Sonya ceased shrieking.

Lad was here to protect her.

Over her frightened soul came that former queer sense of safety.

She got up, tremblingly, and pressed close to the furry giant who had come to her rescue.

She glared defiantly up at Ruloff.
Perhaps it was this glare; perhaps it was the knowledge that Lad was very old and the sight of his worn-down teeth; perhaps it was the need of maintaining his hold of fear over the rebellious child.