Conqueror_NN1 's_GE Shadow_NN1 The_AT most_RGT wonderful_JJ thing_NN1 about_II it_PPH1 was_VBDZ that_CST it_PPH1 was_VBDZ a_AT1 simple_JJ ,_, ordinary_JJ house_NN1 ._. 
Not_XX a_AT1 large_JJ structure_NN1 ,_, but_CCB roomy_JJ enough_RR for_IF the_AT comfort_NN1 of_IO its_APPGE inhabitants_NN2 ,_, with_IW a_AT1 bit_NN1 of_IO space_NN1 to_TO spare_VVI ._. 
The_AT walls_NN2 were_VBDR solid_JJ ,_, dependable_JJ ,_, fitted_VVN together_RL over_II many_DA2 months_NNT2 by_II loving_JJ hands_NN2 ._. 
The_AT builder_NN1 had_VHD used_VVN no_AT magic_NN1 in_II the_AT house_NN1 's_GE construction_NN1 ,_, though_CS certainly_RR he_PPHS1 could_VM have_VHI ._. 
But_CCB that_DD1 would_VM ,_, in_II a_AT1 way_NN1 ,_, have_VH0 defeated_VVN the_AT entire_JJ purpose_NN1 ._. 
Windows_NN2 sparsely_RR dotted_VVD the_AT structure_NN1 ,_, numbered_JJ and_CC positioned_VVN perfectly_RR ._. 
They_PPHS2 were_VBDR sufficient_JJ to_TO admit_VVI the_AT bright_JJ sunshine_NN1 during_II the_AT day_NNT1 ,_, and_CC the_AT glimmer_NN1 of_IO moon_NN1 and_CC stars_NN2 at_II night_NNT1 ;_; to_TO cool_VVI the_AT house_NN1 during_II the_AT warm_JJ summer_NNT1 months_NNT2 ,_, yet_RR not_XX so_RG numerous_JJ as_CSA to_TO make_VVI it_PPH1 difficult_JJ to_TO warm_VVI against_II winter_NNT1 ._. 
The_AT house_NN1 sat_VVD on_II the_AT very_JJ outskirts_NN2 of_IO town_NN1 ._. 
It_PPH1 was_VBDZ near_RR enough_RR to_TO be_VBI neighborly_RR ,_, but_CCB retained_VVD a_AT1 certain_JJ modicum_NN1 of_IO privacy_NN1 unachievable_JJ in_II the_AT heart_NN1 of_IO the_AT small_JJ but_CCB bustling_JJ village_NN1 ._. 
Chelenshire_NP1 ,_, it_PPH1 was_VBDZ called_VVN ,_, a_AT1 rather_RG weighty_JJ name_NN1 for_IF a_AT1 community_NN1 of_IO perhaps_RR five_MC or_CC six_MC dozen_NNO souls_NN2 ._. 
Another_DD1 advantage_NN1 to_II the_AT house_NN1 's_GE position_NN1 at_II the_AT edges_NN2 of_IO Chelenshire_NP1 :_: it_PPH1 kept_VVD the_AT inhabitants_NN2 away_II21 from_II22 the_AT slow_JJ but_CCB steady_JJ traffic_NN1 that_CST passed_VVD along_II what_DDQ was_VBDZ once_RR a_AT1 major_JJ trade_NN1 route_NN1 ._. 
The_AT odds_NN2 of_IO a_AT1 stranger_NN1 recognizing_VVG the_AT house_NN1 's_GE inhabitants_NN2 were_VBDR minuscule_JJ ,_, but_CCB even_RR "_" minuscule_JJ "_" was_VBDZ a_AT1 risk_NN1 not_XX worth_II taking_VVG ._. 
This_DD1 morning_NNT1 ,_, in_RR21 particular_RR22 ,_, was_VBDZ a_AT1 sunny_JJ one_PN1 ._. 
The_AT air_NN1 was_VBDZ warm_JJ without_IW quite_RR crossing_VVG the_AT fine_JJ line_NN1 into_II hot_JJ ,_, the_AT sky_NN1 a_AT1 bright_JJ and_CC cloudless_JJ blue_JJ ._. 
Birds_NP1 wheeled_VVD above_RL ,_, droves_NN2 of_IO them_PPHO2 ,_, rejoicing_VVG in_II the_AT last_MD of_IO the_AT fine_JJ weather_NN1 before_II the_AT blistering_JJ heat_NN1 and_CC the_AT rare_JJ but_CCB torrential_JJ storms_NN2 of_IO summer_NNT1 fell_VVD heavily_RR upon_II them_PPHO2 ._. 
Squirrels_NN2 ,_, gophers_NN2 ,_, and_CC the_AT occasional_JJ fruits_NN2 ,_, vegetables_NN2 ,_, nuts_NN2 ,_, or_CC whatever_DDQV else_RR might_VM volunteer_VVI itself_PPX1 for_IF lunch_NN1 ._. 
An_AT1 entire_JJ garden_NN1 's_GE worth_NN1 of_IO food_NN1 lined_VVN up_RP in_II toes_NN2 ,_, carrots_NN2 ,_, radishes_NN2 ,_, tomatoes_NN2 ,_, onions_NN2 ,_, squash_NN1 ,_, and_CC more_DAR tomatoes_NN2 the_AT lady_NN1 of_IO the_AT house_NN1 was_VBDZ abnormally_RR fond_JJ of_IO tomatoes_NN2 all_DB beckoned_VVD invitingly_RR ._. 
But_CCB though_CS they_PPHS2 would_VM occasionally_RR stop_VVI beside_II the_AT garden_NN1 ,_, perched_VVN upon_II hind_JJ legs_NN2 ,_, to_TO stare_VVI longingly_RR at_II the_AT repast_NN1 calling_VVG to_II them_PPHO2 ,_, none_PN of_IO the_AT rampaging_JJ rodents_NN2 ever_RR set_VV0 paw_NN1 into_II the_AT garden_NN1 itself_PPX1 ._. 
Something_PN1 about_II the_AT area_NN1 itself_PPX1 kept_VVD the_AT animals_NN2 as_II31 well_II32 as_II33 slugs_NN2 ,_, snails_NN2 ,_, and_CC a_AT1 huge_JJ variety_NN1 of_IO harmful_JJ insects_NN2 at_II bay_NN1 ._. 
There_EX may_VM have_VHI been_VBN no_AT trace_NN1 of_IO magic_NN1 in_II the_AT building_NN1 of_IO the_AT house_NN1 ,_, but_CCB the_AT garden_NN1 was_VBDZ another_DD1 story_NN1 entirely_RR ._. 
With_IW a_AT1 soft_JJ grunt_NN1 of_IO pain_NN1 ,_, the_AT man_NN1 currently_RR at_II work_NN1 yanking_VVG weeds_NN2 from_II the_AT bed_NN1 of_IO squash_NN1 leaned_VVD back_RP on_II his_APPGE heels_NN2 ,_, one_MC1 hand_NN1 pressed_VVN to_II the_AT small_JJ of_IO his_APPGE back_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 was_VBDZ ,_, he_PPHS1 reflected_VVD grimly_RR ,_, too_RG old_JJ to_TO be_VBI spending_JJ hours_NNT2 on_II end_NN1 hunched_VVN over_II the_AT vegetables_NN2 ._. 
Hell_NN1 ,_, he_PPHS1 did_VDD n't_XX even_RR like_VVI gardening_NN1 !_! 
It_PPH1 was_VBDZ his_APPGE wife_NN1 's_GE passion_NN1 ,_, she_PPHS1 who_PNQS spent_VVD so_RG much_DA1 of_IO her_APPGE time_NNT1 maintaining_VVG the_AT place_NN1 day_NNT1 after_II day_NNT1 ._. 
For_IF his_APPGE own_DA part_NN1 ,_, he_PPHS1 'd_VM have_VHI been_VBN quite_RG content_JJ to_TO purchase_VVI the_AT vegetables_NN2 at_II the_AT market_NN1 ._. 
But_CCB though_CS the_AT money_NN1 was_VBDZ not_XX an_AT1 issue_NN1 he_PPHS1 'd_VHD enough_RR saved_VVN from_II past_NN1 endeavors_VVZ to_TO live_VVI many_DA2 years_NNT2 in_II luxury_NN1 she_PPHS1 had_VHD pointed_VVN out_RP that_CST such_DA a_AT1 lifestyle_NN1 in_II Chelenshire_NP1 would_VM attract_VVI unwanted_JJ attention_NN1 ._. 
And_CC it_PPH1 was_VBDZ to_TO avoid_VVI notice_NN1 ,_, after_II all_DB ,_, that_CST they_PPHS2 'd_VHD moved_VVN to_II Chelenshire_NP1 in_II the_AT first_MD place_NN1 ._. 
Thus_RR the_AT garden_NN1 ,_, and_CC their_APPGE occasional_JJ hunting_NN1 trips_NN2 ,_, and_CC her_APPGE embroidery_NN1 and_CC needlework_NN1 ,_, and_CC his_APPGE days_NNT2 spent_VVN in_II town_NN1 ,_, helping_VVG old_JJ man_NN1 Renfro_NN1 down_RP at_II the_AT forge_NN1 or_CC advising_VVG Tolliver_NN1 on_II matters_NN2 of_IO policy_NN1 ._. 
But_CCB the_AT forge_NN1 was_VBDZ silent_JJ today_RT ,_, as_CSA was_VBDZ most_RRT of_IO Chelenshire_NP1 ,_, in_II observance_NN1 of_IO Godsday_NN1 ._. 
The_AT westerly_JJ sun_NN1 shed_VVD the_AT last_MD rays_NN2 of_IO the_AT day_NNT1 upon_II the_AT lingering_JJ vestiges_NN2 of_IO barely_RR controlled_VVN chaos_NN1 ._. 
Streamers_NN2 of_IO bright_JJ cloth_NN1 littered_VVD the_AT roads_NN2 ,_, as_CS21 though_CS22 a_AT1 ranbow_NN1 had_VHD shattered_VVN above_II the_AT city_NN1 ,_, strewing_VVG shards_NN2 carelessly_RR about_RP ._. 
Children_NN2 ,_, their_APPGE exuberance_NN1 not_XX quite_RR worn_VVN down_RP by_II a_AT1 full_JJ week_NNT1 of_IO freedom_NN1 and_CC too_RG much_DA1 sugar_NN1 ,_, ran_VVD around_RP madly_RR ,_, laughing_VVG happily_RR or_CC shouting_VVG at_II one_PPX121 another_PPX122 ,_, determined_VVN to_TO experience_VVI the_AT absolute_JJ maximum_NN1 of_IO fun_NN1 before_II their_APPGE parents_NN2 called_VVN them_PPHO2 home_RL for_IF supper_NN1 and_CC bed_NN1 ._. 
Even_RR a_AT1 few_DA2 adults_NN2 still_RR danced_VVN in_II the_AT streets_NN2 ,_, one_MC1 hand_NN1 clenched_VVN about_II a_AT1 flagon_NN1 of_IO ale_NN1 or_CC mead_NN1 or_CC wine_NN1 ,_, the_AT other_JJ clenched_JJ about_II the_AT waist_NN1 or_CC wrist_NN1 or_CC ,_, in_II a_AT1 few_DA2 of_IO the_AT darker_JJR alleys_NN2 ,_, other_JJ parts_NN2 of_IO a_AT1 second_MD like-minded_JJ citizen_NN1 ._. 
Vendors_NN2 shouted_VVD hoarsely_RR to_TO passersby_VVI ,_, trying_VVG doggedly_RR for_IF one_MC1 final_JJ holiday_NN1 sale_NN1 ._. 
But_CCB most_DAT of_IO the_AT city_NN1 residents_NN2 ,_, worn_VVN out_RP from_II a_AT1 full_JJ week_NNT1 of_IO revels_VVZ ,_, were_VBDR snug_JJ in_II their_APPGE beds_NN2 ,_, beginning_VVG the_AT painful_JJ recovery_NN1 that_CST all_RR too_RG often_RR follows_VVZ excessive_JJ jubilation_NN1 ._. 
At_II the_AT edge_NN1 of_IO town_NN1 ,_, Guild-hired_JJ mercenaries_NN2 cranked_VVD the_AT handles_NN2 of_IO a_AT1 huge_JJ wooden_JJ wheel_NN1 ._. 
Chains_NN2 clanked_VVD ,_, gears_NN2 rotated_VVD ,_, wood_NN1 creaked_VVD ,_, and_CC the_AT gates_NN2 of_IO the_AT city_NN1 ponderously_RR slammed_VVD shut_JJ ._. 
The_AT sound_NN1 ,_, a_AT1 solitary_JJ clap_NN1 of_IO thunder_NN1 ,_, rolled_VVN across_II the_AT city_NN1 ._. 
Drunk_JJ men_NN2 sobered_VVD slightly_RR at_II the_AT sound_NN1 ,_, and_CC the_AT happiest_JJT citizens_NN2 shivered_VVD briefly_RR ,_, for_IF it_PPH1 was_VBDZ a_AT1 palpable_JJ reminder_NN1 of_IO what_DDQ they_PPHS2 were_VBDR celebrating_VVG ,_, what_DDQ they_PPHS2 had_VHD so_RR very_RG nearly_RR lost_VVN ._. 
Outside_II those_DD2 walls_NN2 ,_, atop_II the_AT same_DA small_JJ rise_NN1 on_II which_DDQ the_AT regent_NN1 's_GE tent_NN1 rested_VVD so_RG long_RR ago_RA ,_, a_AT1 figure_NN1 stood_VVD ,_, watching_VVG the_AT city_NN1 's_GE lights_NN2 wink_VV0 out_RP one_MC1 by_II one_MC1 ._. 
The_AT people_NN of_IO Denathere_NN1 would_VM sleep_VVI soundly_RR this_DD1 night_NNT1 ,_, worn_VVN out_RP from_II celebrating_VVG their_APPGE liberation_NN1 from_II the_AT Terror_NN1 of_IO the_AT East_ND1 ,_, safely_RR ensconced_JJ behind_II their_APPGE walls_NN2 ._. 
And_CC impressively_RR walls_NN2 they_PPHS2 were_VBDR ,_, higher_JJR and_CC thicker_JJR than_CSN those_DD2 that_CST had_VHD fallen_VVN before_II Rebaine_NP1 's_GE assault_NN1 ,_, topped_VVN by_II guard_NN1 towers_NN2 equipped_VVN with_IW catapults_NN2 and_CC ballistae_NN2 ._. 
Even_RR given_VVN Denathere_NP1 's_GE poor_JJ position_NN1 ,_, the_AT new_JJ walls_NN2 alone_RR made_VVD the_AT prospect_NN1 of_IO taking_VVG the_AT city_NN1 a_AT1 daunting_JJ one_PN1 ._. 
Or_CC they_PPHS2 could_VM have_VHI ,_, had_VHD their_APPGE enemy_NN1 not_XX already_RR waltzed_VVN in_II unchallenged_JJ ,_, bearing_VVG food_NN1 and_CC drink_NN1 and_CC gifts_NN2 for_IF the_AT celebration_NN1 ._. 
Whistling_VVG a_AT1 tune_NN1 just_RR loud_JJ and_CC obnoxious_JJ enough_RR to_TO wake_VVI anyone_PN1 in_II the_AT neighboring_JJ rooms_NN2 ,_, Kaleb_NP1 climbed_VVD the_AT inn_NN1 's_GE rickety_JJ stairs_NN2 and_CC went_VVD out_RP into_II the_AT Mecepheum_NN1 night_NNT1 ._. 
The_AT heat_NN1 of_IO the_AT day_NNT1 had_VHD begun_VVN to_TO dissipate_VVI ,_, its_APPGE back_NN1 broken_VVN not_XX merely_RR by_II the_AT setting_NN1 of_IO the_AT sun_NN1 but_CCB by_II the_AT falling_JJ of_IO a_AT1 faint_JJ summer_NNT1 drizzle_NN1 ._. 
Kaleb_NP1 flipped_VVD up_RP the_AT hood_NN1 of_IO his_APPGE cloak_NN1 as_CSA he_PPHS1 went_VVD ,_, more_RRR because_CS it_PPH1 was_VBDZ expected_VVN than_CSN because_CS he_PPHS1 was_VBDZ bothered_VVN by_II a_AT1 bit_NN1 of_IO rain_NN1 ._. 
Through_II the_AT center_NN1 of_IO town_NN1 ,_, through_II the_AT city_NN1 's_GE most_RGT well-kept_JJ streets_NN2 he_PPHS1 made_VVD his_APPGE way_NN1 ._. 
Glass-enclosed_JJ lanterns_NN2 gleamed_VVD at_II most_DAT intersections_NN2 ,_, burning_VVG cheap_JJ scented_JJ oil_NN1 to_TO keep_VVI the_AT worst_JJT of_IO Mecepheum_NP1 's_GE odors_NN2 at_II bay_NN1 ._. 
The_AT capital_NN1 of_IO Imphallion_NP1 was_VBDZ a_AT1 witch_NN1 's_GE brew_NN1 of_IO old_JJ stone_NN1 and_CC new_JJ wood_NN1 ,_, this_DD1 neighborhood_NN1 far_RG more_RRR the_AT former_DA than_CSN the_AT latter_DA ._. 
The_AT rods_NN2 were_VBDR evenly_RR cobbled_JJ ,_, the_AT rounded_JJ stones_NN2 allowing_VVG the_AT rain_NN1 to_TO pour_VVI off_RP into_II the_AT cracks_NN2 rather_CS21 than_CS22 accumulate_VVI along_II the_AT lanes_NN2 ._. 
All_DB around_RP ,_, wide_JJ stairs_NN2 and_CC ornate_JJ columns_NN2 ,_, some_DD in_II fashions_NN2 that_CST had_VHD been_VBN ancient_JJ when_CS Mecepheum_NP1 itself_PPX1 was_VBDZ new_JJ ,_, framed_VVD the_AT doorways_NN2 to_II edifices_NN2 that_CST were_VBDR home_RL and_CC workplace_NN1 to_II the_AT rich_JJ and_CC powerful_JJ ,_, or_CC those_DD2 rich_JJ enough_RR to_TO appear_VVI powerful_JJ ._. 
Despite_II the_AT hour_NNT1 ,_, Kaleb_NP1 was_VBDZ fr_NNU from_II the_AT only_JJ traveler_NN1 on_II these_DD2 streets_NN2 ._. 
The_AT many_DA2 lanterns_NN2 illuminated_VVD all_RR21 but_RR22 the_AT narrowest_JJT alleys_NN2 and_CC deepest_JJT doorways_NN2 ,_, and_CC patrols_NN2 of_IO mercenaries_NN2 ,_, hired_VVN to_II police_NN2 the_AT roads_NN2 and_CC keep_VV0 the_AT peace_NN1 ,_, gave_VVD even_RR the_AT most_RGT timid_JJ citizen_NN1 sufficient_JJ confidence_NN1 to_TO brave_VVI the_AT night_NNT1 ._. 
So_RR it_PPH1 had_VHD been_VBN for_IF some_DD years_NNT2 now_RT ,_, even_RR since_CS the_AT Guilds_NN2 had_VHD effectively_RR taken_VVN over_II the_AT city_NN1 ._. 
Tight-fisted_JJ they_PPHS2 might_VM be_VBI ,_, but_CCB keeping_VVG the_AT shops_NN2 open_VV0 and_CC commerce_NN1 running_VVG into_II the_AT hours_NNT2 of_IO the_AT evening_NNT1 was_VBDZ well_JJ worth_II the_AT expense_NN1 ._. 
Kaleb_NP1 kept_VVD his_APPGE head_NN1 down_RP ,_, sometimes_RT nodding_VVG slightly_RR to_II those_DD2 he_PPHS1 shove_VV0 past_RL on_II the_AT streets_NN2 or_CC to_II the_AT occasional_JJ patrols_NN2 ,_, but_CCB otherwise_RR ignoring_VVG the_AT shifting_JJ currents_NN2 of_IO humanity_NN1 entirely_RR ._. 
And_CC slowly_RR ,_, gradually_RR ,_, the_AT traffic_NN1 on_II the_AT roads_NN2 thinned_VVD ,_, the_AT lanterns_NN2 growing_VVG ever_RR farther_RRR apart_RL until_CS they_PPHS2 were_VBDR replaced_VVN by_II simple_JJ torches_NN2 on_II poles_NN2 ,_, spitting_VVG and_CC sputtering_VVG in_II the_AT rain_NN1 ._. 
Gaps_NN2 appeared_VVD in_II the_AT cobbled_JJ streets_NN2 ,_, missing_VVG teeth_NN2 in_II the_AT city_NN1 's_GE smile_NN1 ,_, and_CC the_AT great_JJ stone_NN1 edifices_NN2 vanished_VVD ,_, edged_VVD out_RP by_II smaller_JJR buildings_NN2 of_IO wood_NN1 ._. 
On_II the_AT border_NN1 between_II Mecepheum_NP1 's_GE two_MC separate_JJ worlds_NN2 ,_, Kaleb_NP1 briefly_RR looked_VVN back_RP ._. 
Looming_JJ high_JJ over_II the_AT inner_JJ city_NN1 ,_, the_AT great_JJ Hall_NN1 of_IO Meeting_NN1 itself_PPX1 ._. 
Here_RL ,_, now_RT ,_, it_PPH1 looked_VVD magnificent_JJ ,_, untouched_JJ by_II time_NNT1 or_CC trouble_NN1 ._. 
Only_RR in_II the_AT brightest_JJT noon_NNT1 were_VBDR its_APPGE recent_JJ repairs_NN2 visible_JJ ._. 
Despite_II all_DB stone_NN1 matched_VVN the_AT old_JJ imperfectly_RR ,_, giving_VVG the_AT Hall_NN1 a_AT1 faintly_RR blotchy_JJ facade_NN1 not_XX unlike_II the_AT earliest_JJT stages_NN2 of_IO leprosy_NN1 ._. 
Kaleb_NP1 smirked_VVD his_APPGE disdain_NN1 and_CC continued_VVD on_II his_APPGE way_NN1 ._. 
Six_MC years_NNT2 &hellip;_... 
Six_MC years_NNT2 since_CS the_AT armies_NN2 of_IO Audriss_NP1 ,_, the_AT Serpent_NN1 ,_, and_CC Corvis_NP1 Rebaine_NP1 ,_, the_AT Terror_NN1 of_IO the_AT East_ND1 ,_, had_VHD clashed_VVN beyond_II Mecepheum_NP1 's_GE walls_NN2 ._. 
Six_MC years_NNT2 since_CS Audriss_NP1 ,_, gone_VVN mad_JJ with_IW stolen_JJ power_NN1 ,_, had_VHD unleashed_VVN horrors_NN2 on_II Mecepheum_NP1 in_II an_AT1 apocalyptic_JJ rampage_NN1 that_CST had_VHD laid_VVN waste_NN1 to_II scores_NN2 of_IO city_NN1 blocks_NN2 ._. 
Six_MC years_NNT2 ,_, more_RRR than_CSN enough_DD for_IF the_AT Guilds_NN2 to_TO patch_VVI Mecepheum_NP1 's_GE wounds_NN2 ,_, if_CS not_XX to_TO heal_VVI the_AT scars_NN2 beneath_RL ._. 
Oh_UH ,_, the_AT citizens_NN2 had_VHD avoided_VVN those_DD2 mangled_JJ neighborhoods_NN2 for_IF a_AT1 time_NNT1 ,_, repelled_VVN by_II painful_JJ memories_NN2 and_CC superstitions_NN2 dread_VV0 ._. 
But_CCB cheap_JJ property_NN1 near_II the_AT heart_NN1 of_IO Imphallion_NP1 's_GE greatest_JJT city_NN1 was_VBDZ more_RRR than_CSN enough_DD to_TO attract_VVI interest_NN1 from_II outside_RL ,_, in_II turn_NN1 inspiring_VVG Mecepheum_NP1 's_GE own_DA merchants_NN2 and_CC aristocrats_NN2 to_TO bid_VVI for_IF the_AT land_NN1 lest_CS outsiders_NN2 take_VV0 it_PPH1 from_II them_PPHO2 ._. 
The_AT rebuilding_NN1 ,_, though_CS slow_JJ to_TO commence_VVI ,_, was_VBDZ long_JJ since_CS complete_JJ ._. 
An_AT1 outsider_NN1 ,_, ignorant_JJ of_IO the_AT region_NN1 's_GE history_NN1 ,_, might_VM wonder_VVI at_II the_AT abrupt_JJ shift_NN1 from_II old_JJ stone_NN1 to_II new_JJ wood_NN1 ,_, from_II the_AT affluent_JJ to_II the_AT average_NN1 ,_, but_CCB otherwise_RR would_VM never_RR know_VVI that_CST anything_PN1 untoward_JJ had_VHD ever_RR happened_VVN ._. 
The_AT confident_JJ footsteps_NN2 of_IO the_AT richer_JJR ,_, and_CC safer_RRR ,_, neighborhoods_NN2 transformed_VVN into_II the_AT rapid_JJ tread_NN1 of_IO pedestrians_NN2 hoping_VVG to_TO reach_VVI home_RL before_II trouble_NN1 found_VVD them_PPHO2 ,_, or_CC else_RR the_AT furtive_JJ stride_NN1 of_IO those_DD2 who_PNQS were_VBDR trouble_NN1 ._. 
Coarse_JJ laughter_NN1 staggered_VVD drunkenly_RR through_II the_AT doors_NN2 and_CC windows_NN2 of_IO various_JJ taverns_NN2 ,_, voices_NN2 argued_VVN behind_II closed_JJ shutters_NN2 ,_, ladies_NN2 (_( and_CC men_NN2 )_) of_IO the_AT evening_NNT1 called_VVN and_CC cooed_VVN form_NN1 narrow_JJ lanes_NN2 ._. 
Still_RR Kaleb_NP1 ignored_VVD it_PPH1 all_DB ._. 
Twice_RR ,_, men_NN2 of_IO rough_JJ garb_NN1 and_CC evil_JJ mien_NN1 emerged_VVD from_II doorways_NN2 as_CS21 though_CS22 prepared_VVN to_TO block_VVI his_APPGE path_NN1 ,_, and_CC twice_RR they_PPHS2 blinked_VVD abruptly_RR ,_, their_APPGE faces_NN2 growing_VVG slack_JJ and_CC confused_JJ ,_, continuing_VVG on_II their_APPGE way_NN1 as_CSA Kaleb_NP1 passed_VVD them_PPHO2 by_RP ._. 
The_AT rain_NN1 had_VHD grown_VVN heavier_JJR ,_, he_PPHS1 lowered_VVD his_APPGE hood_NN1 and_CC glanced_VVD about_RP ,_, his_APPGE magics_NN2 granting_VVG him_PPHO1 sight_NN1 beyond_II what_DDQ the_AT night_NNT1 and_CC the_AT storm_NN1 permitted_VVD anyone_PN1 else_RR ._. 
Even_RR in_II brightest_JJT day_NNT1 ,_, no_AT other_NN1 would_VM have_VHI seen_VVN what_DDQ he_PPHS1 did_VDD ,_, but_CCB there_RL it_PPH1 was_VBDZ :_: scorched_JJ wood_NN1 and_CC ash_NN1 ,_, the_AT last_MD remnants_NN2 of_IO the_AT lot_NN1 's_GE former_DA edifice_NN1 ,_, mixed_VVD in_RP with_IW the_AT dark_JJ soil_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 knelt_VVD in_II the_AT dirt_NN1 behind_II the_AT ponderous_JJ structure_NN1 ,_, digging_VVG his_APPGE hands_NN2 deep_RR into_II the_AT earth_NN1 until_CS he_PPHS1 was_VBDZ elbow-deep_JJ ,_, first_MD through_II clinging_JJ mud_NN1 ,_, then_RT drier_JJR loam_NN1 the_AT falling_JJ rains_NN2 had_VHD not_XX reached_VVN ._. 
It_PPH1 smelled_VVD of_IO growth_NN1 and_CC filth_NN1 ,_, things_NN2 living_VVG and_CC things_NN2 dying_VVG ._. 
Very_RG much_DA1 like_II Mecepheum_NP1 itself_PPX1 ,_, really_RR ._. 
Kaleb_NP1 tensed_VVD in_II concentration_NN1 ,_, closing_VVG himself_PPX1 off_RP from_II the_AT world_NN1 around_II him_PPHO1 ._. 
As_CS21 though_CS22 he_PPHS1 had_VHD melted_VVN in_II the_AT downpour_NN1 ,_, he_PPHS1 felt_VVD himself_PPX1 ,_, the_AT essence_NN1 of_IO what_DDQ he_PPHS1 was_VBDZ ,_, pour_VV0 from_II his_APPGE eyes_NN2 like_II tears_NN2 ,_, flow_VV0 down_RP his_APPGE skin_NN1 ,_, and_CC meld_VV0 into_II the_AT yielding_JJ soil_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 cast_VVD about_RP ,_, blind_JJ but_CCB hardly_RR unaware_JJ ,_, seeing_VVG ,_, seeking_VVG &hellip;_... 
There_RL ._. 
He_PPHS1 rose_VVD ,_, the_AT soil_NN1 sliding_VVG in_II chunks_NN2 and_CC muddy_JJ rivulets_NN2 from_II his_APPGE arms_NN2 ._. 
He_PPHS1 moved_VVD several_DA2 yards_NN2 to_II his_APPGE left_JJ and_CC knelt_VVD once_RR21 more_RR22 ._. 
But_CCB this_DD1 time_NNT1 ,_, when_RRQ his_APPGE hands_NN2 plunged_VVN into_II the_AT soil_NN1 ,_, they_PPHS2 did_VDD not_XX emerge_VVI empty_JJ ._. 
He_PPHS1 carefully_RR examined_VVD his_APPGE prize_NN1 :_: a_AT1 skull_NN1 ,_, cracked_JJ and_CC broken_JJ ,_, packed_VVN with_IW earth_NN1 ._. 
Without_IW hesitation_NN1 or_CC hint_NN1 of_IO revulsion_NN1 ,_, Kaleb_NP1 lifted_VVD it_PPH1 to_II his_APPGE mouth_NN1 and_CC drove_VVD his_APPGE tongue_NN1 deep_RR into_II a_AT1 socket_NN1 ,_, probing_VVG through_II the_AT dirt_NN1 to_TO taste_VVI the_AT essence_NN1 within_RL ._. 
It_PPH1 was_VBDZ not_XX a_AT1 technique_NN1 his_APPGE "_" master_NN1 "_" Nenavar_NN1 would_VM have_VHI recognized_VVN ._. 
For_IF all_DB the_AT old_JJ wizard_NN1 's_GE skill_NN1 ,_, there_EX were_VBDR secrets_NN2 of_IO which_DDQ even_RR he_PPHS1 remain_VV0 ignorant_JJ ._. 
Six_MC years_NNT2 ,_, but_CCB there_EX was_VBDZ just_RR enough_RR left_VVN to_TO work_VVI with_IW ._. 
Just_RR enough_RR for_IF Kaleb_NP1 to_TO taste_VVI ,_, and_CC to_TO know_VVI that_CST this_DD1 was_VBDZ not_XX who_PNQS he_PPHS1 sought_VVD ._. 
No_AT surprise_NN1 ,_, that_DD1 ._. 
The_AT dead_JJ from_II Audriss_NP1 's_GE rampage_NN1 ,_, lost_VVN amid_II burned_JJ ruins_NN2 and_CC collapsed_VVN buildings_NN2 ,_, buried_VVN by_II nature_NN1 ,_, by_II time_NNT1 ,_, and_CC by_II the_AT rebuilding_NN1 ,_, numbered_VVN in_II the_AT hundreds_NNO2 if_CS not_XX more_DAR ._. 
Kaleb_NN1 ,_, frankly_RR ,_, had_VHD no_AT interest_NN1 in_II taking_VVG the_AT time_NNT1 to_TO search_VVI for_IF them_PPHO2 all_DB ._. 
