[Aylwen Dreamsong]

After Jasara’s rescue by Ghurdan, the girl darted her way out of the major battlefield, fervently wishing for it all to be over. She had risked not only her own life, but also the life of Ghurdan. Perhaps she had sacrificed Ghurdan, even. Jasara stood on the lower ledges of the outcropping, overseeing the battle. Jasara knew she had been lucky, for she’d only been sliced in a few places before Ghurdan had come to the rescue. Dark red blood stained her tunic and breeches, seeping through the cloth. It could have been worse. She could have been killed.

Uri had gotten through several Painted Sand warriors before joining Jasara on the ledge. The two breathlessly and wordlessly watched the battle, as if they were part of neither side and were merely onlookers. They watched from the rear of the tribesman’s front of the battle, though sides had clearly been forgotten and meaningless when the two sides mixed for fighting.

Meanwhile, Khasia was in the midst of battle, using her spear to get through each foe. Occasionally she would pick up a lost weapon and use it as a surprise attack, but she was far too fatigued by then to hold a broadsword for more than a killing blow. Khasia went through a few very close calls, as most of her opponents were close to twice her size, but Khasia was destined to live through the battle. She knew it, and never gave up past every elder or warrior she fought. She fought calmly, using her agility as an extra weapon against larger men.

Nearing the ledged outcropping where Uri and Jasara stood motionless, Khasia finished off one more warrior before noticing something moving behind the stationary pair. What was it?

"Jasara! Uri!" Khasia cried, despite not knowing the threat. Her call came just a second late, as a huge dog leapt up and tackled Uri to the ground and three others began to encircle Jasara. Khasia sprinted up the ledge, spear in hand as she went to help Uri. The dog that was on top of Uri had proceeded to sink its teeth deep into Uri's left shoulder. At this attack Khasia stabbed the beast deep in the back several times before shoving it off of Uri.

Jasara had managed to shove away one dog for a moment longer, but the other two were ready to attack. Jasara dug her dagger deep into the chest of the first dog that attempted to attack her, but the dog was strong and swiped a clawed paw at Jasara's face as one last stand against the girl before it feel dead.

Uri leapt on top of one of the two dogs left, surprising the dog before the boy used all his strength to pull back the dog's neck. As Uri tried to snap the dog's neck, Jasara and Khasia took care of the last dog, with Khasia tossing her spear and Jasara throwing her dagger at and into the dog. When all four dogs were finished off, the three youngsters wordlessly returned to the battle.

[ August 24, 2003: Message edited by: Aylwen Dreamsong ]