Kriki's Gift, Chapter XXIX, Reading 12

His command spurred men into activity, but fear certainly added to the speed with which the men jumped to their tasks.  Minds and souls had been singed by the Valkea's attack and no one wanted to linger here and chance a repeat of the experience.  Soon all those who had collapsed were loaded on to the wagons alongside the wounded.  The bodies of dead horses were pulled out of the way of the wagons and left on the side of the road.  There were several horses that had been wounded too severely to continue on - they would have to be left behind for others to care for once the battle was over.  Their riders joined the soldiers on the wagons.

As the men worked, Carra looked up the line to see if she could spot Darrine.  Since tall men surrounded her, it took her some effort to see around them to spot the watcher.  It was with a sense of relief that she finally saw Darrine mounted on Moonbeam.  Both appeared to have survived the attack unharmed.

Carra then glanced upward to the light on the ledge above.  The glow was steadily growing in intensity and was now painfully bright to gaze at.  Even so, she couldn't keep her eyes from glancing at the light for just looking at it seemed to touch her soul in some mysterious fashion.  The dark and writhing horrors that had manifested in her thoughts were fading as if they were mere spots on the fabric of her soul and were being bleached by the intensity of the summer sun.   It was incredibly comforting to know that her beloved King and Queen were doing battle and apparently succeeding.

"My Lady, are you well?" Haxton asked again for he noted her expression was unfocused and distant.

"I am, Lieutenant," she replied as she turned her eyes to him and gave him a small smile.

"We'll be riding again shortly.  Are you ready?"

"I am," she remarked and took a deep breath as she pulled her mind back into clear focus for she knew the danger of their position.  "It is well that we will be leaving as soon as possible for the Valkea's fighters may be distracted at the moment, but that's not going to last.  When the Valkea is destroyed they're going to go insane with a thirst for revenge.  It would not do at all to be here when that happens."

Haxton smiled and bowed his head to her.  "Well stated, my Lady.  You've summarized our position very clearly."

She gave him a quick smile.

"Keep your wits about you, gentlemen for there are more fighters out there," the captain shouted.

Although Carra and Haxton couldn't really hear what Rodal was saying, it interrupted their low conversation.  They turned their attention to the front of the column.

"Move out - hand gallop," the captain ordered.  The command was repeated several times as it was passed through the ranks so all heard it.

Carra was relieved they were leaving this horrid place at a gallop, even though part of her was curious to know what was going to happen.  Her common sense overrode her curiosity, however. The ruse had worked and they'd successfully drawn out the Valkea so the King and Queen could destroy her.  She was proud that her suggestion had worked.  However, the Valkea's soul searing assault had left her feeling shaken and a bit vulnerable and she wouldn't feel safe until they were on the far side of Karlaz.