General disclaimer: I own nothing, even Maiyn generally decides her own path.

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The Breaking of a Bond

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If Valygar and Nalia had any reservations about Coran's plan they didn't show it. They reported to Edwin the next morning as agreed, and performed a few perfunctory errands for him on his demand; fetching his new robes from the tailor, picking up fresh parchment from the scribes guild. When they returned to him with the bag of lotions he'd ordered from one of the exotic merchants in Waukeen's Promenade, he gave them an appraising look.

"Well, you have surpassed the exceedingly low expectations I had of you," he declared critically. "You now have the trust of Mae'Var securely in hand, and have proven your competence to me once more (though just barely.)"

"By fetching your pampering items?" snorted Nalia.

Edwin glared at her coldly. "The tasks you performed today are more important than your measly brain could deal with. (Yes, that will do.) But anyway! Now that I'm assured of your loyalty to the cause of the moment, it seems an appropriate juncture to dispense with false pretences. Your feigning of naivety and wilderness manners is clever, but a Red Wizard sees more than mere appearance. You have a secret."

Coran raised an eyebrow. "I have many secrets," he admitted. "I'd share them with you, but then I'd have to kill you."

The mage sighed. "(Simian. Why do I have to deal with these lowlifes?) I know why you are here, mashing your lips on Mae'Var's boots -- and it's nothing to do with stipends or wages or other guild business," he remarked.

"I am sure I have no idea what you're talking about," smiled Coran charmingly.

"Don't insult my intelligence! (As if they could comprehend it!) If you wish to maintain this lie then I will be forced to confront Mae'Var with my suspicions."

"You dare threaten us, wizard?" asked Valygar menacingly. His katana was drawn, his face full of hatred. Edwin merely sneered at him.

"Oh, we shall see how long your sword lasts against my magic." He waved his hand dismissively. "Enough of this drivel. Are you or are you not going to admit to your real reason for being here?"

Coran stared at Edwin for a long time. He was used to reading people, figuring out when someone was telling the truth and when they were bluffing in order to find out something. The confidence displayed by the mage could be put down to his arrogance as a Red Wizard, but something told him that it went beyond that. He was fairly sure that the Thayvian knew the real purpose of their infiltration of the guild, and the fact he hadn't already told Mae'Var meant one of two things.

Either he would aid them with the task, for whatever reasons he had, or he'd wait until they admitted it so he could try and kill them himself. Coran hesitated, then spoke.

"I admit I have come to spy on Mae'Var. What exactly do you want of me?"

The mage sneered, and turned away from them, slowly pacing around the floor of the dormitory. "As it happens, I know where we can find damning evidence of Mae'Var's betrayal of Renal Bloodscalp. That is your purpose here, isn't it? (Yes, I thought so.)"

"'We'?" asked Valygar suspiciously.

"Naturally," Edwin replied. "You think I wish to stay in this dungheap for any longer than I need to? Mae'Var has been courting the Night Masks in order to bolster his own strategic position and betray Renal. Masterfully planned, but I have seen through it."

"Night Masks?" asked Nalia curiously. "I can't say I've ever heard of them."

Edwin sighed. "The Masks are a cut-throat guild of footpads, brigands and highwaymen based in the congested cesspool of Westgate. Obviously they wish to expand. Mae'Var is fully aware of the penalty if the Shadow Thieves learn of his plan; it would be disastrous, both for his ambitions and his continued breathing. You'll find the proof you require in Mae'Var's quarters -- I conveniently have a key that opens his strongbox." He produced a small gilded object from one of his many pouches, and held it out for the companions to see. He then smiled calculatingly. "I plan to be on the winning side in this affair."

"After all those tasks... and you're turning on your own master?" asked Nalia disbelievingly. "It's not that I think Mae'Var isn't deserving, or anything, it's just... you are a very evil man."

Edwin completely ignored her. "Would you require my peerless skill and finesse to break into Mae'Var's suite? My magical skills are supreme, and could only benefit your useless band of apes."

Coran could feel Valygar and Nalia both tensing, but the danger of their mission had suddenly hit home on him; if they were sent back to take care of Mae'Var after delivering the evidence, which he considered a very likely probability, the extra help would be invaluable. But could they trust this Red Wizard?

"You can come with us for now," muttered Coran, snatching the key from the mage's grasp. "But step out of line once and you'll regret it."

Edwin snorted, and stalked off to collect his bag. Nalia and Valygar looked at Coran with horror.

"You're not really-" began the girl.

"I cannot work-" protested the ranger.

Coran held up his hands, cutting them both off. "It won't be for long, just until this damnable episode is finished. A Red Wizard is skilled, indeed, and he can only be of benefit if we get into something dangerous."

"Or add to the danger himself," replied Valygar darkly. Nalia stayed silent, but her expression spoke volumes. Coran sighed. After Korgan's departure from the group, there had been little in the way of ill feeling, except for Valygar's occasional spat with one of the mages. But even they weren't serious enough to cause lasting damage, and cold words were quickly forgotten when the subject was changed.

Somehow, Coran couldn't see this happening with Edwin's presence.

-----------------------

"Ah, Coran!" exclaimed Renal pleasantly as the elf arrived. He looked up from his work to greet him, and stood expectantly, stepping away from his desk. "I was just counting some loot from a delightful outing we had not long ago and I thought of you. Mask help me if I didn't smile just a little!"

Coran nodded a greeting as the others filed in behind him. Renal's delight seemed to grow. "Ah, Edwin," he said smoothly. "You have decided to reconsider your position, and work alongside my friends here, hmm? I trust you won't be making this smile disappear, will you? You've brought news, perhaps? You've brought some evidence of Mae'Var's foulness?"

Coran held out a small box which the Guildmaster accepted and opened. He returned to his desk, taking a seat as he studied the material intently. He nodded to himself, and then frowned slightly.

"Well, well," he mused. "That is unexpected. Fortunately, it's more than enough to damn Mae'Var completely. I thank you, Coran, for providing this. Only the last part of our deal remains to be carried out now -- go and eliminate Mae'Var then, with my full authority. Do that and this business shall be finished, finally."

Although Coran had been expecting the order, it didn't lessen the dismay. "Very well," he replied, quietly. "I trust you remember your side of the bargain in this."

Renal's expression became amused. "My dear boy, I remember full well. Perform this task to my satisfaction and I will ensure you receive access to speak with someone who can give you any information you require."

Coran nodded briefly, then left without another word. The task had been set, and he just wanted to get it done and over with.

-----------------------

Even though Mae'Var held traitorous ambitions to the Shadow Thieves, the rogues working under him were nothing but loyal to their Guildmaster. Nalia and Edwin had no option but to rely on stoneskin and mirrors to survive the constant attacks the group faced as they returned to the guildhall, but Coran and Valygar easily managed to battle their way through with the advantages of strength and more weapons training. They moved methodically up through the compound until they were sure it was clear, then returned to the stairs leading down to the cellar. Coran waited for the mages to finish their castings, and watched with amusement as Edwin summoned a swirling mass of air, then entered a telepathic link with it, ensuring its loyalty to his command. When he was satisfied, Nalia rattled off a haste cantrip, and the group quickly but quietly made their way downstairs.

There was an eerie silence when they arrived, and Coran cautiously made his way up the passage between the cells. The torture room looked even darker that it had been before, and the elf noticed that the lamps had been extinguished. This didn't bother him in the slightest; his infravision showed clearly where Mae'Var and his companions were lying in wait.

Quietly he made his way back to the group, and nodded to Nalia. She conjured up an orb of light and the group advanced quickly, the mages beginning their muttered words to spells as Coran darted straight for the Guildmaster. Valygar leapt straight for the priest, pushing him over before he could finish his casting, and Edwin's air elemental proceeded to tear into the nearest guard.

Mae'Var was a capable fighter; dextrous and strong, and very determined to be the winner. He easily avoided Coran's blows, and was only denied a chance to hurt the fighter in return by the strongly enchanted leather that the elf wore for protection. Neither Nalia's casting of confusion or Edwin's slow invocation had any effect on him, but his fellows fell quickly in the ferocious onslaught, and soon he found himself facing both the elemental and Valygar as well as Coran.

He sneered disdainfully at them. "You may think you've won, but we shall see who is victorious when I return with my new men!" Then he darted to the back of the chamber, and began to unlock the bolted door. Coran was about to follow him when Nalia's warning cry came out, and the elf turned to see a ball of flames heading straight for him. He leapt to the side, rolling out of the way and receiving only minor singing as the fireball exploded at Mae'Var, finishing off their target in a spectacular fashion. Edwin stood looking smug while Valygar shouted at him about his recklessness, then moved swiftly to the side to allow the newly enraged elemental that had been caught in the blast to get to its former master.

Edwin's luck stayed with him, though, as the creature winked from existence during its pursuit, and he quickly strode back to the others, dusting off his robes and trying to look impassive. "(I would have finished it off with relative ease.)" he muttered to himself.

Nalia had busied herself with picking the lock to the cell containing the old man. She helped him to his feet, and offered him a few coins from her purse before he scuttled away, eager to take his new found freedom before the former Guildmaster was replaced. Then she helped Coran to collect the valuables they found; though Mae'Var's possessions were mostly incinerated, the enchantment on his armour had preserved it, and Coran made a note to drop it off at the inn before they returned to see Renal.

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There could be no doubting that Renal was pleased with their successful assassination. "The tale of your deed has already reached my ear, as such things tend to," he declared. "Well done, I say! Your reward is well-earned. I shall let you know where to go to find out the information you want to hear in a while, but first; hear me out."

Coran's eyes narrowed. "We've held our side of the bargain -- I don't think there's much left for us to discuss."

"Now, now," replied Renal calmly. "It won't hurt you to listen to my proposal, and the man I'll be referring you to won't be going anywhere while we speak."

Coran sighed. "Be quick then."

"That's the spirit! I require someone to take the position left vacant by Mae'Var. It must be someone I can trust, so they cannot be too mired in the politics of the region. You might be a good choice for the job. You handled Mae'Var and his rhetoric, and you seem to understand the benefits of supporting the larger guild."

Coran stared, speechless. "Much though I am... honoured to be considered," he managed eventually, "I have my own aims in these lands, and can't afford to be sidetracked."

"Are you sure?" pressed Renal. "I will need someone to serve there, and quickly. The door will not be open for long."

"I am sure," declared Coran firmly. A thief he was at heart, but not to the level he'd witnessed within the ranks of the organisation even he was loathe to serve. Nalia and Valygar both let out collective sighs of relief, while the elf could hear Edwin tutting disapprovingly somewhere behind him.

Renal looked disappointed. "Well... if you reconsider, come and see me. As I say -- the position will not be vacant for long, but I will need a few days to sort out new recruits to repopulate the place. After that, however, it will be a chance missed for you."

"I understand," insisted Coran. "Now, I believe you were preparing to tell us where we could go to find out about my companions."

"Ah, yes," remarked Renal, sitting himself back down. "They dealt with the Shadowmaster here, Aran Linvail. His office is deeper in our hold, but I will fetch someone to lead you there. He is happy to see you now you have proven yourself worthy to our cause, and I trust you will not let me down by being anything but respectful to him."

Coran's expression remained impassive. "That really depends on how helpful he can be," he replied casually.

Renal smirked. "You may not fear me, for whatever misguided reason you have, but I assure you; push me too far and any service you've provided in the past will become irrelevant. I have a reputation to protect, you understand."

Coran nodded slightly, and the Guildmaster signalled for one of his many hidden thieves to appear, and lead the group through the compound to his senior.

"Remember," he warned as they left. "Any acts of impropriety before our Shadowmaster will not be considered a good move."

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The warren that was the Shadow Thieves main base did not appear to be as complex as Coran had first suspected. The route to the Shadowmaster's room was fairly straightforward, but as they crossed what appeared to be a bridge across a vast circular cavern, he was told differently.

"Those doors down there," said their guide, pointing to the wrought-iron erections half-hidden in the shadows, "are part of the Gauntlet."

"The Gauntlet?" asked Coran with sudden interest.

"Aye," nodded the young man. "Where all the new recruits go to learn the skills they'll need, an' be tested for ability. Traps and all sorts in the maze, ain't the most pleasant experience I've had here." With that, he wandered into to corridor they'd reached, and a brief way along stopped, pointing to their right.

"He's in there."

"Thank you," said Coran, receiving a curt nod of the head in reply as the rogue slipped away back towards the guild's common room. He looked quickly to his companions: Nalia was still looking worried, but she was a lot calmer than previously; Valygar's jaw was set in a determined manner, and it was clear that he would be struggling to show any kind of respect to Aran, and Edwin was sighing with impatience.

Coran knocked on the door, and a voice beckoned them in. It didn't sound threatening, so he shrugged and opened the door, confidently entering the opulently decorated chamber. He paused, slightly awestruck by his surroundings, and his eyes eagerly drank in the details. What could have been a simple and cold stone room had been exquisitely decorated and lit to provide an almost welcoming environment -- if you didn't already know you were in the Shadow Thieves stronghold.

Brass sconces hung from the walls, each lit and burning brightly to provide a constant glow. There was no natural light to be had; no windows graced the walls, but several elaborate oil paintings added colour and vibrancy and matched the thick, luscious rugs that were dotted around the floor. The room was dominated by a huge four-poster bed, covered in purple silks and cushions, co-ordinated drapes gracefully hanging down and tied to the posts. Beyond it was a large mahogany wardrobe that could easily home the clothing needs of a small family, and several heavy chests sat huddled together, their brass locks gleaming in the torchlight.

At the far side of the room were several comfortable looking seats, covered in a pale lavender fabric and clustered around an ebony table. A large ferny plant sat in the middle as the centrepiece, and Coran noticed a variety of other potted plants dotted around; he wondered if Aran was a keen gardener. Diagonally opposite the seating area was a large marble tub, filled with water that seemed to glow with light. The sheer size of the bathtub was enough to take Coran's breath away, and the golden handrail that encircled it just added to its majesty. The remaining corner had been set aside for a circular table, four chairs pushed in underneath it. A plain white cloth covered it, and it was set with silver cutlery and a solitary candle in a beautifully sculpted holder.

Everything one could want in a house was in this room with no windows. Despite the affluence, there was a price to pay for being the most powerful man in a society of cut-throats and thieves.

Aran himself was older than Coran had expected; for some reason, he'd been under the impression that the life of a Shadowmaster was short, indeed, but either the current holder had acquired the role later in life, or he was just very good at it. His dark hair was greying slightly, giving him a fairly wise look. He was smiling as they filed in; a smile which managed to extend to his eyes and seemed genuine enough. Thick leather armour covered his torso, covered by a laced shirt and a simple pair of breeches. He didn't seem to carry a weapon, but the guards dotted around in the gloom of the room could probably more than compensate.

"Welcome," he said when they paused before him. He took a moment to regard each in turn, nodding slightly to himself. When he was done, he gestured to the seating area and led the way.

"Our thanks for your audience," said Coran politely, when they were all settled. "You will know why we are here, of course."

"Very little happens without my knowledge," Aran admitted, his smile still in place. "You have come seeking information on the location of the young girl I did some business with not a tenday ago. Maiyn, wasn't it?"

Coran felt his throat tightening at the mention of her name, and he barely managed a nod.

"Lively girl," reminisced Aran, gesturing to one of his guards, who transported a decanter of water and several glasses from the dining table to the Shadowmaster. "Interesting companions," he continued, pouring a drink for everyone present. Edwin immediately helped himself, then lounged back in his seat, content to just take in the surroundings and relax. Valygar and Nalia sat stiffly at either side of Coran, the elf's gaze fixed to the thief.

"You helped her find passage to Spellhold?" asked Coran.

Aran nodded. "It wasn't the easiest thing to arrange, admittedly, but we got something sorted in the end. They set sail with one of my own thieves, a girl called Sime. I'd trust her with my life."

Valygar snorted, but didn't say anything; it was clear that he wasn't impressed by Aran's vouch in Sime's integrity.

"When do you expect them back?" Coran asked bluntly. He wasn't even sure what to ask, now he had the chance; it all felt quite pointless, almost clinical -- they'd done what the Shadow Thieves asked, only to be allowed to meet the man Maiyn had dealt with, knowing full well he probably knew as little as them.

"That is a difficult question," Aran replied quietly. "Spellhold is not the type of place one assaults, and so guile and cunning will be required to gain entry. With the composition of people she travels with, this shouldn't be a challenge, and so it really depends on how quickly they can free Imoen and secure passage back to Athkatla."

Coran blinked. "Your journey for them was one way?"

Aran shrugged helplessly. "Not exactly, no," he relented, "but I trust she will be cautious enough to expect the unexpected, and with Sime, she should at least be able to make alternative arrangements, should their Captain... vanish."

"Saemon Havarian," muttered Valygar darkly. He'd already told Coran what little he knew of the man -- a reputation for being less than reliable was at the fore, and an unhealthy relationship with most pirates found in the Sea of Swords. Unhealthy for him, at any regard, especially if they ever managed to capture him.

Aran raised an eyebrow slightly. "I see you have other sources," he remarked dryly. "I wonder how much help I can be to you."

"I just want to know when she gets back," stated Coran simply. He held the Shadowmaster's gaze for almost a minute before Aran nodded, and waved over one of his thieves. "Fetch Jhey," he said simply. The guard disappeared immediately.

"I can perhaps offer more than that," the rogue said, a slight frown on his face. "I am unsure as to the wards placed on the island by the Cowled Wizards, but Jhey is a powerful diviner. When he arrives, we shall see if he can shed any light on the situation for us, for I must admit... I am worried about Sime."

Only a few minutes elapsed before the green robed man swirled into the chamber. Edwin snorted at him derisively.

(Pah, inferior magic user.)" he muttered, scowling darkly.

Aran quickly instructed him on what they required, and the mage nodded. He placed a simple bowl on the table and filled it with water, then recited several cantrips over it. For a while, nothing happened but then he pulled back, and signalled Coran over.

"Do you recognise her?" he asked as the elf peered into the water. It swirled around, then slowly a face took shape -- it was Maiyn. He nodded breathlessly, and watched intently as the spell pulled back. Her hair was hanging limply around her face, and her eyes were closed. He thought she was asleep, but didn't understand why she would be at that time of the day. Slowly, more and more of her came into the picture. He'd noticed the marks on her face, and realised with horror that her arms and legs were likewise covered with wounds -- but they looked fresh. She was lying crumpled on the floor of a cage, nothing but darkness seeming to surround her. Then the image winked away, and all he could see was his own reflection.

"No," he said quietly. "That is wrong... that is maybe how she was, but... not now."

Jhey shook his head. "The magical defences of the island are strong, and that is why the spell was so brief -- but I assure you, anything it showed was from the present time. That divination spell doesn't extend to the past."

Coran's eyes flashed angrily as he looked back to Aran. The Shadowmaster had stood up, looking over cautiously to see what was happening. The elf took a few steps towards him as he spoke.

"Can you explain to me why she appears to be a prisoner?" he hissed.

Aran frowned with concern. "Unless it is within Spellhold, I don't understand what could have happened," he replied sincerely.

"It didn't look like she was an asylum inmate," admitted Jhey nervously, before backing away from the group slightly.

"Perhaps your 'captain' betrayed her," interrupted Valygar, also rising to his feet. Nalia did likewise, watching events unfold with confusion.

"I cannot and will not be held responsible for her safety," noted Aran firmly. "If something has happened to her there, then-"

His words were cut off by Coran's dagger being pressed firmly to his throat. There was the sound of several bows being readied around the room, and various assassins took aim at him.

"Coran, don't!" pleaded Nalia, looking around fretfully. Valygar had pulled his katana out and was glaring at Aran just as harshly as the elf was. Edwin had frozen at the first sign of hostility, and was now slowly rising from his seat, eying the door carefully.

"Tell me you trusted Saemon to get them there," whispered Coran, ignoring everyone else.

"You know I can't," replied the Shadowmaster simply, raising his hand slowly to make his own guards stand down. "She wished to get to Spellhold -- it was simply the only way available and she wanted to take the chance."

"You let her walk into a trap!"

"She knew the dangers enough herself," insisted Aran, staying perfectly still as Coran kept up his relentless glower. "Acting this way is going to help no one, least of all her."

It took Coran almost a minute to move away from Aran, sheathing his dagger silently, and beginning to pace around the room. "We need to get there," he muttered. "We need to find a way."

"You will be lucky to find a ship that is willing," noted Aran, dismissing the threatening manner Coran had displayed. "Most won't go near the place in the best of weather, and we are approaching the time of storms. It will be at least a season until anyone but pirates are inclined to travel to Brynnlaw, and pirates will take your money, and make you promises; but you'd be lucky to get there alive."

"Much like Maiyn," growled Coran.

"Unfortunately, yes, it would seem so. But you have seen she is alive -- the spell would not locate anyone dead, and your hope can remain. She is a strong woman; have faith in her ability, and she will return."

"Coran, let us go," said Nalia quietly. "He is right, and staying here will not help matters; I think you need to get some air, and maybe come back another time."

"Your young friend is probably correct," observed Aran seriously. "Go and do whatever you need to give yourself the hope in her. If you're a religious man, offer a prayer."

-----------------------

Coran drank heavily that night. Edwin had managed to stay with them, much to Valygar and Nalia's disgust, but he at least had the sense to stay quiet, and buried himself in a book while the two of them watched the elf morosely finish off yet another mug of mead. Before long, the Red Wizard excused himself and went to bed, looking distastefully at Coran's behaviour as he passed. Nalia tried to persuade Coran to go too, but he shook her off and refused to talk to her. Eventually she went to bed too, leaving Valygar alone with him.

"You should sleep," noted the ranger.

Coran shrugged. "I would rather be alone, you know," he mumbled.

"I don't think that's a good idea," said Valygar.

"Why not? I am a grown man, and I really have no wish for company. Just... leave me be!"

The stalker sighed as he watched Coran stagger over to the bar and settle himself on a stool. Before long he was conversing colourfully with the serving girl he'd previously flirted with and she was coquettishly twirling a strand of hair around her fingers as she coyly smiled at him. His eyes sparkled in return, and before long he stood up, offering her an arm as they made their way to the stairs together. Valygar stood up and intercepted them.

"I don't think-" he began.

"No, you don't," replied Coran bitterly, pushing his way past. The ranger sighed; it was up to the elf to decide what to do, whether influenced by too much ale or not. He wasn't going to cause a scene over it when Coran was in that sort of mood.

-----------------------

Her name was apparently Lily, and he couldn't believe she was much older than eighteen. Her golden hair fell in delicate curls around her face, and her eyes and lips were painted with colours as seen in the fashion of Calimshan. He'd barely got her into his room when their lips joined, their hungry kisses becoming more insistent and urgent as their hands explored each others clothing.

Together they staggered to the bed, still locked at the lips, and fell onto its soft mattress. He let his hands wander down her sides and along her hips, then back up and across her chest. He groaned softly, feeling the need for her and he smiled as he opened his eyes as they drew apart slightly for breath. She smiled in return and he froze... the face was all wrong, what he was doing... it was wrong. But she'd done the same, and she'd felt no remorse, had she?

Lily pulled her tunic off, and leant back down for another kiss. He let her, and tried to guide his hands back to her body, but something inside him resisted. The flame of passion slowly waned, and she eventually pulled away from him completely, looking at him with puzzlement.

He sighed heavily. "I'm sorry," he offered apologetically, sitting up as she withdrew slowly, collecting her discarded clothes as she went. She didn't say anything but the hurt in her eyes was evident, and he felt shame and abashment at having caused it. He searched for some words of comfort to add to his apology, but none came, and she left his room without a word.

She didn't notice the ranger standing by the window at the end of the corridor, but he noticed her. He smiled slightly to himself, and retired to his own room.

Coran heard the door shut behind her, and he threw himself back down on the bed. Why, why, why, he asked himself, over and over again. He knew it had been his drinking that had made it seem like a good idea at the time, but in reality, no matter how much he wanted to -- no matter how much he wanted to hurt her as she'd hurt him -- he wasn't going to be able to. He sighed and closed his eyes, feeling weary and tired. Perhaps everything would look better in the morning.

Just as he relaxed and fell into a peaceful slumber, a ferocious pain ripped through his soul. He felt as if his limbs were being torn from him, he felt choked and strangled, and his hands instinctively went to his throat, finding nothing there but the chain of his necklace.

A wave of fire washed over him, and he felt the burning. Then a coldness, like ice, and more stabbing pains. It went on for what felt like a lifetime, and he tried to call out, but nothing came; his voice abandoned him and he collapsed helplessly, unable to battle back against the phantom hurt.

Then it passed. He knew instantly that it had come from Maiyn, and he desperately sat back up, reaching out to find her, to feel even a slight wave of relief that her experience was over. But there was nothing -- it felt empty and hollow, more silent than it had ever been before. Even when he couldn't feel her presence by emotion, he could feel the frail bond lingering between them, a constant reminder of her -- a ceaseless sign of what he sought.

Not even that existed now. It was cold and dull and empty, and there was nothing but his own thoughts, his own desperate mental cries as he tried to find what no longer existed. The tenuous bond had gone; her living was no longer assured.