CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO
Awareness returned to Brian once more. He heard voices and tried to focus on them.
“He is waking now. Brian?” The voice was female and strangely soothing. “Brian, can you hear me?”
Something cool touched his lips and water trickled down his throat. He tried to open his eyes and could not. He felt a strange pressure across the top of his face. He tried to reach up, but his hands were bound.
“Ah, Brian,” the soft voice continued, “I am sorry about that. Your hands and eyes are bound because I cannot trust you. You have been filled with lies about me and I fear for my own safety. Bound thus, you cannot use your power against me.”
“Who are you?” he asked, fearing the answer.
“I am Du-Dea Hiril, of course,” she said. “I am sorry for the treatment you received coming here
