The path that Torat and Petri walked along held special meaning to Torat. This was the path he always took when he needed to clear his mind of the clutter associated with everyday life. The problems of the world would dissipate amongst the scent of spruce and pine trees, the sounds of songbirds and the crackling of the ground beneath his feet. Today was an especially difficult one for him that even the sunset over the water and its beautiful spectrum of red, orange and yellow light on the horizon couldn't help him to center his thoughts.

"I sense that Peta is not doing well," said Petri.

"No, she isn't," replied Torat.

"I am so sorry." Petri put his hand on Torat's shoulder to comfort him.
"Her mind is completely focused on Karik," said Torat. "She will not allow anyone else to enter her thoughts. Not even me, but right now my concern for her must remain my secondary priority, so tell me what it is that worries you."

A moment passed before Petri began to speak. "Torat, while you were with Peta, I had a disturbing feeling that our conflict may not be over. I believe that we have been discovered."

Torat looked at Petri, trying to penetrate his deepest thoughts in order to read the words that were not spoken. Torat then sadly nodded in agreement.
"We knew we could not hide here forever, but don't worry Petri, drastic changes always seem to happen when they are needed most. Nature has a way of ensuring that. Karik's talents have come to him at this time for a reason and only now that we have been discovered do we know why. Nature wants us to live."

"I am unconvinced," explained Petri. "Your optimism, which has served us greatly in the past, seems unconvincing this time. The winds feel different, not quite as cool on my skin. The birds aren't singing with the same joyfulness as before. My mind cannot find peace. Even my heart beats more nervously. We won't be able to survive another war. There simply aren't enough of us left,"

"Karik will succeed," Torat replied with certainty. "Nature will make sure of it."

"I wish I had your confidence." Petri looked up to the sky. "Do you see that star shining above us?"

Torat looked up into the setting sky. One star could be clearly seen shining overhead.

"That star will be here tomorrow," continued Petri, "and the next day, and the day after that. It will continue being a light in our night sky for millions, maybe billions of years, but then one day, it won't be there anymore. Everything has it's time to end. We must accept the possibility that maybe our time has come."

"You're head of the council now," Torat told Petri. "It's your job to worry but you must also be positive. Negative energy can only bring about negative results. Besides, with regards to that star, one day it will indeed disappear, but since energy cannot be destroyed, it will live on in another form and continue its journey in nature's odyssey." Torat continued to focus on the star as it twinkled in the sky.