Vuir was greeted succinctly by the Doctor when she arrived at the house. He reiterated Adric's symptoms to her, and when he had finished, Tegan added, "Gerran says it's a common illness."
Vuir nodded slowly. "Yes, it is. It happens to some of the children and young people from time to time."
"Do you know what causes it?" asked the Doctor. "Is it viral?"
"Viral? I'm not really sure," she replied.
"Well, I'll run a full blood panel in the TARDIS."
"That's a series of tests—analyses—that find anything unusual in the blood, isn't it?"
The Doctor said, "Yes. I'll share the results with you if you like. It should help you to understand this illness better."
"And if it is viral," Vuir inquired, "there's a cure for it?"
"Of course—various antibiotics are quite effective against a wide range of viruses."
"And could you give me some?"
The Time Lord considered this for a few moments. "I suppose so."
"But if it's not viral—if your tests don't show anything in his blood—then what will you do?"
"Once I understand what's causing his symptoms, I'll be able to treat them."
"So no matter what it is, you can fix it?"
"Yes, I believe so. If I cannot, I'll take him to someone who can."
"I should have a look at him," Vuir said after a moment, already walking toward the hallway. The Doctor began to follow her, but she paused. "You don't need to come with me. I'll only be a minute."
With a small shrug, the Doctor turned back to Tegan, who said, "It sounds like it's not terribly serious. She doesn't seem all that concerned."
"No, she doesn't."
"But you still are?"
The Doctor sighed. "Yes, Tegan, I still am."
Vuir returned soon. Her expression was somber but when she addressed the Doctor her affect seemed to lighten somewhat. "He's not seriously ill," she said. "With rest he should recover in a few days. I don't think there's any permanent damage—"
"Permanent damage? From an illness?" Tegan asked. "What kind of permanent damage could there be?"
"Some diseases can damage the brain—and without specialized equipment and drugs the effects may become irreversible," the Doctor explained briefly.
"So you think it's something in his brain?" Tegan's tone had risen in alarm.
"It does seem neurological," the Doctor replied.
"It won't cause him any long-term harm," Vuir reiterated.
"Are you certain of this?" asked the Doctor.
"Yes. I've seen this before—many times. He just needs rest and quiet." She watched the visitors for a moment then added, "And travel would be ill-advised right now."
"You think he should remain here?" the Doctor questioned.
"Oh, yes, absolutely. He needs to stay still for at least a day or two. Please give me your word that you won't try to move him. I wouldn't want him to grow any worse."
"Doctor?" Tegan asked, looking at her friend.
He replied, "I'll see how he's doing in a few hours."
"I should go," Vuir said. "I need to prepare some tinctures."
"Then you'll bring one for Adric?" Tegan asked.
"For Adric?" the healer repeated.
"Yes," Tegan said, "Gerran told us that there's a tonic that helps with this disease."
"Oh, yes, of course. I'll bring it in an hour or so."
"Would you ask Nyssa to return?" the Doctor requested. "I'd like to discuss Adric's condition with her."
"She's not—" Vuir began, glancing at the door. "She was helping me with some herbs. She's not quite finished yet."
"Well, I'd appreciate it if you'd send her anyway," the Doctor said.
With a nod Vuir left.
"I think you might have hurt her feelings," Tegan said.
"What?"
"You were a little short with her, and the way you said you wanted to discuss Adric with Nyssa made it seem like you didn't value her opinion at all—"
"That wasn't my intent. However, it can't be helped now."
"You could apologize to her the next time you see her," Tegan suggested.
The Doctor lifted an eyebrow. "Yes, I suppose I could." He turned to stare through the beveled glass at the haze of rain that continued to fall outside.
-----
Nyssa had huddled at the back of the narrow cave into which the man had dragged her. She was shivering with both cold and fright. The interior of the cave was very dark, and she had needed to feel her way along the rough wall until she could move no further. The man stood near the entrance; he was quiet now, but she felt that he was watching her. At the very least, he was guarding her, preventing her from leaving. He had not released her arm until they entered the cave, and he had positioned himself so that his body blocked the entry. It was clear to Nyssa that she was expected to remain.
As her eyes adjusted to the dimness, she could discern a few items strewn along the floor. There were several pots and baskets, and near her she thought she saw a blanket. Tentatively she reached out for it, drawing it toward herself slowly. A basket sat upon the edge of it, and the movement caused the container to shift and tip, spilling its contents over the floor with a rustle.
The man made a growling noise and took several steps toward Nyssa. She froze, releasing the corner of the blanket and pressing her body against the rough wall.
"I'm sorry," she said softly, voice quavering. "I'm cold. I just wanted the blanket… I didn't mean to disturb your things."
The man lumbered forward then dropped to his knees to grope about for the spilled objects. His hands moved over the floor; he seemed to have trouble finding the items, even though they lay just a few inches from his fingers. He moaned softly.
"Here, let me help you." Nyssa kept her voice low and steady, as though she were talking to a small child or an agitated animal. She leaned forward, not sure whether he had heard or understood her. "I can help," she said again, touching his head.
He cried out, jerking his head up and lifting his hands to push her forcefully away. She slammed back against the wall, her head striking the stone. She gasped in pain and surprise then sank to the ground limply.
-----
Ellea had served tea and was busy washing the dishes in the kitchen. The Doctor and Tegan sat at the table, finishing the contents of their mugs.
"It's been nearly an hour," the Doctor commented. "Vuir should have sent Nyssa back by now."
"It's raining really hard," Tegan replied. "Perhaps she decided to wait until the weather improves."
The Doctor stood. "I'm going to check on Adric."
He walked quickly down the hallway and opened the door. The room was nearly dark, but his acute eyes easily perceived Adric lying upon his back. The quilt had slipped, or perhaps he had moved; his arms were exposed to the chilly air.
The Doctor watched the boy for several seconds before bending to readjust the quilt around his shoulders. He rested the back of his hand against Adric's forehead, noting that his skin was cool. He turned to leave, but Adric mumbled something.
"Adric?" he asked softly.
The Alzarian's hands moved beneath the quilt, pushing it away again as they lifted to his head. He continued muttering, his hands now clenched into fists. The Doctor could see his eyes moving rapidly beneath his lids. Adric seemed to choke back a dry sob, then he whimpered.
"Adric!" The Doctor shook his shoulder lightly, concerned that he was experiencing pain. "Come on, Adric, wake up."
The young man's eyes shot open. "What?" he asked in confusion.
"Are you all right?"
Adric frowned and rubbed at his eyes. "I was sleeping."
"Yes, but you sounded as though you were in pain."
"No—I was dreaming, I think."
"How do you feel?"
"All right, I suppose." He sat up.
"How are your eyes?"
"Fine."
The Doctor removed the small torch from his pocket and switched it on, directing the beam onto the ceiling to illuminate the room softly. He watched his companion's eyes. Adric blinked but did not squint, so he moved the light closer. It was not until he shifted the beam to the boy's left eye that Adric turned his head away.
"Too bright?" asked the Doctor.
Adric nodded.
The Doctor patted his shoulder. "All right. Try to go back to sleep. Vuir says that rest is the best thing for you."
"Vuir? The healer?"
"Yes, she was here a little while ago. She didn't wake you?"
"No."
"You must have slept right through." He turned again to leave.
"Doctor—" Adric's voice was hesitant.
"Hmm?"
"What—what did she say? Does she know—or do you know—what's wrong with my eyes?"
He turned back to Adric, trying to muster a reassuring smile. "She believes it's a common pediatric illness that affects many of the children here."
Adric frowned. "But I'm not a child, and Alzarians don't get sick!"
"Yes, I'm well aware of both facts, though the first, at least chronologically and physically, is debatable—"
Adric opened his mouth to protest, but the Doctor continued. "It is possible that being exposed to a different environment has affected your immune responses. There may be a virus here that doesn't exist on Alzarius or the other planets you've visited. It is not uncommon for people to become ill from diseases previously unknown to their population. This happened on Earth when European explorers came to the New World, bringing small pox and—"
"Doctor," Adric interrupted in some frustration, "I'm not interested in an Earth history lesson!"
"No, I suppose you aren't."
"So? You think I'm sick?"
"That seems the most plausible explanation at present. As soon as the rain lets up, I'll get the TARDIS and we'll find out for certain what's going on. In the meantime, try to rest." He slipped out the door without further discussion.
------
Another hour passed, and darkness fell in earnest, cloaking the village in blackness. The rain continued to fall heavily, sending icy air beneath the door. The Doctor stoked the fire as Ellea prepared supper with Tegan's assistance.
When Gerran returned, the Doctor asked him where Nyssa was.
"Isn't she here?" their host asked, wrinkling his forehead in confusion.
"No. She hasn't come back yet."
"I asked her to when I got the tonic from Vuir." Gerran pulled a small bottle from his pocket. "She said to give him a spoonful tonight then another in the morning."
"When did you last speak with Nyssa?"
"I picked this up about half an hour ago. She said she'd be along soon."
The Doctor shook his head. "It's not like her to delay when she knows she's needed. I'm going to get her." He reached for an oilskin cloak hanging near the door.
"Doctor, wait—"
"What is it?"
"Shouldn't you give this to Adric?" He held out the bottle.
"Tegan can do it. Just tell her how much."
Stepping into the room, Tegan asked, "How much of what?"
The Time Lord gestured toward the vial. "Adric needs a spoonful of that— Wait, let me see it." He held out his hand expectantly.
Gerran passed the bottle to him. The Doctor removed the stopper and sniffed the contents. "Hmm. I can't identify all of the components. Don't give him any until I return."
"Where are you going?" asked Tegan.
"To get Nyssa. She must still be at Vuir's house. I want to find out what's in this tincture, too, before I give it to Adric."
"Doctor," Tegan protested mildly, "I'm sure it's perfectly safe—"
"I don't doubt that. But I'd like to know what he's taking. He's sleeping now, anyway. I'll be back soon." He fastened the cloak and took the lantern that Gerran had left by the door. He stepped out into the rain and hurried along the path toward Vuir's house.
Tegan had been assured by Ellea that her help was appreciated but not necessary, so the Australian sat near the fire while her hostess finished preparing supper. Gerran joined his wife in the kitchen, and they talked in hushed tones for some time. Tegan wondered vaguely why they felt the need to whisper. After a few minutes she stood and began walking toward the hallway, intending to check on Adric. However, her feet seemed to steer her automatically yet nearly silently to the kitchen. She paused just outside the doorway to listen.
"… wasn't aware that he'd done it," Gerran was saying.
"He didn't mean anything, I'm sure. He's just curious."
"He's old enough to know the rules. There's no excuse for his behavior."
"What's she going to do?"
"I don't know. He has to be punished; he can't think that this is acceptable, especially now."
Tegan heard the clink of plates and silverware and quickly moved back toward the hallway. By the time Gerran entered the dining area she was half-way to Adric's room.
The Doctor returned just as Ellea was setting out supper. He looked perturbed and slightly worried.
"Where's Nyssa?" Tegan asked him as she shook water from the cloak.
"She's not at Vuir's house, and neither is Vuir."
"Maybe they went somewhere together."
"Yes," the Doctor said rather shortly, "they must have, obviously. But I don't know where. Short of checking every house in the village, I'm not sure how to find her."
"I'm sure she'll come back soon. She wouldn't stay out late without letting us know."
Gerran cleared his throat lightly from the kitchen doorway. "Pardon me, but I know Nyssa has been helping Vuir with some of the tonics and tinctures. She must have gone with her to deliver them to someone."
"Do you have any idea who?" asked the Doctor.
"No, I really don't. But you shouldn't worry about her. Whoever she's with will discourage her from walking through the village at night, since the wild boars have been very active lately. She'll probably stay wherever she is until morning."
"I'd prefer that she return here—" the Doctor began.
"I can certainly understand that," Gerran said placatingly, "but you must understand, too, that everyone here wants to ensure your safety and hers. It's very unwise to be out after dark."
"Yes, you've told us that several times," the Doctor replied brusquely.
"We just don't want anything to happen to you."
Suddenly struck by an idea, the Doctor fixed his gaze on Gerran and asked, "Has someone been hurt by the boars?"
Gerran's eyes wandered to the floor. "Yes."
"When? Recently?"
"No, it's been some time, but they were active then, just as they are now."
"Was it Cira's husband?"
Gerran blinked in surprise at the Doctor's words. "Yes—it—it was. How did you know?"
"You said he'd been killed in an accident, and the entire village's concern about the boars seemed rather excessive to me—unless they had proven truly dangerous." His tone had softened considerably.
"No one would risk Nyssa's safety. They'll insist that she remain inside, as we all must."
"But you went out before dawn—" began Tegan.
"I had to chase them away," Gerran replied. "There were only a few. I wouldn't go out if there were an entire herd."
"There must be some sort of deterrent you can use," the Doctor said. "Or perhaps traps—"
"We would welcome any ideas," Gerran responded.
This new issue on his mind, the Doctor's thoughts quickly left Nyssa and focused on the problem at hand.
------
Nyssa was swallowed in darkness. At first she could not distinguish between stupor and wakefulness; she simply felt enveloped. However, as consciousness gradually returned to her, the ache at the back of her head tugged her toward alertness. She opened her eyes to find that she could distinguish little in the nearly complete absence of light
The rain still fell outside, but she thought that it had slackened somewhat. She remembered that she had felt terribly cold before, but now she was comfortable. Shifting her body slightly, she discovered that she was wrapped in a thick, soft cover . She held an edge in her hand and moved her fingers over the material. She could feel fine stitching at regular intervals, but the fabric seemed to vary slightly in thickness and texture. She must be covered in a patchwork quilt. Had she been rescued?
She moved her hands down to feel the solid ground beneath her legs. Her palm scraped against the roughness of the rock. She was still in the cave. She listened carefully now. If her captor had departed, she could escape. At first all she could hear was the steady drumming of the rain, but eventually she was able to distinguish breathing. It was deep and regular. Perhaps he was sleeping…
Nyssa slowly lowered the quilt and got to her knees. She ran her hands over the walls behind her and to her side, realizing that she was in nearly the same position she had been in when she had hit her head and fallen. She knew that the cave was narrow, barely a meter wide, which meant that in all likelihood she would have to step over him. She would need to move with care so that she did not wake him.
She stood and took a tentative step forward. The man's breathing did not change. She took another step.
He grunted, and she could tell that he had moved. His breathing became sharper, more rapid. Something touched her leg, and she backed up, retreating to the rear of the cave and pulling the quilt back over herself. She remained very quiet, but he continued to stir, moaning and grunting softly for some time. She hoped fervently that he would not move any closer to her.
------
Tegan slept fitfully. Steady rain tapping at a rooftop usually lulled her into a pleasant slumber, but the effect of the current storm was just the opposite. She found the incessant noise irritating. She arose at dawn and shuffled blearily down the hallway. She was not particularly surprised to find the Doctor sitting before the fireplace. The flames had long since died out, and only a few glowing embers remained. He did not appear cold, however.
"Have you been up all night?" she asked, moving toward the hearth the try to absorb what little heat lingered.
"Yes," he replied simply.
"Are you worried about Adric?"
He gave her a brief nod. "And I've been trying to come up with an uncomplicated solution to the wild boar problem."
Tegan bent to push another log into the fireplace. "Do you have any ideas?"
"A few."
"What would make them more active at certain times?"
"Seasonal changes could affect their behavior, or shortages of food could drive them from their usual habitats—"
Tegan looked at the window; gray light was filtering through the glass. "It's weird that they'd build their village here with the threat of the boars so close by. They live near that hill where I got caught in the landslide, right? That's less than a kilometer from here."
"That may be the outer edge of their territory, and it's possible that their territory has changed or expanded in the years since the first humans arrived here."
Tegan shrugged. "I suppose. At least they're quiet now."
"Yes, they are. As a matter of fact, I didn't hear them at all during the night."
The fire began to crackle and warmth filled the room. Tegan sat on the small sofa, watching the flames. Her eyelids began to feel heavy, and she sank back against the cushions.
She hadn't realized that she'd slept until voices woke her. She sat up, blinking. The light inside the house was still dim, and she surmised that only a few minutes had passed since she dozed off. The Doctor was still sitting before the hearth, but he was looking at the hallway.
"You don't need to go." Gerran's voice was an emphatic whisper.
"Why not? He needs food—"
"No, Ellea, not this morning. I'll take something later."
"But the rain has probably gotten everything damp and soggy—"
The couple stepped into the room. Ellea gasped involuntarily when she saw her guests lounging near the fire. "Oh! I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were up."
"We didn't mean to startle you," Tegan said apologetically.
Gerran placed a hand on his wife's shoulder. "I was hoping she'd try to sleep for another hour, but she insists on going out to feed the goats." He turned to face her. "I'll take care of it. You just stay in here where it's warm and dry."
"You'll go now?"
"Yes, all right."
Tegan thought his tone bordered on resentment. "We can help out if you like," she began.
"No," Gerran said quickly. "That's kind of you, but I'll do it. It won't take long."
Ellea turned toward the kitchen. "I'll prepare a basket."
After she had disappeared, Gerran said, "Sometimes I think she feeds those goats better than she feeds me."
"Well, they are rather important for your diet and textiles," the Doctor commented. He ran his hand over the single pillow that adorned the sofa. It was covered in a soft, wooly fabric.
Gerran walked toward the window, resting his palm against the glass. "The rain hasn't let up much."
"Really? It seems much lighter to me," the Doctor said.
"Perhaps for the moment, but I think it will start up again soon. It could be worse than yesterday. You may not be able to travel today."
"Speaking of which," said the Doctor, standing, "I should check on Adric."
The Alzarian youth was still asleep, but his features were relaxed. He had thrashed about several times during the night with unpleasant dreams, awakened each time by the Doctor. Adric had been disoriented and groggy, which concerned the Time Lord. After the third incident, he had considered making the trip back to the TARDIS in the darkness but had relented when Adric slipped back into calm sleep.
The Doctor watched his companion for perhaps half a minute then slipped out of the door quietly to return to the sitting room.
"How is he?" Tegan asked.
"He's sleeping comfortably now."
"That means he's better?"
The Doctor gave a half-shrug. "I don't know. He had a difficult night."
"So you're going to get the TARDIS?"
At his nod, she added, "I can come with you if you like—"
Gerran walked out of the kitchen with a large basket over his arm. Overhearing their conversation, he said, "Doctor, I really don't think the weather is fit for traveling today."
"It can't be helped. Anyway, it won't bother me."
"But the rocks and hills are dangerous in the rain, and you said you'd help us with the glass making today—"
"That will have to wait until you can gather a sufficient quality of dry sand."
"The boars, then. You must help us to find a way to stop them. Perhaps Tegan can bring your ship here. I could go with her or send someone else who's familiar with the terrain—"
Tegan sighed. "The Doctor is the only one who can fly it."
Gerran looked from Tegan to the Doctor. "Really? But you all travel in it. Surely you're all able to pilot it?"
She shook her head. "It's a very complicated machine. The Doctor's been flying it for ages, though."
With a curious glance at the Time Lord, Gerran said, "If you must go, at least wait until it's light out. It will only be another half hour or so until the sun is completely up."
The Doctor nodded. "All right. I would like to speak with Nyssa before I go—"
"I'll find her and send her back here as soon as I've dropped this off." He lifted the basket then hastened out the door.
------
Ellea began setting out breakfast before Gerran returned. Tegan prepared a plate with several slices of bread, jam, and cheese and took it to Adric's room. He was still sleeping, so she set the food on the small night table. The plate touched the candleholder with a small clink.
Adric's eyes fluttered open. "Tegan?" he asked hoarsely.
"I've just brought you some breakfast," she said.
He sat up, wiping a hand across his eyes then turning his head to look at the food. "Thanks."
"Are you feeling better?"
He nodded and reached for a piece of bread.
Tegan told the Doctor that Adric had awakened as soon as she joined him at the table. "And he's hungry, too," she added happily.
"Did he seem coherent?"
"I think so. That must mean he's better, right?"
"Possibly."
Ellea had been quiet as she brought the food to the table. Tegan thought she seemed preoccupied, and her wan complexion indicated a poor night's sleep. Now she sank into a chair, eyes moving frequently to the door. Her vigilance was rewarded shortly when Gerran returned. He was frowning deeply.
"What's the matter?" Ellea asked, standing quickly. However, she took a sharp breath and pressed her hands against the table top, her skin growing even paler.
"Ellea?" Tegan questioned, reaching for the other woman's clammy hand.
"I'm all right," Ellea breathed, lowering herself back into the chair.
Gerran was by her side in a few moments. "I told you that you should get more sleep," he admonished gently, stroking her hair.
She looked up at him. "What's happened?" she asked again. "Something's wrong."
He nodded gravely then fixed his gaze on the Doctor. "Nyssa seems to be missing."
"Missing?" Tegan repeated. "What do you mean?"
"I went to Vuir's house first," he replied, "but she said Nyssa was gone when she woke up this morning. I've asked around the village, but no one's seen her."
"Where could she have gone?" Tegan asked.
"Vuir said that she was very interested in some of the herbs she uses. She may have gone out to look for some—"
"In the rain?" The Doctor's voice was flinty.
"I don't know," Gerran said slowly. "But she's not in the village."
Ellea, Tegan noticed, was gripping Gerran's hand tightly. "You have to look for her," she told her husband.
"Of course," Gerran replied. "We'll begin searching right away. Doctor," his eyes moved back to the Time Lord, "are you coming?"
The Doctor stood and addressed Ellea. "What are you worried about?"
Her eyes flicked to Gerran. "I—with the dark weather it could be dangerous—the boars may be out."
The Doctor reached into his pocket and removed his hat, unrolling it quickly and placing it on his head. "How many areas does Vuir search for her herbs?"
"Four or five," Gerran said. "I can take you to them—"
"No," the Doctor said sharply, "that will take too long. We should split up."
Tegan had stood, too. "Just tell me where to go."
Gerran hesitated for just a moment. "I don't think anyone should be out alone. If you do encounter the boars it's better to have at least two people."
"I can go with Tegan," Ellea offered.
The Doctor's response surprised Tegan. "No, you should stay here," he said in a gentle tone. "You can rest and keep an eye on Adric, and if Nyssa should return you can send someone to tell us. Gerran, you go with Tegan. I'll go alone."
"I'll go with you." Adric's voice was unexpected. Four heads turned to stare at the boy who stood in the hallway.
"Adric," the Doctor said firmly, "you need to rest."
"I've rested for over twelve hours. I'm fine now." He walked forward. Tegan noticed that his eyes were focused on the Doctor with unwavering determination.
The Doctor watched his movements, seeming to judge his soundness by his gait. When Adric neared him, he lifted the young man's chin to look at his eyes. "Are they still sensitive?"
Adric shook his head. "No, they feel fine."
"I still think it's best if you remain here and rest—"
"Doctor," Adric said resolutely, "I'm going to come with you. If you go without me I'll simply follow behind."
"You know he will," Tegan said.
"Yes." The Doctor bent forward slightly to look Adric directly in the eye. "At the first sign of fatigue, light sensitivity, or any other symptom that I find worrisome you will return here immediately. Understood?"
Adric nodded begrudgingly.
A few minutes later Adric was clothed in a warm wool coat borrowed from Gerran, and Tegan was similarly clad in one of Ellea's wraps. The Doctor and Gerran carried lanterns. When they stepped outside, however, they saw that the sky was clearing.
Adric blinked at the filtered sunshine, but when the Doctor gave him a questioning glance, he quickly said, "I'm all right. The light's not bothering me."
Gerran pointed toward the river and explained that one of Vuir's favorite places to gather herbs lay about a kilometer beyond the riverbed. The Doctor and Adric headed off in the indicated direction. Gerran led Tegan through the village, telling her that another area Vuir liked was not far from the edge of the settlement. As they walked along, a high voice called Tegan's name.
The Australian paused, realizing that she was close to Cira's house. Morra stood in the doorway, waving at her. "Where are you going?" the child asked.
"Gerran's taking me to the place where Vuir finds herbs," Tegan replied.
"Oh, is it the place with the big, pink flowers?"
Gerran nodded. "Yes, Morra."
"Oh, Uncle, can I come? Please? Please?"
Gerran looked up at the sky. The clouds were definitely dissipating, and the day promised to be clear and sunny. "Is your mother home?" he asked her in reply.
"She went to get some sweet potatoes."
"Where's Rannal?"
"He's in his room. Momma says he has to stay in there all day because he was naughty."
"Naughty?" Tegan inquired with a small smile. "What did he do?"
"I dunno. Momma wouldn't tell me."
"Morra," Gerran said, "how would you like to show Tegan where the pink flowers are? I want to speak with your mother for a few minutes." He looked at Tegan. "Do you mind? With the sun coming out, it should be quite safe."
"It's fine, as long as she knows where to go."
"I do! I do!" Morra replied enthusiastically. She skipped out the door, but turned abruptly back with a frown. "I better tell Rannal where I'm going." She disappeared back inside the house. Tegan could hear the children's voices from inside, though their words were indistinct to her. After a minute Morra returned and took Tegan's hand.
"Morra," Gerran said rather sternly, "take her to the flowers then come straight back here. Do you understand?"
The little girl nodded. "Come on!" she urged. "I'm going to show you the prettiest flowers!"
She led Tegan away down the smooth stone path.
------
Nyssa had finally dozed off just before sunrise. Her captor had quieted as the night wore on; she thought he had fallen asleep, but she did not want to risk moving past him again. As the rain slackened, she could hear him breathing deeply. Occasionally the steady rhythm was interrupted by a heavy sigh or a whimper. She began to wonder if he were in pain.
When she awoke she saw that dim light seeped into the cave. Still, it was difficult to see clearly. As she waited for her eyes to adjust, she listened carefully. The rain had stopped, and the interior of the cave was quiet. Perhaps the man had gone. She stood quickly, pushing the quilt to her feet. In the haze she could just make out a pattern of oblong petals scattered along the surface of the cover. The design seemed familiar to her, but her thoughts were disrupted by a movement just ahead.
With a groan, the man lumbered upward. She saw now that he had been hunched near the wall, but he must have heard her rise. He grunted at her and took a step forward.
"Please," she said gently, "let me go."
She could see that he was facing her now, and his expression did not seem threatening. If anything she thought it was pained. His eyes were nearly shut, and his mouth hung open half-way.
"Are you…" she began, "are you hurt?" Slowly she took a step forward.
He lifted his hands and grunted sharply.
"I can help you," she said softly. "If you're injured—"
He seemed to watch her warily. She took another step forward. "It's all right," she crooned, feeling that her tone was calming to him. She stood close enough to touch him. "Have you hurt your head?"
Tentatively she lifted her hand to rest it on his shoulder. He squinted at her, seeming to watch her movements through half-closed eyes. She permitted her hand to remain on his shoulder for nearly a minute then moved it to his cheek. Very softly she brushed her fingers over his skin, nearly recoiling at the coarse, grimy feel of his tangled beard. He grunted but did not protest, so she rested her entire hand against his cheek.
"I need to see your eyes," she said mildly. "Turn your head just a little." Carefully she increased the pressure of her palm on his cheek to nudge his face toward the dim illumination. He complied, and the dusky light hit his face full-on.
His hands shot up to his eyes and he groaned in agony.
"I'm sorry—" Nyssa began, but he lunged at her, knocking her to the ground.
He was panting in rage and pain, stomping about, kicking at her. His bare foot connected with her stomach, knocking the breath from her. She gasped and rolled to the side, finally managing to pull her knees beneath her and crawl toward the far wall. He continued to kick at the ground, but after a time he pressed his hands to the wall and began to feel his way along toward the back of the cave. Nyssa held her breath as he fumbled toward her.