The crimson spike falls, grey, to the forest floor, iron dust spraying on top of it. The Redspine growled, circling Tondon. There was that strange feeling of empathy again. "I do not CARE about who wins or loses," it said. "But I do care about my survival. IF YOU PROVE YOURSELF, I will allow you to live, if you offer me any kind of meat. I will not be like my masters, forcing you to hunt your own. Anything will suffice. But only if you are worthy."
It paused, then lunged at Tondon from the side, jaws wide. Spines bristled on its back as they shot into the air.