The jungle was quiet the next morning. Almost as if the whole world had stopped since Shantane left. Neivayka's heart squeezed tightly, thinking about how truly alone she was. Rubbing the ache in her chest, she stepped away from the cave entrance and climbed slowly down the short rock wall that was well hidden behind dozens of vines and tree branches.
Once on the ground, she turned and scanned the area cautiously, fully expecting to find a whole regiment of soldiers, or rather druagers, bursting from the trees. To be honest, she was almost disappointed when the only thing that scurried out from the trees were a few odd-looking lizards.
Shrugging off the sense of unease, she began to practice the fighting moves she was taught by Steval. The air around her seemed to twinkle. But she swept
