Chapter 30

Then I was aware of another of these monstrous insects flying low over the water. As it neared the conflict, its head drew back into a neck-like collar, which shone with a metallic lustre, similar to that of the wing-sheathes. The front pair of sheathes lifted and adjusted their positions, till they formed a vertical shield to the advancing monster. The blue lightnings, under no visible controls, grouped and advanced through the air to meet their new adversary. Swiftly as an eyelid winks, a glow of petunia-red ap…