A slim dagger fell to the sand when the belt was untied and for a second I wondered where my sword had gone, but then I realized. It was just there, not far from me, lying in the sand with my hand still curled firmly around the hilt.

"I know," I said, then gave Beverly a thin, wavering smile. "It's okay. I know you're only helping."

Then I had to grit my teeth against the pain, clenching my jaw hard enough that I felt as it my teeth might shatter from the pressure. But I didn't scream. I was proud of myself for not screaming, because I didn't want to make Beverly feel any worse.

"We have to get to the ship," I gasped when I felt like I could speak again. "Someone can help there."