stretch to the sky. It was a miraculous feeling that came from meditation that Shep had taught him. Shep attributed it to Cuthbert, but he didn't believe that was the only source for that feeling of contact with divinity.

Now to speak with the gods as they would be spoken to. Corman gathered his wits about him and began to pray:

"Dagmar, I come to you."

"I ask you for the strength of your hand. I do not ask in weakness or in supplication, but in strength and power. I choose you as my God. I ask that you allow me to wield your strength in the land of mortals, to be the force of your strength on this barren plain while my time is still nigh."

"My heart is aligned with yours. Let the time come again that was once lost. Let the gods speak to men again!"

"With my will, so be it!"

It was low at first, and strengthening with each breath. Corman's heart was pounding and his ears ringing.

He took the token that Shep had given him earlier that week, the one that shown so brightly it nearly blinded him.

"Dagmar, grant me light!"

Corman focused on the coin intently. The wind was blowing, he could feel the approaching night air heavy with the scent of the grasslands. Crickets had begun to chirp and other wild sounds began building up to a near deafening crescendo as he maintained his focus on the coin. Suddenly, all was quiet.

"We have been waiting for you."

The words rocked Corman. They came like a chorus of voices speaking as one voice. They rang in his head which seemed to get more intense instead of a diminishing echo.

He focused again, looking skyward and seeing what could only be described as trails of light gathering in a conduit that rushed over him. Corman stood, the feelings overwhelmed him as he stood basking in the blinding divine light.

With a start, Corman regained his sight. Standing perfectly still looking to the dark night sky with a new dawn creeping around the edges of his vision.

The coin remained in his hand. He raised it above his head resolute, then quietly asked, "Dagmar, grant me light."

No sooner were the words from his mouth, then the coin glowed softly spreading a gentle light on the surrounding area and casting the close-by hut in a near torchlight glow.

He was instantly weary. His legs were locked in place and he could not move freely. He must have been standing this way in some sort of trance the entire night.

"T'aasson. Help me." His horse was standing close by, seemingly unsure what his master was doing and acting more than a little worried. He moved near Corman who looped his arms around T'aasson's neck.

"Help me into the house." The horse ducked into the house, dragging him. Corman dropped to the floor with a sigh. "I'm all right, T'aasson," patting the horses inquisitive nose,"I... I've never been better. Go, now, don't worry. I just need rest."

Corman closed his eyes and immediately began dreaming.