Corin lifted his shield, but Nessa spoke before anyone moved closer.
"Bring it away from the rocks. I won't have room on that side."
Frost looked at the narrow gap beside the creature and understood what she meant.
Charging straight towards it would leave them crowded together, with Jarek struggling to find a clear shot and Nessa unable to move around its flank.
They spread out carefully.
Corin approached far enough to draw its attention, then backed towards the more open sand. Frost stayed beside him, resisting the urge to watch every movement of its claws so closely that he forgot where he was putting his feet.
The creature followed, and when it rushed, they were ready.
The impact still jarred Frost's arm, but he didn't let his shield rise across his face this time.
He kept the creature in sight, moved when Corin moved, and left enough space for Nessa's spear to reach past them.
