And in another, the mace griffon had reared up on his hind legs and lashed out with a closed claw. The blow collided with Bricker’s throat with a sickening crunch. As the large griffon fell to the ground, the older griffon grabbed him by the head and bashed it once against the ground, leaving Bricker dazed and gasping horribly for breath, his voice gurgling as he pawed at his collapsed throat. The older griffon just stood there on his hind legs for a minute more, his wings outstretched from his sides but resting downwards, just enough to help him keep his balance. His smile had fallen away to be replaced by a simple, expressionless beak, and his eyes had gained a dull, faraway look to them.