By the time Elder Gideon's group finally emerged and reached the place where Lucas lay resting on the purified ground of ice and light, the old man lost all composure he had maintained throughout the march. The moment his eyes fell on the still figure before him, his heart seized violently, and for a terrifying instant he was convinced that the son he had once watched lie comatose for months had finally slipped beyond his reach forever. He leapt down from his horse without caring for dignity or rank, his movements frantic and unsteady, and rushed forward with trembling hands as he called Xavier's name in a hoarse voice that cracked halfway through.
"Xavier," Elder Gideon said urgently, dropping to his knees beside him as panic surged through his chest, his fingers reaching out as if afraid that if he hesitated even a breath longer, it would already be too late.
