Chapter 4: Confrontation

Raoul and I galloped faster and faster, away from the Opera House, and towards the…forest. I suddenly heard other hooves apart from the sounds of the ones under me and suddenly looked around. I saw a black stallion, it was Cesar. Erik was following us.

"Raoul, he's right behind us! What are we going to do?"

"It's alright. Hold on!" He said as he urged his horse faster and faster on.

"Hurry Raoul, he's gaining on us!" I cried in desperation. We cantered through the dense, dark forest, but it was like a maze. We would ride and ride and think we were getting somewhere, but then we would hit a dead end. We rode through a few swamps and bogs, jumped over logs and fallen trees, but it seemed we were getting no where. And Erik was still on our tale. What would he do if he caught us? Would he really keep his promise? As I was thinking I didn't notice how rough the terrain was getting, and Raoul's horse accidentally hit a log wrong and his hove got caught. I then felt a sudden jerk behind me and felt myself being flung through the air. I landed hard on a rock and was dazed for a moment and my side really hurt. Could I get up?

"Christine! I'm coming. Don't move." Cried Raoul. But before he could get to me someone else did.

"Hello Christine." Erik whispered in my ear. He then sat me up and got out his sword. He walked forward and of what I could comprehend started to duel with Raoul. The injury on my side now really started to blaze and sting. The pain now was unbearable. I cried out in agony hoping one of them would come and south me, but neither of them did. They just kept fighting, like little boys. I saw Raoul make a big gash on Erik's arm, and then Erik returned the favor on Raoul's check.

"STOP!" I cried, and I was surprised that they actually did stop. They both looked at me and back at each other. "I…I really need some help. Please stop fighting and…" I then collapsed because the pain was so bad and said no more, but I wasn't totally unconscious. I heard footsteps rushing towards me and I felt myself being lifted up and placed on a horse. I again felt the movement of the horse under me and slightly opened my eyes. I saw Raoul, one arm holding me and one arm still fighting Erik, who I noticed was on the horse beside us. I quickly closed my eyes again and tied to block out the sounds, but it didn't work. I could still hear the pounding of hooves, the clanging of swords, and the rustling of the trees in the wind. This was too many sounds for my mind to comprehend at once. Suddenly, I heard Erik cry out in agony and then the pounding of hooves lowered and we seemed to be slowing down. This time I fully opened my eyes and saw three things. One was Erik lying on the ground cradling his gushing arm. Two, Raoul on the ground clutching what appeared to be his hand, which had two fingers missing and he was also clutching his other wrist which apparently was broken because it was sticking out at a weird angle.

"Raoul! Are you alright?" I cried. I then wanted to console Erik as well, but I couldn't get myself to do it…like his, my emotion for him appeared to be now gone. I tried to get up and go to him, but my injury wouldn't let me do it. I tried once more again, but my body failed me once more.

"Er…ik?" I asked hesitantly. He did not reply. I then saw him, in one swift movement, get on Cesar, grab the reins with his good arm, and ride off into the darkness. I came back to reality, and looked down at Raoul who needed my help. As a result I scooted off the horse and thumped onto the ground. Next, I again scooted myself over to him and tore off a piece of my cloak. With that piece, I wrapped it around Raoul's two end fingers which where now stubs and surprisingly not that bloody.

"Are you alright dear?" I asked soothingly.

"I…I think so. Yes, I am fine apart from my hand, I'm good. But you are not. We need to go and get you help." He said as he lifted me and up and placed me on the horse. He next got up behind me and wrapped his arm around my waist, supporting me so I wouldn't fall. When we where all settled we rode away into the darkness, after Erik and on our way to the Opera Populair to get some aid for me. We rode faster and faster as Raoul was very concerned about my well being. His grip on me never slackened, even though I could also feel myself slipping and also his missing fingers trying to do what they couldn't do anymore.

"Christine, how are you?" He asked me with a gentle tone.

"I'm getting along, its just I think…my hip is broken, and Raoul it hurts and I don't know how much longer I can last."

"It's alright just hold on, where almost there." He assured me.

"But how are you and how is your hand?" I asked in between winces.

"I'll live, it's just two fingers." Raoul replied with a smirk. I giggled. I could always count on Raoul to lift my spirits in any situation. As we went along I could feel the earth us turn from grassy, soft underbrush, to hard cobble stones as we finally reached the Opera House.