Chapter 379
Katelina looked to see that Loren was held prisoner, his good arm twisted behind his back, and a bloody cut across his stomach. Micah fought to free him, but two of the attackers jumped on his back. One of Loren's captors brought their sickle to the boy's throat and with an outraged growl, Micah surrendered.
Ume had swung up into a tree, and kicked at the vampires that attempted to reach her. Her wild eyes showed that she knew it wasn't a permanent solution. "Stop!" she cried. "We're not your enemy!"
Quenby didn't bother trying to reason with her once-allies. She'd gotten a sickle, and fought with one of them. They ranged back and forth over the lumpy forest ground, meeting blow for blow.
With their ring broken, vampires lunged at Katelina and Etsuko. Oren gave a roar and struggled as his captors secured his hands behind him. Jorick threw himself in front of their foes, which gave Katelina a moment to pull Etsuko to her feet.