Subject: Re: Moving on

Pensive pauses a moment, studying Garyth's face. So many answers to his question. . . "I am here in Huss, because Vicar Hope sent me here to watch over Mission. I am here in Nesalin because I could not find him, and when you don't know where to go, one place is as good as another. I am here with you now because Stone and Blood must always oppose sand and shadow."

"I found Mission last night. We spoke briefly, and he said he was leaving. Truthfully, Garyth, he seemed fearful of something." Pensive's eyes flick over the priest's body. "He had good reason, apparently."

How much had Mission told these men about the Kaishin? Knowing him, too much. "I have not seen him since. I assume that he has already left Huss."

Even Mission was not so foolish as to toy with the safety of his son. He hoped. Pensive hoped with all his heart that Mission and Promise were far, far away. He hoped that Mission had not been so short-sighted as to sleep in the city. The priest-- for a moment, he imagined Mission's body on the table, naked, mutilated, and Promise-- Promise with his chest mangled, his heart cut out by an obsidian blade.

The thought makes his stomach turn, and his knees tremble. No. Not a vision. Just a fear. The Kaishin was safe. He must be. Must! No vision that, either-- just hope.

"The Path will turn as it will," he murmurs under his breath. "Captain, you and I can do nothing here for this man, or for Mission, wherever he might be. Our duty lies in saving Overlook." Flashes of dreams, women and men in flames, children staring upward with dead eyes, or eyes that longed for death. His stomach wrenches again. He says urgently, "Captain. We must leave now, if we are to march with the army."

Subject: snowstorm

Hey guys/gals,

This is Fred, Raja's ex-roommate. He's on the phone right now from Nova Scotia and tells me a massive snowstorm has knocked out the power for what might be the entire week. Unfortunately, that means he will not be able to check his e-mail. As such, he commissioned me to notify you that he is not dead. :)

Thanks,

-Frederic

Subject: Re: snowstorm

Not dead -- that's good. :)

Not checking his email for a week -- BAD! :(