The earth shook, dirt rose and the ogre turned dumb-struck. Its body rose from the ground and Beverly fell from its claws. A man took her in his arms and covered her with his dark green cloak. "Y...you?" she muttered feebly.
His moss-green hair was matted with sweat and dirt. His lips turned to a smile but his eyes raged. He wanted to say lots of things. He wanted to say that she was going to be fine but she wasn't. He wanted to say that she was safe but it was pointless. "Sorry we were late," he said and tears flowed from her eyes.
Riley took her to the tree where Hamilton lay. His hand was torn from his body. Blood pooled from his mouth, nose and wounds.
"Bran, the God of medicine. To you I plead, a life lies here in need of care. Take my body and grant him health," Fern chanted near him. She knew it was in vain. She can only heal minor wounds, she cannot reattach severed limbs or close severe wounds.
