Zel lay on the ground amidst the shattered grass, his light extinguished. His face was ashen, and his hands were curled closed. Elmyndorm rose and bent over Zel. Orthane roused himself and back in human form, rose to his feet and moved to their side. As Roth looked on, the trio remained motionless. Finally, the three rose, shaken and bruised, but in one piece. Roth bent down to retrieve his sword, and the blade was steaming. He touched the metal, and jerked his had away in pain. Joining his companions, Roth collapsed onto the ground and took a long drink from his water gourd. For a moment, no one spoke...