[Straylor Leonard]

Getting his mack on had certain desired effects, but summoning a hoarde of nomatic man-beasts was not one of them. Purposefully, Straylor's eyes darted toward the approximate source of the sound. "Stop ... stop ... stop ...", the dying whispers were horrifically loud. And without even a moment's pause, his eyes slowly widened as figures, tall, dark, armed, slowly materialized near the woodlands just over the hill. They weren't far, but it would take them some time to run down the slip toward the funeral. Perhaps they were only watching ...?

Until their leader appeared, crowned with antlers, and with a thick finger pointed at the mourners. It was too late. The berserkers, yelling, screaming, laughing, poured down the hill and into the gathering. Chaos was inevitable. The fear that struk the hearts of even champions was a cause for worry, but soldiers channeled this fear into power, courage, honour. The Champion of Carmelyn spurng into action, his feet moving before his mind could properly calculate the risks of the situation. There were innocents here, mourners, and there was no time for cold, calculating strategy. This was Straylor's weakness, and his source of strength. "Carmelya save us ...", he said just as he had before. And with one quick burst of speed, he ripped his round shield from its strap, held it fast, and unsheathed his damascus steel. "Danakisu", and his enchanted belt buckle would be awakened.

Straylor ran toward a single berserker, if he could find one, if not he'd have to fight them as they came. His purpose for the additional speed was obvious -- take them out before they could cross their line, and cause more deaths and more funerals. His eyes narrowed at the closest foe, his heart thumping like a wild drum, his veins springing into action as adrenaline coursed through them. In the corner of his eye, he saw the glint from Cyrus' blade, an unnatural light, and smiled. The thrashing sound of a giant was next to register, and Straylor found joy in the introduction of their battle. He had allies, maybe even friends.