"What do you want?" asked Natalia.

"May I sit?" the young woman asked.

"Aren't you afraid of being seen with a low-born?"

"No," Katrin replied, "I mean I was, but I was wrong about everything."

"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Natalia.

"I've been raised as a high-born," Katrin said, "and for my entire life it's been ingrained in me that only a high-born can hold the most powerful of magic, but when I saw you cast that spell today, it proved all my upbringing was wrong."

"Because of the magebane?"

"You knew about that?" asked Katrin, a shocked look on her face.

"It has a rather distinct taste," Natalia replied.

"I take it you didn't eat it then?" prompted Katrin.

"I did, it just didn't have much of an effect."

"I don't understand," said Katrin, "it's supposed to suppress your power."

"I've been on magebane since I was ten," confessed Natalia. "Over the years, the Volstrum has increased my dosage. I have to take much more than a single vial to suppress my power."

"So you showed us today," remarked Katrin. "Anyway, I just wanted to apologize. You should have the same opportunities the rest of us take for granted. I've had my say, I'll leave you alone now if you wish."

"Sit down," said Natalia, pointing to the seat across from her, "as long as you don't mind sitting with a low-born."

Harnessing the Flame

Spring 1102 SR

(In the tongue of the Orcs)

Athgar held the arrow close to his eyes, examining the fletching. Satisfied with his work, he placed it with the others, picking up another shaft to begin the time-consuming process. He was interrupted by Kargen, who, seeing his friend at work, wandered over.

"I see you are keeping yourself busy," offered the Orc. "That is a fine batch of arrows."

"It's the least I could do," replied Athgar, "after all the tribe has done for me. What are you up to?"

"Laruhk and I are thinking of going hunting later. Would you care to join us?"

"I don't have my bow," said Athgar, "it was destroyed in the fire."

"A pity. You shall have to make another. I am sure we can get you the proper tools. Perhaps we could travel to Cragmore and trade for some. Your arrows would fetch a reasonable price."

"In time, perhaps, but I don't think I'm quite ready yet."

"It has been more than a week, Athgar. Surely you are not still suffering?"

"My body has healed," the Human replied, "but my heart is still damaged."

"I understand," offered Kargen, "it is not easy to lose a family, let alone one's whole village. Perhaps we shall undertake the journey at some time in the future."

"You seem eager," said Athgar. "I rather suspect you have something specific in mind."

"I do," said the Orc. "I was remembering that fine bow you made before we went hunting."

"Yes, one of my best. It's too bad it burned in the fire."