A loud thud from behind signified the start of a colossal battle between a warrior and a worm. For Jake however, the only thing it signified was that he<span style="font-style: italic">really</span>had to get out of there. He put on a burst of speed, trying to close the distance to the exit as fast as he could. With the worm distracted, perhaps there was a chance that he could make it out alive…<br/><br/>Just as he thought this however the sand beneath his feet shifted violently, forcing him backwards and causing him to lose his balance. “Don’t come over here!” he vaguely heard the voice of the robed man in the distance, the culprit of the attack. Of course, Jake’s focus had only been on the worm behind him, so he hadn’t seen Aedan turn to face him nor the magic that was produced. And now, he didn’t have time to contemplate what exactly happened, as whatever chance he had of evading the worm was lost. So, Jake braced himself for his impending death… But it never came.<br/><br/>It took a moment for his brain to process the fact that there was no longer any screeching or thrashing from behind him, and another moment for him to gather the courage to look back. “Ah!” Jake called out in surprise, scrambling away from the worm’s head.  A pool of blood was forming around a deep wound, and seeping into the sand. It was dead.<br/><br/>And walking away from the carcass, and towards him, was the victor: the large man donning a bloodstained club. Jake really hoped this guy was on his side.