The Frost-Walker didn't hesitate. As the energy bolt fired, the creature leaped into the path of the beam. The blue light tore through its translucent fur, charring its flesh.
The creature fell, but it used its final strength to grab the wing of the low-flying Hawk. With a surge of ancient, bio-mechanical power, it ripped the brass wing clean off.
The aircraft spiraled out of control, crashing into a nearby glacier in a spectacular explosion of steam and flame. The other Hawks, sensing the danger, retreated back into the cloud cover.
Kaelen ran to the fallen guardian. The Walker was dying, its embers-eyes fading. It reached out, touching Kaelen's forehead with a blood-stained claw.