The discomfort was supreme; the muscles of his back no longer stretched as they should have. He rose and squatted on his haunches, watching the Dark Lady as she sat statue-still at the huge desk. Her eyes were closed, her spirit absent from her body. Oshere knew where she flew. She was deep down inside the drying smear of his blood that stained the crystal on her desk. Oshere sat silently until Chreena stretched her back and opened her eyes. She cursed softly. “You must not be impatient,” said Oshere. The black woman turned and smiled. “Time races away from me,” she replied. “How are you feeling?” “Not good, Chreena. Now I know how Shir-ran felt … and why he left. Perhaps I should go, too.” “No! I will not hear such talk. I am close, Oshere; I know I am. All I need to find out is why the daughter molecules depart from the norm. They should not; it is against nature.” Oshere chuckled. “Are we not against nature, my dear? Did God ever intend a lion to walk like a man?”
