No, Tolten thought to himself, Locke wouldn't let it get him. He gripped the other man's hand tightly and took off, squaring his jaw and circulating his breathing. There were ways to run without expanding as much energy. Gods he wished he had a sword! Or even the pipe! Anything other than just the speed of his feet!

But they had no other choice. The damned things were swooping and screaming and he swore he felt the brush of a fetid talon against his hair as they bolted away from the buses. At least one had taken note of him and was out for blood. The young king shuddered, the fear of being rent apart by raptorial rage spurring him to encourage his body beyond its limits.

"We have to get to town!"