It is the second howl that draws Francis' attention, sends him darting out into the street despite the danger. The shots make him think that this other man can handle himself against one wolf... or bear, or boar, or whatever that great, shaggy form is. But now?
He cannot bear to stay inside any longer. Against the protests of his host, he rushes out of the pub at the end of the street, snatching up a poker from the hearth as he does so. There is more valour than wisdom in the act, certainly; he is a scholar and not a warrior, and truthfully has little idea of what he can do besides act as a distraction. But perhaps a distraction will be enough.
As the creature lunges again at Boromir, Francis dives at it, swinging the poker like a bat with all the strength in his wiry body. A surprising amount of strength, judging by the sickening, wet thud as the hook of the poker pierces the beast's bloodshot eye and the bone beneath. Breathless, shocked at himself and at his own ferocity, he yanks the bloodied poker back with another thick squelch, staggering back a couple of steps, his eyes wide.
2
He cannot bear to stay inside any longer. Against the protests of his host, he rushes out of the pub at the end of the street, snatching up a poker from the hearth as he does so. There is more valour than wisdom in the act, certainly; he is a scholar and not a warrior, and truthfully has little idea of what he can do besides act as a distraction. But perhaps a distraction will be enough.
As the creature lunges again at Boromir, Francis dives at it, swinging the poker like a bat with all the strength in his wiry body. A surprising amount of strength, judging by the sickening, wet thud as the hook of the poker pierces the beast's bloodshot eye and the bone beneath. Breathless, shocked at himself and at his own ferocity, he yanks the bloodied poker back with another thick squelch, staggering back a couple of steps, his eyes wide.