They soon found a decent sized town. Blue hospital signs led them down dark winding streets until they reached a group of large, modern buildings. Oren parked the car in the section marked "Emergency Room Patients Only." As the motor fell away into silence he said, "I hope you know what you're doing."

Oren climbed out and opened the door, gingerly taking Katelina again. He lifted her as though she weighed nothing, and held onto her while Jorick climbed out. Katelina's eyes ...