"It's gone, I'm afraid," said Garul. "The fire spread quickly, and then it sank. Something must have ruptured."

"It was me," said Athgar, through sobs. "The slaves were chained up. I couldn't save them. I tried, I even burned my hands trying to release their bindings, but I couldn't unchain them."

"What did you do?" asked the Orc.

"I released the spark," the Therengian answered quietly, "all of it."

“You released all your energy?” said Natalia in astonishment. “You’re lucky you didn’t immolate.”

“I had no choice,” said Athgar, “I couldn’t leave them to burn to death.” He looked down to see the marks where his hands had been seared. “I don’t feel any pain.”

Natalia was examining the wounds, “It’s probably shock. We’ll get a salve on them as soon as we get back. I’m more concerned about your head wound.” She gazed into his eyes, prying them open to see them more clearly. “How’s your head?”

“Still a little woozy,” he replied.

They lifted him to a seating position, and he peered over the deck. The galley was sinking rapidly in the distance, its bow now the only part left poking out of the water.

"All that effort," said Natalia, "and we are no better off for it."

"Yes we are," said Athgar, through a coughing fit. "Caladin was aboard."

"Who's Caladin?" she asked.

"He was the warrior that was to marry my betrothed. He managed to tell me a few things before he died."

"Such as?"

"My sister, Ethwyn, is alive, or at least she was."

"And the other?" pressed Natalia.

"He confirmed it was the Temple Knights that raided our village."

On the Run

Autumn 1103 SR

Athgar stepped out of the Zephyr and into the shallow water, gripping the side of the boat, despite his injured hands, to help haul it ashore. They all collapsed on the sand, soaking in the afternoon sun.

A shadow loomed over the Therengian, blocking out the light. He opened his eyes to see Garul standing over him.

“She is quite resourceful, that woman of yours,” the Orc remarked, using his own language.

“Indeed,” Athgar replied.

“Do you mind if I offer you some advice?”

“By all means,” he replied, “go ahead.”

“You should bond with her,” Garul suggested, “before someone else does.”

Athgar blushed deeply. “I’ll keep that advice in mind,” he said, then quickly changed the subject. “What will you do now?”

“I will return to the archives,” said the Orc, “I have had enough excitement to last me a while.”

Athgar stood, shaking the sand from his tunic. “Thank you, Garul, you’ve been most helpful. I wish you well in your future endeavours.”

“As I to you, Orc friend.” He clutched Athgar's hand in a solid grip, then immediately released it as the Therengian groaned in pain. "Sorry," the Orc said, "I forgot about your burns."

"Not to worry," said Athgar, "they will heal soon enough."