Shocked Into Action

"We don't have time for your childish antics! You'll put us all in danger. Now move, or we really will leave you behind." Diana said, a hard edge in her voice. The other girls looked on, shocked and frightened. They had all seen this side of Diana at times while in captivity. Along with Astra, she had been the most defiant of the captives and, also along with her cousin, was often...disciplined by their captors for their actions. She had even broken the head dungeonmaster's nose once. But this was the first time they had seen her anger turned on one of them, rather than the dragon or his servants.

Imelda gathered her composure as best she could. After what she'd been through, the urge to cry, to give up the fight, was overwhelming. But she fought it down. She had her pride as a woman and princess of Hespan, which had been temporarily awakened by the Aqualarian. "Very well, Lady Diana. I will follow."

Diana and Fred shared a glance. Fred understood right away what Diana had done. She had lit a fire under the Hespan princess, made her feel hurt and angry towards her, so she would forget her own sorrows long enough to move again. He shook his head and smirked.

Fred offered Imelda his shoulder for support, but Imelda was at this point in no mood to take help from anyone. She shook her head defiantly. "Thank you, but it will not be necessary. Look to your own princess instead. With her injured leg, she needs your support more than I."

So, with Exotica leaning against Fred for support, they set out again. For fear of discovery, they did not bear torches, and instead walked by the fading light of the moon. Fortunately, they all had fairly good night eyesight, having spent considerable time in the poorly lit dragon's caves. They stayed close to the stream's bank, following it in a general northerly direction.

1. They come upon an abandoned village. Most of the buildings have been reduced to cinders, a result of the dragon's attacks. But at least one still stands with minor damage, offering hope of shelter, and perhaps food or clothing.
2. They hear the gallop of hooves, and a group of riders on horseback overtake and surround them. Among them is a female armed with a bow and arrows. Diana eyes her suspicously.
3. A shadow passes overhead, and a flying creature dives out of the sky to attack them.

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