Sawtooth Spire illumination

it is a stand-off, and he doesn't have the energy. the cat must know. maybe it tasted it in his blood? the stallions keep close; maplesmoke huffing, adrenaline-filled and fluctuating through waves of dizziness. his blood seeps.

the protector, urgent, wants for him to run. i run now, it will chase. what other option is there? he was not strong enough - but he might be fast enough.

gagging on the taste in his throat, maplesmoke knows he must rely on the older man to do what must be done. he chose to stand beside maplesmoke and defend him against becoming this cat's meal.

the one chance came next, as the cat screeched towards the bulwark of a man, and as the two began their own dance - maplesmoke bolted. he pulled from the depths of his winnowing energy, and ran.