Leaping upwards, Fola grasped the Marble Diamond and willed all its energy into her body. So, this was a creature of Night and shadow? Fola would use its own energy against it!

Fola shoved herself between the goat and the Night-beast. As the taloned hand came slashing down on Fola, the young mage released her spell. Waves of light and well-being rose over Fola, so powerful she swore they must be visible. The beast's blow felt no harsher than a child's kiss, but the Night-thing stumbled backwards as if in agony, the strength of its own evil blow turned inwards.

From the corner of one eye, Fola saw the shaken goat trotting unsteadily toward the hut. Fola's heart lurched as the Night-beast shook itself. It wasn't as hurt as she had thought. Already its fist whirled silently at Fola, and she knew even as she dodged that she could not avoid the blow.

It hit like a tree in a flood. Pain washed through her, and she felt herself hurled through the air. She struggled to stay conscious, wondering where her body would land . . . and how broken it would be.