"Stop!"
Two long arrows landed in the dirt a step in front of the Dwarf warrior and the boy, accompanied by a sharp, feminine shout. The swift arrows flew in straight lines, their passage through the air producing a shrill whistle. They struck with such force that their white fletching kept quivering after they pierced the earth.
After this unmistakable warning, three female rangers appeared before them, dressed in emerald-green chainmail and wearing broad cloaks.
"You two little twerps, I suggest you leave here at once—and take your little pet with you."
The High Elf ranger at the front wore an air of lofty disdain that kept everyone at a distance. She glanced sideways at Snowwind, who circled overhead, afraid to land, and spoke coldly.
"Damn rangers! Don't think I won't clobber you just because you're a woman!"
The female elf's taunt enraged the Wildhammer Dwarf, who was already quick to anger. To every Wildhammer Dwarf, a Gryphon was a companion, a friend, a member of the family—not some pet or beast of burden.
"I'll teach you a lesson, so your general understands how to discipline her subordinates!"
The moment Kurdran raised the one-handed warhammer in his grip, arcs of electricity danced across its silver surface. Flickering sparks enveloped the hammerhead with a piercing crackle.
"Go!"
The Dwarf swung his weapon, and a bolt of purple lightning shot forward like a spear, aimed straight at the haughty elf ranger. Though the Dwarf warrior had already reined in his strength when he launched the attack, anyone with eyes could see that being struck by such terrifying lightning would not be pleasant.
Kurdran completed his attack in less than two seconds. No one present had time to react—not even the three elf rangers opposite him.
The ranger at the front had never