Burryaga leapt up into the air, too, taking his turn slashing at the rathtar tentacles—but one thick tendril wrapped around the Wookiee’s midsection, holding him in its powerful grip.

Elzar thought fast. Jumping up toward the rathtars might save time, but it also made for vulnerability midair. Instead he dashed to the service ladder on the side; normally hidden within a maintenance shaft, it had been exposed in the newly cavernous space of the cargo bay when they’d collapsed the walls. He climbed as quickly as he could, desperate to reach Burryaga before more harm was done.

Burryaga, however, wasn’t done defending himself. He extended his claws to the fullest—a sight Elzar had never seen before, and a fearsome one—to slash at the rathtar that held him. It screeched in pain and let go.


Star Wars The High Republic The Fallen Star Chapter 28