Francis is not, by any means, a military man. He is fit, yes, and perfectly capable of holding his own in a fight if absolutely necessary, but he has no training and carries no weapon. He has, however, always been blessed with quick reflexes and excellent aim.
He doesn't hesitate, nor even think of running. When he sees the other man freeze, and the dark shadow advancing, he stoops at once and picks up a cobblestone, throwing it with all his might. It bounces squarely against the creature's eye with a wet thud, and the beast recoils, letting out a horrifying howl that echoes, ragged and furious, around the narrow street.
"Fire!" Francis tries to keep his voice calm, but he's all but shouting, bending to grope for another stone. He can see the other man is struggling, but stones aren't likely to see off something this size, and Fitzjames is the one with the gun.
2
He doesn't hesitate, nor even think of running. When he sees the other man freeze, and the dark shadow advancing, he stoops at once and picks up a cobblestone, throwing it with all his might. It bounces squarely against the creature's eye with a wet thud, and the beast recoils, letting out a horrifying howl that echoes, ragged and furious, around the narrow street.
"Fire!" Francis tries to keep his voice calm, but he's all but shouting, bending to grope for another stone. He can see the other man is struggling, but stones aren't likely to see off something this size, and Fitzjames is the one with the gun.