close. Looking out over the water, he didn’t actually see any signs of the creatures anywhere. Even so, there was something in his spine that told him that they were there. Watching, waiting, plotting. He walks back to the group and looks at Jaruk who is talking to some sailors about cutting down the trees. Jaruk, from what I remember about these things, they don’t actually live in the water right? They should have a little space full of the baby mass murderers somewhere closeish by. Jaruk stops talking and thinks for a moment. If they do, no one here has seen it directly, but we all have a pretty good idea where it is. Shaa cocks an eyebrow, interested in what he meant. If you sail north west of here and hug the coast, you will come to a small inlet that has come to be known as the devils claw. Locals call it that because anyone who tries going there doesn’t come back. No one knew why but. Jaruk waves a gloved hand over the camp I’m pretty sure we’ve solved that mystery.

So let me get this straight. You guys set up a camp and trade here without properly scouting the area and now a pack, pod, group whatever of Emperor Akhlut find you in their hunting grounds, you start eating their fish and then they start tearing everything 5 ways to the weekend. That about right? Jaruk blushes a bit. Well it sounds dumb in hindsight but we honestly didn’t know they were here until recently. Besides, those things are nomads, they just go where the food is. They could have shown up after we got here. Yeah yeah right. You’re just lucky one of those things took a swipe at me, so we are still going to do this job, otherwise I’d tell you just to move. It was a lot of big talk but it did give Shaa an idea. Right now these guys were attacking with impunity. But if they thought their eggs were in danger, they might be encouraged to find somewhere else to nest. It was a dangerous plan, but probably the one with the highest chance of success. Come on Sarne, today we are gonna be egg nappers.

Sarne looked out at the water. "They are still watching just under the water," Sarne said with confidence. "Post guards overuse guards but away from the water left and right of the camp With harpoons or spears. if it gets dark before we are back lecterns on polls have the guards stand away back near the camp they will attack the light first probably. That will be your alarm and give you time to react." suggested Sarne to Jaruk.

Turning to Shaa Sarne with a smile. "So do the eggs make a good omelet?" Sarne asked in a sarcastic tone. I say we go on foot not sure how they would act with Screech overhead." remarked Sarne. Then Sarne paused. "Wait!" Sarne gave a few whistles and the Terror Wing flew overhead. Sarne ran to the center of the camp in a clearing. The huge Terror Wing landed. Sarne patted it and gave it a treat. It did take up an area of a large tent. The Terror Wing let out some screeches. Sarne placed a rope around it and put an end into the sand.

Sarne walked back to Shaa and Jaruk. "Now Jaruk, two things don't mess with the Terror Wing. You can throw some fish or meat into it. Think of the Terror Wing as a guard dog. It will warn you if something gets close to the camp. She can scream trust me. It is loud and causes fear in those who hear it. Oh keep cats away from her she loves them, in a meal kind of way." stated Sarne with a smile.

"OK big Shaa I am ready for some eggs," remarked Sarne. "Even though you promised seafood," remarked Sarne with a sly grin.

Redy Sarne and Shaa walked off towards the area in question. Sarne took the lead at times watching the ground and sky looking for signs of anything that would be a threat to them or the Akhlut. taking the coastline they would walk on the beach and more away from the beach now and then. After a few hours, they came to some cliffs with a beach below with caves lining the cliffs at the water level. Sarne could see why they call it Devil Claw with jagged rocks reaching out into the sea for like claws. Sarne was sure Akhlut was lurking in the shadows in the water and cliffs even if you could not see them.

They are kind of by the sea. Shaa laughs a bit with a grin. As the two make it too the cliffs, they peer down the jagged cliffs spilling out to the beach below. This had to be it. It was a great base. Not many creatures could sneak up on you from behind. Unfortunately for the Akhlut, Shaa and Sarne were not the normal kind of assailants.

Shaa makes some motions with his hands and summons a cloud for the two to ride on. Not only was the cloud an easy way down, it would provide some nice cover for them on their decent. The closer that they got, the more spooked they should be. If everything worked out, they would be spooked enough to to relocate and everyone would be happy. Well, everyone except for the baby Akhult tharpt is.

As the two slowly descended on the fluffy cloud, the scenes below started to come into view. Sure enough, the beach was outlined with several piles of rocks. Sat atop most of the piles were a single large speckled blue egg. And with each egg, a very grumpy looking Emporer Akhult carefully surveying the area. What they did not expect to see, was that in the middle of the group was a large wooden platform. Atop the platform were two men in heavy coats. The platform itself held several boxes, braziers and several pieces of equipment that were too far away for them to distinguish. The Akhult seemed to be ignoring the men. Just what in the world was happening? I’m going to float us over to the platform to see what they are up to. 

As their cloud ride floated over, they found themselves about 15 feet above the two men. There was no indication that the men or the Akhults had noticed them yet so at least they had that going for them. Shaa peered down at the platform and finally got a closer look at some of the equipment. He didn’t see anything strange at first. Just a bunch of food, climbing gear and lights, nothing out of the ordinary. He wouldn’t have thought anything was odd at all if they weren’t surrounded, unaccosted by giant murder birds. 

Shaa looks around to see the best possible place to launch a sneak attack. He spies a cluch of eggs but then one of the men catches his attention. He makes some sort of strange noise and then his entire body shifts. His form, starts exuding steam and odd smells. Then, before their eyes, the men transform into Empoerer Akhult. Well….this just got much more complicated….

---

Cloud walzing 

His eyes widened as Sarne watched the man transform "By the gods" mumbled Sarn quietly. He looked at Shaa and then back at the man Sarne was puzzled "can they transform into men?" Sarne asked in a whisper. Sarne watched the man step down off the platform walk towards some other Empoerer Akhult and start to converse with them with short, sharp bark. a variety of throbbing growls and hoarse whoops and sharp, snorting yelps.

Sarne did not understand any of it. The Akhult kept pointing at the box on the platform. "Shaa, are they buying or selling and why?" the question was not necessary to Shaa more like thinking out loud. Sarne surveyed the area "I can get some eggs and they would not see me. might not even notice that I took them right away then I can pop smoke and we can run or fly like the wind and get away." suggested Sarne.

[1] Sarne slipped into the shadow of the cloud without making a sound Sarne had vanished from sight. Most of the Emperor Akhult were watching the conversation. The disgruntled-looking ones guarding what looked like eggs were looking around still but had not noticed Sarne or Shaa. He knew as long as he stayed in the shadows he would not be seen. Sarne looked at Shaa for a sign to go.


[1] The Houdini Act / Pass without a trace

No, I don’t think they are selling anything. Not not like those things carry purses or anything. They…ahhh man. Sue enough, one of the men returned to the crate. After a bit of sorting, pulls out a severed arm and foot. Yeah. They are distributing, what I am assuming are the sailors and people they snagged back at camp. Come on, we got to put a stop to this now. 

Shaa maneuvered the cloud closer to a large patch of eggs with only a couple guards around them. The others had moved off to collect what he could only assume was their fair share of the bounty that had been collected by their hunters. If they had any chance of snagging an egg, this was it. Shaa took a deep breath and aimed for the top of one of the beasts heads. Jumping off, he performs a guillotine drop from high in the sky. Using the maneuver to accelerate himself, he comes crashing down on the emperor’s head, splitting its skull open with a sickening crack.

As Shaa lands he rolls and scoops up two eggs at the same time. With the large eggs tucked under each arm Shaa makes a mad dash for a third egg. This time however, Shaa kicks the egg squarely sending it flying and breaking roughly on the cold hard ground. He doesn’t want to turn around but he can hear the manic screaming from behind as well as several sets of very heavy footsteps chasing close behind him. He hopes that the distraction will allow Sarne to make his own maneuver.

---

Guillotine Drop