palpable compassion, a single touch to the creature’s lowered forehead. The touch, Toc realized, of an Elder God. And a voice: You are the last, now. The very last, and there will be need for you. In time … Thus, I promise that I shall bring to you … a lost spirit. Torn from its flesh. A suitable one, of course. For that reason, my search may be a long one. Patience, little one … and in the meantime, this gift
