Corin nodded solemnly. "I know."

Without further words, Corin and Beckla dashed from the room and out into the dawning streets. For a moment Artek stared after them, feeling terribly alone. He wondered how it was possible to feel so glad and so sorrowful at the same time. At last, with a sigh, he turned to leave.

"Hey!" a reedy voice piped up. "Don't forget about me!"

Artek swore. How could it have possibly slipped his mind? He hurriedly knelt and picked up the skull. "Muragh, are you all right?"

"I'm going to have a nasty headache," the skull groaned. "And believe me, when all you are is a head, headaches are no fun. But I’ll be all right."

Artek grinned, his spirits rising. It looked as if he wasn't so alone after all. Picking up the skull, he headed outside. The city was just beginning to stir, getting ready for the day. He couldn't remember the last time he had seen so bright a morning.

"So," Muragh said, his jaw working, "did I ever tell you about the time the mermen in Waterdeep Harbor used me to play an impromptu game of finball?"

"No," Artek laughed. "But I'm sure you will."

"Well," the skull chattered happily, "it all began when I had the misfortune of getting eaten by a swordshark…"