down one to another, in the Circle. It was the Collector's, and some of his magic has remained upon it. I am no good with magic, but I used the amulet to take away the picture in your mind of your identity. That's why you cannot see yourself. If you do not know who you are, then he cannot know who you are.
"Cheyne, the Circle ends with me… I am the last. The Raptor, he has hunted us down over the centuries, finding us no matter how well we hid. Many times, I have been within his grasp, and he let me go. This time he tried to kill me. It could only be because of you, and the Clock…"
"Because of the treasure?" Cheyne repeated incredulously.
"Yes, but it is you he wants… has always wanted. You are the one, you see…"
Cheyne looked up at Doulos, who shook his head in bewilderment. Doulos hushed Javin for a moment, listening. Cheyne raised his dagger, thinking the canistas had returned. They waited in silence for awhile, but heard nothing else. Doulos slipped around the boulders for a look, but found only Yob, his spear firmly in hand. From the high branches of the big oak, Naruq leapt and landed without a sound, already counting his fortune.
Cheyne was still holding Javin's head when he began to talk again. "The Clock is really a weapon, made by the Collector long ago, when the brothers fought. The book-"
"Javin, you have the book? The little bronze-bound one? I… I found it in the crypt and took it with me. I'm sorry, Javin, I was angry with you. I should have left it for you. I thought it lost forever!"
"It's all right. The book must explain how the Clock works; it has to. The juma writings say… it's where the Collector left his clues. You cannot let the beast get out. The Raptor still believes the crystal wall shields a treasure. He will stop at nothing to get it- and you. He is a madman, no man at all anymore…