"There are priests at our outpost, but no time to reach them," Celeste said. It seemed they had no choice but to trust in Maia's guidance. She came to kneel beside Malhar so she could observe. Her wizard's sight revealed a nimbus of color surrounding the youth's leg. She stared at the aura in loathing, feeling as if it was taunting her with her lack of understanding.<em>But that won't last,</em>she thought.<em>I will learn its secrets, so that no one else is hurt and the Chelaxians cannot use it against us.</em><br/><br/>Maia's touch seemed to calm Malhar; he groaned, eyes closing, and ceased his thrashing. Sweat beaded his forehead and his face was drawn in sharp lines of fear and pain. Whether he was lucid enough to understand was anyone's guess, but when Maia took his hands, his fingers tightened on hers. The corruption slowed, then stopped; but did not revert to normal.<br/><br/>Malhar's fingers fell slack, and his features smoothed a little. He groaned again, head lolling, as if he were somewhere between sleep and wakefulness.<br/>