Drawing a hand though her hair, she hooked it behind her ear, bringing out the shape of her face. aI sensed you have a question. Donat be afraid to ask, whatever it is. Iall answer if I can.a It was now or never, he knew that much. Drawing up his courage, he trusted she would not tell anyone about this, whether or not she could help him. aThis is a tough one. Iam not used to asking favors.a aIam listening.a aI really feel stupid.a He grinned.

aIall tell no one.a aRight.a He nodded. Pulling himself into a sitting position, he forced it out. aFirst off, I want you to know I really love Sally. Thatas why I came out here, for her. I know I donat have many years left; but the ones I do, I want to make her happy.a He stopped to see if she was going to comment, but she just sat on her haunches, listening. aLately...I donat know if itas my heart or just age catching up with me, but I...ummm, canat seem to...a He was beginning to feel foolish telling troubles like this to a strange woman.

aYou canat make love to her.a aI try,a he said quickly. aAnd I really want to. Sally says she understands, but I know sheas disappointed.a Seeing her shift to put a hand to her mouth, he asked, aYou arenat going to laugh, are you?a She shook her head. aNo, Iad never do that.a Gazing at him for a moment, she said, aThere is one way I can help you. Itas called the ritual of renewal. It's safe--I go though it myself every so often. What it does is use shared energy to renew your strength and vitality. You won't grow younger, as such, but your body will be returned to a more youthful state.a aI'll look younger than I am?a aYou won't look much different. Your hair might start to become dark again, wrinkles will fade, and strength you've lost will be returned. That last part is what you seek, yes?a aYes.a It certainly sounded to him like she was talking about making him younger. aWhatas the catch? Will I shrivel up and die in a few years?a Odif laughed, a cute laugh that shook her frame. aNo. In fact, you will probably live longer. Do you have a private place here? One where we won't be disturbed by anything for a few hours?a The only place he knew of like that was the mineral water grotto. Pointing to the corner of the garden by the wall, he said, aThe small building there has steps that lead to a small natural cavern.a aPerfect.a Getting up, she offered him a hand.

He took it and groaned his way to his feet. They went to the building and started inside. It was black as pitch.

aCareful, the steps are steep. I should go get a light.a She clasped his hand. aJust stay with me. Flammar!a A torch burst into fire, casting the room in an orange glow. He looked to see it wasnat a torch, but her open palm she held up. The fire was burning in her hand. He looked closer and saw the flame was being fed by nothing. Her skin was untouched despite the heat of the flame.

aNow, thatas magic,a he told her.

Her face was clearly visible now as she turned to give him a scowl. aI hate that term. Magic is what wizards call it when they force the elements of nature and have no idea what they are doing. They only know words and symbols; they are clueless why the fire burns or why lightning obeys them.a aSorry,a he said automatically.

He led the way with Odif to one side and just behind him. To keep from being tempted to glance back and watch her walk, he concentrated on the stairs in front of him. They were most of the way down when he had to ask, aWhen you healed Salinthia, it wasnat like when a priest lays his hands on someone.a aI do not alay handsa and pray to my Goddess that it works,a she stated. aWhat I did was to look into her body, see what was wrong then do my best to fix it. We use power with knowledge. Unlike others, when a druid uses the power our Goddess grants we do not rely on anything but our own skills.a aSo, youare not going to have me lie naked and dance around me chanting.a he grinned.

aHardly.a she snorted. He looked back to see she had a crooked grin on her face.

He got to the last step and stood in a carved-out room that held benches and hooks for clothing. aThe water chamber is in there,a he said, pointing to the open arch. aThis room was made so you donat get your clothes wet.a aGood, take your clothes off then follow me.a He laughed. aOK, so you can dance around me?a Odif looked at him seriously. aNo, so I can concentrate on you. I canat do this with you wearing that...stuff.a She brought her hand up to light one of the torches then stepped through the arch.

He did as she asked, acutely aware he was down here alone and naked with another woman. Despite his intentions, he was sure Sally would be real upset if she ever found out.

aThis better be worth it,a he breathed.

Odif had lit two other torches in the water chamber before extinguishing her palm flame. The amber light reflected off the wavelets, making sparkles on the worn rock overhead. He tried not to watch her as she had him lie down on a flat outcrop close to the wateras edge. In the soft glow of the torchlight, she looked like a goddess herself. As he lay down, she straddled him and looked him in the eye.

aListen carefully. This is a druidic ritual. You might not feel comfortable, but you must react naturally. I am going to start at your head and slowly work my way down. Once I have covered your body, you will feel different. When I am done, you must do the same to me, concentrate on every part of me from my head to my toes. No lingering too long, and no skipping.a Dear Odin, what had he gotten himself into?

aSkip nothing?a he asked, glancing down her body.

aNothing. Iall begin now; you must relax.a His heart was thumping, but he wasnat sure if it was fear or not. aI canat.a Placing both her hands gently on his head, she asked, aYou are doing this for Sally, so you can make her happy, right?a He got out a nod, so she added, aThen relax, and trust me.a He thought there was no way he could relax with her on top of him. As she started to move her hands from the top of his head to the sides, he found that by just letting it happen, he was relaxing. He closed his eyes as she passed her hands over his temples and slid her fingers over his forehead. As she worked her way down his cheeks and jaws, he told himself this was for Sally; he could relax. He had convinced himself of this as she worked her way over his chest and started down his belly. The light massage she was giving him was actually starting to feel very good. His body tingled wherever she touched him. His heart was pumping strongly, but he no longer felt the chest pains that came with exertion.

As she slid her hands down his lower sides, he felt a stirring in his groin. He tried to ignore it, but it grew quickly as she brought her hands together at his belly button and slid them down.

She wouldnat! She was going to spread her hands out again onto his legs, he was sure of it. He felt his manhood pulsing, if she even touched him there, he was sure to lose control. He tensed as she slid one hand under his sack and gave it a gentle rub, circling the fingers of her other hand around his shaft. He raised his head, mouth open to tell her to stop as he felt something soft and wet around the head of his shaft. All that came out was a groan as his muscles tensed in climax. She drew the seed out of him with her mouth as she stroked him. By the power of his orgasm, he was sure head see the back of her head blow out.

She drained him dry then continued to concentrate on his left leg as if nothing had ever happened. Partway down his thigh, she looked up at him with a soft smile.

aDonat be embarrassed, it was a natural reaction. Just relax.a He felt dizzy; he had trouble believing what shead just done! He didnat know if this qualified as cheating on his wife, but it sure felt like it. Consoling himself by thinking that maybe Odif was only relieving him so he wouldnat be tense, he tried to forget it. She said she put herself through this ritual--maybe it was some kind of test to make sure that it worked. It would be pointless to do this if he couldnat perform for Sally.

He was losing track of time when Odif finished by sliding her fingers off his toes. He did feel different--he felt tighter. He swore his stomach had shrunk a bit, and he could feel the bands of muscles firming up as he rose to sit.

Odif lay down beside him. aNow, do the same to me.a He looked down at her and felt another erection swelling. He wasnat sure if he could rub her and not give in to his lust. aI have to?a aThe first part is done. You must finish or the effect will not last,a she explained. aRemember, concentrate and do what comes naturally.a His first petting of her hair was cautious. He tried to think of her not as a woman but as just another person. As he rubbed her forehead and cheeks, he began to concentrate on what he was doing, feeling the flesh under his fingers, watching it move as he rubbed in tiny circles. He moved down her neck and gave in to the impulse to kiss her gently at the base. By the time he had finished her arms and was rubbing the upper part of her chest, he had forgotten about everything except the woman he was with. He studied every inch of her, kissing her lightly as he moved down her body. Each hard nipple he sucked on briefly before moving on. His passion for her grew as he caressed his way down her belly. By now he was aching to have her, burning with lust. He held back until he had covered every inch of her body. He wasnat thinking about Sally at all as he moved back up and met her lips, kissing her deeply.

Her soft moans accompanied his as she wrapped her arms and legs around him. In the first part of the ritual, she had planted the seeds for change. The body, like the mind, had a memory. Skin and organs remembered being powerful and strong. In her carrssing, she had awakened these memories in him. Concentrating on her as he touched her, he had involuntarily sparked hers as well. The whole-body excitement of sex was now needed to build and fuse the new energy into their bodies.

She felt nothing but pure animal lust as he entered her. He coupled with her at a frenzied pace, each thrust bouncing her in his grip. No more concentration was needed, only the natural energy of intimacy. He was grunting with the effort as he tried to reach ever deeper inside her. With each hard thrust, she felt her own body working towards climax. Her head was tucked in beside his neck as he slammed into her, her hands grabbing at his back as he pawed at hers. It wasnat long before she was becoming lightheaded as he neared the brink. The buildup of pleasure heightened, and the healing energy radiated like a hot flame from both their bodies. She shot her legs out and thrust up hard, attempting to get him a little bit deeper inside her as she felt the first wave of orgasm wash through her. Her loud moan was accompanied by his blasting out a cry as he filled her womb with hot seed. Her mind blurred as their combined energy peaked.

Fusion.

Even after their climax, their bodies kept up the motion for a few moments as if this hadnat been enough. Dropping down, he rolled off her, staring up at the rock overhead as he panted. Odif lay panting beside him, reveling in the glow of body and spirit.

Rolling onto her side, she laid a hand on his chest. aI think Sally will be very pleased with you,a she purred.

As he looked at her, his contented smile turned into a look of shock. Turning away from her, he sat up. aWe shouldnat have done it,a he whispered harshly.

Sliding over to sit up beside him, she said, aNonsense. What we did was part of the ritual.a He let out a snorting laugh. Shaking his head, he said, aIt was wrong! It may not have been wrong for you, but it was wrong to do this to Sally!a aAnd just what did we do to Sally?a she asked.

His mouth hung open. aUnless you missed something, I just had sex with you.a She looked at him quizzically. aSo?a aSo!a He shot to his feet and faced her. aI donat love you, I love Sally!a Confused by his behavior, she asked, aI thought thatas why you wanted to do this? You want to be able to please Sally, right?a aDo you think this will please Sally!a he roared.

Pressing a finger to her ear, she winced. aIf youare any louder, maybe she will hear you and decide for herself.a Waving his hands at her in a ago awaya gesture, he turned and walked back towards the arch. It took her a moment to realize that he was feeling guilty. It was silly--there was nothing to feel guilty about. All they had done was use the natural energy of sex to strengthen his body. She got up and followed him; maybe she could explain it to him.

She stepped into the archway, watching him as he roughly straightened his clothes. aThe ritual is designed to bring out basic instincts. It doesn't mean--a He whirled to glare at her. aJust shut up!a In the dim light, she saw the tears in his eyes. She thought briefly about holding him here to explain. He was bringing the guilt on himself--it was a shame these people were so ignorant of how life worked. However, she knew he was beyond listening to anything she said, so she just grabbed the torch and followed him up the stairs so he wouldnat kill himself in the dark.

They quickly ascended the stairs in silence. She had to start taking the steps two at a time to keep up with him as he went faster, as if desperate to get away from her. At the top, she doused the torch and ran to catch up with him. She was sure if he understood he wouldnat be so upset.

aWill you please wait?a she cried.

Not breaking pace, he held up a hand to ward her back. aLeave me alone!a She stopped, giving an irritated huff. City people were crazy.

aWeall talk in the morning,a she called after him.

He showed no signs of hearing her as he strode back towards the house. She let him go and went back to bed. Maybe tomorrow head be a little more reasonable.

Chapter 12.

Odif went in for breakfast hoping Arthur had spent the night thinking about the ritual. The first ones she saw at the table were Art and Jeni, with Erica in a high chair beside her. Salinthia sat with her back to her. Arthur was at the head of the table, looking sullen. Penny and the butler, Lenath, served them hot cakes and eggs.

aMorning.a She smiled at them. Everyone gave her a cheery response except Arthur. As she approached, she noticed there was only one extra plate. Since it was not next to Arthur, but one seat down, she thought maybe Sally had rushed off somewhere.

aSallyas sitting there,a Arthur said tonelessly as she pulled out the chair.

aOh.a There were no other vacant places set. Not thinking too much of this, she settled in between Jeni and Art. She plucked an apple from the basket in the middle of the table and waved at Erica.

aIs she still sleeping all night?a she asked Jeni.

Jeni gave her a sideways glance. aYes. Do you want me to say you were right?a aNo, I knew that.a she grinned.

aYou look radiant this morning,a Salinthia offered.

Odif beamed her a smile. aAnd you are looking well, also. Any more breathing trouble?a aNone at all.a She smiled pleasantly. aI was just telling Arthur that he looks very good--donat you think so?a Odif saw the lines in his face werenat nearly so deep, and the loose flesh under his jaw was all but gone. aIad say he looks twenty years younger--and would feel like it, if he let himself.a She stressed the last part, trying to get a rise out of him. The only thing he did was glance up at her.

Jeni studied her for a few seconds then asked, aDo you know something about Dadas mood?a aJeni, Iam fine,a he stated.

Odif knew she had to be what they called adiscreeta with Art sitting next to her, but now was a good a time as any. aLast night, Arthur wanted me to help make him...a little younger. I didnat explain the details of what I was going to do to him ahead of time...a She stopped as the kitchen door slammed open, and Sally walked briskly in. Her face was an unreadable mask, though her eyes threw daggers.

She didnat sit down but stood behind her chair and grabbed the back as if she were going to choke the life out of it.

aI do not think we will discuss it here,a she stated coolly. Watching for a moment to be sure Odif stayed quiet, she slid into her seat. The tops of her pointed ears were partially laid back, and she was so tense the tendons in her neck stood out. Although she was trying to appear somewhat calm, Odif knew the signs.

aSally, donat you think--a Sally glared at her. Her mouth unconsciously curled up into a sneer. aI think you should go.a Odif felt the short hairs on her neck stand up. She had done her best to try to fit in and make their lives a little better. What was her reward? Not thanks, but get the hell out of our house. She didnat need this shit; there were much more important things to be done that to try to talk to people who wouldnat listen.

aFine.a She got up, resisting the urge to just kick the chair out of her way. To Jeni, she said, aIall bring Ericas armor back as soon as Iam done with it.a Salinthia spoke up. aWait! Sauri, what is going on here?a Still glaring at Odif, Sally said in a tight voice, aWe will not discuss it in front of the children.a aShe thinks Iam a troublemaker,a Odif explained.

aI canat say what you are!a Sally spat.

With the anger mounting between them, it wasnat going to take long for someone to start swinging, and this wasnat going to be practice. Staring back at Sally, she said, aYouare right, I better go.a She turned and started walking out. Arthur said something quietly, to which Sally snapped, aYouare no better than she is!a Odif couldnat take any more. Whirling around, she exploded, her voice rough and deep in her anger.

aHey!a she barked. aYou wanna hate me? Fine! What I did was not his fault!a Everyone at the table looked up at her, gaping like fish. Pausing to take a breath and calm herself, she pointed a finger at Sally. In a more normal yet tightly controlled tone, she said, aYou, all of you, speak to me about decency. Arthur came to me so he could be a better husband for you. Have the decency to appreciate it!a She then turned and stomped out as fast as her legs could carry her.

They sat with all eyes on the empty doorway. Two years ago, Eric had faced one of the noblemen defending Tayan using an identical tone of voice as well as those very same words. What Sally had told Odif the day before in the bathroom came back with more truth than she had ever guessed. In complete conviction, she said it again.

aShe is her fatheras daughter.a Odif snatched up the armor and her staff as she strode out. By the gate, the coach that took them around the city was parked in its alcove. Looking for the driver, she saw him sitting on a bench, talking to two elven men who leaned on their shovels.

She walked over and tapped him on the shin with her staff. aGet up, take me to the southern part of the city, on the other side of the river.a He looked up at her then pointed back towards the house. aMrs. Redman tells me where to drive. I canat go without her say-so.a aDo you really want to spend the rest of your life as a lizard?a she growled.

He swallowed nervously. aSure, maaam...I mean, no, maaam,a he quickly corrected. aIall take you, but I have to return for Mrs. Redman.a Odif got into the coach and waited for him to climb into the driveras seat. She eyed him as he glanced in at her then mounted.

aWait for me!a Jeni cried, running up. She sat across from Odif. Straightening her light purple dress over her knees, she looked squarely at the druid. aWhat happened in there is over. We are still trying to find Eric, right?a The coach started to move. aDonat you want to yell at me first?a Odif asked sarcastically.

Jeni frowned at her. aWhat you did was wrong. I have an idea what happened, and you should have explained it to Dad before you did anything. I know you tried to help, but it backfired. I just hope Mom and Dad donat split up over this.a aWhat is the problem?a she cried with a fling of her arm. aArthur wanted to be able to make love to Sally again. I took him through the ritual; the sex was just to bond the change. It wasnat personal. I wasnat trying to take him away from her. Why was she so pissed off?a With a groan, Jeni rubbed her forehead, trying to hide her face. aThat was a little more than I needed to know,a she sighed. Clasping her hands in her lap, she collected her thoughts. aThe problem is that sex is personal, or should be. Mom is heartbroken that Dad did that with you. Dad is feeling pretty bad, also.a Odif shook her head. aI never meant to hurt anyone.a aI know you didnat. I will try to explain it to them once theyave calmed down.a Changing the subject, she asked, aYou want to try the southwest section today?a Odif nodded. aWhereas Erica and Penny?a aI had to run to catch you. Penny told me she can get a wet nurse for Erica today.a Looking down at herself, she mused, aI hope I donat ruin this dress.a Odif dug in her shorts pocket. She still had a strip of bandage she kept for emergencies. Passing it to Jeni, she said, aHere, fold this over your nipples to catch any leaking.a Jeni did, patting it flat so it was barely visible. Looking at the bent armor, she asked, aThink weall have any luck today?a Odif noted the cloud cover was just enough to keep the sun from shining. She was hoping it would rain--this city needed a good cleansing. The way things were going so far, it would probably turn sunny and hot. aIf we have any, itall probably be bad.a This day of searching found two more slick-tongued fakes and one man so bad he didnat even fake that well. Odif was persistent by nature, but she was beginning to think she was wasting her time. Considering how long they had been searching, she could have gone back, had Duncan take a look at the armor and maybe even found him by now.

What had really kept her here was her cute little half-sister and Jeni. She wanted to get to know them and spend some time with them. She knew that was over. If today didnat turn up a real seer, she was going back to Castle Zodiac.

Late in the afternoon, they walked into the shop of the fourth afortuneteller.a This one called himself Wizard Chez. His aparlora was a tent backed against the wall of a real building and had the same dark curtains, small table and large glass ball sitting atop a silver stand as just about every other one they had visited.

It might have been wishful thinking, but Odif thought she sensed something as they went in. Chez, wearing a dark-blue robe and a white towel wrapped around his head, led them in. He waved a hand at two stools on one side of the table. His voice was silky smooth.

aCome and sit,a he invited, sliding onto his own stool. aTwo silvers in exchange for knowledge.a Odif sat down and propped her staff against the table. She was careful to keep the armor out of his sight. Jeni reached for the money, but Odif stopped her. She studied the man for a moment, not sure if the odd feeling she was getting was from him or just from the few trees trying in agony to grow across the street. Before she let Jeni spend any more money, she decided to test him.

aWho am I?a she asked.

Slowly, Wizard Chez crossed his arms in front of him, leaning on his elbows. Watching her intently, he said, aI sense you are not one to be trifled with. You are very strong, both in body and mind. You hold frustrations, the latest of which was this morning. As for your name, all I get is the meaning, I doubt you would understand it.a The sensation she felt grew as he leaned towards her. Glancing down, she saw he was touching the ball with one finger. aTry me.a He cast her a look of surprise, which faded quickly. aYour name means strong-as-oak.a She gave him a slight nod. aCorrect.a He didnat have the power, but his ball did.

aI require two silvers for any more information,a he insisted sternly.

Convinced, Jeni dug in her purse and paid him his silvers. As she did, Odif gripped the armor with one hand, slapping the other on top of the ball. She concentrated on the piece of twisted steel as Chez protested her touching his crystal.

Visions flashed through her mind. She saw pilgyns fighting with elves and humans. Explosions much like those of the spears flashed around her. She felt the heat, and something was ripped off her back as she flew through the air. The vision brought back her own terrible experience. Her mind tried to take her to the woods north of Newburg, but another vision ripped into her head. In this one, she was burnt and aching, and she was charging a pilgyn.

Odifas screams startled Jeni, who jumped up to stare at her. Odif was gripping the ball as she bucked and threw her head back. Next she stiffened then kicked out with her legs as she curled her lips back and screamed again.

aWhat is happening to her?a Jeni cried.

aI donat know,a Chez breathed. aNo one but me has ever touched it.a Beside them, Odif jerked her head to one side like she had been hit then snapped it back as she growled at nothing. Under the tangled mass of hair covering her sneering face, her nose trickled blood.

aSheas living it!a Jeni gasped. Grabbing Chez by the arm, she quickly explained. aWe wanted to know what happened to my husband--that's his armor she has. She's reliving what he went through!a Chez saw the twisted metal. aThat was armor?a He summed up the situation. The man wearing that armor could not be alive. If she was living through what he had then she had a very good chance of dying. aIave got to stop her.a Intent on pulling her hand off the crystal, he grabbed her quivering wrist. He hauled up, but she was pressing down too hard to move her. He laid his other hand on the crystal to get more leverage and something happened. His body wracked with pain as if lightning had hit him. There was no longer a woman at his table, but a large man. His dark red hair was long and shaggy; his face was covered in small cuts and bruises and bore a madness to it. He wore armor, but it hung on him as if someone had tried to tear it off. He was covered in streaks of blood. Chez saw this in an instant. He also saw the man snap his head up to glare malevolently at him. His voice was deep and hollow.

aBack off!a Chez let go, recoiling halfway across the tent. He tripped and fell as he backpedaled up against the curtains.

aWho in the abyss was that?a he squeaked.

Jeni shifted her gaze from Odif, who was now only quivering as she stared at nothing, to Chez, who was shaking in fear. Deciding that Odif was in no mortal danger for the moment, she turned to Chez. aWhat did you see?a aBig man, red hair, covered in blood,a he quavered. aHe looked like he was mad.a aEric,a Jeni breathed. Putting a hand to her mouth, she watched Odif, gathering the nerve to put her hands on the crystal. She started to move towards it, wanting to know what had happened and fearing to at the same time. The ache to see her love again moved her to slowly reach out, one hand for the crystal, the other for Odifas hand, just as Chez had done. She braced herself for what was sure to be a horrid sight. Just as she was about to touch, Chez grabbed her wrists and pulled her back.

aNo, I canat let you!a Jenias face was stricken. aHeas my husband, I have to know!a Holding her tight, he said, aHeas in a battle, heas hurt bad. If the lady lives, let her tell you.a The last thing Jeni wanted was to see Odif die in front of her. aAnd if she dies?a aThen he did, too.a aHe canat die!a she snapped. Jerking lose, she took a step towards Odif then stopped. aCan we talk to her?a Chez shrugged. aIf you can break into the vision. Whatever you do, donat touch her.a Leaning to put her mouth by Odifas ear, she said, aOdif, tell me what is happening. Please, I have to know whatas happening!a ***

He ran along a ridge to intercept a vlak. The running was agony, every part of his body hurt. He had been close to two explosions and was burned. Through the knives of pain from wounds and burns, he focused on one thing--protect Tayan.

Odif heard Jenias plea. Her mouth worked a few seconds then she tried to relay what she was seeing.

aFollowing a vlak, itas after Tayan and Lucinthia. The pain, it hurts to move, it hurts so much!a Tears began running down her cheeks. aHave to keep going, canat let it kill Tayan,a she intoned. She heard Lucinthiaas piercing scream for Eric as the vlak crested the hill it was climbing. She followed in time to see it kill an elf, shaking the life out of him. Tayan waved his sword over his head to get the vlakas attention. Directly below, Lucinthia and Glenarin hid behind a pile of rocks.

The vlak turned its attention to Tayan. He ran.

Odif/Eric shook her head, aNo...not my son!a she blubbered, echoing Ericas words. She cried openly as Eric threw the explosive ball and missed the vlak. Grabbing his battleaxe, he charged it. She stiffened to stand, both hands gripping the globe as he ran, hacking wildly in a vain attempt to stop it. She let out a long scream as she fought it with him. Her body arched forward, head flung back as he took the blow from its tail.

She fell over the table as Eric fell limp. She dropped to her knees, twitching in spasms as electric pain filled her. Through all this, she kept a death grip on the crystal.

aSo...much...pain...a she whimpered, tears leaking between her squeezed-shut eyes. aHave to get up...canat get up...have to get up!a she ended in a screech.

Jeni sobbed as she watched. She knew what Eric could do but never understood how much pain he lived with to do it. She understood one thing well--Eric had gone though hell in this battle.

Odif lethargically crawled to her feet, crying. Suddenly, she blasted out a scream, aDiiiie!a ***

He was on his feet, screaming in agony as he chopped into the vlakas leg. The vlak fell. On a warning from Tayan, he looked to see the tail coming. He met it with the battleaxe, connecting solidly. The end of the tail was cut off, but he was on the ground again. Twice more the tail slammed down, crushing his ribs.

Odif convulsed the first time, and the second; her ribs depressed and blood shot from her mouth as the tail crushed him.

aDear Odin!a Jeni cried as she watched the blood spray across the table. She was going to be sick--never had she witnessed such a thing!

Odif lay limp. Only her weight was keeping her from slipping to the floor. Still her hands stuck tight to the crystal.

Jeni grabbed her by the shoulders, shaking her. aBreak free! You have to stop this now!a she cried.

Odifas muscles began to spasm. She sucked in a small breath then a larger one. aCanat...stop...now. Still alive.a She then shook her head, pleading, aOh, Goddess, donat get up, not again!a Even as she pleaded, she rose up from the table.

Chezas eyes went round. aHe got up after that?a aNot again.a Odif cried, shaking her head.