If she dies, your purpose is defeated.

ZADOK

Where is she? I wondered as I trudged through the dark forest alone.

I heard the snap of a branch, and turned to see a giant spider walking towards me with the intent to kill me.

Not today. I thought and immediately picked up a large, strong tree branch. Before it could get to me, I charged towards it and hit it severally till it reduced to tiny pieces on the floor.

I threw the branch as I continued my search for Ithra. I can’t believe she wandered off on her own. What exactly did she think going off to her death?

I followed her trail eastward, carrying a decent tree branch, just in case anyone else tried something funny, hoping I got to her before danger did.

“Zadok...” I heard a voice behind me, and I turned around with a swift movement.

Nobody. There was nobody behind me.