The first sliver of dawn light speared through Randall's eyelids, dragging him reluctantly from the clutches of unconsciousness. A groan escaped his lips as his head throbbed with a dull ache. He blinked, trying to focus his blurry vision.
He found himself sprawled on a bed of damp grass, the familiar scent of pine needles and damp earth filling his nostrils.
Panic clawed at his throat. Where was he? How did he get here?
He sat up, wincing at the sharp pain that lanced through his skull.
His puzzled gaze scanned the environment, resting on the figures lying beside him - Aldric, Kellan, and Merikh.
They also stirred, their faces pale and drawn, as they sat up in confusion.
"What happened?" Kellan rasped, his voice hoarse, looking around the familiar environment, "How did we get her
