Kel woke to a deep voice saying her name. The world spun under her and she had to close her eyes to keep from feeling like she would fly off the world at any moment.

"How is she doing?" The voice asked. Kel managed to open her eyes slightly. She saw Neal give Raoul a sad look, and shake his head.

"Nealan, what are you saying? She won't." His voice cracked in unspeakable worry for the girl he thought of as his daughter.

"It hit her heart, Raoul. It's not likely she will live." Raoul turned away to hide his filling eyes. He shook in silent weeping.

"Raoul?" Kel croaked. He turned and knelt by her cot. "I'm not going anywhere, sir." Kel said, trying to smile.

"Good. You'll kill many others too if you go." He gave her a watery smile. "I need to sleep.so tired." She mumbled before sleep took her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Neal looked at Kel two days later. She still wasn't getting better. I have no business trying this spell, he thought. But if I don't, Kel will die.

Quickly he built up a large fire.

"Mother Goddess, please give me strength, if you feel my cause is worthy." He threw vervain into the fire, and suddenly a bright light flashed, throwing Neal back onto the tent's floor, and he didn't get up.