"How many have died?"

Knight's hoarse voice cut through the evening's humid air. Everyone dismissed their thoughts and stood up, giving solemn respect to his position.

The screaming children were hushed into silence by their weeping mothers. Even the injured tried to stand, but Knight gave them a stern look and waved a hand, signaling that it was all right.

The destruction lay before Knight's penetrating gaze. The flickering fire at the center cast long shadows against the ...