[Estelyn Telcontar]

Andros gazed with concern on the motionless body lying beside the ashes of the fire. “Does he yet live?” he enquired of his companion.

“He was at the very gates of death,” the older Ranger answered, “yet he will not pass through them at this time. He sleeps so deeply that I cannot awake him; I do not know if it be wise to arouse him from that rest. Have you found others who know aught of what has come to pass?”

“Yes, I have found one of our company, Volkmar Heidenhammer, who has befriended the man called ‘Thenamir’.” Andros proceeded to give an account of what he had heard, concluding: “I have advised Volkmar to aid and accompany the group on their mission without waiting for their wounded comrade. They now know him safe, as much as that be possible, and can travel more quickly without him.”

“Have you knowledge of this man’s name?” his friend enquired.

“It must be ‘Taradan’, for he it was whose head was grievously wounded in battle many days ago,” replied Andros.

His companion turned back to the sleeping man. Gently he laid his hands on the wounded head, bent close and called, “Taradan”. Andros watched with bated breath, but no movement betrayed an answering response. His comrade called again and yet again, face drawn as if spending much strength. There! Did not one eyelid flutter, then the other?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Taradan wandered aimlessly in a thick mist, seeing and hearing nothing. He felt disembodied, in a world by himself, and was content to stay there. Yet it seemed that he heard something, a familiar sound, though he could not fathom its meaning. Nearer and louder it grew, until he could no longer ignore it. “Taradan” – it was his name! Who called him? The sound hovered on the edge of recollection. “Taradan!” the voice reached out to him, encompassed and grasped him until he could no longer resist.

He opened his eyes and looked into the compassionate gaze of a man, feeling as though he knew him, then realizing with a sharp pang that he was a stranger after all. His smile seemed to warm Taradan, bringing his numb limbs back to life. Suddenly memories flooded into his mind and questions filled his eyes.

“Welcome,” the stranger said, “do not be afraid! You are in safety and among friends. Rest now in peace; your questions shall be answered in due time.”