HANDS SHIVERING ON THE WET handle of the spade, Wilheim thrust the pointed end into the ground, jumping on the head forcing it deeper into the sodden earth. The rain continued to pelt down, soaking him to the skin as he worked. With a heave he hauled out a mound of earth, turning and dumping it on the ground behind him.

'Can you feel anything?' demanded the forest goblin assigned to guard him.

'N-not yet,' said Wilheim, groping with the spade.

'Then keep ...