She smiled at his confusion, something too far from innocence to play along, but shrugged her shoulders easily. “Then go first.” There would be no fight in here, where every blow would be hampered by snags on the surroundings, and where her best weapon was outdistanced by his—she doubted he could use it well, but the fact was that he had it, and there was no sense in taking the risk until she got herself properly outfitted. Better to let him run off, far enough away to remove the risk of an ambush as she struggled out of the demented forest. She could-- would, she had to think, if I’m to win this, it will happen-- always take her spoils from him later.

“I’m not going back the way I came, so move aside or I’ll pass through you,” she said simply, though the vaguely predatory smile remained.