In that man's determined movement, even more than in the way he had loosed havoc, Jennsen saw the true depths of his terrible rage.

"Dear spirits," Jennsen whispered. "What just happened?"

"Salvation comes only through self-sacrifice," Sister Perdita said. "Those men died in service to the Order and thus the Creator. That is the Creator's highest calling. No need to moum for them-they have gained salvation through loyal duty."

Jennsen could only stare at her.

"Who is that?" Sebastian asked as he watched the lone man reach the rim of the valley of the Pillars of Creation and start down without pause. "Do you have any ideas?"

"It isn't important." Sister Perdita turned back to the trail. "We have a mission."

"Then we had better hurry," Sebastian said in a worried tone as he stared back at the distant figure advancing down the trail at a swift, measured, relentless pace.