17
I landed in the circle of torches; they blazed brightly against the dark sky. It always seemed to be night in Benyst's world. I paused for a moment, waiting for the inevitable squeal from Noiryn as she dashed around the hut to meet me, but all was silent in the clearing. I rolled my shoulders, feeling the sword move against my back, and walked towards the hut.
All the curtains were drawn, and as I walked around to the front of the hut, I discovered the curtain that acted as a door was also pulled tight. Weird. The only time I'd ever seen a curtain pulled was when I took a shower out back. Usually, everything was left open so the rare jungle breeze could flow through. I stepped back from the door and called out.
"Benyst?"
I heard a feminine gasp, a thud, and a deep grunt. So
