The gentle rustling of leaves and the sound of fetid water running against the rocks on the riverbed was drowned out by the sound of steel ringing.
With a heavy grunt, Garrick's broadsword carved through the lead Brandor's shoulder, splitting the corrupted flesh apart.
The creature shrieked and stumbled backward.
Black ichor sprayed from the wound, hissing as it struck the earth. Its disproportionate arms swung wildly, claws raking the air where Garrick's head had been a moment before.
"Geor! Cover me!" Garrick roared.
The large farmer shifted his rusty shield, catching the Brandor mid-lunge. The impact drove him back two steps, his boots skidding into the mud. His face twisted with exertion as he shoved forward, using the shield's edge to bash the creature's oversized skull. Its skull was dented as it staggered but didn't fall.
There were too many of them.
Six, maybe seven could be seen. Garrick could tell there were even more in the trees and shrubbery.
