Where was Sven?My stomach twisted, blood screaming through my body. I shook as the dust washed down the hallway. I had to keep focused on the illusion... I had to keep them moving. But ... How much longer could we keep battling this brute. We weren’t hurting it.“TRICK!” bellowed the ogre, the entire inn shaking.“Brother,” I whispered.EalaínMy war ax slashed and hissed before me, clanging against Antrevia’s slenderer sword. The midnight-black woman fell back. The building shook around us. The ogre. I am, of course, aware of your situation and don't want to say anything to upset you. If I say or do anything that might be inappropriate please feel free to correct me." I have been in jail for the last eight years, Grady. I am pretty well calloused about the whole thing. Don't worry about my feelings. By the way, how is Mrs. Stevens?" Not something I want to talk about. Shall we just say that things could be better?" Sorry, but that is the reason I came to see you. I have to talk to you about. It was the same question for all of them. Did he make it? Was he floating downstream face up or face down? There was a feeling in the air that his fate would be the same for anyone who followed.Most of the group were tethered by rope, and it was relatively quick work separating one from another. One by one, they went over the ledge into the river as the howling of the dogs came closer.Finally, there were two clusters of three still lashed together. Jagger spotted another jut of stone and led. He kisses me wetly, hungrily, searchingly. The kiss lasts for a long time, until at last we break apart. I stare into his eyes imploringly.'Hit me.'His palm strikes my cheek with a sound like a pistol-shot, knocking my head sideways, and I look at him adoringly.'Again.'This time he hits me even harder.I love him.He kisses me again, and I wriggle against him.Then his lips leave mine, and he stares at my face, stroking my cheek again.I see the effect I'm having on him. My eyelashes are long,.