Chapter 28

Elaine reacted instantly, her training in the woods had sharpened her reflexes. There was a look of wild hatred in Maria's eyes, and Elaine had never seen anger so strong coming from such a small body. 

They plunged to the ground. Elaine quickly rolled over and used her weight to her advantage. Because she wanted Maria to be her friend and not her foe, she did not use magic to subdue her; besides, in that split second of struggle, Elaine thought it would not be fair to be released from magic, then be submitted to it once again. 

Elaine grabbed Maria's hands and thrust them over her head in a move Renard had taught her. She had pinned Maria down, and was sitting on top of her chest. She reached down, grabbed her knife, and held it up. 

"Be still," commanded Elaine. "I am not here to hurt you, I am here to rescue you."

Maria panted, looking at the knife and Elaine. Slowly, she seemed to realize that Elaine was an ally, not who she thought she was.