The sudden appearance of the crag salamander made the younger guards react with an instant fear. This was one of the beasts that they were warned not to face since they were not strong enough. Specifically because of the tough rocky armor that naturally grew scales on the crag salamanders.
The fact that the crag salamander was an offshoot of a beast that Clark knew all too well did not sit well with him. He knew he would most likely see other beasts like what the oldest Mourne family son had. Like the beast that had killed his parents.
However, he had not realized how much he had failed to control his own anger. He had trained harder and harder. Built relationships with trusted people around him. Formed connections to prepare for an all out battle and take Nova back from the control of those that didn't even value human life. Let alone beast life.
drop those golden tickets!