Laelaer's disarm drew a cheer from the crowd, and Thorus' actions, while less flashy, displayed good solid competence, which went over well. Alec played the fool, which drew a few laughs, and everyone seemed to be getting into the show, but then it was over, Thorus disarming Alec of his sword. Then Glaffin said his piece, everyone turned to look, and the people nearest jumped backwards, scurrying out of the scorpion's way.

Skittering forward, clicking its claws, the menacing ice creature drew a gasp from Glaffin's own captive audience. The young man had moved out of the way of the spell, and was watching bug-eyed as the creature threatened one of the villagers who was too slow to move with its tail. Laelaer jumped in, seemingly just in time to rescue the poor fellow, delivering a solid blow that sent hairline cracks jittering along the scorpion's frozen carapace. The crowd was giving them a lot wider berth, now that there seemed something actually worth fighting. Captain Danvers had stepped out of the jail to watch, his battered longsword in his hand, while Tallhelm and the mayor had retreated back around the corner of a wagon, the merchant shooting worried glances in the direction of his employees.