[i]The wizard's sharp thinking and creative use of water magic certainly came in handy. Before he had reached the ragged jaws of the monster, its tail would be severed clean in half. It had never seen magic used like this before. 

One couldn't make a living killing humans for well over a thousand years without wiles to spare, however. There's an immense disadvantage to not looking at one's opponent. Edrik would be unable to see the horror's long right arm reaching down for the saving catch. He would be able to feel it though. A set of greasy, cold claws taking him by the back of the neck before he could tumble out of reach. Needless to say, to be grabbed at the neck by a creature whose strength and claws put the assets of a Siberian tiger to shame is no mere trifle.

By the time a secure grip was found, it would probably be upon the skinny, flesh stripped length of ridged bone that constituted Edrik's cervical vertebrae.
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