Intrusion

"I'm scared anyway. It would be nice to know if I have a reason to be."

"Well, Boss, judging by what's left of your jerkin, your back took quite a hit."

I pondered that and decided I didn't like it. I must have dozed off for a while, but my sleep was restless, filled with strange dreams.

* * *

Back to present

"Understood," Platov's voice echoed in my mind, breaking the tense silence as Cernan, his honor guard, and his mages all fixed their eyes on me, awaiting my next move. The battle's distant noise was still audible, but it seemed to be drawing closer. Had Platov really succeeded in extracting the information from Cernan's mind so effortlessly? I had no choice but to trust him.

"Share it with me," I commanded.