His hand, still stained with the soldier's sweat, began to tremble. First a shiver, then a full shake that rattled through his frame. His breath rasped. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead, dripping into his beard.

A low sound broke from his throat-half growl, half laugh.

He staggered toward the table where a crystal vial gleamed faintly gold in the firelight. His eyes locked onto it, wild, desperate. His lips twisted back, and the laugh rose higher, cracking into giggles.

"Mine... ...