Dairine's knees went weak. She grasped the railing of the platform with trembling hands. Ponch had found him. It was going to be all right. Somewhere in the back of her mind she knew that she shouldn't think like that way, that this ordeal was far from over. But it was hard to stop.
Nita laid a reassuring hand on Dairine's shoulder and called out a hello to Roshaun and Ponch. After seeing who it was, Ponch barked happily and Roshaun's face split into a smile. Nita was struck by his smile, because it was neither sardonic nor mocking, but genuine. He was truly glad to see them.
Kit had already started to climb down the tree. Nita and Dairine followed. When they reached the bottom, Dairine did something completely uncharacteristic. She ran over to Roshaun and hugged him. Roshaun looked stiff at first, then slowly put his arms around her and held her tightly.
It was a bittersweet moment, for all of them. Kit was happy to see Roshaun again, but he was also confused. It couldn't be this simple. Surely the Lone Power wouldn't allow them to just take Roshaun with them without a fight. It didn't make sense. Shouldn't they have run into the Lone Power before now? Kit wanted to be happy, but his every instinct was screaming at him that this was a trap.
When the truth hit Kit, it was staggering. He almost lost his balance. How could he have been so blind? Especially when he had seen this happen before! Kit forced himself to calm down and think. Maybe he was wrong. Please let me be wrong! He prayed.
Ponch and Nita had both noticed Kit's distress. What's wrong, boss? Ponch asked. Nita looked concerned. What is it? She inquired silently.
I'm…I'm not sure, Kit replied shakily, to both of them, it's just a feeling…well, more than that. I think I know why we haven't had any problems from the Lone Power so far, but I'd like Ponch to check my theory before we act. Ponch?
Yes, boss?
Could you help me out here?
Ponch lifted his nose and sniffed. He shook his head violently and the corners of his lips turned up to partially expose his teeth. He's here, Ponch confirmed.
Kit closed his eyes briefly. That was the answer he'd been afraid of.
What's happening? Nita asked more insistently.
Kit told her. When he finished, her eyes were as wide as saucers. What are we going to do?
"Nothing," Dairine said, "You're not going to do anything." She smiled a cruel smile and continued, "I made sure of that."
Roshaun was looking at her like she was crazy. "What are you talking about?"
Dairine laughed, but it wasn't her laugh. It had a wicked sort of delight in it that hadn't been there before. "Ah, Roshaun," she said, shaking her head, "poor, misguided Roshaun." She opened her palm. In it was the sunstone, but it was not the entirely the golden-yellow it had been when last seen. Instead, it was half dark, and hurt to look at.
Roshaun stepped back as though she had burned him. Maybe she had. His mouth hung open. Nita was just as flabbergasted. Kit decided to take charge. Ponch was standing and had his eyes trained on Dairine, growling softly.
"Fairest and fallen," Kit said, "greeting and defiance."