A vortex of words and whispers swirled around Torben’s head and blazed with the same golden fire he’d seen surging up his arm. The rasping tones of Hrex’s voice was everywhere, wrapping itself around every part of his being.
Piercing the noise was a dull regular thud that scattered the flames, sending the words spiralling out of control before they slowly drew themselves back together. A volley of panicked shouts and cries accompanied each thud as it rocked his battered subconscious. Far away, in the distance, beyond the cacophony, he thought he could hear a different voice calling his name.
‘Ashak.’
‘Torben.’
‘Ashak.’
In the haunting dream, a shadow descended over him, growing larger and larger, snuffing the light of the golden flames and stifling Hrex’s horrible voice. He looked up,
