Rhiannon stared down at his shattered body. The wounds looked even
worse than they had felt. Yet all that was behind him now. His thoughts
drifted as he floated upwards in the bright light shining from above. Would
Elenis be there to greet him? And what of Michael and Lysandra? Did they
survive long enough to have children of their own? So many questions...but
all would be answered soon. The light was close now, its brilliance was
comforting and peaceful. He was finally free.

	Iron shackles clamped shut around his wrists and ankles. Rhiannon
looked down to where the chains vanished into a dark void. Glowing green
eyes appeared in the darkness, frightening in their intensity. "You belong
to me," a voice hissed. The chains drew taut and began to drag Rhiannon
down, into the depths of the darkness.

	"NO!" he shouted, desperately trying to free himself from the
restraints, knowing all the while that his feeble efforts were hopeless.
The stark blackness of the void surrounded him, then all he could see and
hear were the burning green eyes and hollow, mocking laughter.

			********************

	He was lying on a cold, hard stone floor, too weak to move, barely
capable of speech. He couldn't see in the darkness, but he knew that before
him floated a dark, hooded figure.

	"Let me die," he said.

	"No."

	"I have served you for many years. Each time I thought myself free,
you have brought me back. Have I not done enough? The killing, the
destruction, the deceit...all these things have worn away my spirit, eaten
at my soul. I am no longer of value to you. Let me pass away, in peace."

	"On the contrary. Your powers are stronger than ever. I still
require your abilities. You will die only when *I* determine that you are no
longer of use. Until then, you will serve me, carrying out my will."

	"I will fight you."

	"I think not." The figure raised one withered hand, and made the
slightest gesture. Rhiannon screamed, the sound echoing in the darkness. "I
apologize for the pain, but some reconditioning is required to ensure your
loyalty." The figure gestured again, and Rhiannon's screams continued.

			**********************

	Rhiannon regained consciouness in the incinerated clearing. His
wounds were fully healed, and even his clothing and armor were repaired. He
retrieved Razor and replaced the sword in its sheath at his belt. A dark
figure materialized behind him as he finished.

	"Master," he said, turning and dropping to one knee.

	"I trust you are feeling better, Rhiannon."

	"Of course, Master. Forgive me for my weakness. I exist only to
serve you. What are your orders?"

	"Carry out your assigned task. I have arranged for Livouf Takar to
believe you dead. He will not be able to detect you unless you give him
reason to think otherwise. You are not to interfere with him or his plans
unless I give the order."

	"Understood, Master."

	"Go to Maranda. There is one there that could prove helpful to your
project. That is all." The figure melted into the shadows and disappeared.

	Rhiannon rose to his feet and turned towards the east. "So, someone
that could release more energy from the flowers. How interesting. To
Maranda, then." He walked into the shadows of the forest, then melded with
them and disappeared.