They let her through, all the while warning her that he wasn't looking good - that there wasn't much she could do - or anything at all - and all she did was ignore then as she pushed past and into the tent where he lay.

She let out a cry, and ran over to him, dropping on her knees and looking at his face, "Aleron ... oh my Al, what have they done to you, my darling?" She touched his face gingerly, her brown eyes flashing grief ... and anger. "They'll pay, I swear they will pay." She put one hand to her mouth, "...first we have to get you well. You will get well, I promise you, I just ... "

She stopped, then cleared her throat, "Best - best you don't ask about that."