Through the raging storm, he could hear hoof beats and terror shot through his soul. In his heart, he knew who it was. The only man he feared besides his stepfather. He had seen the man with the silver hand kill the pale haired lady and the man knew it. Daniel winced from the pain of those sharp nails that had ripped open his back and the leather belt that followed. Still, he had managed to escape and hid for a long time hoping he had gone away but he hadn't. His thoughts turned to Kyla. Poor Kyla, there was no way she could have escaped his clutches. It was his entire fault. If she hadn't been helping him none of this would have happened. She would be home safe now instead of the mean man's victim. What's happening? He was riding in the opposite direction now. What had scared him away? Kyla? What if Kyla was out there and he just now found her. "No, no" he cried silently. He tried to rise from the bed but his limbs felt so heavy. "1 must, I must help her. I just got too," but still he could not move. Then he heard it. There was more than one horse headed this way. He tensed. When would this nightmare end for him? Unless? He let himself hope. Unless Kyla had reached safety and she had brought help. "Daniel, hang on we are coming," She shouted through the storm. Daniel imagined he could hear Kyla's voice riding the wind and he smiled.