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<![endif]--><font size="2"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Here are my comments!<br>
<br>
<br>
Chris<br>
<br>
*************************<br>
</font></font> <br>
</pre>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Link
2: Deliverance </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The
sun had set hours before the last torch was extinguished and the occupants of
the room left the ermine to his rest.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>They had made no progress as every poke and prod, whether from Balrog or
Lucy, had revealed nothing more than what they could see at the surface.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They had continued their work well beyond the
point of exhaustion, but they had finally been forced to admit defeat.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They hoped, perhaps vainly, that they could
find the missing piece in the morning.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><br>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><font size="2"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">>>>Sometimes a good nights sleep is the best medicine</font></font><br>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><br>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><br>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Nathan
followed Balrog at a distance as the man walked slowly through the halls.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The human scratched at his chin and twirled
the braids of his beard around his thick fingers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nathan was unwilling to shatter his
contemplation in most cases, but he had detected something in his friend’s
manner that made him decide to violate that tendency.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“You
have an idea, don’t you?” he asked pointedly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Balrog
turned halfway, still walking, as though he had forgotten that he was not alone
in the halls.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After seeing his commander
he turned his attention once more to the path of his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I did not see anything foreign amidst the
weaves of the spell,” he replied.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“That
is not the answer to the question I asked,” the wolf noted.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Balrog
sighed heavily.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“You read me too well,
my friend,” he admitted.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“And
you avoid the point like the—like a priest avoids a brothel.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nathan winced at how near he had come to
making a comparison in bad taste.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Balrog
clearly detected his change of direction, but he was not inclined to mention
it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He had other inclinations.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><br>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><font size="2"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">>>>>>LOLOL</font></font><br>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><br>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><br>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“They
do?”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He snickered.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I’m happy I never considered the occupation.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nathan was about to deliver a scathing retort
when his companion raised his hand to forestall him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Yes,
I am avoiding the point.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You are, of
course, correct.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He sighed as he made
the admission, but continued on.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>“Although I cannot see any evidence of tampering in the curse, the
effects are clearly identical to those of a fetish stone.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I would surmise that the shaman attempted to
cast the spell held within the stone as a last defense, evidently a successful
measure.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My only questions are how it
worked, and why there is no evidence of it afterwards.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“No
progress on those answers, presumably?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Balrog
sighed with a shake of his head.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>“Logically, there should be no way it would continue to function.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A fetish stone should be necessary as fuel
for the spell, or the worst that Lois should have experienced would be a
momentary disorientation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Much like a
pyrock must be present to sustain a magical blaze when a mage is not present,
the fetish stone needs to be present or the effects of the countercurse would
reassert themselves immediately.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Nathan
shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Well, as you said, a pyrock
is needed to magically sustain a fire spell, but only fuel and air are
necessary for a fire to spread after the spell has been cast.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The actual spell may be gone, but the fire
itself could continue.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Balrog
stopped in his tracks as his commander spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>He turned with an odd look on his face.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>“Sir, that is a fascinating comparison,” he said, a hint of admiration
in his voice.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“’If fuel is
present…’<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What sort of fuel could this
spell consume, though?”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He shook his
head, pacing the short distance from one wall to the opposite in contemplation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Well,
as fire burns wood, so magic burns mana, or so I’ve heard.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Perhaps he was simply near enough to a magic
nexus for the additional mana to further the spell?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><font size="2"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">>>>>>Metamor is at the intersection of 7 leylines</font></font><br>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><br>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><br>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“No.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Balrog shook his head and increased his
pace.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“If that sort of thing could
happen, any spell cast near Metamor would have the same inexplicable
properties.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Using a nexus requires
conscious effort, and if this was a dying last defense as I have postulated
then he wouldn’t have had the time to perform something that complicated.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He paced a few more steps before turning to
look at the wolf.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Keep talking,
though.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You have at least made some
interesting observations.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><br>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Nathan
shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I think I played my trump too
early, I can think of no theory more suitable.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Balrog
chuckled quietly, slowing his pacing as he turned back towards the black
wolf.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“There is something there, I
think.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At the very least, it gives me a
place to start.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“You are correct about one thing; mana is the
fuel for magic.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>How this bears
significance is the elusive point.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He
shook his head and kicked at the stone of the floor in annoyance.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Unfortunately, I don’t think that pacing
around the area is likely to provide us with the answers.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“We
can try again tomorrow,” Nathan advised.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>“I think Victor has been left to his own devices for a little bit longer
than I would generally advise.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I would
like to check on him before it gets too much later.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Balrog
nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I hope he has found the baths
and a good meal or two.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And, hopefully,
he has managed to keep himself calm.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The
plague certainly had him shaken this morning.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Nathan
nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I often miss them, but times
like these I am happy that my family stayed in the Midlands.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It gives me less to worry about in the
meanwhile.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He waved to Balrog and
continued down the hall.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Come; let’s go
find Victor and get some rest.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Perhaps
the answers we need will come to us over the night.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Balrog
stood still for a few more moments, but he finally nodded and followed after
his patrol commander.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The two of them
were already under suspicion from Lois’ patrol.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>Even if he thought he had some revelation about the spell which his
friend was suffering, returning tonight would only result in more suspicion, if
not outright hostility, from their hosts.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>He would have to renew his efforts in the morning.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">At
least he had been able to maneuver around Nathan’s probing for now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">*<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>*<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>*</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Victor
had managed to fall asleep before their arrival by some miracle.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was clear by the chaotic state of the
bedding, however, that his was not a restful sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>His face twitched back and forth from fear to
rage and back again, never seeming to resolve itself as though even he had no
clear idea how he should feel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Nathan
shook his head in concern for the younger scout, but he had no power over
dreams to be able to aid the young man in whatever internal struggle he was
facing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He silently gave Balrog a
friendly pat on the shoulder, and left to go to his own bed across the
room.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Balrog nodded to his commander,
but turned to watch the boy for a few moments more.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He could barely imagine the thoughts that
tainted Victor’s dreams this evening.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Victor
continued to toss, occasionally muttering in his sleep, raising and lowering
his voice as though trapped in an argument with an unseen opponent.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Finally, as his nightmares reached a fever
pitch, he leapt from his bed with a strangled gasp, his hand sliding uselessly
across the plain surface of the small bedside table before his momentum tipped
his body over the side of the bed and sent him tumbling to the wooden floor in
a heap.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He was quick to rise back to his
feet, eyes flashing about in panic as he searched the table desperately.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Looking
for this?”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Balrog, who had taken a seat
and made himself comfortable nearby, held out a short knife in a plain leather
scabbard.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Victor eyed him for a few
moments before his face was briefly colored by anger.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He turned away, coughing drily as he tried to
catch his breath, frowning and ignoring the older scout for a few moments as he
walked over to where a basin of water had been provided for the use of the
barracks.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He removed the top in a
careless gesture that almost sent it rattling to the floor, a fact which he
ignored as he splashed his face with the cool water once, twice, and again.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He leaned over the small tub for a few
moments afterwards, chest heaving as he tried to calm himself.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At least his awakening had not roused any of
the others in the barracks.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“What
good would the knife have done you?” Balrog asked gently.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“I
dreamt I was being attacked,” the age regressed young man insisted.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He wiped his face with one hand and shook it
to remove the droplets of water that still clung to his skin.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He turned to look at Balrog, the bitterness
in his expression readily apparent to the older scout.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“You
and I both know that you’re hoping to protect your fearless image,” Balrog
scolded.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“As it is a vain hope, I
suggest you answer my question again, honestly this time.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Victor
softened a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Although Balrog’s tone
certainly suggested a reproof, it was spoken as one man to another, and not as
a man to a child as Vic had heard so often before.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The fact that Balrog still knew how to treat
him as a friend and not as an infant to be punished cooled the fire in his
breast, and he took one more moment to settle himself before he responded
again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“You
are correct, of course,” he admitted in low tones.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He turned away from the basin of water,
leaving its lid to the side, and sat on the edge of his bed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He glanced about the large room, glad that no
one seemed to have been disturbed by his sudden waking.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I dreamt of the plague.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“What
would the knife have done to stop the plague?” the older man asked.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Victor
shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The things I dreamed, the horrors…<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I couldn’t let them go one.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I had to do something, anything to stop it.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“That
is why plagues are best dealt with by healers,” Balrog advised.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Against such an enemy, force of arms is
nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Men like us have our uses
during a plague, but against the plague itself we have no power.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You and I are in the best position we could
be in at this time.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We have the
opportunity to aid the healers by quelling panic without risking the malady
ourselves.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><br>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><font size="2"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">>>>>It is very hard to admit you are helpless and cannot do anything to help.</font></font><br>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><br>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><br>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“You
told me of this already,” Victor observed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Balrog
gave a crooked smile.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Sometimes
repetition can help make the first telling easier to recall.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Victor
nodded, but his head remained low.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He
shook briefly where he sat and looked up at Balrog.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There was far too much of the frightened boy
in his eyes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“I
saw my family taken by the plague, Balrog, and I saw myself returning to the
Keep only to find that no one even knew where to find their bodies.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I said my goodbyes to the ashes of a funeral
pyre, to the ashes of dozens burned to save the rest.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In other nightmares I can laugh because I
know that such things are ludicrous, but this dream I know can be real and it
terrifies me.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He managed to avoid
sobbing outright, but the tears were already running down his cheeks.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He waved his hand as though he would
continue, but despite the movements of his lips he could not manage to say anything
more before terror stole his voice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The
two sat there for a long while, Balrog quietly giving his friend the time he
needed to compose himself, and Victor doing his best to keep from crying aloud
and disturbing the others who slept in the nearby bunks.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Balrog did notice a few people taking notice
of his hysteric companion, but a withering glare turned them away in a
moment.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Victor was far beyond the point
of caring by then, but his companion did not believe that he deserved to be the
subject of any negative attention from others.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>Many of the others in the barracks were likely feeling similar emotions,
but had hardened themselves against the full weight of the situation through
training, alcohol, or a combination of the two.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">It
took some time, but Victor finally calmed down enough to stem the flow of
tears.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He took a few more moments to
make certain that they would not begin again, and then returned to the basin to
wash away the marks left by the tears.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“How
do you do it?” he asked, his voice weak.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“My
family is far from the Keep, and even if they were not I would find it hard to
wish the best for them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For my
friends?”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I have several friends still in the Keep,
yes, but last I saw them they were well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>I suppose that I simply do not think that there is any sense dwelling on
the worst unless the worst should come.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Victor
chuckled quietly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I suppose that I am
not gifted with quite so much apathy as you are, my friend.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He covered the basin once more and returned
to the bed, slumping in exhaustion.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“My
family…<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I don’t have anything beyond
them!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You and the Commander, you’re
friends but that’s a professional necessity, no offense to either of you.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Besides patrols and training, my family is my
entire life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>How I would live without them…”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“They
are still there, Victor.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They are still
in the Keep, and they are alive,” Balrog said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“How
do you know?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Balrog
sighed and played with his beard between his fingers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I don’t know,” he admitted quietly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I don’t know it any more than I know that
the Keep’s walls still stand.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I don’t
know them, but I believe that both things are true.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Victor
shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“You’re beginning to
sound like a Patildor,” he groused.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The
older man shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“It has often been
said that every religion was founded on at least one indisputable truth, and
the challenge lies in determining what of the rest is also truth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I suppose I would say that faith is one thing
at least that they have right.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is
patently impossible to live your life believing only in the things that you are
able to see.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At some point it is
necessary to believe in something unseen.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The
young man bobbed his head in agreement, although he was clearly still
doubtful.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Still, he had calmed enough
change the topic of discussion.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Did you
make any progress with your efforts?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The
mage shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“We weren’t able to
solve the problem, no.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He paused.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Do you even know what it is that we are
doing?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">His
younger companion chuckled and shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>“Commander Nathan was in too much of a hurry to tell me, and you were
just trying to keep up with him.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I
decided it wasn’t important for me to know.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Balrog
smiled, happy to see his friend return to better state of humor.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“We are trying to help a man who has had his
curse returned to its full force.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He is
trapped in the form of an animal, and we cannot find the reason.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Vic
frowned.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I’m sorry that I cannot be any
more help,” he remarked.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I have no
knowledge of magic to be able to even discuss its use, though.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Perhaps the best way I can help you is simply
to let you get some rest.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I’m certain
that you need to be up early tomorrow to try again?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Balrog
nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Yes, we will need to try again
tomorrow morning. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Are you certain that
you will be all right alone?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“No,
I’m not certain,” Victor admitted.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>“Still, there are some things you just have to believe, right?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The
older scout chuckled and clapped a hand on the younger man’s back.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“That you do.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>Rest well, my friend.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You will
see your family again soon.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He set the
knife which he had taken back on the bedside table before standing and walking
quietly towards his own bunk.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Balrog?”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He turned to see Victor still sitting on the
edge of the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Thank you for staying
by me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I really needed some
encouragement tonight.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Don’t
mention it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If we can’t depend on our
friends, then who can we trust?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">As
Balrog walked away, Victor stayed on the edge of his bed for a few
moments.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Finally, after some more thought,
he finally managed to lie down and find some more peaceful rest.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><br>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><br>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><font size="2"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">>>>It's nice to have friends who care!</font></font><br>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><br>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal;tab-stops:45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><br>
</span></div>
</font>