Feeling weakened, Angel began to sway on her feet. She felt all of the energy drained from her body.

Strider had just slain one of the beasts, and had seen what she had done. This confused him. He had thought her human. But now, he'd seen her do something so amazing, he had no idea what to think. Was she a sorceress? Had he been mistaken? Turning his attention to the beast that was left, he raised his sword, blocking the creatures strike. He was a master swordsman, but the creature was also well trained. The creature once again missed his mark, giving Strider the chance he needed. He swung his sword, lobbing his opponent's head off its body. As the body fell to the ground, he turned to see what had happened to the girl. She was crumbled in a heap on the ground. Running to her, her gently turned her over. Seeing that she was breathing, and quite relieved at that, he carefully took her in his arms, and with a quick glance around, left to find shelter.

When Angel awoke, it was dark. The sun had set completely, leaving a curtain of darkness to surround the forest. Hearing a sound, she sat up and turned. To her left a bit, a fire blazed. Thinking she was alone, fear quickly seeped in. Another noise off in the trees, produced Strider. He hadn't left her. Feeling a strong wave of relief, she stood. Almost falling, she struggled to regain her balance. Soon Strider had a firm grip on her arm, keeping her standing.
" I'm all right." She said crabbily. She pulled her arm free and nearly fell again.

He gripped her arm once more. " Yes. You seem perfectly well." He responded sarcastically.

She glared at him, but allowed him to continue supporting her. She even leaned on him a bit. " What happened?" she asked him.

" What do you remember?" He walked her to a nearby tree and slowly set her down.
" I remember three ugly things. I remember…Oh my god! My sister!"
She cried frantically. She tried to stand again. Again, she nearly fell on her face.

Strider took hold of her shoulders and knelt down, bringing himself close to her face. Looking in her eyes he told her," Be at ease. I can imagine the worry that you are feeling, but it is dark. We cannot wander the woods."

Her lower lip quivered and her eyes glistened with tears

He ever so gently placed his hands on either cheek. " Do not fear. We will find your sister. Tomorrow we will continue our search, when there is light. You've had quite a day. You need rest."

She was prepared to argue again, then saw the sense in his words. She nodded. She lay down and

tried to find a comfortable position. She closed her eyes only to open them again to see where he'd gone. She could see him the short distance away, adding some more wood to the fire. How could she rest? Here, in this strange place, filled with these horrible beings. Her thoughts drifted to her sister and tears threatened to come. Pushing those thoughts away, she remembered the site she had first seen when she and her sister had found themselves there. She prayed a little. For rest, for her sister, and for protection on both of them from what was to come. She needed sleep. She knew it would not come.

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