“How is he?” Arianne asked softly from the doorway.

Verena shook her head. “I’m sorry. He’s been getting worse each day.”

“Isn’t there anything you can do?”

“I’ve done all I’m able to.. Arianne, you know I’d do more if I could, I know what he means to you, but..” she trailed off, looking at his sleeping body.

Arianne’s eyes widened. “There is something, then? Something that might help him.”

Verena nodded slowly. “Yes, but.. the Yuka plant.. I don’t know..”

“Why didn’t you tell me this before?” Arianne demanded.

“I didn’t want to get your hopes up. There’s only one place it can be found. Getting there is a feat in itself, but even if you can get yourself there, there’s still no guarantee that you’ll be able to get your hands on it.”

“But it’s the only thing that might save him,” Arianne said, softly now, as she looked anxiously at his near-lifeless body.

“Yes.”

“Then I must try. Where can I find this Yuka plant, then?”

Verena looked away, sighing. “You must go to Atlantis.”