Chapter 40: Seth's Return, Part 3

When sleep finally found him, it was a broken, restless sleep. Seth could see Briana before him, as she looked directly into his eyes. Seth pulled her gently to him. Then Briana looked over his shoulder, with fear prominent in her eyes. Seth knew that danger lurked behind them.

He wheeled around as quickly as he could, keeping Briana behind him. He reached for the sword that he knew would be between his shoulder blades. He drew it and looked into the darkness behind them to see what had frightened her as she clung tightly to his arm.

It was dark and hard to see, as there was no moon and the only illumination came from the stars. But after a moment, Seth's eyes adjusted and he could see the shadowy figure of a man moving slowly toward them, stalking. Seth knew instinctively that it was Dracon.

"Stay behind me," Seth called to Briana, placing his arms up to keep her safely behind him. He could feel her hands clutching gently to his broad back and muscular arms.