Only hazarding the quickest glances away from Hal-Neesa, Rossarm carefully took the healing potion and drank it down. He did not speak until the small bottle was empty, at which point most of his blotches had cleared.

He spoke softly, if severely. "I should hope your explanation gives me reason to believe that creature's presence does not spell doom."

Rossarm's reply was interrupted by running and heavy breathing from the edge of the arena. Sabine sprinted in as fast as her dress would allow her. She slowed to a stop beside Meesei, catching her breath and speaking. "Meesei...Hal-Neesa, she...the Oculary..." She stopped and swallowed hard, straightening up and taking a deep breath. "I was going to tell you when you got back. I needed to bring Janius, Kaleeth, and Kaj-Julan home. I'm sorry." She flushed red from the shame.

[hr]
Narsi was nothing if not persistent. She lifted her shield at an angle that made it hard for Julan to use his full strength, allowing her to barely keep her grip on it. She simultaneously stayed aggressive with her axe, striking overhead and from the side around at Julan.