Chemoians knew very well about how desperate the wildlife and monsters became for food when the seasons grew colder.
As Irene stared at the dire wolf, measuring its next move, she recognized instantly that its thick fur was a bit unhealthy and hanging off of its skeleton as if it were starving to death. Starvation or sickness could both result in such a beast becoming willing to face a fire for a meal. Normally, they were more cautious if they didn't have cubs with them.
Irene knew that the beast was about to pounce when its stance lowered, and she knew it was now or never to respond.
She leapt over the fire, dealing an overhead strike from her freshly unsheathed sword, sliding underneath the animal. Her landing caused her leg to ache, but it was far less painful than her commander being killed in his sleep.
