"What is your name child?", Hirilow asked and Orietta told him. "Your first concern will be for your companion", the old man said shortly. "We could not help him. The alegoyle which seized him was too far from our defence fields and it was only because you had crossed the bridge that we were able to prevent a second creature striking you. You will feel a little numb for a while. It is the after effect of the somatic shield which dampened your frontal cortex. We could not be selective enough to prevent the alegoyle attacking you without also affecting you and your horse. I see you are distressed. This man was a close companion?" "He was my husband", Orietta cried.