Chapter Twelve

One last night of rest before the big day. Drake�s plan is set in motion�

“It’s really getting dark out.” said Tygra with a yawn. “Maybe we should set up camp and get some sleep so we can bring our strength up for tomorrow.” she looked over to Jade. She gave Tygra a spiteful look, but said nothing in response.
“Yes, we should. I’ll go get some wood for the fire.” Star stated and began bending down to collect some twigs and branches.
“Jade, you need to rest; tonight at least. Just for tonight.” Tygra said in a sweet demeanor, walking toward Jade.
“I don’t need to sleep.” Jade replied shortly, turning her back towards Tygra.
“You need to rest and get your strength back up. I’ll watch camp tonight. Please, Jade!” Said Tygra, walking out in front of Jade, pleading.
“Fine! But just for tonight!” Jade yelled, turning her back towards Tygra once again.
“I can live with that.” Tygra said satisfied with herself then smiled.
Jade began to walk away. She really has a sweet, kind heart. she thought then said under her breath. “But she can be a major pain sometimes.”
“Hey, I heard that!” Tygra exclaimed causing the two to laugh.
“What’s so funny?” Star asked, standing upright with her arms full of wood. She walked over towards Tygra and Jade.
“Nothing. Just a good laugh is good for you every once and a while.” Tygra stated in good spirits.
She turned towards Star and taking some of the wood from her arms before the two began building a fire. Star set the wood down in a pile while Tygra formed a tiny flame at the tips of her fingers, allowing the wood to ignite before extinguishing the flame between her fingers and the palm of her hand.
Jade, with the absence of a sleeping bag, lay down on her back next to the fire.
This would have to be the first time I would sleep in a long time. She thought closing her eyes then opening them again.
She was a little nervous about falling asleep. Her mind kept wondering off about what the future holds in store for them. She turned to her side, trying to find a more comfortable potion. The last thing she saw before she finally fell asleep was Tygra and Star cooking their meal over the well lit fire and chatting amongst themselves as if they hadn’t a care in the world.

Once Star had fallen asleep, Tygra climbed up into a nearby tree and sat on one of its branches. From where she sat, she could see the entire campgrounds. After awhile, she could feel drift off into a dreamless sleep as she pondered what the day ahead would bring. The forest seemed quiet that night. The girls were only two days away from Drake’s Tower now.
However, even with the girls so close to their goal danger was ever so close. Movement could be seen ever so slightly as a creature circled around the girls’ campsite. The creature was fast, surveying the area through its quickened pace.
Jade and Star were still sound asleep by the fire. Tygra had just opened her eyes when she heard the sound of a twig snapping somewhere beyond the camp. She crouched onto the branch silently as she looked around.
“It’s so quiet. I’ve never heard this forest so quiet before.” Tygra said softly to herself.
Suddenly, the sound of another twig snapped closer to the camp. She whirled around, but saw nothing as another twig snapped even closer towards the camp.
Tygra jumped down from the tree‘s branch landing next to Jade, surprised she hadn‘t woken her. She must have been really tired.
Rustling within the woods snapped her from her thoughts. It now sounded as if there were ten people coming from each direction towards the camp. She walked towards one of the paths, seeing nothing but darkness. There was a snap from right behind her causing her whirled around, ready for a fight, but found nothing in her path.
By the time she realized nothing was there, the demon came behind her, hitting her between her neck and shoulder; knocking her unconscious. She fell silently to the ground as the demon walked over to Jade, who was in a deep sleep. It knelt beside her, finding the spell tucked within the back of her pants and the bracelet around her wrist. But as it touched the necklace, it received a painful shock in return. It cursed as it pulled its hand away studying the skin for any damage.
It then stood upright, before walking over to where Tygra laid and lifted her up over its shoulder. The demon ran into the darkened forest towards Drake’s Tower while leaving Star and Jade undisturbed neither having any idea on what had just happened to their friend.