For those who might wonder how this all ended as these things must end... I submit the final chapter in the little ranger's tale.

Cresting the rise that hid the village from view, she squinted into the lowering light ..Snowie pricked up her ears and raised her head, bugling a challenge. "Hah.. tis the men coming back..." Gemstorm grinned and patted the restive mare's neck. Looking toward the distant figures she saw one angle off and head toward their home at the ever amazing floating gait he used when on foot.

Giving Snowheels the reins, she settled deeper into the saddle as the mare reared and then leaped forward, landing in full galloping stride. The old rivalry was on now! and the mare pinned her ears back, flattening out as she surged powerfully across the snowpack, Gem leaned low on her neck and urged her on with breathless giggles..."go go go go get Ryu ..pour it on..Snowie.. you can do it this time.. I knows yas can.."

Khek saw the woman laying low on the horse's neck, a difficult shot but not impossible, NOW! he let the arrow fly ..straight and true, it struck the enemy, he could see it drive through her. Saw her fall limp, tumble loose limbed off the horse and the white snow blossom with the red flowers of her heart's blood.

He saw the horse come to a stumbling halt but dared wait no longer, it was enough to savor the memory. He faded back into the heavier shadows of the forest. Silently, for he had no voice, since many years ago when she had set her hound on him to rip out his throat he still exulted.

So long had he hunted her with no other reason to live but to see her arrogance laying dead. Now it was done, if he could he would escape this land but if not, it did not matter for he had the victory.