The summons from Merlin had left Liams nerves frayed like rope pulled to tight His mind was still trying to catch up with what the old wizard had told him It felt like he'd been given a glimpse of some great truth but one that only made the world feel heavier not lighter The healing salve had worked though his ribs no longer screamed every time he moved only a dull ache a ghost of the elementals punch That pain almost felt good it reminded him he was still here still standing
The walk to the Combat Arts training grounds seemed longer then it should have Every stone archway every stretch of coridor felt strange like the walls were less solid than yesterday He carried the feeling of not quite belonging like a shadow that clung to him
