"Something's troubling you," he said, "something other than Katrin's disappearance. What is it?"

"I don't know," Natalia confessed, "but I'm beginning to get the feeling my time here is drawing short."

"That's only natural," he said, "you'll be graduating soon."

"No, you don't understand. There's something about this place that's been gnawing at me. I don't know how much longer I can remain."

"You think you're in danger?" Stanislav asked.

"No, but I can't help but feel I'm being groomed for something. Something over which I shall have little choice. I'd rather have the freedom to make my own decisions."

"I can understand that," he said, "but after all they've given you, you can't say it comes as a surprise. When you first arrived here, you were a young peasant girl, and now you're likely to graduate as the single most powerful mage to pass through these halls."

"I haven't graduated yet," Natalia reminded him.

"You know what I mean."

"Yes, I do," she said. "And I appreciate that my life has improved substantially, but I'm still concerned."

"If you need help, I'm always willing to lend a hand," he said, "no matter what."

"Thank you," she said, "that means a lot to me. There's nothing more you can do right now, but there may come a time in the future that I might take you up on the offer."

"I'll be there when you need, me," he said, "I promise."

Farewell

Autumn 1103 SR

(In the tongue of the Orcs)

Athgar entered the great hut to be greeted by Kargen. In the background, echoing throughout the structure, he heard the cry of a young Orc.

"Your son sounds hungry," he said.

"Constantly," replied Kargen. "We have been waiting for you, the rest have already arrived."

"The rest? Am I late?"

"No, but they were eager, so they arrived early," Kargen laughed his typical deep-throated roar.

"I thought we were just eating a meal together?"

"And so we are, but others have joined us," explained his friend. "It is good we only have one child, or the entire village would have been invited. As it is, it is a little cramped in our chambers."

Kargen led them past the great fire pit to one end of the longhouse. There, a doorway led into the chieftain's private quarters. They entered, to reveal those assembled.

Shaluhk was here, of course, with the newest member of the tribe held tightly in her arms. To her right sat her brother, Laruhk, while to her left was the shamaness.

"It is good to see you well," said Uhdrig.

"And you," replied Athgar, "though I'm surprised to see you here."

"I am here for the naming ceremony," said the shamaness, "did Kargen not tell you?"

Athgar looked to his Orcish friend, who merely shrugged, a very Human expression.

"I may have lured you here under false pretences," Kargen replied, standing to the left of his bondmate.