Trial by Fyra

Author's note: This follows Predator and Prey (P2)

Naythan knew that he was in trouble. More now than when the Dryad had been powering her witch-fire at him.

The Dryad looked glassy eyed and her expression was vacant in Lor'kan's grip, but most especially the distinct glow in her eyes had faded nearly to the point of being entirely extinguished. "Now," the Brother continued still addressing the Dryad, "are you ready to calm down, or do you wish to remain like this?"

Naythan saw the Dryad's expression change from vacant to furious as Lor'kan appeared to slacken his control over her body, the glow returned visible again, though not nearly as bright as before. She threw her gaze at the Brother and Naythan thought he saw the glow struggle to become brighter before fading back again and Lor'kan just shook his head. "Don't bother, you are not nearly strong enough to overpower me yet, besides, I can feel how nearly spent you are. If you are not careful, we both know what will happen to you. So, one final time girl. Are you ready to behave?"

The Dryad's jaw worked as though she wanted to speak, but she just gave a short, sharp nod.

"Good girl." and with that the Dryad collapsed to the ground in a heap as Lor'kan finally dropped his control over her.

With that Lor'kan put his full attention onto Naythan. "What happened here boy? I tell you to bring her to me after the surgeon and instead I find you fighting in the depths of the forest. Explain yourself."

Naythan felt the instinct to squirm under the Brother's gaze but instead stood to attention. "She took me by surprise sir, somehow she got free of the chains and she knocked me down on my way to you. I pursued and engaged in an attempt to recapture her before you came and subdued her sir."

"Why did you not sound the alarm as soon as she escaped?"

"I thought I had it under control sir."

"Why?"

"Why sir?" Naythan asked, becoming nervous at where the interrogation was leading.

"Yes. You were pursing a magic user without backup either with you or on the way. Sergeants of the Cloenaid are fine soldiers but they are no match for a sorceress. So I ask again, why did you pursue her?"

"It was a spur of the moment decision sir, madness and blind instinct."

Lor'kan stared hard at Naythan for a moment before spinning around, "Fine you want to play clever boy, I can play clever."

He stalked over to the Dryad and Naythan began to feel the fear replace the blood pumping through his system. Lor'kan stood the girl up, she growled and struggled in his grip but he just shook her, "Listen to me Dryad, kill that sergeant and I will let you go free."

Both Naythan and the Dryad looked at the Brother in shock, "Sir..." Naythan tried, but Lor'kan just turned to him next, "Kill the Dryad and you can go back to camp and nothing more on the matter will be said."

Naythan couldn't speak for the shock, this was the last thing he had expected from this evenings events. He had been ready to turn in for the night when this whole thing started, now he was in a fight for his life!

"I don't believe you." The Dryad said to Lor'kan.

"It doesn't matter. If I'm lying then you will be back in camp regardless of whether you kill the boy or not. But if I am telling the truth, this shall be your last chance at freedom. Are you willing to fight for your life girl?"

The Dryad thought for a moment, and then nodded and turned her baleful gaze on Naythan, her eyes began to glow.

"Sir I'm sorry I..."

Before he could finish, the Dryad unleashed her assault, and Naythan saw the fiery stream blaze towards him once again, Lor'kan stood aside and watched.

To be continued in A turn of Fate