Resigning herself to the heartache of watching the Galaeron she knew slip even deeper into shadows, Vala gave a curt nod, then asked, What about the third one? You're joking, Galaeron replied.

/ could be wrong, but I'm not joking. One above Escanor, one over the mineral pads That one I missed. Galaeron's fingers fell motionless for a moment, then he said, /'// have to try a shadow door.

Bad idea, Vala said, even more concerned. Shadow magic was far more dangerous for the wielder than normal Weave magic. If a magic-user overreached his limits, he invited in just the sort of darkness already consuming Galaeron. You're barely holding on as it is.

Then it's good you are watching over me. I am grateful-very grateful.

Vala looked away, then spoke aloud. "Galaeron, it isn't fair to hold me to that promise… not now."

"Nevertheless, I do hold you to it." Galaeron's voice was firm. "When the time comes, you must not hesitate."

"If, Galaeron." They reached the shore, and Vala sat down to remove her greaves. "If the time comes."

Galaeron turned away without answering and started down the shore, moving far enough away that they both could not be struck down by the same spell. Vala looked back across the lake to where the shadow lords were just closing the last few breaches in the shadow curtain. Though the shadow lords had left their armor on shore, all were armed with glassy black weapons similar to Vala's darksword-one reason, no doubt, that the enemy was being so careful to remain concealed.