Jesus Christ. Don't think've ever been shot b'fore. Hurts like a bitch. Arm's hangin' near useless, an' m'shirt's drenched'n blood. Well, bleedin' t'death'd likely be more comfort'ble 'n whatever'ey got planned for me.

've jes' managed t'roll over onta m'back when th'dark one wit' th'wild eyes runs up t'me. "Don't you move," she says, pantin' like a dog. Swear I c'n see foam 'round'er mouth. Th'other one's slowed down, lookin' satisfied, strollin' nice'n easy. Still dunno where Glass is. Hope t'hell she got away.

They think'm down. Well, 'is ol' bitch still has some teeth in'er. An'in some ways'ey did me a favour. M'bloods poolin' on th'grass, soakin' inta th'earth, bein' taken up by root an' stem. Clench m'good hand 'n th'earth. My body nourishes you, drink of my blood, grow strong and lend me your aid.

Done'is charm b'fore, but'at boost Verdi'n tez gave me sure gives a boost. Th'dark woman yells azza tree root rips free'a th'ground'n winds 'round'er ankle. A branch whip's cross'er face, an'a bush stretches out t'embrace'er. Th'other freezes, a split-second'a surprise, but't's enough. Snatch onna th'pouches from m'belt 'n hurl-t inta'er face. It bursts inna cloud'a powder, an'n th'next second a swarm 'a flies 'n wasps pours outta th'trees t'surround'er.

I don't take time t'gloat 'r listen t'th'screams; scramble t'm'feet an' start runnin' again.