178 The World

Elder Mash'noth summarily dismissed the others, repeatedly urging them to leave Lars behind in her care. She even released Lars from his bonds with a deft swipe of her claws, slicing apart the steel-like fibres of the hardened rope like it were made of weeds.

In response, Zera's hunting party as well as the Elder's guards and servants protested greatly, repeatedly urging her in return that she should keep some of them around for safety.

Finally, sickened by the endless worried badgering, Elder Mash'noth exploded in rage, manifesting a wall of wind that buffeted everyone away. Some of the people crashed into the walls, while others flew out the windows and door into the streets. Only Elder Mash'noth's personal guards could stay on their feet; even Katya and Gatyon were knocked sprawling to the ground.