The pain comes quick before being replaced by the sickening warmth of blossoming wounds. You stain the ground you fall back onto.

"Your banner will be one of scarlet hues and bone white." Comes the lizard's voice, as close as a whisper in your ears.

"Raised in rememberance."

It hurts to stand against the insurmountable aura, as the mighty lizard bears down on you. The heat of an open maw like the embrace of the sun. Rounded pupils dialated to an impossibly small circle, the gaze of hunger.

You jab your spear forward as its teeth close around you.

You look over to the spear by your side. Splintered wood, cracked down to the stone head. You grasp it desperately in your hands, uncaring of the minute pain.

"You will have your place here." It begins again. The Earth quivers and bows to slow and heavy steps. "Under our reign."

"Did you think you walked alone in these woods?" The lacertian creature questions, its voice a low rumble that shakes through muscle and bone.

The ground before you is littered in the remains of your predecessors. Hunter's garments.

"We all watch you scramble for life."