wind howled like a hurt animal, words disguised as dirt from long-lost battles, lost loves. A

whose symbols shifted slightly as they moved toward their destination. It told of an ancient warrio

t of his head. What sort of power

y gorge, smoke curling into long fingers and

think we'll be people of different being when th

ers tracing the hilt absently.

ver. "You'll be different. Power always changes people. T

re, pinning us dow

e unrecorded in maps or memory. The cave's mouth gaped like an opening animal,

ispered. "The Forgott

of energy played at Astra's fingertip

sation. Their footsteps sounded eerie, gulped away by that suffocating s

olitary figure, black against an unnatural blue glow. They could not see him, gripping their shoulders

rgotte

ont, voice steady. "We

A face weathered by age and a few other elements framed silver hair streaked with b

ce low and resonant with quiet f

se we need to know how to

ld teach you that? I'm not a hero. I'm the

ilure or no failure, you

hings that were stowed beyond their skin. Then he spoke, evenly and deliberately. "

ed around his sword

smile. Translation: "Everyo

wins could react. His saber slashed, not through their bodies-but through their

unseen wall. Aric's vision went foggy as shadows c

lowed, leaping

eat hall. If you want to save him ... you'll have to con