Once more he was alone under the stars, encompassed by a world of nothingness.

He felt, all at once, that he had been a very great fool.

He had played his part like a child; even his voice had trembled as he called out Bram's name.

And Bram--even Bram--had laughed at him.
Very soon he would pay the price of his stupidity--of his slowness to act.

It was thought of that which quickened his pulse as he stared out into the white space into which Bram had gone.