Anna's sharp hearing caught onto talk of Grandma Longneck being seriously injured. She looked over at the elderly longneck and the group surrounding her. Anna wanted to go over and offer to help, but she had Ducky to look after and did not want to disturb her, nor did want to leave Ducky where she was. Just then, as though Anna's thoughts had been read, she heard Ducky start to speak up, but not in a normal nor good manner.
"Please, do not eat me! No, no, no! Let me go, please!" the little swimmer cried out in her sleep as she started to thrash around. Anna quickly reached over and gently shook Ducky.
"Ducky! Wake up!" Anna called just loud enough so Ducky could hear her voice.
"Ahhhh!" Ducky shrieked in startlement as she jumped up out of her sleep. She then looked around, and realized she was not in harm's way.
"Are ya okay?" she heard Anna ask. She looked up to see Anna looking back in a very concerned fashion.
"You mean Redclaw is not here?" Ducky whimpered.
"More spooky sleepstories about Redclaw, eh?" Anna asked as she sat up. Ducky nodded, looking ashamed as she began to cry.
"Hey, it's okay now. It was all just a scary dream," Anna said compassionately as she gently picked up Ducky and held her in a comforting manner. Anna had always envisioned that she would see Ducky as a baby sister, and now that the two really knew each other, Anna realized her thoughts had been correct all along. No wonder she was so protective of Ducky.
"Was it the same dream from earlier?" Anna asked as she held Ducky in front of her.
"Sort of, but before Redclaw came after me, he got you. He did, he did," Ducky sniffled. "I do not want him to hurt you, no no no."
"I appreciate your regard for me, but listen to me, Ducky. He will not get me or anybody else in this valley. Got that? You're not gonna be harmed by him or his fastbiters," Anna said. Ducky nodded, and Anna gently embraced her once more.
"Feel better now?" Anna asked.
"Yes, I do," Ducky replied.
"Good. Now, it looks like Grandma Longneck is hurt quite badly. Let's go see if I can help," Anna said as she placed Ducky on her right shoulder before she stood up. The two then headed over to Grandma Longneck.
"Hi. Is there anything I can do to help?" Anna asked.