THAT had been many weeks ago, and as they nursed him back to health Tapel and his mother still wondered who the stranger was. The jewellery Tapel had found paid for food — the Alturan was a ravenous eater — and day by day the Alturan's colour slowly returned.

He could not speak, although both Tapel and Amelia knew he was desperate to. They had never seen him try as hard as he had when word arrived about the great battle that was fought at the Bridge of Sutanesta, and the miraculous events that led to the rescue of the Halrana refugees and the salvation of what was left of the allied army.

It was a victory, clawed back from the jaws of defeat. The Alturan tried time and again to express himself, gripping Tapel's hand inside his huge one, squeezing until it hurt. Finally the Alturan gave up, and tears came out of his eyes, spilling down his cheeks.

Not knowing what to do, Tapel had looked away.

Now, for the hundredth time, Tapel wondered who he was.

"Try again," Tapel said to him. "No, don't try to rise. Just try to speak."

The Alturan opened his mouth, but nothing came out except a ragged croak.

"I know you can do it," Tapel said. "Your name. Start with your name."

"Stop it, Tapel," his mother's voice sounded from behind him. "I've told you. He'll speak when he's ready."

"What if he never talks?"

Amelia came and sat by her son on the bed, where the Alturan lay watching them soberly. "Perhaps he won't. But he fought to free us and our people, and we'll help him nonetheless."

"Can he write?" Tapel asked.

Amelia sighed. "I've tried, but his fingers shake too much. He can grip my hand, but he can't hold the chalk."

The Alturan's face contorted as he tried to speak. Amelia made soothing motions, but he kept trying, his forehead creasing into lines and the breath popping from his mouth in little gasps.

"You can do it," Tapel said. "I know you can!"

"Shhh, Tapel," Amelia said. "Leave the poor man be."

"Your name, what's your name?" Tapel went over and knelt beside the bed, his ear close to the Alturan's lips.

"Tapel, stop it!"

"He's speaking!"

"He can't speak!"

Tapel moved his head closer to the Alturan's mouth.

"Rogan," the Alturan whispered. "My… name… is Rogan." He gulped and spoke again. "Rogan… Jarvish."

Tapel looked at his mother, and wondered if she knew who Rogan Jarvish was.

3

3

PRIMATE Melovar Aspen's home was in ruins. While far from his homeland, fighting those who would do anything to prevent peace, his home had been attacked in a cowardly, cruel manner.