Chapter 59

Alicia and the others stood frozen with fear for a moment.

They knew that they would have to run, to retreat, to fall back and accept defeat for the moment. But the horror of watching Elaine be dragged away, held by the queen's magic unnerved them. They all stood paralyzed to the forest floor.

The old, tired flames of Jasmine crackled around them. Smoke filled the air and threatened to choke Alicia. Soldiers who had been knocked out by Nicole were slowly returning to their senses. The world seemed a black and orange nightmare, as the dark sky hung low and ominous, bearing down on them, and the fires were reflected in the clouds.

"We have to move," whispered Alicia.

The others were too stunned to say anything. Watching Elaine be taken away had been like a blow to the chest or having their feet knocked out from under them.

"Where?" hissed Maria. "We have nowhere to go. If you don't remember, we are fugitives on the run from the law."