Chapter 9: Help

Daine woke up early in the afternoon the next day. Knowing Numair would sleep all day and most of the next, she carefully unwrapped her arms and sat up. Smiling, she brushed the hair from his face and stood.

Looking around, she saw Cloud behind them. Last night when Daine and Numair fell asleep, Cloud made a post for herself so she could stand watch.

"Good morning," Daine said cheerfully.

Good morning to you two, Cloud said. You two were as cute as colts in spring last night.

Blushing deeply Daine said, "Cloud!"

Yes, yes. Of course it's not my business, the pony replied. Anyway, the Badge came last night. He saw you two were fine and went to fetch someone.

"Who?" asked Daine puzzled.

I'm not sure but I think it's help.

Well, I won't find out until he-or they-come back, she thought. With a shrug, she said, "What am I supposed to do 'till then?"

I don't know. Check the animals, Cloud suggested.

"I will," Daine said and walked onto the road. She sat at the edge near the old barn and let her magic out. Like the Badger said, immortals were killing too many animals and making most of the others sick.

When her magic went as far as it could go, she wanted to kill Perin more than ever. There were just enough animals in her range that she could put them all in one house. She estimated that two out of five animals were ill.

With a heart-heavy sight, she called the animals that could come to her. Though she didn't want to say or think it, she knew that the others wouldn't have a chance. Daine healed animal after animal with tears in her eyes. She even had to apologize to many of them because of the tears that fell.

At sundown, she finished her last patient. When she opened her eyes, Daine found most of the animals surrounding her. All of them wanted to say 'thank you' at the same time. After a lot of coaxing and petting, she got them to set out for home.

While healing, Daine didn't notice her new company arrive. Now that she was done, she could've fainted in relief. Luckily, years with he King's Own had taught her to control herself. Alanna the Lioness and a group of the King's Own were standing around the old barn. A fire pit was made in the middle of all the ash. A large pot was placed on top and was cooking something that smelled delicious. Tents were placed in a horseshoe shape around the fire, some with a magic glow. Out of one of the tents emerged Onua the Horsemistress.

"Onua!" Daine cried. Daine ran towards her first Tortall friend and tackled her. Laughing, Onua got her balance back and returned the fierce hug.

When Daine's tears were done, Daine released her and smiled. They didn't need words to show hoe they felt, which was just as well; neither of them could speak. They stood for a moment laughing at unspoken words.

Just as the knot in her throat disappeared, Daine saw Alanna walking toward them.

"Alanna!" Daine cried. Onua smiled and stepped out of the way as Daine walked faster and faster toward the Lioness. Like she did to Onua, she slammed into Alanna and cried tears of joy. Being a page, Alanna didn't falter but smiled as Daine tried to get under control.

"It's alright. We're here now," she assured.

Letting go, Daine wiped her eyes and returned the smile. "Look at you! When was the last time you ate?" Alanna demanded.

Daine chuckled. "Well, I didn't really have time. I've been busy."

"Yes, so I've heard," Alanna grimaced.

"The Badger told you everything?" Daine guessed.

Alanna nodded and sighed. "Well, we'll talk about that later. For now, let's eat"

Walking toward the fire, Daine looked at the place where she slept. "Where's Numair? How is he?" Daine asked suddenly scared.

It was Alanna's turn to chuckle. "He's fine. He's in one of the healing tents," she said pointing to a tent with a dark blue glow. "You can see him later. I guess you two had a sweet little talk last night?"

Daine could do nothing but look at her feet and blush. Daine ate her warm porridge and bread while listening to Alanna talk about things at the Swoop.

It was getting dark when hey started putting up their things. Daine was making her tent when she felt an immortal approaching.

"Weapons!" she yelled as the Stormwing came into view. It was the same male Stormwing that helped Perin.

"Don't bother humans. I have a message from Perin. Either you come now," he pointed a steel wing at Daine, "or he kills the animals and takes you." He waited a moment then continued. "Your answer? I don't have all night."

Daine spat on the ground near him. "Tell your owner he'll never get his hands on me. But I will see him soon and I'll make him pay for what he's done."

The Stormwing smiled, showing she razor sharp teeth. "We were hoping you would say that."

He turned his head to face the heavens as if to scream but didn't. The green stone on his chest glowed brighter and brighter, blinding everyone. Daine stared at the stone, unable to move. Finally, the stone's light stopped and the only light was the moon.

As the Stormwing flew away, Daine collapsed on the floor.