The heat of a fire shocked Jennifer awake. She found herself in the Dark Forest laying next to a campfire surrounded by the Rangers in the middle of the night.
Arkan hovered over her holding a bowl. “Don't try to get up.”
Jennifer felt so weak. “What happened?”
“You fainted.” Arkan took a spoon of soup. “Eat this. You need to regain your strength.”
Jennifer let Arkan feed her. The soup was thick with meat and vegetables. Jennifer savored every bite. “This is so good.”
“You can thank Belim for the food.”
Jennifer looked past Arkan but didn't know who Belim was. “Thank you for the soup.”
Belim let out a rumbling laugh. “There's more where that came from.”
Arkan pointed to the rest of the rangers. “Jennifer I'd like you to meet the Rangers of the Dark Forest: Garel, Farondil, and Demorac.”
Each Ranger nodded as Jennifer's eyes fell on them. They looked like a rough bunch to her.
Jennifer looked up to Arkan. “I need to thank you for saving my life.”
Arkan shook his head. “It was nothing.”
Jennifer remembered the two barbarians looming over her. The sense of dread she felt was like nothing she ever felt before. “If you didn't come along, I'd be dead...or worse.”
Arkan sat down next to Garel and served himself his own bowl of soup. “You should get some rest.”
“What about the King? Those barbarians might have my parents. I need to save them.”
Arkan nodded. “I will be leaving soon to meet with the King Uzmar. I was worried about you and just wanted to make sure you were safe before I set off.”
Jennifer blushed. She didn't know why this stranger cared so much about her wellbeing but she kind of liked it.
Arkan finished his soup and threw the bowl into the dirt. He stood up and hooked his bow behind his back. “The King awaits me, Brothers. Wish me luck.”
“I'd like to come along,” Jennifer said.
“The King only meets with Arkan,” Farondil replied.
“I'm sorry Jennifer, but I don't think the King would see me if you came along,”
Jennifer slumped on her log. She felt so utterly helpless. Her parents were out there somewhere as slaves of the barbarian tribes.
Arkan looked at his group a last time before heading into the Dark Forest. “Take care of her.”
Farondil nodded.