The Approaching Monster Tide

As Howard advanced, the rat king assumed an offensive stance, but its body exhibited some abnormalities.

Its breath was feeble, and it seemed nearly drained of strength.

Initially, Howard hadn't noticed, but now, with his focus honed, he quickly discerned the irregularities.

Wolfrat societies are matriarchal, with female wolfrats invariably stronger than their male counterparts due to their earlier development.

Whether in combat or in defending their territory, the females always constitute the primary combat force.

Undoubtedly, the rat king before him was female.

However, the wolfrats that had attacked earlier were all males.

Where then were the females? 

And why such a tenacious resistance?

Curiosity bubbled up within Howard.

With a sweep of his straight sword, the rat king was bisected.

Howard continued forward, sword in hand, towards the depths of the valley.