As the Rookie approached the foliage, there was a quiet rasping sound, like wood or bones being dragged against one another, increasing briefly in pitch and then stopping. It was muted as though whatever it came from happened slowly and delicately, as if something was trying to conceal the sound.
Then, as Lyra attacked swiftly, the foliage exploded outwards as a dark, hulking shape darted out at them, what appeared to be wings drifting behind it. It moved too quickly for anyone to see in detail at first. Lyra was seized in some unseen force and then thrown to one side. A white blade flashed, aimed at the Rookie's helmet.
"Right there!" Cynane shouted at Adam as she yanked her arrow from the quiver, drew the string and let fly. Stripe had been startled by the speed and ferocity of the attack however, and her shot went wide as he bucked.