Daniel stared.
His mind became completely blank.
The logical decision would have been waking everyone immediately.
The sensible decision would have been to notify the manticore.
Instead, something else took hold.
Perhaps curiosity.
Perhaps concern.
Perhaps simple foolishness.
He leapt to his feet and ran toward the location where the strangers seemed destined to land.
Fortunately, the portal continued illuminating the area.
Without that light, he would have tripped over roots and rocks before reaching them.
As he approached, he realized something astonishing.
The two falling figures never struck the ground.
A cocoon of light surrounded them.
Their descent slowed.
Then slowed further.
Until they floated barely a foot above the earth.
Daniel released a relieved breath.
"Phew... they're alive."
The portal remained open for several more moments before disappearing completely.
Darkness immediately rushed back.
Yet another source of illumination remained.
