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<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"">Lois
looked around the room uncertainly once he had been left alone with
Balrog.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He seemed to immediately regret
his decision to speak privately with the large man, and was looking around the
room as though to find some sort of escape.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>Unfortunately, with just the bed and the side table in the room apart
from the walls, there was no escape to be found. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not even a wardrobe stood in the room to give
him a potential place to escape.</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"">Fortunately,
the man revealed no ill intentions in the absence of the others.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He looked concerned, perhaps, but it seemed
to genuinely be concern for the ermine and not that he might be found out for
some duplicity.</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-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Do you really not know me, Lois?” he 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"">The
ermine shook his head, keeping his eyes on the man to both be certain that he
did not have any ill intentions and to see if any small nuance of Balrog’s
actions triggered some hidden memory.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>Unfortunately, there was no such development.</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’m
sorry, but I can only recall ever having met you in passing.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He winced.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>“To be honest, the same is true of almost everyone I have seen to this
point, if I recall them at all.”</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"">“So
you recall names and nothing more.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lois
sighed, nodding although continuing to avoid eye contact.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Have there been any exceptions?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Anyone you recognized since you regained
consciousness?”</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
remembered Lucy,” Lois admitted.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I’m
not certain why her in particular.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>Perhaps it was because I was looking for a mage, and some part of me
recalled that she was one.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The ermine
sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“A theory and nothing more…<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I know of no reliable way that might allow me
to make progress regaining my memory.”</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"">“Start
with what you do remember,” Balrog suggested.</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">>>>>That is a good place to start!</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""><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>
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<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
other man snorted derisively.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“That’s
much the same as what Lucy suggested.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>Would you like to see how much progress that helped me make?”</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"">He
took a small notebook from the bed where he had left it, leafing through its
pages until he reached one that was not filled by Lucy’s indecipherable
script.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This one instead had only a few
words scrawled at the top, and nothing underneath.</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"">“’Who
is Vincent Lois?’” Balrog read from the page.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>He turned a few pages back and forth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>“Nothing else?”</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">>>>A good question</font></font><br>
</span></div>
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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""><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"">Lois
shook his head bitterly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Since she left
me here alone with that book I’ve been trying to think of anything I might
possibly be able to write.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That I am a
man, who for some reason is as much animal as he is human?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Perhaps more if you talk to some…”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He trailed of and made various frustrated,
wordless gestures in the direction of the connecting hallway.</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">>>>>>Perhaps he doesn't want to remember who he is.</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""><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"">“Those
are all things that anyone can see,” Balrog noted, ignoring the anger in the
ermine’s bearing.</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"">“Exactly
why I did not write them down.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The
ermine paced a few more steps across the front of the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Beyond what everyone can see, I know nothing
about myself!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At least nothing worth the
writing.”</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 slowly, thinking to himself.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Why
did you write ‘who is Vincent Lois?’<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Why
not ‘who am I?’ or something to that effect?”</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"">Lois
took a breath.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I know it may sound odd,
but I did not even realize that Lucy was talking to me when she first called me
by that name,” he answered.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Even now,
even though I know that it is my name, and that I should answer to it, I
continue to have a nagging feeling that it belongs to someone else.”</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
took only a few moments to consider before he shook his head in
disagreement.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I first met you several
years ago; it couldn’t be less than five, I don’t think.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You called yourself Vincent Lois then and you
still call yourself by that name here at the Keep.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Either that is your name, or you have been
using the same alias for a truly unfathomable length of 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"">Lois
shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“With what I know of myself,
that might very well be the case,” he said bitterly.</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
shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I know that you must be
frustrated, but you need to focus on what you know for certain, not wild
theories that have no root in reality.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>He watched as Lois sat on the edge of the bed, nodding in a detached
fashion.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He realized with some chagrin
that Alex and Lucy had not been wrong about their assessment of Lois’
state.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>While he was human in size and
speech, many subtle mannerisms combined with sharper facial features and a
longer neck made the former assassin seem much closer to an animal than he had
been prior to the events of the previous days.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>He wondered if perhaps the loss of memory was related to this fact, but
he quickly realized that it mattered little regardless.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He had no idea why either of the two issues
was present.</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"">“Do
you mind if I take a look at your Curse?” he 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""><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">>>>> OK. that sounds kinky ;)</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""><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"">The
ermine shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“If you believe
that it may be of some use, I see no reason why not.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As I recall, however, no mage has been able
to overturn the Curse despite nearly ten years’ worth of attempts by every mage
the Keep can offer.”</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 you remember that,” Balrog said with a friendly smile.</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
believe I am owed a few such strokes of good fortune,” Lois replied drily.</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 soft chuckle in support of his friend, letting his gaze shift once again
to look at the intertwining lines of magic that determined his friend’s
form.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The ermine stood still to permit
the inspection, but it mattered little.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>Although he had not lived in Metamor for long himself, the lutin had
spent some time curiously dwelling on the intricacies of the Keep’s infamous
enchantment since that time.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Despite
this, his opinion remained unchanged between this and his previous inspection
of Lois’ form.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There was nothing in the
magic that seemed to differ in any significant way from the norm.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Even the minute adjustment that they had made
to restore him from his feral shape remained unaltered since that 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"">“If
it is any comfort, there is nothing wrong with your Curse,” he said, returning
his vision to the material world.</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">>>>> OK. So the curse is all right?</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""><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"">“Unfortunately,
that also means that you have no idea why I should be without my memory, or why
I should be more animal than man.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>Balrog conceded his point with a grimace, and Lois nodded with
resignation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I suppose a magic cure for
either affliction would be too convenient to expect.”</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"">“Sometimes
we just have to do things the hard way,” Balrog confirmed.</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"">Lois
scoffed and shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“You sound
so certain that there is a way,” 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"">Balrog
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Someone once told me, ‘you
might have to clear some underbrush before you find it, but there is always a
way.’”</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
said that, didn’t I?” the ermine asked quietly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>His forehead wrinkled in consternation, and he paced around in a circle
for a few steps.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Balrog left him to
consider the question for a few moments, heeding Lucy’s counsel to try to let
Lois make his own connections as he regained his memory.</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
recall… a patrol?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We were sitting
outside of a tent discussing… some business or other, the details I cannot
recall.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I do remember saying that,
however.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You still weren’t convinced.”</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></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-spacerun:yes"> </span>Balrog chuckled.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“See, you can remember!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Now, it wasn’t exactly on patrol, but the
confusion is understandable.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The ermine
raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms over his chest, awaiting an
explanation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“This happened several
years before either of us came to Metamor permanently.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We were in the field, yes, but not on a
patrol as such.”</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"">Lois
squinted as he thought, as though doing so would help him think.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I remember having been human, though I
suppose the fact remains that I could not remember being an ermine when I first
regained consciousness.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Still, what
little memory I have seems to focus on this Keep.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>“There are bits and pieces of other memories, but everything else is
indistinct, at best.”</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 sympathetically.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“It may take
some time before you are able to recover your memory to anyone’s satisfaction,
but the rest of us are frankly quite relieved that you will have the
opportunity to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These fetish
stones that our enemies are using are devious creations.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There was no certainty that you would ever
recover your humanoid form.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That you did
in so brief a period is a wonder.”</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"">Lois
nodded slowly, but he looked distracted.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>Finally, turning towards Balrog, he arched an eyebrow.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Why haven’t you changed?”</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
blinked in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“What?”</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"">“If
that night occurred before either of us came to Metamor, then neither of us
should have been Cursed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I recall being
human, although only just.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You, however,
I never recall being anything but a man.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>Why haven’t you been changed by the Curse?”</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 small smirk.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Ah, that is a
secret that we agreed we would never reveal.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>Perhaps you will recall, however, if I give you a small hint.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>With a small force of will, Balrog altered
the illusion around his body so that just his ear reverted slightly to its
true, pointed form.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lois did not notice
for a few moments, until Balrog subtly gestured towards his ear.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It still took a moment, but a look of dawning
revelation appeared on Lois’ face.</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’re
a...!”</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"">“Ah!”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Balrog wagged a finger reprovingly as he
allowed the illusion to return to full force.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>“Remember, it’s a secret.”</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:
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</span></div>
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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">>>>A dangerous secret!</font></font><br>
</span></div>
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</span></div>
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</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"">Lois
stopped when asked, clearly needing some time to come to terms with the
realization.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Finally, he spoke, though
slowly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I remember discovering that,”
he said quietly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A little hope could be
heard in his voice, though it remained uncertain.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I didn’t tell anyone else; you were one of
the best mages I had ever worked with, and I considered you a friend.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He looked up at the stocky man.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Do the others 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"">“If
by the others you mean the Keep at large, no. Your patrol does, as does mine,
but besides that I suspect only the Keep’s intelligence community is privy to
my secret.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“It’s just as well for me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Some might understand, but Keepers have ever
had a hostile relationship with lutins, and not without reason. I could not
blame those who found it difficult to forgive and forget if I told them what I
was.”</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"">Lois
nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“The ones who do know haven’t
given you any trouble yet?”</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
shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“So far they have been
tremendously calm about it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I suspect
that part of that was simply due to the fact that I am a mage with some
knowledge of the Curse, but I doubt that this fact accounts for their lack of
hostility entirely.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am grateful that
Alex at least seems to be fully willing to respect the Keep’s recent diplomacy
attempts with my people.”</span></div>
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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"">“Alex…”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The ermine turned his eyes again towards a
nearby wall before returning them to Balrog’s face.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“My commander; he’s the lynx, isn’t that
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"">Balrog
nodded, smiling broadly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“See? You are
remembering things very quickly!”</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"">Lois
scoffed quietly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I am remembering
fragments, names and the people to whom they belong are nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I remember only a few specific events, your
revelation being the most familiar.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>Beyond that, there is a decades-long gap where my memories should
be.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I hate to sound so desperate, but my mind
just feels like a yawning void.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If my
memories do not return, and soon, I feel like I will go mad!”</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
understand, Lois.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Balrog carefully
stepped forward, making certain that Lois did not feel threatened by his
approach. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The ermine did not react, and
so the larger man gently laid a comforting hand on his friend’s shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He could feel the man’s muscles tense
erratically when he felt the contact of the disguised lutin’s hand, but Lois
made no attempt to dislodge it, and a few moments sufficed for him to calm
enough to relax again.</span></div>
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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-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Thank you,” the ermine said, sounding clearly
shaken even as he tried to get ahold of himself.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I suppose you would like to know why I was
so angered by Lucy and Alex mentioning how much I looked like an animal?” he
asked.</span></div>
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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
lutin removed his hand from his friend’s shoulder and shrugged broadly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I thought the reaction was reasonable given
the circumstances.”</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"">Lois
nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“None of you were aware of the
full extent of the circumstances, however,” he noted.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Taking Balrog’s silence as a cue to continue,
Lois said, “After Lucy left me here to look for you, I sat down and tried to
write what I could remember in the notebook.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>As I tried to collect my memories, however, the only ones that were
clear enough to give me a trail to follow were my memories of the moments after
this… fetish spell, I think you called it?”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>Balrog nodded and Lois continued.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>“I could only recall the moments after the fetish spell had affected me.
<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was something at least; I remembered
a few moments of humanity, perhaps I could trace it back to discover more about
my past.</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
it turned out, however, the only clear memories of those moments were the ones
during and immediately following the spell’s effects.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As I recalled the moments when I was forced
from man to animal, I found myself shrinking here, in this room, my form
changing much as it had then.”</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
winced.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“That is a function of the
Curse, I am afraid,” the lutin said, his voice consoling.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“An animal-Cursed Keeper is able to assume
the form of that animal completely.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I
have not had that experience myself, but I hear that visualizing the change is
the easiest way to trigger 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"">The
ermine nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He sat back down on the
edge of the bed as he continued his story.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>“I thought that whatever spell you had devised to rescue me had failed,
and I soon found myself standing on four paws, trembling as I stepped out from
under this robe.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was an animal, truly
and thoroughly, and every moment I was terrified that the magic would exert its
full force once more and rob me of my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>I braced my will against that thought, and after a few moments of
retaining my mind, I grew bold enough to try to will myself back to human
form.”</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
is good to see you succeeded.”</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
had only just regained my current form a few moments before you arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The thought of it made their inspection
sting, even if their words were true.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>He looked up at the lutin.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He
barely remembered the man, yet for some reason he felt safe confiding in him
with his most troubling secrets.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“It is
a comfort to know that such a change is normal in the Keep, at least.”</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, running fingers through his beard as he considered.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Have you tried willing yourself to be more
human than you currently are?” he asked after a moment’s pause.</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"">Lois
nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I did everything I could to
change myself back.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To be honest,
however…”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He stopped, and then shook his
head with a forlorn sigh.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“To be honest,
I cannot even remember what I should look like as a human.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He looked up at the lutin, the deep blue of
his eyes almost mesmerizing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“When I
first awoke in this room I was surprised and mortified to find myself turned
into an ermine, but now it is the only form I can recall even in part!”</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
frowned.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Are you certain?”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When the ermine nodded, the lutin arched an
eyebrow and twirled one of the forks of his braided beard around his finger.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“How could a man so thoroughly forget his
life, even so far as forgetting what he looked like?” he mused to himself.</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
wish I could tell,” the mustelid replied.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>“I fought the Curse for whatever headway it would give, and the only
reason I stopped was because I could think of no further ground I could
possibly gain.”</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 slowly. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He hesitated for a
moment, but finally he did sit down beside the troubled ermine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He turned and looked at his friend, even
though Lois would barely lift his eyes to match his gaze.</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
Curse has troubled Keepers for nearly ten years now, and there’s not a man or
woman among the defenders that doesn’t wish that things could be different
somehow,” he spoke softly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“At the same
time, it doesn’t have to be a death sentence.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>It does not change who you are, not matter how much it changes your
appearance.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Understand, when Lucy and
Alex were speaking of you having the proportions of an animal, they were doing
it out of concern for you.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They both
have to deal with their own Curse as well, and it was due to their efforts that
you have recovered your mind at all.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>They understand how it feels to question yourself because of how you’ve
changed.”</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"">Lois
nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I know.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I do not believe that they meant any harm,
but I barely even recall who I was, and I fear that the void will be filled
with the animal.”</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 his understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“If it is any
comfort, there has never been a Keeper who has suffered such a fate, and I
doubt that it will start with you.”</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"">Lois
finally did turn and look at him in the eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>“Are you sure about that?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If it
had happened to them, how would they have communicated it to anyone else?”</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"">A
chill ran up the lutin’s spine as he realized that he could not be entirely
certain of his own words.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fortunately,
this realization brought with it a renewed resolve.</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"">“Lois,
I will not let it happen to you,” he promised.</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"">For
a moment, Balrog thought that his friend would press him further on the
matter.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After a brief silence, however,
Lois nodded and gave a small smile.</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
believe you,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Perhaps that
makes me a fool, but I need something to hold onto if I want to keep my
sanity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I trust you.”</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.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I will not let you down.”</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"">In
the back of his mind, the lutin wondered how he could possibly hope to keep
those promises beyond the possibility of failure.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It did not take him long to resolve that
failure was not an option he would permit.</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">>>>That is one determined lutin!</font></font><br>
</span></div>
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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""><br>
</span></div>
</font>