The hospital is out of the question, those will be canvassed. McGregor’s mansion has proven a grave error— the Tiarna still has the talisman. The blood drains: the old man is handy with a pistol.

His belt a tourniquet, Colm heads to Nessa’s — where else can he go? Despite her anger, the healing ritual cast in circle. Foolhardy bravado: Colm feels useless, helpless. She cradles him closely as the sky begins to darken.

McGregor stands high on the balcony, laughing savagely: darkness flows into him. Quietly, his servant pushes him over the edge.