It was over. Jarl knew it. There was nothing he could do now.
Nothing but die.
The frenzy of death alone brought him to his feet. He hurled himself at the mutant.
Tas Karrel swayed aside, green eyes burning. Jarl hurtled past him; landed sobbing against the Pervod.
The reptilian laughed shrilly. Letting go of the arms of the raiders who flanked him, he caught Jarl ... shoved him back at Tas Karrel.
Blindly, Jarl clutched the Pervod's belt. His weight carried them both to the circle's center.
Cursing, Karrel slashed for him.
Jarl wrenched to one side. The knife laid open the Pervod's side.
The reptilian screamed. His bony vestigial wings flailed.
In the same instant, Jarl caught Karrel's knife-hand. With his last ounce of strength, he wrenched it till the bones cracked.