I had stalked and crept my way back towards our horses. Most of the arrows in the quiver I had taken were stuck in either friend or foe that had the misfortune to come at me with violence. My cloak was long lost underneath the trampling of men’s feet.

A few horses scream with pain or entrapment as others roam riderless. The noise pains my ears. I hope Sean still has Toad, which causes a low mad giggle. Of all the things to be concerned about… I must be losing more blood than I thought.

I have not had enough to properly wrap my wound given by the wizard. A new wave of cherry red colors is leaking down my side to soak my breeks. Stumbling, the lights want to fail before my eyes. I feel a strong pull towards the remaining mist. I’m almost there. I can see Keu and Baine standing ‘round Sean. My eyes must be playing tricks on me as I look again to the mist. It isn’t time, they haven’t come to collect me. My shadow falls over Sean, but Baine is quicker to my side. I just want to fall down as I feel their collective energies…sadness…hurt…loss…

Baine releases me into Sean’s arms and he tells me that we’re going home. His home. Nion is dead. Hadaig is dead. All for what gain? We didn’t leave with coin, jewelry, horses, leather or even grain! Baine has gotten Keu’s arm slung tightly to his chest. Healers always seem to be able to put aside their own feelings, when others need tending. Sean strips a length off his cloak to tighten on my wound. I nearly pass out with the blood loss and pain that causes. Where is Lasair I ask as we are all mounted and leaving the ravens to their grisly meal. No one answers and I must have not spoken aloud. Toad chirps from somewhere on Sean. I want to weep and wail for the lost lives. Instead my eyes close for the ride home.

Back on the road a lonely figure is seen, a gray horse knickers to our party as she trots over with a few cuts of her own. My other mare has found her party, packs lost. The lonely figure stands in the middle of the road with her hands on her hips. I have not the strength to open my eyes and I’m too tired to hear the exchange being wrapped tightly to Sean in what’s left of his cloak…