It had taken several hours to find an aerial crane big and strong enough to handle the rescue operation. Powerful lights were brought to the site to illuminate the helicopter as it dangled dangerously in the large trees. So far, the rescue had become a massive undertaking.
Once the aerial crane arrived members of the Search and Rescue team climbed up the trees alongside the damaged helicopter and placed strong cable around the aircraft. The plan was, once the cable was secure, the aerial crane would fasten its gigantic hook onto the heavy steel rope, lift the helicopter off its perch and set it safely down on the ground.
"We're wasting time here, Dupe!" Evan said anxiously as he watched the rescue team do their job. "We've got to find Danny!"
"Don't you think I know that?" Dupe shot back angrily. "Those people needed our help. What did you expect me to do, leave them up there and hope for the best? Do you think Alice would appreciate it if we just left her brother hanging in the trees?"
"No," Evan said. "It's just that we can't really do anything to help."
"You keep telling me not to talk down to you, not to talk to you like you're a kid, then stop acting like one and start acting like a man! We have to see this through, Evan!" Dupe shouted and marched off.
Evan sighed and followed Dupe. "Dupe, I'm sorry. I just meant that everything seems to be under control here. We should now concentrate on finding Danny and Alice."
"Look, it's too late. We can't find them in the dark, can we? We'll have to wait until morning. Danny can take care of himself and he'll take care of Alice!" Dupe said aggravated and walked off again.
By now Rowan and Vanessa had been trapped in the cockpit for over six hours. They knew the rescue team had been working feverishly to secure the helicopter but it didn't make their circumstances any easier. Vanessa's legs were becoming stiff, her shoulders and neck ached and the bump on her head was causing a massive headache.
Vanessa didn't want to appear weak, but a tear managed to escape and fell upon her cheek. She brushed it away quickly before Rowan noticed. As hard as she tried to keep her emotions hidden Rowan sensed her fear.
"How are you holding up?" Rowan asked.
"I'm fine. I just want them to hurry up and get us out of here!" Vanessa said.
"They're doing their best," Rowan took Vanessa's hand. "It shouldn't be much longer before we're on the ground. We're in this together, right?"
Vanessa smiled. "Right...okay...you can let go of my hand now."
"Did it ever occur to you that maybe I need to be comforted?" Rowan teased.
Vanessa chuckled. "You, need to be comforted?"
"Yes, me. You don't know this but I'm a very sensitive guy," Rowan said jokingly. "I'm as frightened as you are. If you checked my underwear you'd probably find skid marks."
Vanessa's mouth dropped open in shock; she then burst out laughing. She laughed so hard tears ran down her face.
"So, if you don't mind, I'd like to hold on to your hand," Rowan said and held Vanessa's hand to his heart.
Vanessa finally caught her breath and wiped the tears from her face. "Thanks, Rowan. I needed that."
Rowan smiled. "Anytime."
Suddenly the helicopter shifted violently. Vanessa let out a cry and threw her arms around Rowan's shoulders.
"They're getting ready to lift the helicopter. Are you all right?" Rowan asked.
Vanessa sat back into her seat. "Yes!"
Rowan tightened his hold on Vanessa's hand. "Close your eyes and don't let go of my hand. It'll be over soon."
Vanessa followed Rowan's instructions. She held her breath as the helicopter shifted again. Broken branches crashed to the ground as the aircraft was lifted up through the trees. Moments later the aerial crane gently set the helicopter on the ground on its landing skids.
In the cockpit Vanessa kept her eyes shut. "You can open your eyes now," Rowan said. "We're on the ground."
Vanessa opened her eyes and let out a yelp of delight. They were helped out of the cockpit and rushed to a waiting ambulance. Dupe and Evan were there waiting for them.
"Rowan, Vanessa, glad you made it down safely. Are you guys okay?" Dupe asked.
"A little shaken, but we're fine," Rowan said.
"Thanks for all your help," Vanessa kissed Dupe and Evan on the cheek.
"We didn't do much," Dupe said.
Rowan shook Dupe's hand. "Sorry to have taken you away from the search. If you wouldn't mind I'd like to come with you now."
"Well, we can't do much tonight," Dupe said. "We'll start fresh in the morning. Besides, the two of you need to go and get some rest."
"What are you going to do now?" Rowan asked.
"Me and Evan are going to camp out tonight. We'll start searching as soon as it's light."
"Would it be all right if I joined you?" Rowan asked.
"Sure, if you're up to it."
"My sister's out there, Mr. Du Plessis. I won't rest until we find her," Rowan said.
Dupe nodded in agreement. Rowan turned to the paramedic. "She got a nasty bump on her head. Make sure she's okay?"
"Of course," the paramedic replied.
Rowan placed his hands on Vanessa's shoulders. "We'll let you know once we find them."
Vanessa nodded and watched the three men get into the Land Rover and drive off.
Alice pressed Danny's hand to her face. Their eyes met for a moment before Danny closed his eyes and his body went limp. Alice couldn't catch her breath!
"DANNY!"
Alice felt for a pulse and found it was weak. Danny was still holding on.
"Fight it, Danny! Do you hear me? Fight it!" Alice shouted.
A groan escaped Danny's lips. His hair was wet and a few strands were pasted to his forehead. Alice couldn't resist brushing his hair back and stroking his handsome face. Danny was fading quickly. She wanted to scream in her anger and frustration. She was helpless to do anything for Danny except to make him comfortable.
Alice flinched as the lion roared just outside the perimeter of their camp. She could see the large cat pacing back and forth as it tried to find a way into the campsite. Impatient and desperate the lion roared again. This was becoming too much for Alice! How was she going to keep Danny safe?
Danny found himself alone. "Sarah? SARAH!" He ran through the meadow in search of his beloved but she was gone! No! This couldn't be happening again!
Danny thought if he could get back to the top of the mountain, maybe then he could find Sarah. He rushed up to the summit. The mountaintop leveled off into a clearing.
"Sarah?" Danny shouted as he ran through the glade. Danny came to an abrupt halt. All of a sudden he felt as if his legs would give out on him. He was exhausted and he couldn't go any further. He bent over to catch his breath, his hands resting on his thighs. As he straightened he felt someone behind him. Sarah? As he turned he came face to face with a large male lion.
"HOBI?"
The lion roared angrily, raced toward Danny and attacked.
"NO! HOBI, DON'T! STOP!"
Danny thrashed in agitation for a few moments, mumbling incoherently. He became hysterical and brought his hands up to protect his face.
"NO! HOBI, DON'T! STOP!" Danny screamed, his arms flailing, fighting off the imaginary lion.
"Danny, you're all right!" As Alice tried to calm the injured man, his right arm accidentally struck her across the chest and sent her crashing to the ground.