He dropped his crossbow when he stumbled, and it was just beyond his reach.
The growling was too loud now, too close. He'd barely spun himself onto his back fast enough to kick at the torso of the creature, sending it tumbling back just barely.
He reached frantically for his knife as he saw it lunge at him once again.
That's when it was suddenly on the ground next to him - the growling stopped. And he registered the vision of Carol standing above him. Holding a shovel, and breathing heavily.
He barked a laugh of relief, and took her hand.
