Tristan bit his lip and forced his eyes to the horror that was left of Anna.  Even as raw as her melted flesh was, he could see her ruined hand moving over slowly to touch her belly.  And while it might have been some trick, he was sure there was a definite swell there.  He recalled the woman's words when he'd balked at the deaths of the lesser spawn's victims.  Logic warred with emotion within him.  Unless the rescue came before the Shadow had taken her, removing her body from wherever they were bound would be no rescue at all.  It hurt like a jagged shard of glass digging into his gut but he could not dispute her words.<br/><br/>"I... I promise..." he said softly, "Somehow... I will find a way... I will set you free of this nightmare..."<br/><br/>He felt sick as he spoke.  How could he offer up such a promise?  He was too weak to even look at her without shaming himself.  Laying tied and helpless and ready... He felt like some farmer's prized bull.  And his heart refused to stop trying to find some hope for her.<br/><br/>"But are you sure there is no way?  Sure that as strong as they are your people could not find some way to heal you?"