[Beruthiel]

The slaves rushed to find their hiding places among the trees and bushes. Santiara pushed through the vegetation as quietly and fast as possible. She found a bush which was about three quarters of her height and stooped behind it. She was in the shadows and the trees above blocked most of the moonlight but as the wind blew, the trees would sway and a sliver of light would land on her. She looked up and whispered to no one in particular please help me. Help us all..

Through some gaps in the dark leaves she was able to see the clearing and if she stood up would have a clear shot at anything that was down there. She could hear the others scurrying around on the ground getting into place. All they had to do now was wait.

Her heart was beating faster and faster, now this time they would confront the hunters straight on. Not like before when they could run away. If they didn't beat them, it would be over. She shuddered at the thought of how it would end.

The wood was silent now, everyone was crouching and waiting. Santiara breathed in deeply but even that seemed to be too loud. She peeked through the leaves again, still nothing was happening. Only Turos was visible, he was lying on the ground, pretending to be helpless but in their situation Santiara didn't really think he needed to pretend. Turos was going to be the bait for the hunters. It pained Santiara to see him all alone, simply waiting for the hunters to come. She knew if anyone, he was the most likely to die. She looked away, unable to look at the man who was basically sacrifing himself for all of them.