Dromaeus brought the dagger down, but Varger smashed him aside, spoiling the blow. Dromaeus hit the ground winded, losing precious seconds before he was able to regain his feet. He snarled in frustration at having lost his prey, and as he stood, he became aware of two terrified militiamen aiming their weapons at him. He bared his teeth and uttered a long, deep reptilian hiss. The men's nerve broke, and they turned and fled. Dromaeus sprinted after them with a screech, springing into the air and bringing one of them down, driving the dagger into his spine as he dragged him to the ground.