An instance of primordial consciousness bore into Riggs’ psyche. He stared into the untextured slab of glassy porcelain that was its face, and made pretend he was not afraid. In order for Cross’ plan to work, each member of his team must present in an equally threatening manner. If Riggs lost his composure, then one or another of his friends could suffer deadly consequences. Riggs had a history of fleeing in moments like these, but today would be different. It had to be. He reviewed the plan.

First, the spirit’s corporeal instances had to be distracted. Sutha, Elliot, Cross, and Rog would step into the ring of stones which bounded the spirit’s lair. When its humanoid projections, of which there were two, moved to intercept the four decoys, he would sprint for the spirit’s core. When he reached it, he would produce from his arcane satchel a device provided him by the caravan guide Calvin. He would use it to capture the renegade spirit’s source, the mission would be complete, and they all would be safe. Allegedly. Trust was Rigg’s least favorite part of every job. Trust in Cross’ plan. Trust that the strangers Elliot and Rog would risk their lives for his. Trust that Calvin’s technology would perform as promised. Cross gave the signal, and Riggs began to count.

Three. Sutha burst forth from her sprinter’s crouch. Her bare feet bit deep into the coarse shale beside the brook which was the spirit’s home. The shale made her slow. It would make him slow. Riggs shut his eyes. He grit his teeth. He battled panic. He won. He forced his eyes open. A projection was hot on Suthas heels. The plan was working.

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Two. Elliot let loose a war cry. Rog stumbled and fell. Cross knocked an arrow to his hunting bow. He had not yet decided which projection on which to fire. Sutha bellowed in pain. Cross made his decision. Riggs closed his eyes once more.

One. Riggs’ became acutely aware of the sweat in between his toes. Large grains of sand chafed at his skin as he wiggled the toes frantically. He forced his eyes open once more. His path was clear!

He beat at the riverside shale with his own perspiring feet. He did not bother to look when Elliot’s mace rang with the sound of shattering glass. Sutha roared like a bear. He took no notice of that either. Humans ran faster with their heads down. He reached his objective. The spirit’s source was suspended beneath the brook’s surface. Something floated suspended above the water. He didn’t bother to check what it was. His focus was too great. He desperately wanted to look over his shoulder. At any moment he could be clubbed from behind. Or cut. Or skewered. He wasted a precious moment pondering the manner in which a ghostly apparition would execute its enemies. What had he come to do? He had forgotten. Fortunately, Cross had made him rehearse the movements. Calvin’s device was in his hand. A strong breeze laid into him from behind. He plunged the device into the water and waited to die.