The forest spins like a nightmare carnival ride. All around her are frightening faces in the dark, and screams of terror and pain. A brief conversation with Macabre soothed some of the fear, and relieved her of the shock of her encounter with Elvira, but now Rowena finds herself alone in the darkened wood, whispering "I love you." after the retreating form of Macabre.

Where are Dances, Echo, Eastwise and the newborn?

Rowena picks a direction and launches into a trot. She presses on, ignoring the sting of thorny undergrowth tearing at her legs. Her mane and tail are a dark and wild mess just like tonight. She is bruised and battered, and covered in fresh bite marks. Bare patches of skin catch the light and blood oozes from a shallow wound on the underside of her neck.

As is turns out, she is not far from Dances. Her purposeful approach finds Dances gathered with the newborn colt and two others she doesn't recognize. Rowena slows her pace and makes her way towards them at an eager walk. Her ears are forward and eyes intent on her mate. Concern is written across her face, but she never gets the chance to greet Dances with Wolves.

For second time this evening she finds herself back on the Ridge in a time gone by. A face so much like her father's appears before her. His face twists with the same kind of rage that would twist Vodnik's. Rowena mirrors his expression and braces herself for an attack that never comes. Dances throws himself between them, and takes the blow. The draft's hooves connect with Dances' shoulder with a sickening crack that echoes off the trees around them.

Rowena gasps, but before she can go after their assailant, he is retreating into the darkness and Dances is muttering "It's ok." into the anxious air. He turns to her to check her for injuries, as she does the same. Hot tears begin to fall. "Are you okay?" she asks, addressing his shoulder with a gentle touch of her lips. "Who was that? I'll kill him." Rowena growls. A blow to Dances hurts more than any blow to herself.

Dances asks about Echo. She casts a wandering eye around their clearing. Echo and Eastwise are not among them. "I don't know." Rowena suddenly feels sick. Her heart races in her chest and her legs tremble beneath her. "We have to find her!" She exclaims. Her voice is high with panic. They can't leave Echo to fend for herself in this mess. If Rowena had known what tonight would bring, she never would have left Echo's side.