Deep within the dense forest, the iron-shod hooves of the Desert Giant Wolves shattered decaying leaves, kicking up a spray of damp debris.
These towering beasts, nearly ten feet tall at the shoulder, lowered their backs. Their ink-black fur coalesced into a flowing mountain range in the gaps between the trees, every bulging muscle defined with the sharp angles of chiseled bronze.
The Ratman Warriors on their backs crouched low, their gnarled, vine-like fingers clutching tightly to the wolves' manes. The friction of their leather bracers against coarse fur created a harsh, grating sound.
"Halt!"
"Everyone!"
"Make camp here!"
"We'll spend the night here!"
"We'll set out again at first light!"
At their Lord's command, the galloping Desert Giant Wolves pulled to an abrupt halt, sending up a cloud of dust that billowed into the night air.
