Sleep was slow to come so far underground. Once the flaxen light of the staffs was dimmed the darkness was absolute and impenetrable. In this place devoid of light her hearing sharpened and she heard water flowing strongly in the long distance.  Its subterranean roar was pitched at the limit of her hearing so she could not be sure of how far; but probably it was a large flow falling down in to the depths of the earth. Maybe tomorrow they would see its path, if it crossed theirs. The distant sound wove around her thoughts and its repetitious, soothing, comfort she found sleep. As her eyes closed she bethought that a tinkling piece of music like the spring wind on winter dry reeds or over desiccated leaves could be heard.

She awoke to find lights all around her. Has she not counselled Ibbero to stay his staff light this far underground. Yet this was no staff light, small points of cobalt appeared to hang randomly in the air and then like an exploding firework the points expanded uniformly in a star shaped blossom. For a few seconds the shape held like an iridescent lily before the lights began collapsing and rushing together to form a bright, luminous block shaped apparition. Spectral and yet solid it moved toward them and as it came the features of a man emerged. Keenly she felt Ibbero’s touch on her hand and instinctively knew she must still her questions and wait. In the dim cerulean light the mineral in the rock walls shone like ice crusted sheets of water. The watcher of Arast-falls had arrived and Ibbero as always, had proved her to be right. Yet as he drew near to them his countenance was furious.

The rage of disappointment was curdled in his throat. He could expedite this stupidity in his vengeful wroth but that would serve no purpose.  Above ground trees bereft of leaves in the autumn pointed branches skyward like accusatory fingers as he lifted his solidifying finger at Asthralain.