The sleeping spell kept Evan's mind free of dreams. He remained peacefully unconscious and relaxed while the elves applied bandages and disinfecting salves. He had no idea how much time had passed when sensation began to creep back into his body.<br/><br/>He felt a thin mattress beneath him. The light began to filter through his eyelids causing a faint pink glow. He felt the air fill his lungs. There was a dull but heavy ache in his back. He knew he was wounded,  but not how badly. There was hushed talking nearby, male and female, but he couldn't make out the words. He knew they stood over his bed.<br/><br/>As the fog in his mind began to clear, the wounded soldier suddenly recalled scenes from the battle. His men, screaming in agony as they were cut down. Evan's forearm shot up and he grabbed Grendel's arm firmly but weak. Even the old wizard could wrench himself free  with little assistance. "My men," he uttered hoarsely, "Where are they?"<br/>