I found myself sitting up, having reached out to and half drawnGrayswandir, before the echoes died. I shook my head and sat listening.Something seemed to be missing and I could not determine what.

There came a brilliant flash of light and another thunderclap. Iflinched at them and sat waiting for more, but only silence followed.Silence...

I stuck my hand outside the lean-to, then my head. It had stoppedraining. That was the missing item--the splatter of droplets.

My gaze was attracted by a glow from beyond the nearby summit. I pulledon my boots and departed the shelter. Outside, I buckled on my sword beltand fastened my cloak at the neck. I had to investigate. In a place likethis, any activity might represent a threat.

I touched Shask--who indeed felt stony--as I passed, and made my way towhere the trail had been. It was still there, though diminished in width,and I set foot upon it and climbed upward. The light source for which I washeaded seemed to be moving slightly. Now, faintly, in the distance, I seemedto hear the sound of rainfall. Perhaps it was coming down on the other sideof the peak.

As I advanced, I became convinced that it was storming not too faraway. I could now hear the moaning of wind within the splashing.

I was suddenly dazzled by a flash from beyond the crest. A sharp reportof thunder kept it company. I halted for only a moment. During that time,amid the ringing in my ears, I thought that I heard the sound of a cacklinglaugh.

Trudging ahead, I came at last to the summit. Immediately, the windassailed me, bearing a full load of moisture. I drew my cloak closed andfastened it down the front as I made my way forward.

Several paces then, and I beheld a hollow, below and to my left. It waseerily illuminated by dancing orbs of ball lightning. There were two figures