11; HOWLING AT ADVERSITY

Sheila felt as if she were moving in slow motion, using all her strength to dodge the powerful attack that would surely end her life. She felt the claws slicing her side, the burning sensation reminding her of lemon acid. She almost fainted, and her load fell from her back. Apparently, her adversary had unintentionally cut the ropes that had tied her brother to her.

Sancho stood up, ready to finish his target, whispering with a smile, “You really do have good luck. I'm known for my accuracy, but I swear this attack will send you to your filthy ancestors.”

“Stop, old man!” A shadow approached, diverting the powerful blow of the large gray beast. “Hold it! She is my prey.”

The shadow took the form of a wolf, but with a scent unlike any member of the pack. It continued, “Don't worry, she will die. She owes me. But if it troubles you, I promise that you and that dying wolf will share the same fate.”