Dusk had noted those earlier: dozens of rope-bearing harpoons lined up near the edge of the island’s inner moat. He’d wondered at the purpose, but now it seemed evident. The soldiers quickly dipped the ends of the harpoons into a glowing liquid. A rank launched them at the Dakwara while she was distracted by gunfire, then held to the ropes.
They weren’t trying to kill her, if such a thing were possible, only hold her down. Clever indeed. At least if his people were going to be conquered, it would be by competent soldiers.
“Dusk!” Starling said, emerging from the chaos and running for him. “What are you doing?”
“In the histories,” he said over the noise, “it is said you must never run from the Dakwara. Her body extends through the entire ocean, and she can be anywhere she wishes. Only confidence and bravery will allow you to survive—and only if she is impressed enough to spare you.” He looked at Starling, noting how frantic she seemed. “But those are just our stories. You think they are silliness.”
“I didn’t say that,” she replied.
“No, you didn’t. Thanks to some learning I’ve done these last years, however, I can understand what people don’t say.” He turned back as the Dakwara reared, easily lifting the dozen soldiers trying to restrain her. They shouted and fell. It had been a valiant effort.
“Shards,” Starling said. “Some of those were wearing medallions to increase their weight tenfold—and it lifted them like dolls…” She waved for Dusk to join her beside a large chunk of obsidian coral jutting from the ground nearby.

Isles of the Emberdark Chapter 54