entrance into the cell. Nor wasthere an exit. Lassen had imprisoned himself.Hesought Eiren once more for counsel but there was no answer. Rohyrrealized he was on his own. He determinedly shunted aside his fears.Lassen.Lassenstarted at the utterance of his name. Look up, Las.Hisleman slowly did as he was bid. Their eyes met across the cell.Lassen stared at him and paled. Uttering a low moan, he franticallyscrabbled back, head bowed and one hand flung up as if to ward off ablow. It smote Rohyr to the quick.Las,dont! he cried out. I wont hurt you!Lassendid not answer but only hunched over, hugging his knees like a waifquailing in fear.Imso sorry, Rohyr repentantly said. I had no right to strike you.No right at all. Please, Las-min,dont shut me out.Leaveme be, came a muffled plea.Icant do that, Rohyr replied, forcing calm on his voice. Whynot? Lassen mumbled. It feels so safe.Butit isntsafe. Youll die if you remain here. Lassen glanced up inconfusion. Die?Yes!Your body will deteriorate if you dont awaken and tend to itsneeds. Oh... Lassen seemed to consider it and for a momentRohyr thought that he wouldacquiesce.But Lassen shook his head and said, Tis for the best then.Animprecation escaped Rohyr. How can you think that? he demanded.He stopped and spoke a little more gently. Please come back withme.Painedeyes lifted to him. But you no longer trust me, Lassenplaintively whispered. I betrayed you.Ido trust you, Rohyr insisted. I know you were only trying toprotect me. ...just a common Half Blood plucked fromobscurity...Rohyrgroaned. Plague take my wayward tongue! I was wrong to slander youthusly. Please, Las, give me another chance.WhenLassen did not reply, Rohyrs anxiety sharpened. Exacerbating hisdisquiet was the oppressive atmosphere about them. It enveloped himand sank into his very pores. He almost felt like a parasite whosehost was doing its utmost to make it as inhospitable as possible forhim to want to stay.Somethingtugged at his consciousness. Rohyr realized Eiren was warning himthat he had already submerged himself too long in this otherworldlyrealm of anothers mind. He desperately looked back at Lassen,wondering what he could say to make his leman hearken to him. Henoticed Lassens slightly rounded abdomen.Ifyou wont live for me, live for our son, he suddenly said.Lassenlooked up at him, startled. You accept that he is yours? hewarily asked. As I should have as soon as I sensed him in yourwomb, Rohyr regretfullyanswered.Im sorry for doubting you at all. I should have known that youhad acted for my sake. As you always have. I pray you will forgive memy idiocy.Lassengazed uncertainly at him. His hand dropped to his belly and hecaressed it protectively.Ashe waited for Lassens response, Rohyr noticed something about thebar he still gripped. It felt less solid. He glanced at it. Veresalmighty, it wasless solid. But even as elation welled up in him, he felt the tug inhis mind again, painfully urgent now and feebler than before. As ifit were coming from a great distance.Alarmed,Rohyr dared to be forceful. Come back to me now, he demanded.Lassen frowned. But what of Tyrde and Cattania?Hangthem all! I love you!YouOh!Lassen looked at him, stunned. The