The attack had also jolted Alesia out of near-sleep -- forbidden to speak as they were, that was really the only way to help pass the time.  She'd had strange, fitful dreams for the entire trip, and awakening from them was never any better.  This time was infinitely worse.<br/><br/>The pale, petite elf was instantly thrown into a corner, hard enough to knock the breath out of her, but that perhaps spared her a beating like some of the prisoners received, as she instinctively wedged herself into that corner.  It was still a bruising and terrifying ride, but she was at least not knocked cold, as some were.<br/><br/>When they stopped at last, she stood slowly, afraid her legs would give out beneath her.  But she followed her instinct to check the wounded, and stumbled over to the nearest unconscious girl.  Just then, one of their number -- it had been impossible to learn many names, and Alesia didn't know hers -- broke her way through the battered roof of the wagon, letting in light and fresh air, both rare commodities indeed.<br/><br/>She gaped for just an instant, then redoubled her efforts to wake the unconscious.  This was their chance!  They could escape their fate, return to their lives, and the king would have to sate his hungers elsewhere.  Perhaps this disaster would even make him think twice before demanding more ladies, though even in her sudden rush of optimism she knew there was little chance of that.  But this, she knew now, must be the reason why she was here, to try and save as many as she could.  She sent up a silent little prayer, trying to get everyone out and moving as quickly as possible.  If they stayed together, they should be safe enough, and might be able to reach a town before nightfall.