Forgotten Guardians

Josan slowly made his way down the hallway, concentrating on keeping his balance, as Miranda wrapped her arm around his waist for support. His body was healed but much of his strength was gone. Miranda, however, had made her it her job to help him regain what he had lost. She made him take long walks around the Keep everyday and helped him practice his swordsmanship. In the few short days since his miraculous recovery, he was recuperating quickly.

Josan and Miranda made their way through the garden to the Keep when a familiar voice bellowed from the open door. Baile and Lady Maylen stood on the threshold as the two approached.

“Lady Maylen! When did you arrive?” Miranda asked as she embraced the elven leader.

“This morning. I came to see how Aileia was fairing. You look well child.” Lady Maylen said as she stood back to get a better look at Miranda.

“Well, prancing around the daisies are we?” Baile wore a mischievous grin, smiling at something only he found funny.

“Just getting some exercise,” Miranda said coolly as they reached the door.

Baile circled around Josan as he looked him up and down as if inspecting a horse to buy, “Hard as the mountain himself, this one is. Looking good, boy, a beard might make you look a little more dignified but we can discuss that later,” Baile said jokingly as he gently, as a dwarf could, slapped Josan on the shoulder

“It is good to see you’re feeling well,” Lady Maylen said genuinely.

“They must have used some sort of powerful magic on this one, or we would have been singing his funeral song,” Baile said as he stood by Josan’s side.

“Yes, I guess they did,” Lady Maylen said with a questioning look at Miranda.

“Well, enough of flapping our gums,” Baile roared as he started for the door, “A meeting has been called, so come along before the ‘refreshments’ are gone,” he grinned as he disappeared into the doorway.

Josan followed with a slow pace. Lady Maylen stood by the door and motioned for Miranda to her side after Josan passed into the doorway. “Miranda, the night that you were Josan, did you notice anything? Anything at all.” Lady Maylen asked with a little impatience. Miranda turned away from his peicing eyes as she thought it over in her head. She still couldn’t determine whether what she saw that night was a dream or not and had decided to keep it to herself. Lady Maylen noticed her hesitation, “What is it child, please tell me.”

“I really don’t know what I saw,” Miranda said as she pondered through the events of the strange night, “I saw a figure, almost like a ghost of a woman. I don’t know I could have just dreamed it.”

Lady Maylen stood silent for a moment as she thought over this information, “Thank you child. I will think on what you have told me.”

“Do you think she was real?” Miranda asked.

Lady Maylen shrugged her shoulders, “I can’t tell you for certain, that boy is veiled in shadow and mystery.” she said as she turned and headed for the council room.

Josan walked into the council room to find everyone seated. Lord Tylin sat at the head of the table, to his right were Aielia and Raven, representing the elves and to the right of them sat Gordon and Marcus for the Watchers. To Lord Tylin’s left sat Baile and Mourn, for the dwarves and to their left Mayor Sel and Bartin, the blacksmith, representatives of the sea villagers. Each nodded in turn as Josan made his way to his seat. Miranda and Lady Maylen walked in a moment later and also took their seats. Lady Maylen sat with her daughter and Raven and Miranda sat down next to Josan at the end of the table with the rest of the Guardians.

Lord Tylin stood and addressed the assembly, “I would personally like to thank you all on behalf of the king and of myself, for the help you have given. Elves, Dwarves, Sea Folk and especially the Guardians. All of you will always be welcomed here,” he said with a smile, and then his face became suddenly stem, “Now we most bring our attentions to another matter, the remaining invaders who have escaped. The prisoners who were captured have confirmed another leader. The man called Parlon has escaped, a wizard of some talent if the information is correct. The question we must answer is, do we gather a force to go after them or do we let them be?”

“What is the estimated number of escaped invaders?” Aielia asked as she stood.

“From what we can gather, about three hundred are left. A sizable force which could cause havoc if it was so desired,” Lord Tylin answered.

“But will the men still follow the wizard after their leader has been killed?” Mayor Sel asked.

“Bah, let us hunt them down and finish the job,” Baile said as he pounded his meaty fist on die table.

“But Master Dwarf, our forces have also been greatly weakened, launching an attack could leave us vulnerable,” Mayor Sel looking at Baile.

“I mean no disrespect to anyone, but my people have been fighting this army for weeks now and our numbers have dwindled because this. I do not believe the elves will be able to undertake another assault,” Raven said with a little heat in his voice.

“We are jumping to conclusions. Do we even know where this army is?” Bartin, the blacksmith of the sea villagers, said with his deep voice.

Josan, who had been sitting in silence, listened to the debate as the darkness gnawed at the back of his head. Vander was gone but his legacy still lingered. How many more villages, towns and kingdoms would be destroyed because of his madness? Josan clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white. A throat clearing brought him out of his trance to find everyone looking at him. “I’m sorry, what?” Josan asked a little embarrassed.

“Do you know where Vander’ army could be? You knew him better than anyone else here,” Raven said, annoyed at Josan’s mental drifting.

“What have we learned from the prisoners?” Josan asked holding back his own building anger.

“They had camped someplace near the northern mountains before the attack, but we are not sure if they returned.” Lord Tylin proclaimed.

“Then we go back to the mountain cave,” Josan said. Everyone eyed him with confused looks. “Vander would have gone back to his mountain hideaway to gather his supplies. He wouldn’t leave them behind. Our best bet is to start our search there,” Josan explained with an iron tongue.

“Even if the army is there, we do not have the man power for an assault,” Raven said shaking his head as he looked at the table.

“We should attack now while they are disoriented, and scattered,” Baile roared.

“Still many more people will die,” Mayor Sel said rising from his chair, staring boldly at the dwarf.

Tempers erupted and voices began to rise from each person, trying to be heard over their neighbors. Josan sat for a moment in silence. Voices filled the room, blending together into a rant. In a flare of anger, Josan bolted up from his chair, slamming his first onto the table. Silence and wide eyed stares met the response. Josan took a moment to calm himself before he spoke, “Master Baile is right, we need to strike now or we may never get another chance. This wizard can rebuild his army and he will be back. We must destroy the Army of the Light now,” he said as the demon crept into his voice, turning many people pale. Josan scanned the assembly trying to drive his words into their minds, then turned and stormed out of the council room.

Miranda made her way down the hallway, trying to plan out what she was going to say to Josan. She could tell when he was struggling with his darker half and knew what could happen if his other side won the battle. She reached his door and took a deep breath before knocking. She slowly pushed the door open and peeked her head inside. Josan was gathering his things.

“What did they decide?” Josan asked as he continued to pack.

Miranda made her way into the room and quietly closed the door. In the dim light Josan looked like he had the day she first laid eyes on him, walking death itself, dressed in black clothes which seemed to be apart of who he was, a shadow, with his deadly twin swords hilts sticking out from behind his waist and an arsenal of throwing knives strapped to the side of his chest and a stance which could freeze a charging bull in its steps. She cleared her mind before she spoke, “The elves will not commit, except Aielia. The dwarves, to no surprise, are fully behind you. Lord Tylin said he will send a few troops, but he can’t afford to leave the Keep unguarded. Mayor Sel and Banin say that they will tell their people and whoever volunteers can go, but they won’t force anyone,” Miranda said calmly as she watched her friend struggle with himself.

“And what of you and the others?” Josan asked as he paused in packing yet refusing to face her.

“You shouldn’t even have to ask,” Miranda said a little hurt that he would even ask, “Personally I think you should stay here, but I know whatever I say will not change your mind,” her voice losing some of its fury.

Josan slowly turned and met her gaze, “I must finish this.”

Miranda’s heart sank as she saw the pain in his eyes. She could see that he was as scared as she was. His darker side might win this battle. She walked over and took his hand into hers, “Josan don’t do this. Don’t let your hate guide you. If you do, you may never come back.”

“I must. I’m the only one who can do this. Vander is dead, but his hate and madness spread little a disease. It must be stopped,” he said trying to hold the blackness which was creeping back into his voice.

“I know, I just don’t want to lose you,” Miranda said as her gripped his hand. She willed herself to push back the tears which were starting to well up in her eyes.

“You won’t,” Josan said as he caressed her cheek. Suddenly an ear piercing scream whaled from Miranda’s mouth. Her body went limp as she fell. Josan quickly caught her as her body went into spasms. Fear ran through Josan’s blood as he held Miranda, completely helpless. He gently laid her body on the floor and tried to make her as comfortable as possible.

Miranda’s mind was flooded with images of a place which drove panic into her heart. Fire erupted everywhere and the stench of burning flesh filled her nostrils. Crackling laughter mocked her from the shadows. Suddenly, her body jerked forward, a slabbing pain ran up her spine as blood appeared around her. Her body felt cold and stiff, her breath was shallow and slow. Suddenly, calmness settled over her with an eerie silence.

Her eyes fluttered open after what seemed to be an eternity. Slowly the world came into focus to find several faces over her with concerned looks. Her head pounded as she tried to sit up but was gently pushed back down.

“Are you all right?” she heard a familiar musical voice ask, “We thought we had lost you for a moment,” Aielia said with weary smile.

Miranda felt a damp rag applied to her forehead with a small talon hands, “Pretty lady better?” Uuger asked in a gurgling voice.

Miranda slowly pushed herself up on.her elbows, “I’m all right, just a little shaken, that’s all.”

“These visions are getting worse, your body went stone cold for a moment,” Josan said as he helped her to her feet.

“I’ll be fine,” she said as she patted his arm. Yet the terror still remained. Never had she seen such images, “Well, we shouldn’t just stand here all day, we have people waiting on us,” she said trying to hold back the fear in her voice.

“Are you sure that you are up to this?” Aielia asked concern in her eyes.

“I’m sure, we need to finish this,” Miranda said as she turned and looked at Josan.

“They will soon arrive,” Parlon spoke as he sat sipping a chilled wine.

“What are your commands master,” one of the remaining dark elves asked as the others nelt behind him.

“The woman and the half breed are to be left unharmed, the others you do with as you please.” Parlon answered with a causal calm.

“What are you orders for the horde?” the dark elf asked.

“It has outlived its usefullness, let the humans extermante them.” Parlon waved his hand as if batting a fly away. The dark elves grinned wickedly as they departed from their master’s presence and made ready for the coming assult.

Josan crept through the bushes, making no sound, hardly disrupting a leaf. He reached the bluff and looked out before him. Below the bluff a small make shift camp had been set up. Little tents and fires dotted the clearing at the base of the mountain. Battered men and a few orcs and goblins moved about in a practiced routine. Josan scanned the area and found what he was looking for, a tattered flag with the emblem of the Army of Light. They had found them. He quickly made his way back to his encampment. He informed the small band who had volunteered for the task of taking out the remains of the enemy army of what he discovered. The band consisting mostly of dwarves and soldiers from the Keep, though there were also a handful of elves and villagers and of course, his friends. They formed a plan of attack and hurried to their positions with disciplined speed. After everyone was in position, the signal went up. Hundreds of dwarves pounded their way down the bluff side roaring their battle chants. Chaos erupted in the camp, men scurried around trying to find weapons and suit up as goblins and orcs ran for the trees, but their escape was short lived as they were cut down by elven arrows. Josan and the others followed by the soldiers and villagers came from the other side to block who ever escaped the initial attack. Josan made a bee line to the mountain pass which led to the cave’s entrance. His friends were on his heels. As they approached the cave an ogre stepped out of the entrance, with a wicked smile spread across his face. The ogre reached over his shoulder and grabbed the hilt of his enormous broad sword. Before he could draw it though, his eyes widened as two bolts struck him in the heart. His legs gave way as he crumpled to the ground. Without missing a step the six companions made their way into the cave. They zig zagged through the corridors striking down anything which came in their direction. They turned a comer and found themselves at a crossroads. Josan peered down each tunnel trying to discern any noise. To his left the rumbling sound of pounding metal became steadily louder. Suddenly several soldiers lead by dark elves turned the comer with weapons drawn. The six companions took formation as the men charged towards them, when another sound caught Josan’s attention on his right. A voice. Josan new that voice, it floated through his mind like pond scum, but he couldn’t place it. It made his head spin as the darkness rose to a breaking point. Without another thought, Josan raced down the right corridor towards the voice.

Miranda watched Josan race away without warning. She would truly lose him. “Go after him,” a baritone voice said next her. She spared a moment to see Grimmly staring at her with solemn eyes. “Go after him darling, you’re the only one who can bring him back.” the thunder of the soldiers’ became louder as they closed the distance, “Go! We can handle these squabs,” Grimmly said as he braced himself for the coming fight. She turned and saw the same answer on all their faces. She turned and quickly made her way after Josan.

Josan headed towards the sound of the voice, with his heart pounding in his ears, the darkness inside of him clawing at his skull begging to be unleashed. He didn’t understand why his dark half was responding in such a way, never had it seemed so alive in him. He turned the comer and found a brightly lit room at the end of the tunnel. Slowly he made his way to the room. His hands trembling with his darkness as he approached the doorway. Josan could clearly hear the strange familiar voice, which made cold shivers run up his spine. Josan slowly entered the room to see the wizard turn around and smile.

“Time has run out,” the wizard said smoothly.

Grimmly held the line as Frathe danced around him jabbing and retreating with his slender saber. Wolf had disappeared into the rush of bodies. Uuger stood behind Grimmly’s legs darting out to smack a shin when someone got to close. The close corridors of the tunnel gave them an advantage but they knew they couldn’t keep this up for long.

“We can’t keep this up forever,” Frathe said as he ducked under a swing meant to take his head off.

“I know…I have idea, or at least something like an idea.” Grimmly grunted as he pushed back one of the dark elves. “Follow me and stay close.” Grimmly swung his sword wide making everyone jump back to give them some room. Grimmly turned and started running down the hallway snatching up Uuger as he passed. Frathe bolted after them as Wolf jumped through the mass of bodies to follow. Grimmly sprinted down the corridor as they rounded a bend he swung his magical rod, transforming it into a warhammer, and slamming it into the ceiling, taking out several support beams in the process. The tunnel rubbled as the ceiling gave to the weight of the mountain. Frathe dove through the debri rolling through bellowing dust as the tunnel behind him filled with crushing rock. Frathe coughed and grumbled as he got back to his feet.

“Great plan. Bringing down the half mountain down on our heads.” Frathe said as he spat grit from his mouth.

“Didn’t say it was a great plan, just a plan. And it bought us some time.”Grimmly said as he put Uuger down.

Frathe turned and surveied the the blocked tunnel. Many soliders and by the look at least one dark elf didn’t escape the collapes. “That it did. What now?”

“We need to find way around this and get to the others,” Grimmly said as he started downt he tunnel.

“Who are you? What do you want?” Josan asked as he slowing circled the strange looking wizard.

“Why to help you dear boy. To show you your true potenial.” The wizard said calmly as he stood relaxed in the center of the room.

“What are you talking about?” Josan spat. His blood boiled and his skin felt as if it was on fire, but it didn’t hurt. It almost felt soothing. Yet something in the man’s voice made Josan want to leap across the room and tear him limb from limb.

“The power you posses, that darkness nawing at your insides to be released. I don’t understand why you hold it back. It can give you a power that is unequaled to any mortal.” The wizard explained.

“Don’t listen to him Josan,” Miranda yelled from across the room.

“That will be quite enough from you little girl,” the man said raising his hand. In an instance Miranda was pulled across the room by an invisible force to come face to face with the wizard.

“Let her go,” Josan roared.

“You disappoint me, swayed by a mere woman. Yet, I have to give you credit for the will you possess. Keeping the demon inside of you at bay for this long is impressive,” the man said with an evil grin.

“Let her go and I will not fight you. You can leave here in peace,” Josan said trying to remain calm.

“Of course you will not fight me, we are the same,” the man said, still holding Miranda in his magical grip.

“Who are you?” Josan asked.

“Why, I’m the one that gave you life my dear boy. It is my blood which runs through your veins and now it is time you took your place among your kind. I have watched you for a long time now and I’m eager to see what you are capable of when fully unleashed,” the man said, “Now let it free my boy, let it drink in your soul and feel the ecstasy of death.”

“I think you have the wrong person.” Josan said though gritted teeth.

“I think not,” the man said as the color of his eyes faded into a dull silver. “You see my boy, we are the same, except I’m a full blooded demon and you are merely a half-breed, but we will work around that. Why do you fight what you are? Is it this female who is impairing your judgment? Well that is easily remedied,” Parlon said with a glimmer in his dull silver eyes. Miranda gasped as her eyes flew open. A sword point jutted out of her abdomen. Parlon jerked the sword free as Miranda collapsed to the floor.

“NO!” Josan screamed as he raced forward, panic overwhelming his senses. Parlon’s casual swatted his with arm and connected with Josan’s chest, sending him flying though he air and landing heavily on the stone ground. Never had he been hit so hard. His bones felt as if they were jelly, his body quaked with the aftershock. He lifted his head to find Parlon smiling at him from over Miranda’s body. Blood pooled around her as her chest rose and fell slowly. The darkness once again burst forward consuming his mind and body. He raced toward the wizard with open hatred. The wizard lifted his hand and unimagiable pain raced through Josan’s body. He dropped to his knees as his legs buckled under him. His entire body felt as if was being bumed from the inside out. The darkness laughed at him within his mind.

“Idiot boy, do you think your feeble powers can match those of a pure blooded demon? You fool,” Parlon snarled. “I have power over your very blood!” Parlon turned and regarded Miranda lying on the ground. “Looks like she still has a little fight left in her, just like your mother. She was a fighter too, fought me even when I ravaged her. Oh, did I enjoy that,” Parlon said with a chuckle, “Maybe this little one can give me that same pleasure, oh it has been a long time since I’ve seen such spirit,” Parlon said as he bent down and ran a hand along Miranda’s body.

Josan tried to will himself to stand, yet the pain paralyzed him. “No, no,” he thought to himself as he watched Parlon running his hand over Miranda. “No, no, I can’t let this happen. Not to her,” he screamed in his mind. He couldn’t let this happen, not Miranda. Something deep inside of him caught a spark. It grew like a flash fire, spreading through his body like a furnace. The darkness squealed away in fear as it consumed him. The pain melted away as if it never had existed. Josan slowly rose to his feet and stalked towards the wizard. Parlon seemed not notice his approach, for his attention was on Miranda’s ever growing pale body. Josan reached down gripped Parlon’s wrist as the wizard caressed Miranda’s hip. Parlon looked up with an annoyed expression, thinking to teach the boy the true strength of a demon. Yet when he tried to free his arm, it was held fast. He slowly looked up and met Josan’s eyes and found his answer. For once in Parlon’s immortal life he felt fear. In those shimmering silver eyes he saw, not hatred, not vengeance, but pure primal rage.

Josan jerked Parlon’s wrist up, bringing the wizard to his feet. Josan reached out and grabbed the wizard by the collar of his robe and hurled him into the far wall. The cavern shook with the impact, sending cracks up the wall where the wizard had hit. Stars danced in Parlon’s vision as he tried to regain his balance. Josan landed blow after blow in the wizard’s head and body, crunching bones with each hit. Parlon swung out blindly only to have his hand caught in mid-swing and held firmly. Josan pulled the arm down bringing the battered wizard to his wobbly knees. The wizard’s face was swollen and crushed, blood seeping from every pore. Josan kicked, sending the wizard back into the wall. Josan reached down to Parlon’s crumpled form, grabbed him around the neck and lifting him up again. Parlon’s body lay limp in Josan’s grip and his chest did not draw breath, yet a voice came from the motionless lips of the mangled face.

“Do you think you can kill me, boy? I’m immortal. You only delay our coming. We will ravage your world once more. There is nothing you can do about it,” the voice said from inside the dead corpse.

Josan let the body fall from his hands and crumble onto the floor in a battered heap. As the body dropped from his hands the rage left him. His body suddenly felt the wounds and gashes and exhaustion overcome him. He slowly made his way over to Miranda’s body, dropping to his knees beside her. Tears whelmed up in his eyes as he touched her cold skin.

“No, you can’t die. You can’t leave me, not now. Miranda fight it, come back to me, I love you.” he screamed through his tears. Drained, Josan could barely keep upright. His body ached for him to lie down and embrace the sweet touch of death. His head swam as his blood seeped from his many wounds. Suddenly a movement caught his attention. The torch light began to waver through the room, swaying and dancing as if caught in a breeze but there was no wind. The light from the torches started to swirl in motion and gather, taking a shape. Josan tried to reach in his coat for a knife but his limbs would not respond. The fire light danced as it took on the outline of a woman. She was transparent, yet the firelight danced around the details of her form. She wore a long elegant gown; her hair flowed down to her waist and swayed as if it was caught in a breeze. As the woman slowly came forward, Josan stared in awe at the beautiful apparition. The fire woman knelt on the other side of Miranda and looked at Josan with a caring smile. She raised a translucent hand and caressed Josan’s cheek. Josan stared at the fire light face, something about the fire woman struck him as familiar. She looked down at Miranda then back to Josan, with a reassuring smile. She leaned over and kissed Josan on the forehead.

Suddenly, he was running through the woods, no, he was being carried through the woods. It was dark... He was wrapped in blankets and pressed up against someone. Mother, yes, it was his mother. ‘Why are we running?’ he thought to himself. He could feel mother’s bosom rise and fall with shallow breaths. She was scared, ‘Why are you scared mama? What’s wrong mama?’ he thought as he started to cry.

“Hush now my love. Everything will be fine,” Mother said soothingly, but Josan could hear me panic in her voice as she sprinted through the dark woods. Something wet dripped on his arm. Blood. ‘Why is mama bleeding? Why is mama scared?’ His mother was talking to someone and then he was placed into someone else’s arms. It was Florene, his tutor and friend. “I love you,” he heard his mother say. Suddenly, everything went black again. He swirled through the darkness. At first there was nothing, but then the scene became clearer, he was standing in the same dream he had every night, except this time there were no creatures clawing at him through the mist, no demon, only the woman, who stood within the mist.

“I am proud to call you my son and remember I will always love you.” the woman said. Josan opened his eyes and found himself back in the cave kneeling over Miranda, with his many wounds and gashes gone and his strength returned, but Miranda still lay beside him unmoving.

Miranda opened her eyes to see a grassy clearing where the sun was beating down warmly on her skin. Flowers bloomed everywhere, making the air sweet and soothing. Small woodland creatures scurried about her without fear. She slowly rose to her feet and looked around at the beautiful scene. A woman walked out of the tree line followed by a enormous ivory wolf. At first glance the wolf resembled Wolf, but its fur was ivory instead of silver and it was a female. She looked at the woman again and was startled to see it was the same woman she had seen that night in Josan’s room, but made of fresh and blood. The woman walked closer, her white gown gliding over the grass and her hair dancing in the breeze. Miranda was awe struck by the woman’s beauty.

“Welcome, Miranda.” the woman said with a warm smile.

“How... how do you know my name?” Miranda asked sheepishly.

“I know many things. I am a High Priestess of the Light, but you may call me Laura and this is Meadow. I think you know our sons,” the woman said as she moved closer.

“Wha…Josan and Wolf?” Miranda blurted out.

“Yes,” Laura said as she stood before Miranda.

“Where am I?” Miranda asked as she looked at the clearing again.

“The After Life,” Laura said gently.

“I’m dead?” Miranda yelped in panic.

Laura placed her hands gently on Miranda’s shoulders, “Far from it, my dear. You must go back; you have a destiny to fulfill and someone who loves you very much. Please take care of yourself, you are the key to his heart and to the outcome of all things,” Laura said as she embraced Miranda. Laura leaned up and kissed Miranda on the forehead. Suddenly Miranda felt herself falling, “Please take care of my son,” then her eyes shot open. All she could see was the stone ceiling and feel the rough stone floor beneath her.

“Miranda? Miranda,” she heard Josan kneeling at her side. She sat up to see tears running down Josan’s face “You’re alive,” he shouted. He swung his arms around her and held her tight. Miranda wrapped her arms around his neck with equal relief. “I thought I lost you,” Josan murmured through her hair.

“You’ll never lose me, Josan. I... I love you,” she said as tears ran down her cheek. Josan slowly pulled away and stared into her yes.

“I love you too,” He slowly moved forward, until his lips touched hers. Overwhelming joy filled both of them as they held each other. It seemed like an eternity, yet neither one cared. Both wished to stay there forever, but a cough broke the silence and brought them back to the world. In unison they turned to the door to find, Frathe, Uuger, Grimmly and Wolf staring at them with cheesy grins.

“Come on you two, you can finish that in private,” Frathe said with mock disgust.

“It’s about time. I thought I would have to put you both in a sack to make you see the light of day,” Grimmly said with a broad grin. Uuger looked at each of them with a grin which nearly split his face.

. “Sitting in here making kissy faces, while we do all the work,” Frathe bellowed as he walked out into the tunnel.

“The soldiers have been all rounded up and we are preparing to head out soon, but take your time,” Grimmly said as he nudged Uuger out of the room. Miranda and Josan both turned beet red. They quickly got to their feet and hurried out after their friends, not saying a word, but they didn’t need to. All the words had already been spoken.