Sun Mote Copse Comfortable, not drinking too much

Fear gripped him -- tightening around Ar-Khalba's chest like a rapidly closing vice. The roar of the bear, a deathly wail, shook the man deep to his core. The sound threatened to freeze him with fright, but stopping with the bear hot on their heels would only ensure certain death. To die here was not of Molech's plan. Not after the blessings the Eight-Armed God had bestowed upon them.

This was a test of faith.

He pushed on until his limber, well-kept body begged to break from exhaustion. As he ran, he turned his head to look behind him and saw no sign that the bear had continued to follow. Believing himself and his queen to be safe for the time being, he slowed to a stop and began to catch his tired breath. Though the bear was no longer in sight, Khalba knew it remained close -- and so, he remained on edge.

The fur on his back bristled nervously, but as he felt the touch of his Ekar-Aji against his shoulder, his hair smoothed flat. His body however, remained primed to act. If the bear returned, he would protect her at all costs.