The man known only as Traveler to almost all who knew him was fading fast, his consciousness ebbing away from him like the fading tide. A sound roused him slightly, and he struggled with a mighty effort to open his eyes again. There was a bird... And a voice... neither of which made any sense.<br/><br/>He finally gave up on trying to understand what he saw and heard, and allowed his eyes to close once more. He was so thirsty, and hot.... He knew he should get up and find water and shade. Telling himself he'd just wait another minute or two, he began to slip into the warm oblivion of sleep. He forgot all about the reasons he'd had for coming to this place. He forgot about the dangers he'd faced, and the injuries he'd sustained. All he wanted was sleep.