Sharp claws tore through the air with a piercing whistle.
Roland jerked the reins. The magnificent Windchaser Warhorse beneath him understood at once and reared, narrowly avoiding the deadly strike.
A Buch Shield engraved with intricate magical patterns rose to meet the heavy blow that followed, deflecting it.
Sparks flew.
The tremendous impact surged through the magical shield into his right arm, making even the warhorse beneath him neigh uneasily.
Its four hooves slammed back onto the ground, leaving several cracked hoofprints in the hard earth.
It was a level-four Rockback Lizard, yet its strength far exceeded others of its level.
Roland calmly assessed his opponent's strength. Fortunately, his companion and equipment were equally exceptional.
Keeping his shield raised, he leaned down and gave the warhorse's neck a reassuring pat.
Enraged, the Rockback Lizard roared. Its thick, armored tail swept toward them, scattering loose stones in an attack that encompassed both horse and rider.
Roland did not retreat.
Just as the massive tail was about to strike the warhorse, rider and mount moved as one, leaping sharply to the side!
Whoosh-
The long tail swept past barely an inch from the warhorse's hindquarters, and the gust it raised sent Roland's cloak snapping behind him.
An opening.
Now.
Without a word, Roland lowered his body and leveled his lance, magical light flowing along its length. Horse and rider became a streak of white lightning, charging toward the vulnerable neck the giant lizard had exposed when its attack missed.
His body weight, the warhorse's momentum, and his knight's aura merged into one, pouring into the lance's tip.
A dazzling milky-white radiance lit up the blade.
Shhk-
The lance pierced the soft area beneath the Rockback Lizard's neck without resistance and punched out the other side.
Scalding blood gushed out, splashing over Roland