Jarin scrambled aside when Natalie erupted. Even so, he felt the liquid flame sear his arm before he could escape into the tunnel. He pulled himself to his feet, using the wall as support, and then turned to stare at Natalie. The Master was wrong. She’ll never be normal. I’ve never even heard of such power. Jarin stared, clinging to the wall, his mouth open as Natalie advanced on the viper. She shook her head, took another step forward and collapsed, the fire disappearing as quickly as it had erupted. For an instant everything was darkness, then Jarin raised his arm, lighting his hand-torch. The light flickered unsteadily, but even in the uncertain glow Jarin could see the still form of Natalie lying a short distance away. Something splashed in the pool and Jarin heard the viper hiss. Gritting his teeth, he pushed himself from the wall. He took one step toward Natalie and fell to his knees.

Idiot, heal yourself!

Jarin sucked in deep breaths and gathered his will, closing his eyes to concentrate. He pictured his ribs mending, joining together, their cracks and splinters disappearing. As he concentrated a pale white glow surrounded him and his breathing became steadier and deeper. He stopped long before he felt well, but his energy was already waning and he dare not push himself too far with the viper still lurking ahead. He opened his eyes and gasped. He flung himself forward raising his fist. “Get away from her!”

The viper lifted its head from nudging Natalie and hissed. “Don’t be a fool. You’re a healer not a warrior. I will kill you in an instant.”

Jarin didn’t hesitate. Fist raised, he lunged at the viper’s head. With movements too quick for Jarin to follow the viper whipped its body and wrapped Jarin in its coils. “But I don’t want to kill you,” Taymyr hissed, “the succession is complete. Shiva the Answerer is dead. Taymyr the Answerer is born. You must carry her to the surface. She has yet to ask her question.

Jarin sighed as best he could, bound in Taymyr’s coils. “I don’t understand, but I’ll do as you say for now. If you make one move toward her, I’ll kill you.” Taymyr’s laugh echoed in the hall as he slithered away up the tunnel. Jarin shuddered and, crouching, examined Natalie. He could see no wounds and her heart sounded normal – pushing yourself too far with was fairly common with magic. Jarin scooped her into his arms, hopping slightly to settle her weight against his chest. “I wasn’t joking,” he muttered.