The Shadows of the Fire

The orc rangers looked at each other. Sadie could understand that - she could hardly believe what she'd just seen either.

Gulmar broke the silence, grunting in approval.

"Fire and greensmoke! That," he grinned, "was a sight to behold. She is worth holding onto, Sadie of the Moonriders - few have faced Mirras in single combat and lived to tell the tale."

But his eyes were grave despite the thunderous laugh that followed, and those same eyes radiated a warning that said hold on to her and don't let her out of your sight.

And she understood, understood that they had just been privy to a display of enormous power - power that transcended the ordinary, that was beyond the reach of mortal men. Even of mortal magicians.

Power that was gifted, loaned from a being stronger than imagining, that had leaned out from behind the veils of reality and turned its attention to their world for a few scant moments.

Beings like that did not bestow such gifts lightly, or without expecting recompense.