The agile spider-scorpions slipped between the humans, separating them from one another. Olorus and Hook used their shields to protect the princess as Zechariah pressed the attack, spinning to slice at the creatures on all sides. One jumped, and he hacked off two legs in midair, sending its maimed body spiraling.

One charged at Justin. Its crabby legs skittered across the floor, and it lunged for him. He stumbled backward. In mid-fall, he gritted his teeth and maneuvered his sword ...