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This room was where the Voice had first come, many months before. Toby had been reading his favorite tale, the one about a young man who told stories to children. The children looked so happy. Toby could almost hear their sweet voices as they asked the man questions and played with his beard.
Then it came. “Toby.” A strong, compelling tone. A man’s voice.
It wasn’t one of the grambles. Could someone be speaking through his yawn?
“Toby,” the Voice repeated. “Are you listening?”
“Yes?” He stood to his feet.
“Toby, you must go. Find them.” The Voice hovered above his head, but he couldn’t see anyone.
“Find who?” He whirled around. The cavern was empty.
Then the Voice was gone. He heard it again several times, mostly at night when he was sleeping, and always the same urgent words.