A swift movement cut through the foliage some distance ahead. It drew Jian's attention from the battle below.
'Rauron?' Jian questioned the tracker.
'Stray watch guards.' He thought back. 'They must have split from the pack up ahead.'
Jian shot after, diving beneath the canopy of trees. He shifted and landed to the forest floor, blocking the path of the retreating beasts.
There were three of them, hideous looking creatures with toxins dripping from their stingers. The black goo sunk into the earth, emitting a toxic fume that killed whatever it touched, accounting for the path of devastation through the forest.
The maticore beasts circled Jian, stingers primed for attack. Jian stood in place, his gaze studied their mannerisms, tracking their weak points.
