Looking scornfully at Cadvan not because he had dragged her in to this dark room but because he had allowed Maerad to slip into this state. He was the one responsible for Maerad's soul being taken bake to her time in the cot.

Ardina wrapped her soft genital hand around Cadvan's arm then fighting back the urge to dismember him for causing her daughter so much pain, she looked deep into his eyes and mumbled the words that would allow him to be taken to Maerad.

As she did Cadvan's body went cold and limp causing to fall where he had stood only moments ago. Hearing a loud thud Saliman rushed into the room finding Lady Ardina standing over Cadvan's body. He started to take a step toward his fallen friend but Ardina shapely spoke, " leave him. Your fiend is the cause of my daughter's suffering now he must make atonement for his misguidance."

Want to speak on Cadvan's behalf Saliman thought it better not to. He had no idea of what Ardina was capable of nor did he wish to find out. Instead he backed out of the room and quickly went to Hem's room finding him sleeping once again. " Hem wake up. You need to speak to your mother. She has done something to Cadvan."

Not opening his tiered eyes now moving Hem sleepily said, " If Ardina has done something o Cadvan then I'm sure it has something to do with helping Maerad." Hem yawed then continued, " if all is not well by morning then I'll speak to her, but if I did so now I fear that I would only anger her further."

Pulling the cover back over his head Hem fell back asleep as Saliman quietly left the room. Saliman knew that it was up to Cadvan now and with luck everything would return to normal by day break.

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Cadvan could feel his soul being ripped from his body as it fell to the hard floor. Floating up through the ceiling he tried to take notice of what was going on but found it useless. He could see the direction he was traveling nor why was the sun nor moon were rising. All he could feel or take notice to was that there was still breath in his empty body. But how could he feel his body though he was traveling away from it ? It had to be a dream unless he were truly going mad or worse…. The white sickness was it possible? He and Maerad had both been to places plagued by it.

Maerad, Cadvan turned his very irrational thoughts to her. He tried to see her face in his mind, her smile, her hair anything but again found it no use. He had almost given up when felt his body becoming soiled again. He could feel the hard dirt floor beneath his cold bare feet.

Feeling that he was no longer moving Cadvan opened his eyes. He was standing near a fountain. Cadvan's eyes widened he was standing uncloaked in the center of Gilman's cot.

His heart skipped a beat. He had no sword, nor did he know if he would be able to call upon his Bardic powers here. He closed his eyes, trying to listen for any sign of the inhabitants that lived here. Holding his breath he could only find one lost soul that was there in the hollowed walls.

Maerad. He had found Maerad. … Or at least sensed her.

He ran through the empty street with out thinking to why Maerad would come her or to think to why there were no people. He just went off down the street to the coves that the slaves once stayed in. he could feel his love becoming closer as he did.

After several long moments she came into sight. She was sitting next to a pallet of hay. Her legs behind her and her head laying in her folded arms. She was crying. Her hair dripped with sweat.

What had happen? What had caused Maerad to come here? What had made her cry for so long that her hair would be damp from sweat?

Cadvan took a step closer reaching out his hand.

Maerad sniffled then stopped crying all together. She picked up her head then quickly spun around to see a bard standing before her.

Cadvan nearly gasped it wasn't Maerad. But if not her then who. Who could possible have the same hair as his dearest? The same light burning deep inside. Who could this be?

______________________________________________________________

The girl stood up she could not be older than Maerad had been when he had found her. Puzzled Cadvan asked, " why are you crying"

Untrusting of a bard, she snapped, "you should know. It was your kind that killed my mother only days ago. Why do you come here? Have you come to kill me as well?"

"Miss I mean you no harm I have came here looking for someone. I had thought it was you but I was mistaken. I'm sorry to disturb you, but before I leave may I ask the name of your mother?"

" Elednor Edil- Amarandh na."