He took in Elric's burned body, his mind an exhausted blank, his body churning with agitating energy. Across from him, Gowen opened his eyes.Gowen's round face was wet with tears. He clutched the crystal to his chest, looked from Galen to Blaylock and Herazade standing over them."The damage was too extensive."He broke out in sobs.Galen found himself still holding Elric's hand. He lifted the limp, red weight, laid it across Elric's chest. Then he took its black partner, placed it gently across the first, mimicking Elric's position in the incantation. In the vision, Elric had been healthy, serene. The reality was a ruined shell. What pain had he suffered as he'd been burned alive? How long had he endured, waiting for Galen to answer his call?"Circe was always so loyal," Herazade said."How could she do such a thing?"They persisted in asking these questions. How could Elizar have killed? How could Circe have killed? How could he himself have killed? The urge was inside them; it was part of them.
