After a whole day of the torturous practice, I dragged myself back to the chamber. My shoulders ached so much, I felt as if I'd been carrying one of the temple stones with me.

My feet shuffled along the corridor until I reached my resting place. Leaning my body against the door, I pounded it weakly. The sound of footsteps rushed from the inside. Kesar's face lit up as she opened the door, but I fell right into her arms. She caught my sluggish form in surprise.

"My lady! Are you feeling ill?" Kesar asked, trying to hold me.

"Oh Kesar, please help me!" I whined. "I don't want to...