Down with the ship

2-15-05

In the predawn light, Keygan woke to a loud crash, and then cold silence. She could hear yelling in the courtyard below as the final handfull of wardens converged on the evacuation point. Beside her in the bed Jerle's ragged breathing had stopped. He had been sleeping so peacefully when she drifted off. Still it was the best parting she could hope to share with him....Far better to part with him as a lover. She dressed quickly and arranged him so he had some measure of dignity. He had gotten his wish he would not leave his Arsenal. She was racing down the steps with Berec yelling to her from below, as the front gate completely crumpled under the assault of the battering ram. The troopers flooded the courtyard. Before she could turn to head for the back steps an arrow hit her. She heard Berec scream her name one last time as she felt the wardens use their escape spell. Then she fainted.