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When they were out of spears, they turned to head back up the steps They had not gone far when a thump behind thery clay demon roll back to its feet and shake its head It was far from the Push Guard, and spotted easier prey in Abban and Jardir

"The a to the small warded alcove where the Push Guard had hidden until the deed after theed to take the lead

But just shy of the pocket’s safety, Abban gave a cry as his leg collapsed under hiround hard, and it was clear he would not be able to rise in ti to tackle Abban as he struggled to rise He took the brunt of the i the momentum into a perfect sharusahk throw that sent Abban’s bulky fra the last few feet to safety

Jardir fell flat and remained prone when the move was completed The demon, predictably, followed the motion and leapt at Abban, only to strike the wards of the pocket

Jardir got quickly to his feet as the clay demon shook off the shock of the wards, but the demon spotted him immediately, and worse, it stood between him and the safety of the wards

Jardir had no weapon or net, and knew the deround He felt a moment of panic until he reuile, his teacher had taught They er and faster than you, but their brains are those of a sloitted dog They reveal their intent in their bearing, and the huet your wits, and you will always see the dawn

Jardir made as if to run toward the nearest demon pit, then turned sharply and ran instead for the steps He dodged around the rubble and barricades on sheerwith eyes what his head knew The deht, focusing only on his path ahead

"Oot!" he cried as Hasik’s alcove ca the demon behind him He could shelter there, and Hasik could lead the demon into ambush

But Hasik’s alcove was e another trap, and was at the a

Jardir knew he could shelter in the alcove, but then what of this de field, and at worst, it could catch some warrior or nie’Sharum unawares and be on hi

He put his head down and ran on

He round between himself and the clay demon in the makeshift maze, but it was still close behind when the aht

"Oot!" Jardir called "Oot! Oot!" He put on a last burst of speed, hoping the warriors within heard his call and would be ready

He darted around the last barrier, and a pair of quick hands grabbed hiame, rat?" Hasik demanded

Jardir had no reply, and thankfully needed none as the de into the a it up

The de the thick strands of the woven horsehair net like thread, and seemed about to tear itself free when several warriors tackled it and pinned it to the ground One dal’Sharu, but another took his place, grabbing two of the de the the vulnerable flesh beneath

Hasik flung Jardir aside, running in and driving his spear into the opening The deony, but Hasik twisted the weapon savagely The deave a whoop and thrust his fist into the air

His delight was short-lived, though, as Hasik let go the spear, leaving it jutting froai, and stormed over to him