A thundering BOOOM rumbled underfoot.

'Dan'iss, we have to hurry!' Papa lifted Mila a little, getting a better hold. 'We don't have long.'

'I'm so sorry,' Auntie Liana said again, tears streaking her face. She reached for Mama, hugging her tight. 'Leave Vo'Arum, you must! He's taken at least the gifts of five Mestarns, perhaps more! He has plans, oh! Such awful plans.' Auntie Liana shook her head as she and Mama hugged, still weeping. 'I don't know how many will be ...