Confusion reigns when we break through the walls of mist around the murder-stone. Someone has been nearly hacked to pieces and lies face down in their own bloody death. Nearby two other bodies clad in the same dark garb sprawl in gruesome array. Off to one side, Igraine and her hounds seem poised for action. Several others, faces shadowed, stand stunned and senseless with the shock of whatever attack has just taken place. Meanwhile, the chaotic noise of battle is circling all around us and quickly closing in from all sides.

Only then do I see Nevvyn kneeling by yet another lifeless form. Flidais! He cradles her so gently that I fear she must be dead. Then, praise the gods, her eyes flutter open for an instant before she sinks back into her father's arms again.

"Nevvyn! Get the Rian to safety!" I shout above the rising roar. How I ache to touch her, feel her heartbeat, know that she is truly alive. I must leave her in the care of the old sage for now. Soon there will be time for us...

MacMorna has paired off with an axeman, pitting his warhammer against that gleaming blade. Instinctively I move forward. The warrior-bard wards me off with a shake of his head. This fight is his and his alone! So be it. With one more longing glance at Flidais, I ride off to find my own place in this battle.