Melia's small hands were fists. "Never!"

Dakarreth shook his head. "Never is a long time, n

Now his beautiful face was twisted by hate.

"What is this? You've brought that hideous little ... thing with you."

He pointed at Tira. "Get her away from me!"

Falken's eyes were unreadable. "Why, Dakarreth? She's just a child."

"Just a child?" Again the Necromancer laughed. "Oh, no, my pathetic bard, she is much more than just a child. By Mindroth's hand she was chosen, by his will she came to him, and by the Stone of Fire she was marked. Her presence tainted the temple--my temple. But I drove them both away and took Krondisar before Mindroth could finish his foul work with her." He spun toward Grace. "Now get her away from me, or your friends die, just like the big, stupid knight."

Dakarreth clenched a fist, and both Lirith's and Durge's eyes.bulged as their bodies stiffened. Grace snaked out her hands, grasped Tira, and pulled the girl back, holding her tight.

Travis took a step forward, his expression unreadable behind his spectacles. "Beltan? Are you talking about Beltan?"

Dakarreth gave a dismissive flick of a hand. "Yes, I believe that was his name. Not that names matter to the dead. Was he your friend? You might be interested to know that, big as he was, he was a goodscreamer."

Travis staggered. Falken started to reach for him, to pull him back, but the bard halted at a glare from Dakarreth.

"No, keep away from him." The Necromancer drew close to Travis, his golden eyes intent. "It is you, is it not? The one Eriaun spoke of--the one who touches Great Stones, and who spoke to Mindroth ere hp finally 1-irn