Opening the chamber door. Peeking out, ready. A flickering light approaches. She! She looks around, slips into the chamber. They close, bar the door. Back away together.

The door bursts, Avante entering. Same stolid face as ever. Same slow gait. Straight ahead. The drawing pulpit tossed aside, turning over. The key!

Standing before Her, beginning to read the key. Arm brushing him aside, knocking him into the wall, losing his breath. Hearing Her cries. Stars dancing before the eyes. Regaining his feet, reading the key again. Feeling it fitting, the force streaming towards the Avante. She is no longer crying. Sight clearing.

The Avante's fist around Her neck. Light gone out. It looks at him, smiling. First time. Dropping Her in a heap on the floor. Walking towards him, sedate steps. He backs off until the wall stops him.

It halts just before him. Reaching out. Breaking a rock off the wall by his head. Looking at it, turning it slowly over. Puts it in its mouth, slowly chewing and swallowing. A grinning bow to the apprentice, then flowing into the floor. Released from duty.

Crawling to Her, knees a-tremble. Brushing Her hair aside. Calling. Nothing left. She is free now. Free of everything.

Crouching down to kiss Her forehead. Maybe just as well. Where would She have gone, all that fire in Her blood? No difference wherever She went. Would have had to keep Her with him. Not ready for that. It could never work well. Accept Her love, the Master's tribute, would be theft. Would be unbearable.

No, this must be for the best.