She belonged to him as utterly as the stars belonged to the skies.

In his arms she would find life--or death.
He was braced for the fight.

His mind, riding over its first fears, began to shape itself for action even as he turned back toward the edge of the forest.

Until then he had not thought of the other cabin--the cabin which Bram and he had passed on their way in from the Barren.

His heart rose up suddenly in his throat and he wanted to shout.