The ranger drove her hoof into Bitterroot’s stomach with the force of a piledriver. The last bits of air left Bitterroot’s lungs in a gasp and she let go of the ranger’s neck. The ranger rolled off of her. Sucking in air, Bitterroot slapped the ground with a wing to roll over. The ranger was already up; Bitterroot could easily see her snow goggles, now, but no glowing eyes. She wasn’t enthralled. Her protecting Amanita was voluntary.