Shared strength

“It's very unclear about what is happening down there,” Dru said. “Kefen, help me get through.”

Kefen cupped his hands over Dru's and closed his eyes. The viewing was too difficult and their combined strength could not penetrate the dark barrier that surrounded the area. Breyn had not reported back. “What is she doing?”

Etten reached in with his own hands and added his strength to the viewing, but it added little to their clarity.

Dru decided it might be time to get a boost. He sent a message to Cheshin, “bring Nepal.”

The two arrived several seconds later. Dru set his suspicions aside. They had no time to waste. He needed to know what was going wrong. “Nepal, you may be able to help us. You have the ability to facilitate our combined abilities, giving us the boost we need to penetrate the encounter with Karden.”

“He is taxed. He may not be strong enough,” Cheshin sounded alarmed.

“No, it's alright.” Nepal said eagerly. “If I can help, then I will.”

Kefen added, “there is a risk to you, Nepal. You are not accustomed to our 'one mind'. We do not know what side effects there may be, but there is a chance of brain damage.”

“Brain damage?” Nepal had never thought that possible.

“The risk is only slight, and if Cheshin channels what we need of you, then you do not have to become part of the 'one mind',” Dru said.

“We cannot ask him to do this,” Cheshin said, obviously ready to defend his position on this.

“If Karden takes Breyn and Jueqel, would it still be worth the risk?” Dru asked.

“I'll do it,” Nepal said before Cheshin could speak. “Just tell me how.”

“Damn, if we only had more time,” said Dru frustrated.

Cheshin spoke, “I can help him find his way to do this. He's doing it now, without even trying. I'll meld with him.” He turned to Nepal, “just like in training. Only I'll do most of the landscape work.” To the others he said, “join.”

On cue Etten, Dru, and Kefen brought their hands together, a pinwheel of psychics. Cheshin asked Nepal, “place your hands on my shoulders once I have joined with them. I'll guide you the rest of the way.” Then added his spoke to the wheel.

As soon as Nepal touched the joined Oragwains, he felt their presence. They were seeking a place. Trying to put an image in the landscape. He felt the pull of Cheshin's mind, “let me guide your strength, and help me see the place where Breyn and Jueqel are located.”

Nepal could see the image they were going for. The place they sought drifted across the mindscape, but unsettled. He wanted the picture to settle. He had to see it. To many lives had been lost already. He didn't want to loose anymore. He tried to lend aid to their viewing.

“We got it,” came the voices of Dru and Kefen.

They could see Brayn was lying on the ground, the Yogans were closing in on them. The instant he decided to do it, everyone knew that Dru was going to attack Karden. A psychic bolt of raw energy surged through them and let loose upon the monster. It struck true, but Karden only grew stronger from it.

Everyone felt the cramp arrest Nepal. The pain in his stomach shared by each of them. He doubled over and crashed to the floor. The world spun out of control. He felt something slipping away. Something important left him, and he lost consciousness.