《Fand》


 Chapter 1. The Moon Omen

    Fand heard the mourning dove coo to her mate. Beyond the Ruhe Mountains the full moon rose. It bathed the world in silvered light. In silent reverence Fand paid homage to the moon. Since she was a little girl, the moon had been her companion. Always, she missed her face when she hid and disappeared during her cycle. Ruefully, Fand wished she could disappear during her cycle. Still the Moon  always returned. Always. That was something her cousin Sah-Zog would not be able to do. In two days he would be leaving home forever. She had not lived a single day of her life without him. He was her protector, teacher and best friend. Tears slipped from her pale blue eyes. How could she let him go? How? With her gaze fixed on the moon and her fingers wrapped around the silver dove pendant at her throat, she prayed, "Please, if there is some way to keep Zog home. Do it. I don''t want him to go." An arc of rainbow light swirled from a distant star. The light danced across the face of the moon and then faded. Was it an omen? Fand whispered, "Please, let it be a good one."


    From behind, strong arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her close, not Pyre, not now. She had been so absorbed in her prayer, she had not heard him sneak up on her. She hated it when he snuck up on her. Angrily, she jabbed him hard in the ribs. He grunted but didn''t let go. "Keeper, Fand, why''d you do that?"


    "I told you to stop grabbing me. Let me go." He held her fast. She rammed her heel down on his toes. He stifled a curse word, but did not let go.


    He nuzzled her neck and softly said, "Blast you girl."


    Fand had had enough. "I will call Zog."


    Against her throat Pyre said, "Zog will not stop me from kissing my future wife."


    "What?" Fand pushed hard against Pyre and managed to disentangle herself from him. She took several steps away from him.


    In a low voice Pyre said, "Surely Fand, this is no surprise."


    It was not. But she had had some wild hope that something would intervene. Someone. The Someone.


    Pyre took a step toward her. "You know I have loved you my whole life."


    Had he? To her it seemed his interest in her had began when she sprouted tits. Until then she had just been Zog''s little tag along cousin. At least, that is how she chose to remember the past tonight.


    He said, "It''s all arranged, after harvest we will wed."


    This must not happen. It could not happen. "No."


    Pyre took another step toward her. "You love me Fand."


    She did, but not the kind of love, he wanted. With emphasis she said, "As a friend."


    The white light of the moon revealed his hurt expression. He whispered, "That is enough for me."


    To her dismay, she knew he was telling the truth. She responded,"It is not for me."


    "Please, give us time Fand. You will see. Your heart will change."


    A breeze swirled around Fand and caused her black hair to fly. Pyre¡¯s eyes widened. He took another step towards her. She shook her head and held up her hand. "No Pyre, it won''t."


    Pyre''s voice trembled, "You don¡¯t know that."


    She did know it. She was sure of it. Ever so slightly, she raised her chin in defiance.


    In a voice that broke, he said, "Zog told me to wait until he left to tell you that we would marry. Did I listen to him? Me and my damn pride. I wanted to prove to him you did love me after all. For once I wanted to be right." In that instant Fand felt the depth of his disappointment. Oh, why did he have to care about her like THAT? He backed away from her, turned and ran. He did not look back. She wanted to say, ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± only she didn¡¯t. His pace was swift and he soon disappeared into the shadows.


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    A bit of Fand was sorry she had hurt him. Maybe more than a bit, but she would not admit that to herself. He was just Pyre. She was destined for more than being the wife of Pyre Holz. With all her heart, she believed someone was looking for her the way her father had looked for her mother. Someone was looking for her, wasn¡¯t he? Troubled, she turned her attention back to the sky. The full moon had climbed higher. A cluster of heavy clouds scudded across its face and extinguished its silver light. Suddenly Fand felt afraid. Of what? More clouds were coming. A heaviness settled over her. She heard the dove coo again, her mate did not answer her call. In that moment the night lost all its enchantment. It was so dark now, too dark to be alone outside. She made her way through the orchard, passed the barn and entered their untidy yard. Light filtered through the open windows of the cottage. Her daub and waddle home was old and in need of repair. It tilted to the left. The thatched roof leaked. On silent feet, she crossed the yard.


    Her cousin, Sah-Zog, met her at the front door. His hair, like hers was black. His blue eyes read hers. He shook his head. "You turned him down."


    "Yes."


    "You are a very foolish girl."


    How many times had she been told this? "I am not." She frowned at him and went into the kitchen to wash the dishes. Zog followed her.


    He leaned against the counter and asked, "How do you plan to tell Father?"


    She had not thought of this. She should have.


    The front door banged open and dumpy Uncle Wert staggered into the kitchen. He had been drinking. He smiled at Fand, and then beamed at his son. He looked around the kitchen. "Where is my future nephew?" When no one answered the smile left his face. His body tensed. His eyes turned to Fand. "I trust you had the good sense to accept Pyre''s offer."


    Afraid to speak, Fand shook her head.


    Uncle Wert exploded, "Are you crazy? Do you think wealthy farmer''s sons drop out of the sky everyday for the likes of you? You ungrateful little twit." His eyes focused on Zog. "I hold you responsible."


    Zog mouthed, Me?


    "Don''t look innocent. You are the one who taught this girl to read. Put ideas in the her head she don''t need." He turned his attention back to Fand and shouted, "I suppose you have been wasting your time reading your father''s blasted love letters again. Dreaming about," his voice became shrill, "true love. If I''d know what they''d cost me I''d have burned those damn letters when I found them."


    Fand said nothing. A hard knot formed in her stomach. Those letters were her only connection to her parents and the life they lived.


    Uncle Wert continued his tirade, his face turned an unhealthy shade of purple. "True love didn''t keep your parents alive and it won''t put food in your belly or keep you warm this winter. But Pyre Holz can and will, by damn it."


    "Father¡± Zog pleaded, "Please calm down, getting this angry isn''t good for you."


    Uncle Wert walked to the counter and slammed his palm on its surface. He glared up at Zog and said, "Calm down indeed. Calm down, the daft boy says. Oh, yes, I should be perfectly calm. After all, my niece has only refused to marry the wealthiest farmer''s son in Tashe. Why? She wants a dream man. A flesh and blood man is what she needs and what she will have. I will talk to Rehn tomorrow and get this mess sorted.¡±


    Zog put his hand on his father''s shoulder and said, "Please, Father, calm down.¡±


    Uncle Wert knocked his son''s hand away. "You and your sudden concern. Aren''t you the one leaving me in two days? You need a flesh and blood woman to make you forget that blasted Council. Celibacy, what rubbish." Uncle Wert''s eyes narrowed. "Really you are worse than she is. Have you forgotten how the Council murdered your Uncle Petran?"


    Through clenched teeth Zog said, "He wasn''t murdered and you know it. He was executed for treason."


    Uncle Wert frowned and said, "So says your precious Jerue. If your mother weren''t already dead, knowing you were joining the Council that murdered her brother would kill her." Uncle Wert stepped away from the counter. He looked at Zog, and then at Fand. He shook his head. "I''ve done the best I could by you two. Idiots! I have raised idiots!" He turned toward the door. "I am going back to the Tavern."


    After Uncle Wert banged the door behind him, Fand asked, "Do you think he meant what he said?"


    "The part about us being idiots?" Zog smiled down at her. "Oh, yes I am certain of it."


    "No not that part. Do you think he will force me to marry Pyre?"


    "I hope he does."


    "Why?"


    Zog cupped her chin with his hand. He looked her in the eyes and said, "Little One, Pyre is a good man and he loves you. He would look after you. Which is something I won''t be able to do much longer. Besides you know he will be faithful and he won''t abuse you. A woman couldn''t ask for more."


    Fand jerked her chin out of his hand. "How would you like it if your future was settled without your consent?"


    He shrugged his shoulders. "I suppose I wouldn''t like it, but then, I wasn''t cursed with being born female."

 Chapter 2. Strange Occurance

    "IDIOT! I AM A COMPLETE IDIOT!" Pyre shouted at the moon. Zog had warned him. Seconds before he had gone outside and totally bungled the proposal he had been working on for weeks, Zog had said, "I would wait. Fand does not realize how hard it will be when I am gone. Until she does, she won''t know she has any need of you. Wait, just wait."


    Pyre had hesitated and asked, "Do you think she will say yes, then?"


    "No, but you might stand a better chance. You know she has her heart set on a figment of her own imagination."


    Angry, Pyre had gone outside. When he saw Fand bathed in silver light, he lost all resolve and common sense. She was so beautiful, more beautiful than any woman he had ever seen. And she didn''t even know it. All he had wanted was to touch her, to hold her, to kiss her. All HE wanted, and that had been his fatal mistake. He knew Fand did not like to be grabbed, yet he had grabbed her and was instantly so intoxicated by the closeness of her that he lost all sanity. IDIOT! This was not how it was supposed to happen at all.


    He crossed the fence line of his family''s farm. The three huge barns that held the wealth of his father and the surrounding land would someday belong to him. If Fand were materialistic she would take up with him regardless. Because of his family''s wealth there were a number of girls after him, but Fand was not materialistic like them. She was a hopeless romantic and she did not want him. To her he was nothing more than a neighbor, a friend, not now, not ever the love of her life. The ache inside him grew even larger. Tears stung his eyes. Why didn''t she love him? Why?


    Through the kitchen window of his family¡¯s two story granite house, he saw his mother seated at the table drinking tea. She would be so angry with Fand when she found out she had refused. The two women were close. His mother had taught Fand all the female arts, since her own mother could not. His mother would see Fand''s refusal of his proposal as betrayal and ingratitude. His mother had a very sharp tongue when she was riled and she would be riled.


    Unable to face his mother, Pyre cut across the yard and headed to the horse barn. His hand froze on the latch. Yesterday he and Fand had gone for a ride on his horse, Braun. They had galloped across the fields. Fand''s arms had been wrapped tightly around him, so she wouldn''t fall. In memory he felt every curve of her. He dropped the latch and headed for the cow barn. Once inside he threw himself onto the hay. From his pocket he took the silver amethyst ring he had meant to give Fand. He hurled it against the barn door. It made a soft ping as it struck the wood. He covered his face with his hands and willed himself not to cry. In his misery he did not hear the barn door open and close. Suddenly the darkness was illuminated by a lantern. Keeper, he thought, Mother has found me. He took down his hands and looked up. The eyes that met his were not his mother''s. Pyre jumped to his feet. "Hello, Sir."


    Head Councilman Jerue nodded. He was a tall lean man with sharp features. "Pyre," he said as he extended his hand, "I have been anxious to find you this evening."


    Pyre took Jerue''s hand. His grasp was firm. Pyre tried to match it but the instant he let go of the Elder''s hand he knew he had failed. He stuttered, "W-why are you looking for me?"


    Jerue smiled. "The Keeper has spoken to me about you."


    Incredulous Pyre jabbed his thumb into his chest and asked, "Me?''


    "Yes you, Pyre Holz." Jerue hung his lantern on a peg. He asked, "Do you know why the Geworden girl refused you tonight?"


    Pyre did but he shook his head.


    The Head Councilman said, "The Keeper put a hedge around you where she is concerned, so she would not love you. The Keeper wants you in His service. The Keeper would never allow a mere female to thwart the destiny of one of His chosen."


    Pyre stared dumbly at Jerue. "What are you talking about?"


    "I am saying the Keeper has called you."


    This was fantastic, impossible really. Pyre was a creature of the earth, not the spirit.


    In a firm voice Jerue said, "You underestimate yourself Pyre. You are capable of being more than a farmer."


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    Pyre blurted out, "But I like being a farmer."


    Jerue placed his right hand on Pyre''s shoulder. His pale blue eyes seemed to search Pyre''s soul before he said, "I know you are awestruck, I was amazed myself, but three nights ago the Keeper spoke to me in a dream. He has a special mission for your life. A mission only you can fulfill. Will you accept it?"


    Bewildered Pyre stared at Jerue. How could this be? He had not heard or felt any calling.


    Softly, Jerue asked, "Do you doubt my word?"


    Zog trusted this man implicitly, shouldn''t he? Still he had to ask, "But what about Fand?"


    Jerue''s eyes narrowed. "She is no longer your concern."


    The impact of the Head Councilman''s words were like a fist thrust through Pyre''s gut. She would never, not be, his concern.


    Jerue admonished, "Don''t look at me like that, son. If your head wasn''t so filled with Fand, you would have heard the Keeper''s voice and heeded it on your own."


    Hot embarrassment colored Pyre''s face. Jerue knew he lusted after the girl. The Head Councilman removed his hand from Pyre''s shoulder, retrieved his lantern and said, "I was young once too. Now, let us go tell your parents your decision."


    Pyre had made no decision. "What Sir?"


    Impatience crept into Jerue''s tone, "That you are applying to the Council."


    "I am?"


    Though Pyre¡¯s response had been phrased as question, Jerue took it as a statement. He smiled and said, "Good, now come. Let us share the news with your parents.¡± He took his lantern off the peg and headed out of the cow barn. Pyre felt sick as he followed Jerue to the house. Inside his mother, Zolla was still sipping her tea, while his father, Rehn was doing figures in his ledger.


    Flustered by the Head Councilman''s presence, Zolla leapt to her feet, bumped into the table and spilled her tea. Her face turned crimson as she mopped the table with her apron.


    Jerue put down his lantern and cleared his throat.


    Zolla''s color deepened. "Oh, Sir, I am sorry. Please, take a seat."


    As Pyre sat down beside Jerue, he saw an amused smile tug at his father''s lips. Rehn asked, "What can we do for you this evening, Sir?"


    Before Jerue could answer, Zolla interjected, "We were thinking the children should wait until after harvest to marry. Will you be performing the ceremony?"


    Jerue''s eyes became hard. "I am not here to discuss a wedding of any sort."


    Confused Zolla asked, "You aren''t?"


    "If you don''t mind Mrs. Holz I would like to answer your husband''s question." Though he did not say it, Pyre got Jerue''s meaning. Women were not to speak unless they were spoken to.


    Zolla bowed her head and returned to her seat at the table.


    To Rehn Jerue said, "I have come to tell you, your son has heeded his true calling. He has agreed to apply to the Council."


    Forgetting herself again Zolla said, "No, Sir. You are mistaken. Pyre is to marry Fand."


    Jerue''s voice was severe when he said, "I assure you I am not mistaken."


    Once again bright red color flushed Zolla''s face. She mumbled, "I apologize."


    Jerue pulled a sheath of papers from his robe. He said, "All that remains is for your son to fill out the necessary documents."


    Rehn scratched his head and looked at Pyre. He raised his eyebrows in question.


    In that instant Pyre realized the magnitude of this decision. If he signed the papers Jerue had for him, he would deny his inheritance and his birth right as firstborn son. His younger brother Wendon would inherit the farm and all the labor that went with it. Unbidden words formed in Pyre''s throat and forced their way though his teeth. He heard himself say, "The Keeper has called me into his service."


    He touched his voice box. Where had that come from?


    Rehn asked his son, "Are you sure this is what you want son?"


    Pyre wanted to scream, No! He looked at Jerue. The ice in the older man''s eyes quelled him. Jerue said, "It is what the Keeper wants."


    "Is it?" Rehn asked.


    Jerue did not respond to the question. He turned to Zolla. "Bring us a quill and ink, please."


    Obediently Zolla got the requested items from the cupboard and placed them on the table. With his confused parents looking on, Pyre slowly read the application. He was signing away his life. He opened the ink bottle and dipped the quill. His hand shook as he wrote his signature at the bottom of the last page.


    Jerue blotted his signature, smiled and said, "Praise the Keeper for this evening." He tested Pyre''s signature with his finger, rolled up the document and put it inside his robe. "Now, if you will excuse me I have another engagement." He picked up his lantern.


    Rehn walked Jerue to the door. The instant the back door closed Zolla muttered, "The nerve of that man."


    When Rehn returned to the kitchen, he asked, "Is this truly what you want, son?"


    "I-well, it is the Keeper''s will."


    His father said, "According to Jerue."


    Zolla burst into tears. "I was so counting on a pretty grandbaby by next year. What pretty babies you and Fand would have made. How could you deny me my grandchildren?"


    Rehn scolded, "Zolla you have three other children."


    Unable to bear his mother''s emotional state, Pyre stood and headed up the kitchen stairs to the room he shared with his brother Wendon. Once there he undressed in the dark. His mother''s words echoed in his mind. All he had been able to think about lately was making babies with Fand. His dreams had been filled with the same. Could he and Fand have made a baby by next fall? It would have been wonderful trying. Pyre moaned. If he was accepted and Jerue seemed certain he would be, Pyre would never have a child, never know a woman. Never make love to Fand. In the darkness he whispered, "What have I done?"

 Chapter 3. Another Prayer

    Fand opened her attic bedroom window, grabbed hold of the thatch and pulled her body up onto the roof. In her apron pocket was the first letter her father had written her mother. There were only seven letters, but each spoke of a love that was perfect and rich. It was the kind of love she wanted and believed with her entire being that she was destined to know. Who had read her father''s letters to her mother? How had her mother responded, if she had responded? Her mother, like most women, had been illiterate. Fand murmured, ¡°Praise the Keeper, Zog taught me to read.¡±


    When she was only eight years old, she had found the letters jammed in the back of Uncle Wert¡¯s wardrobe. Why she was pilfering his belongs she did not remember. Curiosity, probably or maybe boredom. Still, she had come across a box holding seven letters. She knew better than to take them to Uncle Wert. He had hidden them for some purpose. Instead, she took them to Zog. He had read them all to her. When he finished he asked, ¡°Would you like to be able to read them yourself.¡± Awed to silence and eager to learn, she had only manage to nod her head.


    On nights when Uncle Wert was at the Tavern, Zog had taught her how to write and pronounce letters and then he taught her words. It was like magic and she soon was able toread her father¡¯s words when ever she wanted. In truth she had soon memorized the letters. Zog shared books with her and poetry. Her reading was supposed to be a secret. Both she and Zog knew it was against Council rules to educate females but this did not stop either of them. It was Zog¡¯s one transgression against his beloved Council.


    One terrible night, Uncle Wert had gone off to The Tavern, but he had forgotten his money pouch. His unexpected return found Fand seated at the table reading a letter by candle light. The instant he saw the letter he broke into a wrath like she had never heard or seen before. He had whipped her hard and then he whipped Zog for teaching her to read. For what ever reason though, he had let her keep the letters. Tonight was the first time he had ever spoken of destroying them. That must never happen! Never!


    The clouds thinned out. The moon once again painted the earth in her light. Fand unfolded the parchment letter. It crackled. The sound of it was like the sigh of a loved one. Silently she read, "Dear Stella, Tonight, when I saw you, I knew I had been made to love you. I never expected to feel anything so strong for another. Then, there you were, dancing at the harvest festival, so lovely. You stole my heart, and I shall never get it back. Stella means star, and that is truly what you will be for me. The guiding light of my life¡­" The image of Pyre''s stricken face came to Fand''s mind. If only he could speak words to her like the ones in the letter¡­maybe he could have turned her heart. The problem was he was not good with words. He was Pyre, familiar as dirt, nothing mysterious or enticing about him. Closing her eyes and clutching her dove pendant, she prayed, "Please Keeper, Pyre must not be the one. I want what my parents had. I want true love." Fand let go of the dove and put the letter back in her pocket.


    A strange rumbling filled the air. She looked across the fields. In the distance she saw the dark forms of riders, huge men on huge horses. They rode across the potato field and then headed toward the woods. Fand¡¯s heart hammered inside of her. Zog had told her stories of monstrous men, called Sonpur, who lived beyond the Council Wall. She slipped through her window and rushed down the ladder into Zog''s bedroom. She shook him. ¡±Zog, wake up?¡±


    He opened one eye and asked, "What is it Fand?"


    "I think I saw Sonpur in the potato field."


    He closed his eye. "Right. You were dreaming. Now go back to bed."


    "I wasn''t dreaming. I saw them."


    Opening both eyes, he asked, "Are you sure?"


    "Yes."


    Though, reluctant to leave his warm bed, Zog crawled out and put on his britches. "I will go see."


    "You can''t go out there alone!"


    "I suppose a mere girl will protect me?"


    "I''m not a mere girl." Fand left the room and went into the entry. She took her bow and arrows from their peg on the wall. Zog came out of his room. He laughed when he saw her. This angered her. She said, "You know I''m a better shot than you are."


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    "Tis, true."


    Outside, the moonlight was so bright they didn''t need a lantern. When they reached the middle of the potato field they found nothing. The dirt hadn''t even been turned. Zog shook his head. "I knew you were dreaming."


    "I was not. I saw them."


    Zog put his arm around her shoulder and said, "Such a fertile imagination." His condescension angered her. She flicked his arm off her shoulder. She knew what she had seen.


    *


    The next morning, Fand took her bow and arrows out to the potato field. She followed the long soft rows of dirt. Perhaps in day''s light she would find what the darkness had hidden. She followed the path she thought they had taken to the woods. She studied each tree for a scrap of cloth. Something. Finally her diligence was rewarded. On a jagged branch, she found a tuft of coarse black hair. She jumped up and snatched it down. Her dove pendant suddenly grew cold against her throat. It had never done that before. She touched it. It stung like frost.


    Shaken, she made her way back home. When she reached the pear orchard, she saw Pyre and ducked into the shadow of the barn. She couldn''t face him this morning. He entered the house. Now she couldn¡¯t go inside!


    Pyre came out of the house. She placed an arrow in her bow. He wouldn''t try anything if she were armed. She pretended not to see him, and he pretended not to see her. Still, she knew he was aware of her, just like she was aware of him. He had something dark blue clutched to his chest. When he was safely down the path, Fand went into the house.


    Zog came into the entry and took Fand''s bow and arrows and hung them on their peg. He asked, "Out hunting this morning?"


    Fand nodded.


    "You little liar. So did you find any tracks?"


    "I found this." Fand pulled the tuft of hair from her pocket. Zog rubbed it between his fingers. He sniffed it. Fand watched his eyes. They were perplexed.


    He said, "This is just a bit of horse mane, Fand. You know many people are camping in the woods to witness tomorrow''s ceremony." This was true. He continued, ¡°The Sonpur would have had to breech the Council Wall. Jerue made no mention of that to me last night."


    "Maybe he doesn''t know."


    "Jerue would know." Zog shoved the tuft of hair into his pocket. "Speaking of Jerue. Guess who he asked to apply to the Council?"


    Fand had no idea.


    "Pyre."


    Dual sensations ripped through Fand, relief and deep hurt.


    Zog said, "Come now, isn''t this what you wanted? When he is accepted you won''t have to marry him."


    Fand snapped, "If he is accepted."


    "He will be. Jerue says so. So don''t worry about that." Zog looked into her eyes. He teased, "Fand is your female pride hurt? Look at you. You did enjoy the fact poor Pyre mooned over you after all.¡± He leaned toward her and said, "Little One, you have the freedom to find your dream man now. Rejoice."


    Though she should be happy she was not. Her prayer had been answered, yet she felt hollow.


    A hung over Uncle Wert stumbled out of his bedroom. He yawned and said, "I thought I heard Pyre''s voice."


    Mischief sparked in Zog''s eyes. He was going to enjoy telling Uncle Wert about Pyre. Fand didn''t want to hear it again. She excused herself and went up to her room.


    Even with her fingers rammed in her ears and her pillow over her head she could still hear Uncle Wert''s shouts of protest. "The bloody hell!" he yelled. "We had a deal. A binding contract. Pyre can''t go join that stinking Council. He promised to marry Fand."


    Zog mumbled something and Uncle Wert responded, "That Viper, I told you his name was never to be spoken in my presence. Not only has the bastard stolen my son, now he has taken my nephew-in-law as well. He doesn''t want Pyre or you, he just wants revenge against me because I''m the only one in this damn village with the balls to defy him."


    Fand heard the door slam and then she heard Uncle Wert¡¯s footsteps coming up the ladder. He shouted, "Get that damn pillow off your head girl!¡±


    Fand removed the pillow. She sat up and looked at her uncle. His face was very red and his eyes were popping in their sockets. He pointed his finger at her and said again, "Pyre never would have agreed to that viper''s scheme if he knew you would soon be in his bed." He stepped off the ladder and into the room. Swiftly, his hand came down and struck her cheek. He spun away from her and stomped down the ladder.


    Tears burned Fand''s eyes. She pulled her knees to her chest. With Zog and Pyre gone, she would be left alone with Uncle Wert''s moods. Perhaps she had been too hasty in her prayers.


    *


    The moon had lost its full face. With her arms on the window sill, Fand sat staring up at the sky. It was late and she should be in bed. The trouble was the when she went to sleep, she would rush toward morning. Not just any morning, but the morning when Zog would seal his destiny. He would be far away without any contact with home. She lay her face down on her arms. Not more tears, not now. She was weary with her own weeping. The future looked very bleak.


    The sound of thunder startled Fan, but there were not any storm clouds. The front door banged open and then the cottage disappeared. The dove at her throat shot cold through her entire body. She looked around her. She was in a huge meadow, no this was a grassland. The thunder of large hooves charging toward her made her swing around. The Sonpur! Their fur covered body¡¯s caught the moonlight and glistened. One reached out and scooped her up. It smelled foul, it smelled of carrion. Roughly, it, he, swung her in front of him. He held her in a crushing grasp.


    Fand struggled to get free of him. She tried to scream out, but no sound came from her.


    In the distance she heard a tap, tap, tap. The sound pulled at her¡­

 Chapter 4. The Ceremony

    The moon shone down. The color of it reminded Pyre of Fand''s eyes. He had seen her hiding in the shadow of the barn that morning, and he had also seen her pretending not to see him as she held her bow and arrow. In his arms he clutched Zog''s dark blue Appointment shirt. Fand had made it. He had borrowed it that morning so his mother could make a duplicate for him. He brushed the shirt against his cheek and thought of Fand''s fingers sewing the neat even stitches.


    The Geworden house was dark. Zog promised he would stay up until Pyre brought the shirt back. So much for Zog''s promises or his help. Pyre sighed. He had hoped that morning that Zog would help him undo the mess he had gotten himself into, but all Zog said was, "If Jerue said it, it is true. Accept your honored destiny." Pyre couldn''t see any honor in it, only loneliness and separation from Fand. He walked up the stone steps and knocked on the door. No answer. He knocked a little harder. He heard footsteps then the door flew open. Fand stood trembling in her nightgown. Tears splashed down her cheeks. Her eyes were wide and frightened.


    He asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Her voice shook when she said, "I dreamed the Sonpur had kidnapped me. Their great hairy hands held me down and¡­"


    Pyre dropped Zog''s shirt and took Fand in his arms. A tremor ran through her. He felt her arms wrap around his neck. Their bodies met in perfect union. This was heaven. He whispered into her ear, "It was only a dream."


    She stuttered, "Th-this time."


    Alarmed he pulled her closer and asked, "What do you mean this time?" She didn''t answer him. He felt her pull away from him. He wasn''t ready to let her go, but he did. Never again would he force his attentions on her.


    She took a step away from him and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. She asked, "Why are you here?"


    He picked up the dropped shirt and said, "I''ve come to return this."


    She took the shirt and then kissed his cheek. She whispered, "I will miss you, when you are gone."


    Wild desire for her leapt up inside of him. He wanted to take her, to have her, to know her. She was so close. He wanted her in his arms again. He moved toward her and then he heard Zog''s voice behind him. "Hello Pyre. Sorry I''m late." Pyre turned. Jerue was with Zog.


    Zog mounted the steps. He said, "Good night Sir."


    To Zog, Jerue said, "Good night, son. I will see you in the morning." To Pyre he said, "Come, I will walk you home."


    This was not what Pyre wanted. "Thank you, Sir." He turned to Fand to bid her goodnight, but she was no longer at the door. Jerue motioned for him to follow. Pyre obeyed, there was nothing else he could do. Blast Zog''s timing! As he walked with Jerue, clouds began to pass over the moon. Dark and light played across the road. Jerue picked up a dead branch and with a wave of his hand ignited it. Pyre gasped.


    Jerue laughed. "You will do as much and more, once you reach the Council City."


    The thought of creating fire did not entice Pyre when his entire being ached for Fand. He tried to sound enthusiastic as he said, "Yes Sir."


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    Jerue patted his shoulder with his free hand. "You will forget her in time, son. I promise. The joy of the Keeper far exceeds earthly pleasure."


    Really?


    *


    The morning sun shot fingers of white light along the horizon. Pyre stood behind Zog at the base of the Meeting Hill. Ten other applicants stood behind him. Of the twelve, only seven would be chosen to enter the holy service of the Council. Pyre had not slept well. It had been a long and confusing night. If only this were a bad dream, but it was his real nightmare. His heavy eyes could not focus and his legs were unstable beneath him. How would he ever get up that hill?


    Pig-eyed Gregor Zwart blew a single note on his recorder. The congregation rose to their feet. The men stood on the north side of the hill, the women on the south side. Another note was blown and Zog moved forward. Pyre, as he had done his entire life, followed behind him. On the women¡¯s side, he saw Fand¡¯s back. An old shawl was draped over her shoulders. It was one his mother had given her. She turned to look back. Her eyes were on Zog and they were full of sadness. She didn¡¯t even notice Pyre and it hurt. Did she really care so little for him? When he passed by her she didn¡¯t even glance at him. Gregor blew another note and Pyre and the rest of the applicants stopped on the front row and turned into their reserved seats and sat down. The stone bench was cold. A shiver ran through Pyre¡¯s body. He glanced at Zog, never had he seen a face so happy and full of anticipation.


    The men in the congregation rose and began to sing the hymn of Acceptance in the Ancient Tongue. Pyre could barely follow the words. He had never been any good at translation. He had never been any good at any of his lessons. He wondered again, Why am I here?


    When the hymn concluded Jerue stepped behind the black stone lectern at the center of the Hill. The morning sun formed a halo behind his head. He looked otherworldly. Behind him the Ruhe Mountains were covered in mist. Jerue placed a black rectangular box beside the bound Sacred Text on the lectern. He raised his arms and said, "Let us begin the Induction of the Appointees. As you all know there are two levels of Apprenticeship." Jerue opened the box and held up a bronze pendant of a lion. "Those who receive the symbol of the Lion will remain in Tashe until the formal Acceptance Ceremony." Pyre felt sudden hope surge through him. Surely he would receive this symbol. If he did, he could still help his father with the harvest and by the Keeper''s grace figure out how to get out of his hasty commitment to the Council. For the first time since he had signed his life away, he felt his body relax.


    Jerue held up a silver dove. It was exactly like Fand''s dove pendant, only it was twice the size. He said, "Those who receive this Symbol will leave for the Council City tomorrow."


    With his poor skills Pyre knew he would not be among that group. No way.


    With perfect cadence, Jerue began reciting the Ritual of Acceptance. Pyre didn''t even try to follow. Instead he let his mind wander to the possibilities of his future. All of which revolved around marriage to Fand. This thing would work out. It had to. When Jerue finished, he closed the book. He motioned to chubby Elder Zwar, their region''s spiritual adviser and teacher. Elder Zwar handed Jerue a rolled up black velvet cloth. Jerue unrolled the cloth for all to see. It held four bronze lions pins and and three silver doves. Zog would receive a dove, of that much Pyre was certain.


    Jerue unfastened the lion pins and said, "Those who receive this symbol will be the keepers of our current peace. These young men will be our elders and teachers one day." This was another point Pyre had forgotten. He might be able to return to Tashe someday. He chided himself, What am I thinking? I am not leaving Tashe at all.


    Jerue looked at the Applicants and said, "Please rise."


    Zog was the first to stand. His shoulders were thrown back and his face emanated an ethereal light. His hands were clasp in front of him.


    Jerue said, "The Lions are Hanz Gletz, Stuben Rach, Gerard Geld and Seb Blant."


    Pyre had not heard his name. What! There was no way he would be given the symbol of Dove, not with his academic history. A wild hope ignited inside of him. Perhaps, he had not been called after all! Silently he pleaded, Please, Keeper, please...

 Chapter 5. The Dove

    The nightmare of last night, haunted Fand still. All she knew of the Sonpur had been told to her by Zog. She was no longer sure that she had seen them in the potato field. It was just a dream, a very bad dream. An uneasy feeling wriggled in her stomach. Why was she fixating on the Sonpur? Why now?


    To distract herself she turned her eyes back to the Ceremony. She watched as Jerue pinned the Lion Symbol on the boys¡¯ blue shirts. When he held up the Symbol of the Dove, a strange sensation swirled inside of her. Pain radiated between her shoulder blades. Something was happening, something below her surface. She did not know what it was but it had arrived and was pulling her into its vortex. Her fingers went to her own pendant. It was so similar to the one Jerue held. He proclaimed, "To those who receive the Symbol of the Dove, much is expected. One day these young men will be the course setters of our collective destiny.¡± The words felt as if they had been spoken directly to her. What did this mean? She was not male. The blessing of apprenticeship would not be given to her a mere female and yet, the words Jerue had spoken had entered into her spirit.


    Jerue¡¯s voice continued, ¡°Now will the following come and stand beside me-" Regardless of all else, she suddenly wanted to stop up her ears. There was no way she could bear hearing Zog¡¯s name. If only she had had the good sense to stay home like Uncle Wert had, she would not be feeling so peculiar and frightened now. She looked to the bench where Sah-Zog sat. His body already leaned forward in anticipation of his Acceptance. In a slow and deliberate voice Jerue called out, "Wilm Koft." Wilme stood. "Rube Johan." Rube stood. Jerue llooked directly at Zog, smiled, and said, "Pyre Holz."


    There was a nervous silence then a murmur ran through the crowd. Pyre stumbled to his feet. How could this be? And then Fand remembered, her prayer. At her request, had the Keeper intervened in this? Traded Pyre for Zog? Was that what the strange sensation she felt been about? She saw her cousin''s shoulder''s sag. He turned toward her. All the light in his eyes was gone. She asked herself, What have I done?


    One by one, Jerue pinned the Doves on the apprentices¡¯ shirts. Pyre looked like he was about to faint. Surely, there was some mistake. Why would the Keeper choose Pyre over Zog? Jerue laid a steadying hand and just like that, Pyre lost his pale pallor. With a practiced hand, Jerue pinned the dove on Pyre¡¯s shirt. In that instant his entire future was settled. How would Pyre survive the rigors of the Council? He had always been a poor student, at least according to Zog, he was. And then there was the farm. Pyre loved the farm. It had been his life work, his life¡¯s dream until now.


    Jerue raised his hands and said, "Now let us pray."


    The congregation bowed and closed their eyes. Fand did neither. Instead she fixed her eyes on Zog. He stood slumped with his cast down. Fand saw him take a noiseless step sideways and then another. He turned into the outer aisle and walked down the hill. Fand stood and scooted passed the women in her row to follow him. At the base of the hill Zog broke into a run. She must catch him! A terrible feeling that he was about to do himself harm surged through her. She hiked up her dress and ran too. Though it was not lady like or proper, she did not give a damn. All that mattered was Zog. Her swift feet hit the hard ground in an easy rhythm. She was gaining on him. A bit more and she would have him. He turned and went into a place he never frequented before, the run down Tavern. She stopped. She couldn''t go in there. Females weren''t allowed unless of course they were whores. Still, she went to the open door. Inside it was so dark she could only see the flicker of candles and silhouettes of men. The Tavern smelled of piss, spilled spirits and scorched tallow. At the bar, she saw movement and then heard Zog''s voice call out, "Give me the strongest and most bitter spirit you possess!"


    What? He didn''t drink. He never drank. In the murky candle light Fand watched him down an entire mug of something. The instant he asked for a refill, her timidity left her. She went inside and demanded, "What are you doing?"


    Zog turned to her. His eyes held a sinister gleam. "I am celebrating my future." He put the mug to his lips and said, "Would you like to drink to it as well?"


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    Fand shook her head. "You come home now."


    Zog took swig and said, "No. I want to be here, and you need to run along. This is no place for you."


    Fand grabbed hold of Zog''s arm and said, "This is no place for you either."


    "Yes it is." Zog tried to jerk his arm free of her but she wouldn¡¯t let go.


    Fand pleaded, "No, no. Please."


    In a firm voice Zog said, "Little One go home."


    "No. I am not leaving you here. Surely there has been some mistake. Pyre would never be chosen over you."


    "The mistake has all been mine." Zog jerked his arm free of her. "Go home now, or I will toss you out on your ass."


    He had never spoken to her like this. Never. What was wrong with him?


    "Please, Zog it will be all right. You will see." She looked up at him with tear wet eyes.


    A nasty laugh rolled out of his mouth. He shook his head. "It is all right now. Be gone."


    She would not leave without him. As firmly as she could she said, "No."


    The next instant Zog did something he had never done before. Something Fand never expected him to ever do. He raised his hand and struck her cheek with an open handed blow. It hurt worse than any slap she had ever received from Uncle Wert. Shocked she raised her hand to her cheek. She could feel the welt of Zog''s handprint beginning to rise. Her eyes questioned his. He turned away. In a hard voice he said, "Go home."


    Fand did not have to be told again. She headed toward the light that filtered through the open door. Once outside it took her a moment for her eyes to adjust to the bright light of the sun. She was aware that she had just been seen coming out of the Tavern. The people on the street could see her tears, see the red mark on her face and they knew who she was and they most likely knew who had just hurt her. She let out a shuddering sob and took flight. Her legs could not carry her home fast enough. As she raced through the village hot tears streamed down her face. When she reached the dirt road that lead home, she was blind because of her tears. She stopped, rubbed her eyes hard with her shawl and took in a long slow breath. Her one desire was to get to her room as quickly as possible. What she would do once she got there, she did not know. All she knew was that the person she loved more than anyone on all of earth had just struck her and publicly shamed her and himself. She started to run again.


    When she reached the cottage she stopped in the yard. Uncle Wert was singing one of his drunk songs, ¡°Slither, slither goes the snake that bites the heel and kills the rake.¡± It didn¡¯t make any sense. The last thing she wanted right now was to deal with this. Determined not to speak to him or acknowledge his presence Fand ascended the steps to the front porch. Uncle Wert was swinging in the hammock. Clasp in his pudgy hands was was a jug of his foul smelling homemade brew.


    With slurred speech he asked, "So''s my son with the Viper?"


    In a voice that trembled, Fand said, "No."


    Uncle Wert belched then said, "He''s not, then he''s with them other Apprentice idiots?"


    "No, he isn''t."


    Uncle Wert sat upright. He cocked his head sideways and asked, "Where is he?"


    Slowly, painfully, Fand said, "The Tavern. He didn''t get accepted."


    A peculiar smile split Uncle Wert''s fat face. "Ah, my prayers have been answered."


    Angrily, Fand retorted, "Uncle, you don''t pray."


    "Ah, I pray, not the prayers of the stinkin'' Council, but I pray. And sometimes my prayers get answered." He raised his jug to the sky, brought it back to his lips and took a long gulp. He let out a satisfied breath.


    Dismayed by his total disrespect for the sacred, Fand asked, "Do you not worry over your soul?¡±


    ¡°My soul is just fine girl. Never better.¡± Again, he toasted the sky.


    Fand asked, ¡°What about your son¡¯s soul? His dream has been shattered, don''t you care?"


    Uncle Wert turned a sharp eye on her. A bit too loudly, he said, "Of course I care. Don''t you see Zog''s disappointment now is better''n his death later."


    Fand didn''t follow. "What are you talking about?"


    Fire ignited in Uncle Wert¡¯s rheumy eyes. He hissed, "Revenge my dear. How many times have I told you? Jerue has not forgotten the so-called sin of my brother-in-law. He is punishing my son for events that occurred before he was even born. I warned Zog, but he wouldn''t listen. Now he has to pay for his folly. He''ll recover though, you''ll see." The fire in Uncle Wert¡¯s eyes flickered out. He scratched his belly and asked, "I''m hungry what''s for dinner?"


    Fand frowned. "All you ever think about is your stomach."


    With an unsteady hand, Uncle Wert lifted his jug to his lips. He winked at her and settled himself back down in the hammock.


    Disgusted, Fand went into the house. On the kitchen table were the beginnings of a celebration feast. There was nothing to celebrate, there never had been.

 Chapter 6. An Honor

    The crowded dining room table was loaded with food. If not for the open windows, Pyre would feel like he was suffocating. His mind was still reeling after what happened on the Meeting Hill. He felt dazed and he was very confused. Never did he expect to be chosen over Zog. What had happened? What?


    At the head of the table, Jerue stood with his challis of dark wine raised to Pyre. In a clear voice he said, "To you my son. May you carry on the traditions of Our Fathers with grace and dedication." Jerue touched his challis to Pyre''s. All around the table the challis clinked. One by one his uncles made toasts in Pyre''s honor. In the past they had barely acknowledged his presence, but today it was as if he had turned into a true Holz, worthy of their last name. As he listened to the words spoken in his honor, the forced smile he wore atrophied his face. His stomach churned. He did not deserve this. In his mind Jerue said, "Yes, you do. A fantastical world awaits you. Remember the Keeper has called you, therefore you are equal to the task."


    Pyre did not believe this and more than that he didn''t care. He could still hear Zog''s suppressed gasp when his name had not been called. His devastation had passed through Pyre¡¯s body and it had hurt like smoldering coals on raw skin. He felt like the entire earth had shifted in the wrong direction. Had it only been two days ago that he had been preparing his proposal to Fand? Would he be in this mess if he had not bungled his proposal or at least waited as Zog had suggested? He would never know. What he did know was the Zog had not stayed through the closing prayer and neither had Fand. Where were they now? Zog must hate him.


    His Uncle Ruben suddenly stood and said, ¡°Never thought you¡¯d garner such an honor boy! You have surprised us all. There is more to you than we thought.¡±


    Embarrassed Pyre said, ¡°Thank you.¡± He looked around the table at all the smiling faces. Didn¡¯t they know he was still just Pyre the bumbler? No matter what they thought, his life would be nothing without Fand. Once again Jerue entered his mind, "Don''t entertain such thoughts. You are mistaken. You would be nothing with her." This intrusion into Pyre''s thoughts unsettled and frightened him. Jerue looked at him sternly. Pyre ducked his head and began to shovel food into his mouth. With all his strength he willed himself not to think of Fand.


    After the dinner Jerue said, "Come, let us go for a walk."


    Pyre did not want to go. He had planned to sneak over to the Geworden''s to check on Zog. Jerue gripped his elbow and steered him outside. The afternoon was turning unseasonably warm. The blue wool of Pyre''s Appointee shirt itched. He followed Jerue through the hay field and then into the potato field. From there they cut across to the meadow where cows grazed. Jerue stopped. He studied the distant Ruhe Mountains. "The mountains are quite beautiful in this light.¡±


    Pyre nodded. He had planned to take Fand to the Ruhe Inn after their marriage. A bitter taste filled his mouth. Jerue began to walk again. Pyre followed. When they reached the brook, Pyre saw Fand. In that moment all that he was rushed toward her in his mind. How many times over the years had he sat with her the flat stone that jutted out over the brook? It was her favorite spot. In her hands was a tattered piece of parchment. One of her father''s letters most likely. She always read them when she was upset. She turned. Her eyes were red and she had the welt of a hand print on her left cheek. Uncle Wert must have struck her again. Damn him! He wanted to run to her and comfort her, but he found himself unable to move.


    Fand stood. She folded her letter and put it in her apron pocket. When she turned, she saw them. Her expression changed. Oh, no, her temper was on the rise. She quickly covered the distance between them. She got right in Jerue''s face and asked, "Why was Zog denied?"


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    Caustically, Jerue scolded, "You shall not address me so, young woman." He glared at her, but it had no effect.


    In Fand¡¯s eyes was the ice of her anger. Her anger was not hot like a fire, but cold like a searing wind. Again she asked, "Why was he denied? I demand to know!¡±


    This was not going to turn out well. Pyre felt the pitch of his heart rate begin to clamor.


    All at once Jerue''s face softened and a peculiar light came into his eyes. His tone changed entirely. He said, "The ways of the Keeper are mysterious."


    Fand stood very tall and said, "So I have been told. Answer me this, did you know last night that Zog would be denied?"


    Jerue shook his head. "Oh, no, I did not. I was as surprised as anyone.¡±


    Pyre was aware Fand did not believe the Head Council Man. He prayed she would not say so out loud.


    She remained silent while Jerue continued, ¡°The names of the apprentices are not known until the pins are unrolled. The Keeper must have his reasons, and we must trust that they will be revealed." Jerue placed his hand on Fand''s shoulder and asked, "Are not the turn of events an answer to your prayers?"


    Pyre saw Fand''s face go white, except for the large welt on her cheek. She bit her lip and nodded.


    Jerue said, "The Keeper would not have granted your petition if it were not for the best."


    Fand whispered, "You think so?"


    "Yes. In time, you will see." Jerue removed his hand from Fand''s shoulder and touched the dove at her throat. "Where did you get this?"


    "My mother."


    Jerue nodded and smiled. "It is very lovely."


    "Thank you Sir." Fand turned to Pyre. "Please come by this evening. It would do Zog good, to see you."


    Before Pyre could answer, Jerue said, "I am afraid that is impossible."


    "Why?" Fand asked.


    "By nightfall, if your cousin returns, he will not be in any condition to receive visitors."


    This time Fand''s face flushed red. She nodded, softly said, ¡°Please excuse me,¡± and ran toward home.


    Confused by this exchange, Pyre asked, ¡°Where is Zog?"


    In a flat voice, Jerue said, "The Tavern, partaking of its many sensual delights.¡±


    Pyre could not believe this. Zog would never turn so quickly.


    With a sad shake of his head, Jerue said, "It is true son. Blood tells. It always does."


    The phrase, ¡°Blood tells,¡± echoed inside of Pyre. Was Jerue implying that Zog would sink into his cups the way his father had? All at once it occurred to him that the hand print on Fand¡¯s face was too large to have been made by Uncle Wert, but not too large to be made by Zog. Had Zog struck her? Why? He never had before. Why would he strike her? The bastard! Anger boiled up inside of Pyre.


    Jerue said, ¡°Come along Pyre. I need to get back, I have other Apprentices to congratulate.¡± The Head Councilman¡¯s long legs carried him quickly across the meadow. Half a step behind him, Pyre hurried along lost in thought. How much more violence would be visited upon Fand? He would not be there to protect her or defend her.


    Jerue stopped and turned to him. "Pyre, you must stop this. Too much of your energy is being spent on the Gewordens. Here you have received the highest honor a young man can receive and instead of enjoying your triumph you are worrying over friends who do not deserve to be considered your friends."


    Pyre found this comment harsh. In fact it echoed Uncle Wert''s sentiment that Jerue did indeed hate the Gewordens. Not only did he hate them, he considered them unworthy trash.


    In a softer tone Jerue continued, "Dear Pyre, your loyalty and steadfastness are truly humbling, but they will cost you if you don''t submit them to the will of the Keeper.¡±


    In all his life, Pyre had never asked for nor received any divination of what the will of the Keeper might be. He did not want it now. What a cussed mess this all was. If he had not signed those damned papers the other night would any of this be happening?


    Jerue startled Pyre by speaking in his mind. He said, ¡°Your acceptance of your Divine Destiny did not create this chaos in the Geworden home. Sah-Zog is the culprit, not you. Because he did not get what he thought he deserved he turned away from his belief. Is that belief? Or was it selfish delusion? I had hoped he was not like his father, but he is. That is not your fault. So let that thought go.¡±


    Really? Pyre was too afraid to ponder that question further. Jerue was in his mind and any thought he had, Jerue would know. He turned his mind to farm work. As they made their way back to the house, Pyre kept his brain busy figuring out the harvest schedule. If Jerue was still monitoring his thoughts he could not tell and he would not risk it.

 Chapter 7. The Peddler鈥檚 Cart

    As she ran coarse grass caught at Fand''s dress hem almost tripping her. Righting herself the questions that dogged her started circling in her brain. How did Jerue know where Zog was and what he would do this night? Was it divination or perhaps revenge as Uncle Wert suggested? Could a Head Councilman be motivated by hate? Why would the Keeper allow such a thing?


    As she crossed the potato field she saw and old mule and ox pulling a painted peddler¡¯s cart. It was headed down the path that lead into the woods. Fand stopped and studied the cart. It¡¯s yellow and turquoise paint was pealing and faded. A large painting of elder flowers and sage decorated the side. A traveling herbalist? Perhaps. Was there medicine for what ailed Zog? On the driver¡¯s seat was a lone woman. Her long black braid was laced with fine threads of silver. She looked toward Fand and waved. Fand raised her hand and waved back. The woman pulled the reigns of her animals and stopped. With an accent that Fand could not place, the woman called out, ¡°Looks like you could use a tonic or some tea.¡±


    Fand nodded.


    ¡°Come along then, my beasts need a rest.¡± Nimbly, she jumped off the seat and headed around to the back of her cart. Fand reached her just as she opened a small door beside the larger entry door to the cart. Behind the small door were corked bottles with pictures drawn on them. The pictures were of the healing herbs. She asked Fand, ¡°So tell me what the trouble is and I will fix you up.¡±


    Silently, Fand wondered, Is it a good idea to take medicine from a stranger? A loud she said, ¡°I don¡¯t have any copper or silver to pay you with.¡±


    ¡°No worries about that, I prefer to barter. Have you anything of value on you?¡±


    Outside of her dove pendant, she had nothing of value. She shook her head.


    ¡°So, you''re poor as piss, just like myself. Well, my sister, or should I say daughter, I will give you some wild mint to cure the ache in your stomach, but I cannot do anything for the ache in your heart.¡±


    Fand just stared at the woman. How did she know? The eyes that gazed back at her were the same exact shade and color as her own. They were so similar it was startling.


    From the group of bottles near the bottom, the woman took one with a mint leaf on it. She handed it to Fand and said, ¡°You look like you are in need of a good turn. This is on the house.¡± She handed the bottle to Fand.


    Fand took it. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°You are welcome. Now, as for that welt on your face, I¡¯ve got some ointment that will take the sting away. I can give you a sample. It will help the sting.¡± She pulled down another bottle with a flame painted on it. She shook a bit onto her long fingers and gently applied it to the place where Zog had slapped Fand. The salve was cool to the skin and numbing. Fand didn¡¯t know what it was, but it was working.


    The woman asked, ¡°Does he hit you often?¡±


    Fand shook her head. ¡°No, today was the first time.¡±


    With an edge in her voice, the woman said, ¡°Don¡¯t let it happen again. Once a man hits you, he is either so sorry he never does it again, or he develops a taste for it and strikes out again and again.¡±


    Fand sensed there was experience behind these words. ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am.¡±


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    ¡°Good. Well, I best be pressing on. I don¡¯t want to get caught out after dark.¡± She closed the small door and went back to the cart seat and climbed up. With a nod of her head, she said, ¡°Take care of yourself.¡± She clucked to the mule and oxen, ¡°On Jaco, on Sau.¡± The animals moved forward. The cart swayed and creaked as it went.


    Fand remained rooted. She watched the card travel into the woods until she couldn¡¯t see it any more. The sting of her cheek was better. She uncorked the bottle she had been given and sniffed its contents. It smelled of peppermint and spearmint. There was a little something extra that she could not name. She took a swig of the elixir. It felt like an ice cold stream moving down her throat. When it reached her stomach, the churning inside her gut stilled. She placed her hand over her stomach. Never had she received medicines like these. The woman was a learned herbalist or a witch. Either way, Fand was grateful.


    She turned her attention back to the path toward home. Home was the last place she wanted to go. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder what it must be like to live in a traveling cart? What was it like to live the wanderer''s life? Fand had always lived here on this land. It was all she knew and all she expected she would ever know...unless of course he arrived. He might whisk her away like her father had whisked her mother away from the Ruhe Mountains. Had her mother missed the mountains and home? Surely, she had. If her mother was still alive, she would probably be as old as that woman. She might even look like that woman.


    For a bit, Fand wandered through the fields. She scared up a covey of quail. The burst of their flight made Fand wish she could fly. What was it like to have wings?


    The shadows of the trees began to grow longer. It was getting late and Uncle Wert would want to be fed again. With a sigh, she made her way home. When she reached the cottage, she heard Uncle Wert snoring. He sounded like a snorting pig. In fact in this moment, Fand thought he was a stupid pig. She stepped onto the porch. Uncle Wert was in the hammock sound asleep. On the floor beside him was his empty jug. Drool dribbled down the side of his face. He smelled of brew and sweat. Disgusted, Fand went inside. Was Zog home? She did not call out for him. Instead, she silently went from room to room searching for him. He was not in the house.


    Time passed. It grew dark. Uncle Wert woke from his drunken nap. His stomach was upset, but Fand had no pity for him. In silence she made him some toast and warm milk. He did not protest, but ate it slowly. When he finished he looked up from his plate and asked, ¡°Has Zog been home?¡±


    Unwilling to speak, Fand shook her head.


    Uncle Wert made a poor attempt at bravado when he said, ¡°Well, I am sure he is fine and having a good time.¡±


    Fand said nothing. She removed the bowl and spoon from the table and placed then in the sink. Later, she would wash them. Another moment in the kitchen with Uncle Wert was more than she could bear. She grabbed her bow and arrows off their peg and went out to the pear orchard. A little target practice would do her good.


    With care she set up blocks of wood on a fence post. There were two small blocks that she named Zog and Uncle Wert. She took aim at the Zog one and sent him flying. The block hit the ground with a thud. The sound was satisfying in a sadistic way. Next she aimed at the Uncle Wert block. He too went flying. One by one she released her arrows. If she had the guts she would have named one of the blocks Jerue, but that seemed very unwise given his position and his power. Zog had told her Council Members could read other people¡¯s thoughts. It seemed terribly intrusive to Fand and a skill she had no use for.


    When her quiver was empty, she retrieved her arrows and went back to the yard. Still, there was no sign of Zog.


    The sun set, darkness fell and still Zog did not return. Uncle Wert sat by the hearth fire nervously smoking his pipe. The old bastard was worried after all. Fand still said nothing. She had nothing to say.


    It grew later and later. Finally, Uncle Wert got up and went to his room without saying good night. It would not be a good night. Fand went out onto the porch and curled up in the hammock. She turned her gaze to the sky. The moon''s face was beginning to turn. In time, even the moon would desert her for a little while. At least it was with her still. She found small comfort in that. Gently, she swung herself back and forth in the hammock. She should be in bed, but she was honestly afraid of going to sleep. If she did she would she dream again of the Sonpur? As frightening as last night¡¯s dream had been, it did not compare with the fear she felt now. She felt certain. Zog wasn¡¯t coming home tonight. Would he come home tomorrow? If he did who would he be?

 Chapter 8. The Journey

    Unable to sleep, Pyre had crept out of his bedroom window and dropped noiselessly to the ground. He was worried. All day he had tried to get over to the Gewordens but one interruption after another had kept him from going. Well, come hell or destruction, he was going now.


    Quickly, he made his way toward the path that lead from the Holz farm to the Geworden farm. This was the last time for a long time, that he would be able to walk here. The night wind was cool and sweet with the smell of pipe smoke. Whose pipe smoke? He swung around afraid he was going to see Jerue. It wasn¡¯t him. It was his father. He pulled his pipe out of his mouth and asked, ¡°Going some where son?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I want to check on Zog.¡±


    His father let out a puff of smoke and then said, ¡°Be quick about it. I fear a certain Councilman might materialize at any moment.¡± He took in a long draw of his pipe and blew out a cloud of smoke. ¡°Don¡¯t tell your mother I¡¯ve been smoking. She thinks its a nasty habit. In truth it is the one thing that keeps me sane.¡± He gave Pyre a crooked grin, tamped out his pipe and headed for the house.


    Warily, Pyre continued on his way. There would be trouble if Jerue found out where he was headed, but at this moment he did not care. He needed to be sure that Fand was all right. Blast Zog! The fact he had hit Fand sent a fresh surge of rage through him. His father had taught him to never strike a woman. Through out all their years of friendship, Pyre had never witnessed Zog commit a single act of violence.


    Ahead the lopsided Geworden cottage appeared. If Zog spent more time on his chores and less time with his nose in a book, the house might not be in such bad shape. If Zog had been accepted, Pyre was going to fix every loose board and every leaking patch of roof. But, Zog had not been accepted.


    There was not any light coming from Fand¡¯s window. He strained to see in the dark if she was on the roof outside her window. She was not. Pyre circled the house. It was entirely dark. No light came from Zog¡¯s window either. Impulsively, he climbed through Zog¡¯s window. No, he was not there on noiseless feet, he crept through the house. Uncle Wert was snoring like a pig.


    Tomorrow there would be no good bye. He climbed the ladder. Fand was not in her bed. Where was she? He thought of her nightmare. Had Sonpur gotten her? Panic rushed through him. Frantically, he went from room to room. She was not in any of them. He should wake Uncle Wert, if he could. The old man reeked. He glanced through the kitchen window and saw the ropes of the hammock. He went outside, and found Fand in the hammock, curled in a tight ball. She was asleep. He gazed down at her. Her skin had been silvered by moonlight. How was he ever going to leave her? How?


    She needed to get inside. It was too cold tonight to be sleeping in the open air. His first impulse was to pick her up and carry her inside, but if he did that he risked waking the lioness in Fand. The last thing he needed was her anger. Gently, he nudged her and said, "Wake up Fand, you need to go inside.


    She opened one eye and looked up at him. She yawned and asked, "Where am I?"


    "On the front porch."


    She opened both eyes. "Is Zog with you?"


    "No, I''m afraid not. I just came round to check on him and you."


    Fand leaned up on her elbows and said, "You are too good to us." She levered herself off the hammock and stood eye to eye with him. Everything in Pyre wanted to take her into his arms, but again he resisted. He was now betrothed to the Council.


    To his delight and dismay, Fand gave him a quick hug and said, "Take care Pyre."


    "I will." He watched her enter the cottage. He turned from the door and sprinted down the steps. He must get home before Jerue uncovered his transgression.


    *


    Home was behind him. Pyre''s shoulder was still damp from his mother''s tears and his hand ached from his father''s firm handshake. His sister''s kisses had dried. Only Wendon, his younger brother, seemed pleased to see him go. Wendon now, not only got his own room, but one day he would get the entire farm as well. Pyre would miss the farm. His horse, Bruen, nickered beneath him. She started to turn onto the path leading to the Geworden''s. Pyre jerked her reins. She would not be going there again for a very long time. Through the oak trees he saw Fand scattering seed for the chickens. He willed her to turn toward the path to see him, but she didn¡¯t.


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    Wilm Koft and Rube Johan joined Pyre on the road, neither had much to say to him. They both seemed a little miffed and confused by the fact Zog was not with them. Zog would have made the trip entertaining and fun. Pyre lacked the skill to do either.


    *


    Three days later Pyre caught his first glimpse of the Council Wall. It stretched before him in the distance, a ribbon of black stone that bound up the landscape. Rube said, "Look at the size of it."


    Wilm whistled. In a low voice he said, "Well it looks sturdy enough to keep out them stinking Sonpur."


    Pyre was immediately reminded of Fand''s nightmare and the way she had felt in his arms.


    "Do you believe in Sonpur?" Wilm asked.


    Rube said, "Zog did."


    Wilm shook his head and voiced the words that no one had said out loud until now. "I still don''t understand why Zog was denied." He glanced at Pyre. Though Wilm didn''t say anything more, Pyre felt his meaning. He wondered why Pyre had been chosen instead.


    Rube clucked to his black horse. "Come on, if we hurry we should reach the City by night fall."


    *


    It was well past sunset when the three Apprentices reached the Council City. It was massive. A white granite wall ran out east and west. At the large metal spiked gate, two tall guards dressed in dark blue stood. One called out, "State your name and purpose."


    Wilm said, "We are Apprentices from the village of Tashe."


    One guard pulled a small book from his pocket. He told them, "Dismount and call your names." The three slid off their horses.


    "Wilm Koft."


    The guard nodded.


    "Rube Johan."


    "You are here," said the guard.


    Pyre gulped before he said, "Pyre Holz."


    The guard squinted at the book, then turned the page. "Aye, you''re here, but some poor sot''s name has been scratched off."


    Wilm asked, "Whose?"


    The guard gave Wilm a hard look. "None of your business. Now hand over your packs."


    Pyre had not anticipated his belongings being searched. As the silent guard went through Pyre''s clothes, he found Pyre''s keepsake box and Fand''s lock of hair. He smirked and asked, "Your mother''s hair?"


    "Yes."


    Rube stifled a giggle. Under his breath he said, "Since when? Taking to dying it black-has she?"


    Pyre didn''t respond. He watched the guard shove his things back into his pack. The heavy gate opened. Pyre stepped into the Council City holding Bruen''s reigns. The lay out of the city was perfectly symmetrical. It was like a wagon wheel. Each street was a spoke. At the center was the Common where services were held. The entire city was made of white granite. Atop each building was a crown of golden thatch. The streets were cobbled with red brick. Rube and Wilm punctuated the night air with their ohs and ahs. Pyre remained silent. When the gates closed behind them, he felt trapped.


    In the Common, Elder Councilman Appocca, greeted them. He was just below Jerue in rank. He extended his hand to Wilm and Rube. When he grasped Pyre''s hand, a puzzled expression crossed his face. He said, or did he ask, "And you are Pyre Holz."


    Pyre nodded.


    Appocca let go of his hand. "So, you are." He gazed up at the night sky. Bruen nickered. His eyes returned to Pyre''s face. "Ah, yes the horses." He called out, "Syra!" A small boy came running from the stables. Appocca said, "His father will attend to your horses. Now, follow me." They gave their reigns to Syra.


    Quickly Appocca led them to the Dining Hall. It was a squat rectangular building. The double doors swung open on their own. Appocca stopped and said, "Cook Grayson has some warmed over stew for you. Now, if you will pardon me I have a matter I must attend to." He motioned for them to go inside. The Dining Hall smelled of grease and rotten cabbages. Long tables were arranged in rows going from north to south. The head table ran from east to west. Near the back, a table was laid out for them with spoons and napkins. An old man with crazy gray hair came from what must be the kitchen and plopped bowls of foul looking stew in front of them. He glared at them and said, "Tastes better than it looks."


    Pyre was not hungry. His eyes traveled from the clotted stew to a portrait over the head table. It was of the Head Councilman. Jerue stood poised on the edge of a cliff. Blue black storm clouds raged behind him. His white hair and beard swirled around him and his eyes were cold blue fire. It was a depiction of such power. Pyre shuddered. In that instant he realized, the only way he could ever return home was if he disgraced himself, which would disgrace his family. He turned his eyes back to his food. Could he do that? What if he did that and Fand still refused to marry him?


    After their meal Syra led the Apprentices to their cubicles. The rooms were so narrow. Pyre felt panic set in the instant his door closed. He could not do this thing. Tears, unbidden, began to slip down his cheeks. He reached for his pack and searched for his keepsake box. He opened the box and extracted Fand''s hair. He crushed the tress in his fist. All he wanted to do right now was hold her.

 Chapter 9. Marred Snow

    Time did pass ever so slowly. The life that Fand had hoped for if Zog remained home did not happen. Her foolish prayer haunted her. If she had considered for even one moment what the Council meant to Zog before she sought intervention, but she had not. All she thought about was herself. It seemed that selfish prayers were dangerous.


    This morning she stood on the porch. The sky was overcast. During the night, winter¡¯s first snow had fallen. Footprints, Zog''s footprints, blemished the snow leading to the house. Sometime in the wee hours, he had come home. She went inside and peeked in his room. Yes he was there. His breathing was heavy and the room smelled of urine. He was sleeping off another drunk. Disgust and anger filled her. Why could he not get over this? Why had he crumbled like this? He was destroying himself. She closed the door and went to get her coat. She would be late for Worship on the Meeting Hill if she didn¡¯t hurry. Pulling her hood over her head she banged the door closed. She hoped she woke Zog. She hoped he had another raging headache.


    Her skirt marred the new snow as she angrily strode across it. She did not see the clear sky or the lovely snow covered landscape. Warmed by her wrath she did not even feel the cold. Deep hurt swirled within her. Zog had not gone to the Meeting Hill since the day he was rejected. It seemed he no longer had any faith at all. His faith had once been so strong. Or had it? Would a strong faith topple over at the first real disappointment?


    On the Meeting Hill she took her seat on the women''s side. In front of her she saw Zolla and Pyre¡¯s little sisters, Perty and Efje. They were eight and six years old. With a very straight back, Zolla stared straight ahead. Since Pyre¡¯s selection as apprentice, the older woman had not looked at Fand or spoken to her. The rejection hurt. It was another loss she had not counted on the night she refused Pyre¡¯s proposal. The cold of the stone bench penetrated her coat. It took stone awhile to respond to body heat, if it responded at all. She gritted her teeth to keep them from chattering. Perty turned and looked back at her. She raised her hand in a small wave. Touched by her kindness, Fand smiled and returned the wave. Quickly, Perty turned forward, lest her mother catch her.


    The service began with Gregor Zwart playing the recorder. Before, Zog had abandoned his faith, he had played the Sacred Songs on his recorder for Worship. During the week he had spent hours perfecting the notes. Like his faith, he had also abandoned his music.Through out the service Fand found concentration difficult. Her mittened hands had begun to ache with the cold. Her shabby coat, a cast off of Uncle Wert¡¯s, did not offer sufficient protection from the wind.


    For the benediction, Elder Zwar chose one of Fand¡¯s favorites. He recited the words in the Ancient Tongue. Zog had taught her the translation. In her head she translated as Elder Zwar recited it. The last phrase caught in Fand¡¯s mind. "Oi eue Byemels ov rov Bavarov ooi Se eyw Yeyw Yoyous kakvos." She translated,"The Keeper''s word is sufficient. Through His love we have glory.¡± The word for glory echoed in Fand¡¯s head, kakvos. Zog had wanted glory, had expected glory and when he didn¡¯t get it, he became what he currently was.


    The men began to sing. Fand''s throat ached to join them. She knew all the mysterious words, but she could not sing them. Women''s voices were forbidden. She closed her eyes. Deep inside something stirred. A warm sense of overwhelming love invaded her troubled mind. For the first time in weeks she felt comforted. For the first time in her life, she recognized this sensation as divine. The Keeper had not forgotten her.


    After service as she made her way down the aisle, Wendon, Pyre''s brother, offered her a ride with his family. Fand said, "I don''t think your mother will like it."


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    Wendon told her, "This invitation is from Father, not Mother and you know she won''t cross him."


    It was true. Zolla would not cross Rehn, not because he was a tyrant, but because she respected him. Fand was grateful for the invitation. She was loosing feeling in her feet and hands. She said, ¡°All right I will.¡± As she and Wendon made their way to the stables they passed by a group of young men they had grown up with. Words, hissing words, in half whispers spewed into Fand¡¯s ears. Gudden, a tall, black headed young man said, "He was after Gert, he was. Zog would have none of it."


    At the mention of Zog¡¯s name, Fand¡¯s heart froze.


    Chubby Marte enthusiastically added, "Zog the Pure staggers up to the bar and says, ''She''s my whore for the night.'' Then the chap slugs him."


    Gleefully, Gudden said, "A fight. What a fight! Zog. I never knew Zog had it in him. You should have seen the way he¡ª" Gudden fell silent when he saw Fand. She felt her face flush. Hot embarrassment and shame coursed through her. This must not be true. It couldn''t be.


    Wendon grabbed her elbow and steered her to his family''s wagon. Fand was so stunned by what she had heard, Zolla''s rude silence didn''t phase her. Wendo helped her into the back of the wagon but she was barely aware of his assistance. The only thing that reached her was the warmth of Pyre''s little sisters, Perty and Efje. They snuggled close to her on either side. Their nearness soothed her. She hadn''t been this close to anyone since Pyre last held her. She missed Pyre. She missed the safety of his arms.


    Perty whispered in her ear. "I am learning to read like you. Pyre taught me my letters. Mother doesn''t know. I''m quite good at it." Fand looked down into the child''s smiling face.


    She whispered back, "I am so proud of you. Keep at it.¡± She wanted to offer to help, but Zolla had broken all communication with her. An invitation from her would only cause Zolla to release her wrath on Perty for asking to spend time with her.


    Too soon they reached the path to home. Fand did not want to get out of the wagon or the cocoon of the girls¡¯ kindly company. If only Zolla would invite her for dinner but that was not going to happen. When the wagon stopped Perty and Efje each gave her a quick hug and then Rehn helped her down. For a brief moment his kind eyes held hers. They were so like Pyre¡¯s. He told her, ¡°Good day.¡± Zolla said not a word and didn¡¯t give her so much as a side glance. With a silent nod of his head, Wendon gave her a smile. The girls waved to her until the wagon disappeared behind the trees.


    Slowly Fand made her way up the path. At the house the door banged open. Heedless of where he was going, Zog ran right into her.


    The impact of his body hurt. He looked down at her and said, "Oh." That was all.


    Fand looked up into his face. Immediately she felt sick. His face was bruised and swollen. His eyes blood shot. A long gash extended from his temple to his jaw line. Her eyes traveled down to his fists. They too were bruised and cut. Their eyes met. Zog looked away. He grunted and stepped around her. Fand shouted after him, "What has happened to you?"


    He did not answer. He broke into a run and headed across the white fields.


    Fand raised her fists and shook them. All at once the anger faded and she was left with a heavy sadness. Zog had been her rock. And now, now¡­


    The front door banged open behind her. Startled she turned around. Uncle Wert stood there scratching his belly. He complained, "I''m starvin'' girl. Elder Zwar were long winded again."


    Angrily, Fand asked, "Have you seen your son?"


    He replied, "Aye, I have. It''s good for young blood to boil over from time to time."


    This was the stupidest thing Fand had ever heard. "Do you know why he got into a fight?"


    Uncle Wert shook his head. "No, I don''t and it''s none of my business."


    The words burned Fand''s tongue as she said them, "He was fighting over a whore."


    A strange expression came into Uncle Wert''s eyes and then they narrowed. He said, "I won''t have you speakin'' so. You will never be able to get a proper husband using language like that."


    Fand exploded, "What? Your son can be with a whore, fight over a whore but I am not even allowed to say the word, WHORE!"


    Uncle Wert raised his hand to her. Fand jutted out her chin. "Go ahead hit me. We both know how much good that will do."


    Uncle Wert didn''t strike her, instead he chucked her under the chin and smiled. "You are a fiery one. Its your Geworden blood. Ah, but I pity the man who marries you."

 Chapter 10. Conflict of Obedience

    In the weeks that had passed, Pyre was learning the rhythm of the Council. Besides the comprehension review tests there were also tests of loyalty and devotion. Each apprentice had an earthly chore to ground him. Some how Pyre had had the poor luck of being put on kitchen clean up duty. He wrinkled his nose. Cook Grayson¡¯s food had not improved with time and would not improve. Eating was for fuel not flavor, at least that seemed to be Cook Grayson¡¯s creed.


    With a wet rag, Pyre wiped down the tables, and then banked the fire for the night. After he checked the entire kitchen for the night, he picked up his regulation pack. He had time to study before curfew. He locked the dining hall door and dashed across the empty Common. The night was bright. He looked up and stared into the face of the full moon. Tonight its color echoed the color of Fand''s eyes, when she was in a tranquil mood, which was seldom. Quickly he pushed the thought of her away from him. He must not think of her. No telling who might be monitoring his thoughts tonight. He ducked his head and ran to the dormitory. Once inside he closed his cubicle door and lit a candle. On the table was a letter. It had the seal of Wert Geworden, but it was not his handwriting. He broke the seal. His fingers began to tremble. Fand''s swirling script burned into his eyes. He read:


    Pyre,


    Zog seems bent on destroying himself. He is brawling at The Tavern every night and he visits the rooms upstairs. Sometimes he doesn''t come home at all. Please write to him. He could use a word of encouragement.


    Wert Geworden


    Pyre ran his finger over the surface of the parchment. How could this be? How could Zog fall so far? He never would have believed it possible.There was a knock on his door. Pyre stuffed Fand''s letter into his pack. He called, "Come in."


    Jerue entered. The Head Councilman seldom, if ever visited the dormitory. His presence was an unexpected honor. He asked, "Join me for a walk." It was not a request but an order. Jerue never made requests.


    Pyre said, "Yes, Sir.¡±


    The Head Councilman smiled and led Pyre back into the night. As they walked, Pyre kept his eyes off the moon and studied the pavement. He must not think of Fand.


    After a while, Jerue said, "I hear from Master Uber that you are passing."


    "Yes, sir."


    "See, I told you, you were capable of more than you realized."


    "Yes, Sir."


    "I have felt your peace during prayer time. I think," Jerue paused, he looked at Pyre and said, "No, I am sure The Council agrees with you."


    As unbelievable as it had first seemed this had come to pass. Pyre enjoyed the rhythms of the Council life. Beginning and ending his day in prayer had brought him a sense of peace he had never experienced before. His lessons challenged his mind and he discovered an intellectual prowess he didn''t know he possessed. He actually remembered far more of the lessons Elder Zwar had taught him than he thought he did. Still, the lessons were hard. He knew he was the dumbest Apprentice, but he had by far exceeded his own expectations.


    They turned east and headed toward the Inner Sanctum. It backed the Common where worship services were held. It was a domed circular granite building with large columns. There were not any windows, only two ornately carved wooden doors that lead into it. The stars and the moon were carved on the door. The moon was inlaid with silver and the stars with gold. The Inner Sanctum housed The Council¡¯s most Sacred Rituals.


    In the stillness of the night came the low moan of the wind. A sudden gust hit them full in the face. Pyre squinted his eyes to protect them from the swirling dust. Jerue stopped and looked up at the sky. His eyes were on the moon. From the moon a shaft of rainbow light spiraled into the domed ceiling of the Inner Sanctum. Without looking at him Jerue dismissed Pyre and rushed to the heavy wooden doors of the Inner Sanctum. Pyre stood transfixed by the spiraling rainbow light. The doors of the Inner Sanctum flew open with a bang. Pyre looked through them. The interior shimmered like a multicolored cloud. The smell of rotting flesh wafted into the street. The sound of blowing leaves filled Pyre''s ears. Jerue slammed the doors closed.


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    A strange singing sound erupted in the sky. Pyre turned toward it. A mist of blue light raced along the eastern horizon. It shot up and blotted out the moon. Terror seized him. What was going on?


    From behind him a low voice said, "Pyre."


    He turned to face Appocca. The elder said, "Come, you must obey Jerue."


    Pyre asked, "What is that?"


    "I can''t explain it now. We must get you to your cubicle." Appocca cupped Pyre''s elbow and lead him back to the dormitory.


    To Pyre''s surprise Appocca accompanied him to his room and closed the door behind him. Appocca whispered, "Speak to no one of what you have seen this night. Jerue will probably send a potion to make you forget. Do not drink it."


    This was strange. Pyre stared at Appocca. He asked, "Why not?"


    With earnest eyes, Appocca said, "It is not good to forget."


    Pyre asked, "What did I see?"


    "I can not tell you now. You have yet to learn the skills needed to guard such a secret. If I told you, your life would be in danger, as would every life connect to yours."


    Pyre felt cold fear seep through him. Heavily he sat down on his cot. The Elder Councilman came to him and laid a hand on his shoulder. He said, "I initially came to impart this message to you. When you return to Tashe, tell Zog his destiny will find him, but he must be patient. Tell him to repent and move forward. All is not lost regardless of how it seems. He has a fine mind and many gifts. He must not waste them."


    Confused, Pyre said, ¡°But, Jerue told me to sever all ties with the Gewordens.¡±


    ¡°I know. I also know that it is an impossible demand.¡± He paused and glanced at Pyre¡¯s regulation pack. "Do not answer Fand''s letter. Destroy it and don''t write her back."


    He knew about the letter? Nothing was secret here. Still he could not, would not destroy the letter.


    Reading his thoughts, Appocca said, ¡°You must. Letters from females are not allowed here. If it is discovered, it will appear that you harbor a concubine. It would not be hard to find someone one who would testify to your obsession with the Geworden girl. At best your reputation would be ruined as well as hers. At worst, well, a judgment could be passed that you would not survive.¡±


    ¡°What? Are your suggesting execution?¡± Appocca did not answer. Thoughts of what Uncle Wert referred to as the murder of Petran Schon flashed through his mind.


    The Elder Councilman continued, ¡°Besides, no one would believe that Wert Geworden would send a letter to the Council City regardless of how worried he was about his son."


    So the Elder Councilman even knew the contents of his letter. Had he read it, or divined it?


    Again, on point with Pyre¡¯s thoughts, Appocca replied, "I did not read it. Still, the contents are safe with me. It is possible Fand believed The Council is so bigoted against women that a literate female would never be suspected, but she would be wrong. I have never underestimated the female mind or determination. Neither does Jerue. It is one thing we have in common.¡± Appocca patted Pyre''s shoulder and said, ¡°It is time for me to be on my way. Take care Pyre. Mind your thoughts.¡±


    "I will. Good night Sir."


    Appocca nodded and left the room. Pyre locked the door behind him. From his pack, he took the letter. The instant he touched it, it was if Fand entered the room. His fingers traced her fine script. How he wanted to keep this letter. He wanted to have it to hold and read. Just as he opened it, someone knocked on his door. He certainly was popular tonight. He stuffed the letter under his pillow and opened the door.


    A young man with fair hair dressed in white infirmary robes stood in the hallway. He held a small vial in his hand. "I''m Loren Uhr, Dr. Kran''s assistant. Jerue had Dr. Kran concoct this for you. It will help ease your mind."


    Pyre took the vial. Its blue liquid sloshed to one side. He asked, "What is it?"


    The young man shrugged. "I don''t know. But it will put you out, I guarantee it."


    "Thank you." Pyre started to close the door.


    Loren didn''t let him close it. He said, "No, Jerue told me I have to watch you drink it.¡±


    Blast it all, Pyre thought. Now what am I supposed to do? Jerue said drink it, Appocca said don''t. Jerue out ranks Appocca. Pyre opened the vial. He poured it in his mouth. The oily liquid burned his tongue.


    Loren grinned and said, "Potent stuff."


    Pyre nodded and closed his door. He spit the liquid into his chamber pot. It hissed when it made contact with his urine. Within seconds a heavy drowsiness descended upon him. He stumbled to his cot and lay down. His tongue and his lips felt numb, so did his mind. He began to drift in a warm sunlit world.


    *


    The next morning when Pyre awoke, he had a fuzzy memory of lights and wind, but nothing else. He yawned. What funny dreams he had had. After he dressed he opened his Keepsake box. He touched Fand''s lock of hair, and then he remembered the letter. Where had he put it? He snatched up his pillow. The letter was gone!

 Chapter 11. Encounter

    It was late winter. The snow whispered as it fell. Fand stared out over the fields. Her eyes followed the dark line of Zog''s footprints in the fresh snow. He had been heading in that direction every evening for the past several weeks. Sometimes he came home, more often he didn''t return until dawn. Fand wanted to know where he was going and why.


    To her relief, he had stopped frequenting The Tavern. When he was home, he did his chores but seldom spoke to Fand or Uncle Wert. He was living in a silent, secret world of his own. At least he wasn¡¯t coming home bruised and bloody anymore. At least he wasn¡¯t getting piss drunk. Though Fand should be thankful for these things, she just felt more uneasy. Zog was up to something. He spent a lot of time reading a strange book in a language Fand had never seen before. She had asked him about what he was reading several times but all he ever said was, ¡°Just some books I came across. They pass the time.¡± What was he passing time for? Was he waiting for something?


    Fand adjusted her bow and quiver on her back. She might come across some game, some squirrels, a rabbit or maybe even a deer. If she did find a deer, her shot must be true or the poor creature could be left with a broken or shattered arrow in him that would fester and slowly poison him to death. Honestly, she hoped she did not see a deer, but she did not pray that she wouldn¡¯t. She had become much more careful with her prayers.


    The snow crunched beneath her boots as she followed Zog¡¯s tracks across the fields and into the forest. She was so focused on Zog¡¯s steps she did not see the rabbit on the ground, the squirrels in the tree or the deer near the brook. To her dismay Zog¡¯s foot prints completely disappeared in a thicket of gorse. It was like he had just vanished. How odd. Had he broken his trail on purpose? Probably. Did he suspect he might follow his trail? Maybe. She glanced at the sky. The light was growing dim. Though shedid not want to, she was going to have to abandon Zog''s trail and go home.


    The evening air caught a sound, Fand had not heard in months. Zog¡¯s laughter rang out and bounced off the surrounding trees. He was near. She would find him. The secret would be unraveled...but then what? It didn¡¯t matter at the moment. All that mattered was that she found out what he was up to. He laughed again. On silent feet, she followed the laughter like she had followed his tracks. She skirted around the gorse thicket. In the distance was a clearing. In the clearing stood a peddler¡¯s cart painted yellow and turquoise. Dried herbs and flowers hung upside down along its eaves. The back door of the cart was open. Zog stood completely naked on the step. His slung his head back as he laughed again.


    What the hell was he doing? Fand stopped where she was. The peddler woman she had met on the day Zog had been denied a place in The Council looked out the door. She was wrapped in a dark blue blanket. She opened the blanket and Zog pulled her naked body to him. His mouth came down hard on hers. The blanket slipped off them both. Fand stopped breathing. She closed her eyes. This was something she was not supposed to see. What a stupid little twit she was. Served her right for snooping. The noise they made was strange and sucking. Was that what wives did with their husbands? What her mother and father had done? She was a farm girl after all and it wasn¡¯t like she hadn¡¯t seen mating before, it was just with animals it was all vigor and action. This was something more. This went deeper. Holy shit! Why was she here? She should not be here.


    With eyes still closed she took a single, step back wards and slipped. She did her best not to cry out, but she did let out a small grunt. Her eyes shot open and she saw the two bodies enter twined in the snow. Where they crazy? Zog was on top of the woman and he seemed intent on devouring her. Aware that she would most likely not be noticed at all, Fan took another step. This time she stepped on a branch. It snapped. Zog stopped kissing the woman and turned. Through the trees he saw Fand. For one brief moment their eyes met. His eyes were drunk with passion, but they quickly snapped to anger. Fand turned and started to run. Her boot got tangled in a vine and she fell head first into a dirty drift of snow. She sat up sputtering.


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    Zog shouted, "Serves you right for snooping."


    The woman said, ¡°Zog, don¡¯t talk to her like that.¡±


    Fand glanced at the woman, recognition flickered in the woman¡¯s eyes. Embarrassment, anger and hurt surged through Fand. She shouted, ¡°He¡¯s the one that hit me. Has he hit you, yet?¡±


    The woman looked up at Zog. Distracted, Zog looked away from Fand. With two hard kicks, Fand got herself free of the vine and took off running. Trees caught and pulled at her hair. One branch snapped her face. Warm blood oozed down her cheek. She could feel her heart racing inside her chest. She wanted to forget what she had just seen, but she wouldn¡¯t, no she never would. A question rattled around inside her heard. Why was Zog with a woman more than twice his age?


    A icy wind blew up. The aroma of rotting flesh permeated the air. The trees danced around Fand. All at once she realized she didn¡¯t know exactly where she was. Her eyes scanned for a familiar landmark. There weren¡¯t any. Panicked she looked to the sky and saw last traces of days light. The sun had sunk below the horizon. She was headed west and needed to go east. She turned and ran headlong into a man, a muscular, tall man. He was dressed in the finest velvet and silk suit she had ever seen. Gold rings flashed on his thick fingers. The impact of her body against his had sent a strange feeling through her, a feeling she had never felt before. She looked up at him. He smiled. It was a closed-mouthed smile. He did not speak. He was very handsome. The most handsome creature she had ever seen. He had long dark hair shot through with silver. His eyes were the same pale blue as hers and held a peculiar, enticing light. She said, "Excuse me sir. I was not paying attention to where I was going."


    He nodded and touched her cheek where the branch had scratched it. His touch created an extraordinary sensation of warmth and longing. His eyes met hers. She felt like she wanted to enter into him, to know him. She had never felt such a strong urge before. His lips brushed against her forehead. Desire leapt up inside of her, a desire so strong, she did not even notice the acrid smell that filtered into the air. He pulled her to him. She looked up at him, what she wanted most was to be kissed, to be devoured. He pulled away from her and grasped the dove pendant at her throat. He looked at it one long moment and then he let it drop. It burned hot against her skin. A single question slipped through her mind, ¡°What is happening?¡±


    The man took a step back and tossed a large hunk of mica into the air between them. Fand''s eyes followed it. It glistened and then it disappeared. She looked back at the man, and he too was gone!


    What? She spun around. There was no trace of the man. She scanned the ground. Nothing. Not even footprints. Zog said spirits walked the woods at night. The sky was almost dark, but it was not yet night. Would a spirit have solidity of body like this man had? Could a dead man make her feel the way this one had? And the smell of him, it was like...like a dead rotting cow. What ever he was, he was not human and he was not natural. He had seduced her with his very presence. How had he done that? It was not safe out here. She must get home and fast. Her eyes scanned the trees, she recognize a lightening struck tree. It was near the path that lead to home. On fast feet raced through the field, down the steep embankment of the brook and then crested the other side. On her favorite rock sat a familiar form. He turned toward her. How had he come to be here when she needed him most? It did not matter how. She slung off her bow and quiver and scrambled up the rock. He turned, he stood and she threw herself in his arms. Hard sobs shuddered through her. She could not speak, all she could do was hang on to the one person who made her feel safe.

 Chapter 12. Old Friends

    The impact of Fand''s body as it struck his, caused Pyre to gasp. Her arms went around his neck in a strangle hold. He asked, ¡°Fand, what¡¯s wrong? Has something happened?¡± She did not answer. Her body shook with hard sobs. Cautiously he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. Keeper she felt good, he had forgotten how good. He felt her tears splash against his neck. She pressed even closer to him. The curves of her body met every indention of his own. The smell of her, the feel of her was intoxicating, but Keeper, he must not get sidetracked by his desire. Something was wrong, very wrong. ¡°Please Fand try to tell me what happened?¡±


    Against his neck, she whispered, ¡°I saw a man. I thought he was real. He was large and handsome and he smelled like a rotting cow.¡±


    Not sure how to respond to this information he ran his hand down her disheveled braid. Leaves and bits of twigs were twisted in it. His nostrils caught the faint scent of carrion on Fand¡¯s skin. He asked, ¡°Did he say anything to you?¡±


    ¡°No, not a word. He smiled. I felt myself unravel under his gaze. He touched my dove pendant. It burned my skin when he released it.¡±


    Pyre pulled back and studied the base of her throat. There was not a mark on it.


    Fand continued, ¡°He made me feel things I had never felt before and they were not good things.¡±


    ¡°What sort of things?¡±


    She stuttered and said, ¡°Like I wanted him to take me, even though I didn¡¯t know what or who he was. He must practice the starless arts. I¡¯m scared Pyre. First I see Sonpur in the night, and then that horrible dream where they took me. Am I loosing my mind?¡±


    He pulled her close again. Deep down, he knew she was not loosing her mind. Something was up. The odor she described seemed familiar to him, but he couldn¡¯t place why. ¡°No, of course you aren¡¯t. I have been in the Council City long enough to know there are many things beyond our mental grasp.¡±


    She asked, ¡°What should I do?¡±


    ¡°First, don¡¯t go out alone, especially at night. I know how much you love the night, but until we know what this thing is, its best you be cautious.¡±


    ¡°Are you going to tell Jerue?¡±


    ¡°No, I will tell Appocca. Don¡¯t speak a word of this to Jerue.¡±


    She leaned back and looked up into his face. Her face was wet with tears. ¡°You don¡¯t trust Jerue either do you?¡±


    He could not answer that. The risk of speaking such words out loud was too great.


    ¡°Oh, I see. Okay.¡± She lay her head on his shoulder. ¡°Zog has a lover. She is more than twice his age. He spends a lot of time with her. I suppose it is better than being at the Tavern and drinking himself into oblivion.¡±


    Pyre stroked her hair. His fingers caught on the bits of twigs and dead leaves in her braid. He began to pluck them out.


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    She said, ¡°I saw them together. Zog is so pissed at me. I should have stayed home, I should have minded my own damn business. If I had none of this would have happened. None of it.¡± She began to softly cry again.


    ¡°It is okay. Zog will forgive you. He was probably mor embarrassed than angry.¡±


    ¡°You think?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Finally Fand''s body relaxed against his. Her tears stopped too. Soon he would have to let her go. He didn''t want to. He didn''t ever want to.


    Against his neck Fand asked, "Why didn''t you write to Zog?"


    In a low voice Pyre said, "Appocca knew the letter was from you. He told me it was best not to answer."


    Fand pulled away from him. Her eyes flashed with anger.


    Quickly Pyre added, "He did tell me to encourage Zog when I saw him."


    "So, that is why you are here?"


    How could she forget? If Zog had been gone she would remember. Slowly he said, "Yes, in part but I am also here to take my final vows."


    She asked, "It is that time already? I will be there to see you tomorrow of course."


    This was not what he wanted to hear. He looked into her eyes. Tears came again. In a choked voice she said, "Zog should be with you tomorrow."


    ¡°I know.¡±


    Fearfully she asked, ¡°Do you like the Council City?¡±


    ¡°More than I thought I would.¡± He wanted to say something anything to just keep her there in his arms.


    ¡°I am glad. I would hate it if you too were unhappy. Could you walk me home? I am done in.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    With her hand in the crook of his arm, he escorted her back to the house. At the door, she kissed his cheek and said, ¡°Thank you.¡± She didn¡¯t ask him in. Instead she said, ¡°I will see you tomorrow. Good night friend.¡±


    The word friend set off an unpleasant earth quake within him. She hugged him one last time and went inside. For a moment he stood dazed. He had thought he had made some progress in getting over he but he had not made a bit at all. The wet splotch her tears had made on his cloak was a cold reminder of the time he held her. He turned and went down the porch.


    In the shadow of the barn stood Zog. He lifted his chin to Pyre and said, "Hello friend."


    ¡°Hello Zog.¡±


    Zog stepped out of the shadows. "So, you take your formal vows tomorrow."


    "Yes."


    Zog walked to where Pyre stood and said, "Take my advice friend, and find yourself a woman of experience tonight. Once you have tasted female flesh you will change your mind about those vows. Nothing like a woman''s body to make a man forget."


    Pyre didn''t respond.


    "Oh, I see," Zog said. "You don''t want just any female''s flesh, you still want Fand''s."


    Angrily he said, "Don''t talk about her like that."


    Zog laughed and asked, "Who was that I just saw you clutching for all you were worth?"


    Had he been watching them? For how long. "Fand was upset and I was comforting her."


    "And yourself no doubt. You still feel her don''t you?"


    Though it was true Pyre would not admit it. Instead he said, "She¡¯s worried about you."


    "Oh, she worries too much."


    "Does she?"


    A weariness came over Zog. He stared at the house.


    Pyre said, "Elder Councilman Appocca wanted me to tell you, that if you repent your destiny will come to you. You still have a place in the Keeper''s service."


    Zog''s bitter laugh hurt Pyre''s ears. He growled, "Lies, all lies. You will find that out in time. The Council can''t be trusted. I make my own destiny. No Supreme Being or wretched Council charts my life."


    Quietly Pyre said, "From what I''ve heard you are making a mess of your life."


    Zog turned his venom on Pyre. "And is yours so fine? Tomorrow morning you will take a vow of celibacy, but we both know whose naked form will invade your dreams tonight."


    Pyre refused to take the bait. "Fand is very upset. You should talk to her."


    "She will get over it."


    "She says she saw a strange man in the woods this evening."


    ¡°She shouldn¡¯t be out alone.¡±


    ¡°No, she shouldn¡¯t. She said he was tall and solid. He seemed human. He was with her one instant and gone the next he vanished without a trace."


    "Really?" Zog stroked his chin. "Very strange things have been happening. I think I will have a word with Fand after all. Thank you my friend."

 Chapter 13. Induction

    Chapter 13. Induction


    Fand had gone quickly to her room. The warmth and comfort of Pyre still clung to her. To think, she could have had a life time of his company. She had been a fool, a complete fool. No she did not love him like he was magic, but she did love him and he had had been right about her change of heart. Unfortunately she had come to realize his wisdom too late. What would become of her now?


    As for the strange man in the forest, she felt a fearful resignation. Even now, she felt something was off. Something had broken through that should not have. She did not know or understand what the something was, but it was coming for her.


    Was there anyway to undo the things her selfish prayers had set in motion? Why had the Keeper granted her selfish prayers? Had he? Really? Or was what she experiencing the consequences of her own actions? Consequences that had bled into Zog¡¯s life and Pyre¡¯s. Her guilt was so strong, she did not even stop to consider that the consequences that had unfolded where also due to the choices of Zog and Pyre.


    Miserable and afraid of what harm she might do next, she lay face down with her arms spread wide and whispered, "Is there any chance of restitution? If so, please show me.¡±


    Down below the front door banged opened. Fand heard the scrape of her bow and quiver as it was replaced to its peg. Next, she heard Zog''s step. He was coming up the ladder. Instinctively she scooted to the far corner of the attic and pushed her body into the shadow of her bureau. She prayed he did not see her.


    Zog''s head popped through the opening in the floor. He looked around. "I know you are up here."


    Fand didn''t answer.


    "Are you all right?" Zog climbed into the room. "Come on Fand stop hiding."


    She did not want to talk to him, or see him. What she really wanted to do was hurl something at him. She watched him crawl closer to her. His eyes were adjusting to the dim light of the attic. He squinted. "There you are."


    Though discovered, Fand remained silent. His eyes met hers. It was the first time he had looked directly at her in months. What she saw hurt so much. He was not the same, he would never be the same. She did not know this stranger and he frightened her. She wanted Zog back, her Zog. Deep down she knew that Zog was gone forever. If only some miracle, some penance existed. If only, the Keeper would grant her her last request. It had not been selfish like her previous prayers.


    Zog moved toward her. Their eyes still held. He was not angry with her. Something, he wanted something. He smelled of lavender. He dropped to his knees and crawled to her hiding place. Two tears slid down her cheek. When she was little he used to come to her like this after she had been spanked. He touched her arm. She wanted to bury her head in his chest like she used to until he opened his mouth. His breath smelled of spirits. How many times had Uncle Wert struck her in a drunken rage? Too many. In a low but firm voice she said, "Don''t touch me."


    Zog removed his hand. "I''m not going to hurt you. That woman you saw. I love her Fand. It is not what you think."


    "She is old."


    He smiled and said, "Perhaps, but she makes me feel whole...like home."


    "You have a home, its here."


    He shook his head. "Is it?" Before she could ask him what he meant he said, "Now, tell me about the man you met in the woods. Pyre told me he just vanished."


    This was why he had come looking for her. It was not out of concern for her, but out of curiosity. It seemed he still had a thirst for the supernatural even though he claimed he had lost all faith. She asked,"Why do you care?"


    Zog''s voice became gentle, "I''ll never stopped caring about you."


    "That is funny Zog. Real funny. You don''t care me. You haven¡¯t cared since you hit me. You don¡¯t care about anything anymore unless it is sinful. And," her voice broke, "it is all my fault."


    "What?"


    "You did not get accepted because I prayed that you would be denied, and the Keeper granted my request. It is a prayer I want to take back more than anything."


    For a moment Zog didn''t speak or move and then he laughed. "Oh, Little One, my denial was not your fault. I believed in lies. Trusted a liar." He cupped her chin with his hand. It had been so long since he had last done that. Softly he said, "Perhaps your prayer saved me. If not for you I would not have met Renate."


    The woman''s name was Renate. It was a foreign name, Fand had not heard before. It was odd that the day they had met, neither of them had spoken their name.


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    He let go of her chin. "Now, about the ghost?"


    Such confusion twisted inside of Fand. On some level she was afraid to tell him. What if he went after him? The man possessed power, he might hurt Zog. She must be careful with her words. "I don¡¯t think he was a ghost. He was very tall and handsome. He had long black graying hair and eyes like mine.¡± Her mind drifted back, and she felt the man¡¯s touch again. There had been power in his touch. She looked at Zog, his face had changed from curiosity to concern.


    He asked, "Did he speak to you?"


    ¡°No, but he healed a scratch on my cheek."


    "Which cheek?"


    Fand turned her face to him and pointed. Again, he took her face in his hands. He studied her cheek. His eyes narrowed. He said, "Perhaps everything Jerue told me was not a lie." He dropped his hands.


    She asked, "What is that supposed to mean?"


    "There is a legend of a Nephilim who kidnaps young women. No one has seen or heard from this creature since the Council Wall was built."


    Would a man that was half angel and half human be evil?He would be evil if the angel father that had sired him had raped his mother. But what if the angel had loved her? Would that still create evil? The man, had been kinder to her than Zog had been in months. A sudden longing pulled at her. She wanted to see him again, she wanted to be held by him again.


    Zog said, "He may have been just a flesh and blood man, and then again he might be something else. You must promise me that you will not go out into the woods any more alone."


    Not go into the woods? He had no right to restrict her. Besides, he was never home anyway. She lied, "I won''t."


    "Good."


    How arrogant he was to think she would obey him.


    *


    The next morning as Fand was making her way to the Meeting Hill, Gregor Zwart offered her a ride in his cart. Fand agreed and then was immediately sorry. Gregor scooted very close to her when he placed the lap robe over the both of them. He smiled at her and said, "You look beautiful in the morning light."


    She mumbled, "Thank you," and scooted away from him. When they arrived at the Meeting Hill Fand made sure she jumped out of the cart before Gregor could help her down. He seemed disappointed, but she did not care. She would not make the mistake of riding home with him. A crowd had already gathered on the Hill. Today was an important day in their region. Their physical and spiritual futures would all be guided by the young men who were to be inducted. Fand pushed through the crowd to her seat and sat down. Above the noise and crush of the gathering the Ruhe Mountains stood swathed in a frosty haze. Their white peaks reflected the morning light. She had always longed to see her mother¡¯s homeland. Pyre had told her that he would take her there one day. Pyre kept his promises. He would have done it.


    A shadow fell across Fand. She looked up. It was Jerue. He smiled down at her. Fand did not return the smile. He said, "I am delighted to see you this morning."


    Before she could stop herself she asked, "Why?"


    A strange light came into Jerue''s eyes, a vibrant pulsing light that he quickly extinguished. He said, "I am glad to see you have not lost your faith."


    "Like the rest of my family?"


    Jerue nodded. "You are wiser than the rest."


    "Perhaps, perhaps not." Fand looked away from him. His hand cupped her face. This gesture was so like Zog''s it unsettled her. He turned her face to his. His eyes held hers.


    He said, "Yes you are," and then he let go of her face. Jerue had never shown her any kindness. In fact he had barely even acknowledged her existence when he and Zog had been chummy. She watched Jerue stride to the podium. From behind her, she heard the clucking of Zolla''s tongue. The older woman ushered her girls passed Fand and to their seat. She, as usual, did not bother to greet Fand.


    Gregor Zwart blew a single note on his recorder. It was time for the Ceremony to begin.


    Fand pressed her hands together. She turned to watch the Apprentices march up the aisle. Pyre''s body was stiff and his eyes stared straight ahead. He didn''t even look at her. This hurt, especially after their encounter last night.


    The seven Apprentices lined up before the congregation. Jerue stepped beside them. He raised his hands to heaven and began to chant. His voice quivered with emotion. It settled itself in Fand''s spine. A peculiar ache radiated through her entire being. Abruptly, Jerue fell silent. He looked directly at Fand and said, "More than seven destinies will be settled this day." Then he began to chant again. The unfamiliar words seemed to pull Fand into them and swirl around her. This was not like the peaceful feeling she had experienced when she felt the Keeper''s divine comfort. This felt overwhelming and suffocating.


    Jerue bowed his head. He uttered a prayer. When he raised his head, he once again looked at Fand. This time he smiled. Fand did not return his smile. Jerue moved over to where Elder Zwar stood and he took the vial of Anointing Oil. He prayed over each Apprentice. When Jerue reached Pyre, Pyre shot Fand a glance. Immediately Fand felt his fear and she realized he did not want this honor. Some where inside her she had suspected this, but it had been easier to believe he did. Had her prayer also thrown him into a life he didn''t want? Please Keeper no!


    Pyre stumbled over his vows. His voice was unsteady and he sounded like he wanted to cry. Fand watched Jerue place the oil on Pyre''s forehead. The instant Jerue touched him, Pyre seemed to grow calmer. Jerue moved to Rube Johan.


    When he had anointed the last Apprentice, Jerue turned back to the crowd. In a loud voice he recited the words of the Ancient Tongue. In her mind Fand translated them as he spoke:


    These servants now reside in the will of the Keeper


    He knows their souls and brings them out of death


    Into life


    The Keeper has called these few unto Himself.


    Fand couldn''t help but wonder, What about Zog? He had believed he was one of the few, now he believed in nothing.


    Gregor began to play the recorder. The assembly stood and followed the Apprentices down the aisle and to the small bonfire at the base of it. Above the bonfire was a silver challis suspended from a cord and two poles. Jerue and the seven Apprentices formed a circle around the fire. Behind them the men of the congregation formed a larger circle. The women and children where only allowed to watch. Slowly the men began to dance. They locked their arms over each other''s shoulder. Pyre danced beside Jerue. He looked green to Fand.


    The men began to sing. Jerue raised his voice above the others. It was pure and strong, he cried out, "Oy uasnari"


    Pyre''s terror filled eyes locked on Fand. A terrible thought occurred to her as she met his gaze. Though she had never wanted Pyre''s protection, what if he needed hers?

 Chapter 14. Transferrance

    In a state of dazed pain, Pyre stood before the congregation. Last night had been so long. He had not slept. The dreams Zog had predicted did not arrive. The dreams of Fand, he had once cherished in his wakeful hours, had come back to haunt him and he had had to fight hard to keep them at bay. He failed more than he succeeded during those dark hours.


    At first light, his mother had called him down to breakfast. She had been a sobbing mess. Never one to hide her true feelings. He had broken her heart, as had Fand. Would it ever mend? The breakfast his mother made him had nauseated him, but he had managed to eat it and keep it down for his mother¡¯s sake. If he threw up, her sorrow would increase as would her worry. Her last words to him before they left the house were, ¡°But it is so very dangerous Pyre. I fear you will not survive.¡± The remark was certainly NOT confidence building.


    It was his turn. Jerue stood before him. His gaze was kind. Pyre felt his stomach roil. Though he had not dared to look at Fand through out the entire service, he felt her eyes on him. Inside his panic grew. What was he doing? Why was he here? He felt like he was going to throw up. It would be bad to throw up on the Head Councilman. He would shame his family if he did. Oh he must not be sick. His eyes darted across the crowd. Fand was looking directly at him. Her eyes were troubled. What was wrong? What? He felt the pull of Jerue upon his thoughts. He looked at the older man. Jerue''s expression was one of patient understanding. Still, Pyre stumbled over his vows. His stomach was in a rage until Jerue touched his forehead with the oil. All at once the panic in him eased. He took in a breath. He no longer felt sick.


    When the Induction Ceremony ended, the line of Apprentices followed Jerue to the bonfire. It had melted the surrounding snow. Seeing the flames leap caused panic to take hold of Pyre again. He was afraid of fire! He could not do this thing! The Apprentices circled around the bonfire. Jerue pulled Pyre beside him. Why? The Head Councilman''s arm wrapped around his shoulder. Pyre''s breath came in short fast gasps. Rube locked his arm over Pyre''s other shoulder. The nearness of these two men was suffocating. The smoke stung his throat and nose. He would be sick now for sure. Once again, his eyes sought out Fand. Her face wavered before him in the smoke. Her eyes still held him. They held him with a strange sort of fierceness and regret. He heard the slice of an arrow cut through the air. It severed the cord, that held the large goblet above the bonfire. The goblet when it hit the fire. A huge cloud of steam enveloped them. Suddenly it was dark and very cold. The dark was absolute. Pyre felt only air beneath his feet. His body seemed to elongate and writhe. A terrible gust of wind swirled around him. He could not breathe. He was falling and falling. It would hurt when he landed, if he landed. He cried out. No one responded. This was death.


    Dim light formed ahead of him. He felt Jerue''s hand grip his shoulder. He was not alone. Jerue''s strength wrapped around him. His fear eased. Though the falling continued for what seemed like forever he was no longer terrified. Finally, his feet touched solid ground. Pyre offered a prayer of thanks. By the Keeper''s grace and Jerue''s kindness, he had survived his first Transferrance. He looked around him. They were in the Inner Sanctum. It was a circular room. Heavy black drapes covered the walls. The only light came from the round skylight above them. It caused weird shadows to flicker and dance in the room.


    Jerue said, "Release." Pyre let go of Jerue''s and Rube''s shoulders. Jerue moved into the center of the circle. He stood in the circle of light smiling. His blunt perfect teeth glistened. He held up his arms and said, "You have been publicly anointed with oil now for your private baptism of fire."


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    Hadn''t Transferrance been a baptism by fire? Wasn''t it enough? Pyre didn''t want to do that again. Ever. He wanted to go home. He wanted--


    There was a crackle. A flame shot out from the palm of Jerue''s hand. It swirled into the air and wove itself around each Apprentice. When it came to Pyre it took the form of a female figure. She danced before his eyes. As Pyre stared at the flame, he seemed to see Fand''s eyes reflected in this apparition. In memory he felt the closeness of her body and the warmth of her tears. This flame that danced before him was meant to purge him of her. Could it? Could anything? A searing heat ripped through his body. He almost cried out but stopped himself. He was a man, an Apprentice, a chosen one. The flame lingered. It burned deeper into him. Sweat beaded on his forehead and moistened his palms. The Keeper required that he release Fand. Inside he cried out, I can''t do this alone. A voice inside of him responded, ¡°You were never meant to. Trust her to my care.¡± Was this the voice of the Keeper?


    The flame moved to Rube. Whatever the others saw in the flame, Pyre did not see. Only the Apprentice interacting with the fire knew what secrets it revealed. Finally it had made the full circuit, Jerue held out his hand. The flame came to him. He lifted it over his head and clapped his hands together. The flame vanished. Jerue looked at the Apprentices and said, "You are to spend the remainder of this day in the seclusion and contemplation. You are dismissed to your cubicles." The doors to the Inner Sanctum opened of their own accord.


    Pyre stumbled into the afternoon light. Rube and Wilm were ahead of him. He heard Wilm as, "Wonder who that was that cried out like a woman during Transferrance?"


    Rube said, "It was Pyre."


    Embarrassment stung Pyre''s face. He slowed his steps down so he would not catch up with Wilm and Rube. Wilm said, "I thought as much. Sure surprised me when Jerue chose the little sissy to stand beside him in the Transferrance Ritual. I thought for sure you had a better shot at it than him."


    Angrily Rube responded, "I did too."


    *


    The following morning Apprentices from the twelve regions gathered in the Lecture Hall. Squat Master Uber stood before a large black slate. On it were the squiggles of the Ancient Tongue and drawings of flames. Pyre squinted at the board. Last night he had not slept well. What little sleep he did manage had been invaded by dreams of Fand. He could feel the softness of her still. Her laughter echoed in his heart. They had been riding Braun, and they had been so happy. Would he ever be happy again? Would she? Would Zog?


    At the thought of Zog his thoughts returned to the slate. How easily Zog had translated things. He was so smart and so gifted and now¡­now. He too was lost to Pyre. Everything was gone, except his parents'' love. His faith was supposed to sustain him now. It had not sustained Zog when he had lost all he dreamed. Dreams were powerful and potentially harmful things. It was best not to dream, not to hope. Fand tried to creep into his thoughts again, but he pushed her away. He must not think of her. Not here, not now. Such thoughts could get him into a lot of trouble. He studied the slate for along time while Master Uber droned on and on. No matter how hard he tried Pyre could not decipher a single word.


    Finally Master Uber finished lecture. He said, "Come Apprentices." They followed him into a windowless room. Loren Uhr was there holding a tray of tiny glass vials. The vials contained a red liquid. He gave each apprentice a vial. Pyre tilted his vial. The consistency of the liquid was much like the blue stuff he had been given to drink the night he saw the colored lights in the sky. Master Uber said, "The contents of the vial will help you protect the secrets of Transferrance. Now drink."


    The cork stoppers came out with a pop. The aroma was that of roses and strawberries. Pyre downed the vial slowly. The liquid was sweet. It warmed his raw stomach. A delicious euphoria enveloped him, the kind only Fand had been able to create in him. He held up the vial. What was this stuff? He wanted more.


    Loren Uhr retrieved the vials. Master Uber lead them to the Inner Sanctum. The large room was shrouded, but on the fabric were intricate diagrams. Pyre studied the letters of the diagrams. He could read them. Every single word stood out clearly in his mind. This had never happened before!

 Chapter 15. Restitution

    Tiny green leaves dotted the bare tree branches. Spring was at last returning.  It was late afternoon. Fand crossed the newly plowed potato field. As she neared the Holz property line she saw Zolla tending the graves in her family''s cemetery. The older woman  looked up. She saw Fand and shouted, "You, come here! NOW!" It was the first time Zolla had spoken directly to her since she had refused Pyre''s proposal.  Quickly, but fearfully Fand went to her.  Zolla''s face was tear stained. Her red rimmed eyes held rage With bitterness she spat out, "I knew the day you were born you''d be a curse on us all."


    Stunned, Fand asked, "What?"


    "You killed Stella getting birthed." Zolla shook her head and continued, "I knew the minute I looked into your peculiar colored eyes you were a bad seed."


    Fand felt anger and hurt rise inside of her.


    Zolla''s voice trembled as she said, "When Stella died,  Zurruck weren''t never the same. With in weeks he took his own life."


    No! This could not be! She had been told her parents died in the Fever that taken her Aunt Hedda. "What are you talking about?"


    Zolla wagged her head. "Tis true. Wert thought it best to keep the secret. Since they died during the Fever, it was convenient."


    Had Zolla been drinking or had she lost her mind? Fand said, "Don''t talk like this."


    "Aye, now your poison has worked on my son. If you had accepted his proposal he would be home safe in my house instead of almost dead."


    "What?"


    Zolla pointed her finger at Fand and bitterly said, "If he dies, when he dies I will lay his death at your door. Dr. Kran doesn''t think he will make it."


    Frightened Fand asked, "What happened to him?"


    "He bobbled his first Transferrance. His entire left side is burned. He''s in terrible pain. I want to be with my boy, but Jerue won''t let me go to him." Zolla spit on the ground and turned away from Fand. She strutted across the field to the house. When she disappeared inside, Fand turned her attention to the gravestones. Several generations of Gewordens were buried here. Pyre''s stone must not be added to this cemetery until he was a very old man. She could not loose Pyre. There had to be a way to save him. How? Her thoughts eddied and swirled. She felt like she was drowning. Zolla''s words, Zolla''s hateful words echoed and re-echoed inside of her. Were the words true? Why would Zolla lie?


    Her heart began to beat hard. She spun around and broke into a run, a hard run. She had no idea where she was headed. Sweat formed on her forehead and streamed down her face. No matter how hard she ran she could not out distance the pain inside her. Was she a bad seed? Had she been always been a bad seed?  Was this why her selfish prayers had destroyed the lives of those she most loved? How could she fix this? How could she stop this evil her life had unleashed? Abruptly she stopped. All she could do was offer restitution and pray that the Keeper would accept her offering.  She dropped to the soft earth. She bowed her head and prayed, "Please, wash the evil out of me. Please reverse my prayers. Please I will do anything if you will only spare Pyre''s life, anything if you will only gather Zog back to you."


    For long while Fand sat hunched on the ground. Day light started to fade. Uncle Wert would want his supper.  She stood and went home.


    Outside the house was a cart. It looked familiar but in Fand''s current state she could not recall whose it was. When she pushed through the front door she saw to whom it belonged, Gregor Zwart. His father was with him in the front room. Uncle Wert was smiling at the two men when Fand entered. When he saw her disheveled appearance he frowned and motioned for her to go make herself presentable.


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    Fand went to the kitchen to wash her face. After she combed out her hair Uncle Wert called to her, "Fand, come in here."


    The instant she entered the room she was aware something was up. Gregor smiled stupidly at her. She did not return his smile. His father eyed her as she had seen her uncle eye a prized heifer. Mr. Zwart said, "Aye, she is a fine looking lass. Not too narrow in the hips. All right then, we have a deal." Mr. Zwart and Uncle Wert stood and shook hands.


    Fand asked, "What?"


    Mr. Zwart said, "You and Gregor are to be married after summer planting."


    Fand wanted to scream no, and then it hit her. This might be the thing she must do to save Pyre and Zog. Restitution was not a pleasant or easy thing. She looked at Uncle Wert. His face was tense. He was waiting for her to pitch a fit. A heavy sense of resignation settled over her. This had to be the thing. Sacrificing her dream for those she loved, yes, this must be what was required. She mumbled, "All right."


    Uncle Wert was stunned. It took a several moments before he found his voice. "Good girl."


    Silently Fand thought, No, I¡¯m not. Aloud she said, "If you will excuse me, I need to make supper."


    After the Zwart''s left, Uncle Wert came into the kitchen and patted her shoulder. "I didn''t expect you to be so agreeable."


    Fand kept her eyes focused on the rabbit stew in the pot. She didn''t answer.


    Uncle Wert asked, "Is something troubling you girl?"


    So much was troubling her. Careful to omit the words, The Council, she said, ¡°I saw Zolla, she told me Pyre had an accident and is likely to die.¡±


    Uncle Wert did not ask what sort of accident. Instead he said, "Poor sot. I bet Zolla''s frantic. I knew no good would come of his entering the Council. Doesn''t have the brains for it."


    Fand scolded, "Don''t talk about Pyre like that."


    Uncle Wert was silent a few moments, before he  asked, "So, you finally regret you refusal of Pyre?"


    Softly she said,  "I regret a lot of things." Zolla''s words about her parents still hammered in her mind. She knew she needed to ask her uncle if the things Zolla said were true. She wasn''t sure she really wanted to know. It took all the courage she possessed to lift her eyes to meet her uncle''s. In them she would read the truth. She asked, "Is it true my father took his own life?"


    Uncle Wert looked as if he had been struck. He sputtered, "Who-who told you that?" He shook his head. "Nay, don''t tell me. I know. The bitch. She swore she wouldn''t say a word. Only she and Rehn knew."


    "Why did you keep it a secret?"


    "We had enough trouble living down Petran''s execution. Our family couldn''t bear another blot."


    "If I had never been born my mother would still be alive, and so would he."


    Unexpected compassion filled Uncle Wert''s eyes. In a gentle voice he said, "My Zolla was certainly full of venom this evening. No Fand. That fever took someone from every family. Your mother must have caught it. She was dying when Rehn pulled you from her womb. It was a miracle that you lived. I lost my Hedda to that fever."


    "But you didn''t kill yourself."


    "Nay, I loved Hedda like a woman, not an angel, not a savior. You father was a romantic, and no good come of it. Never does. Sides, I had to carry on for you and Zog." Uncle Wert then did something he rarely did, he opened his arms to Fand.


    She had never thought about what the Fever had cost him. Never once had she considered that so many losses so close together had made him bitter and prone to drink. For a long while Fand clung to him. His arms soothed the ache inside her.  Uncle Wert awkwardly patted her back.  When he released her, he took two steps back and said, "You are growing into a fine young woman." This brought tears to Fand''s eyes. He smiled at her and said, "Now don''t go getting all soppy on me. You have my supper serve."


    *


    After Fand had gone to her room for the evening Zog came home. Fand heard Uncle Wert tell him the news of Pyre''s accident. Zog exclaimed, "Damn that bloody Council. Will he live?"


    Uncle Wert said, "We don''t know."


    Stronger curses came from Zog. When he had quieted down a little, Uncle Wert said, ¡°Fand is to marry Gregor Zwart after summer planting.¡±


    Zog shouted, "What?"


    Fand heard Zog''s boots cross the floor. He was coming up the ladder. Zog''s head popped through the floor. He smelled funny, like singed hair. He climbed into the room. Fand noticed the left sleeve of his shirt was unrolled and burned. She asked, "Have you been playing with fire?"


    For a brief moment Zog looked as if she had discovered some secret. He said, "I was out burning brush. Now, tell me Little One, is it true you have agreed to marry Gregor Zwart?"


    Fand nodded.


    Zog said, "I never expected you to agree to such a match."


    Fand whispered, "A lot of unexpected things have happened."


    "Have you given up on true love?"


    "Yes."

 Chapter 16. The Burns

    It was happening again. He stood in the circle waiting his turn. Today was the day. He would transcend earth and go beyond the bounds of his own body. Sweat had formed on his upper lip and dripped down his spine beneath his robe. In his mind the Transferance incantation became a jumbled mess. HE KNEW THE WORDS! He said the words and then the holy water hit the fire and the steam rose. Pain like he had never experienced jolted his body. His soul felt the heat and he had screamed! This time the scream was not just out of fear, but out of agony. The words, he said the right words why was this happening? He was going to die. The thought did not cause him further anguish, in fact it offered escape from the horror that was encompassing him mind, body and soul. He could not breath. Gasping for air, he broke through the nightmare, the memory into reality.


    His room was dark, so dark. How much time had passed, Pyre did not know. One moment slid into another. The only constant was the pain, such horrific pain. It lived with him still. Not only in nightmares but during every moment of every hour. The cordials Loren poured down his throat numbed his mind but could not even partially numb his body. He wanted to die. He wanted this hell to end. Super natural fire did not burn like natural fire. It seared the body and the soul. Never had he felt so alone, so abandoned or forgotten. Once again, thoughts of suicide seeped into his mind as a means of escape, only he could not move. He was strapped into some contraption that flipped him. It was made of a breathable cloth that did not adhere to his burns. His burns. The burns covered his entire left side. His face, his neck, his body was scarred for life. He had never considered himself handsome, but attractive, yes. Not any more. His vision had been spared but the left side of his face would never recover. Always it would be a testament to his failure. A visible reminder of his ineptitude. Tears of anger and frustration filled his eyes and he could not even wipe them.


    There was a soft tap on his door and then a familiar step crossed the floor. It was Loren Uhr come to torture him again. Kindly Loren said, ¡°Good morning Pyre.¡±


    There was nothing good about the morning, nor had there been anything good about any morning since that horrible day when he bobbled his incantation. He had gone over and over it in his mind and he could honestly not remember what he had done wrong, and yet he obviously had done something wrong. What?


    The infirmary doors opened. He heard the firm step of Dr. Kran. Pyre shrank inside himself. His daily scrubbing was about to begin. Loren said, "Sorry man, but it is time to remove the dead skin again, so the new layer can breathe."


    Pyre nodded. The movement shook the tears from his eyes. Without comment, Loren wiped them away with a cloth. He asked, "Need to blow your nose?" Pyre shook his head. "All right then, let us begin."


    The contraption was opened and Pyre was rolled onto a narrow cot. He was completely naked. The two men vigorously scoured the burned skin with special brushes. The pain as usual spiked to the point of black out but somehow this morning Pyre held on. He hated blacking out.


    Dr. Kran said, "There, son, I know it hurts, but we must get the dead skin off so you don''t get an infection. We have come this far, we don''t want to loose ground now."


    If any ground had been gained, Pyre did not see it or feel it. He could not see or feel any improvement at all. How he wished he had not signed his life away. What an idiot he had been, was, would always be.


    When his scrubbing was done, Dr. Kran prayed and gently sprinkled healing powder over the worst of his burns. The powder momentarily soothed his angry red skin. After his body absorbed the powder, Loren gently rubbed an ointment on him that he said would reduce the scarring. Would it? Reduced scars did not mean no scars. No woman would want him now. Not that it mattered...


    The odd moment came when Dr. Kran and Loren left him to attend to other patients. As much as he hated their coming and what they did to him, he felt less isolated when they were in the room with him. He also felt less afraid. The fear he had was undefinable, but it was there and it grew in isolation and expanded in the dark of night.


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    In isolation he was haunted by that night when he had been so stupid. All he wanted to do was go back, go back to that night and not ask Fand to marry him. If he had stayed inside, if he had kept his mouth shut how different would their futures have been? He would never know because no one ever got to go back to undo their stupidity.


    Before his accident, he had begun to learn to live without Fand. His hours were full and he was mostly able to block her from his mind. Upon occasion though, despite the potions, the magic, the mind control tactics he had been learning, Fand still slipped through. He would think he was rid of her for good and then boom, she would appear in his dreams or his nightmares, either way he didn''t care. She was there, she was with him, that was all that mattered. Now, that didn''t even matter. If she had not wanted him at his best, she surely would not want him at his worst. The thought of her was one more torture in this world of pain where he now lived.


    Silently Pyre prayed the prayer he prayed every morning, "Please, I just want to die. I want to go. Why don''t you just take me? This pain, I cannot endure it anymore. Please, take me." Tears slid down his cheeks. The salt in them burned his raw skin. All at once he felt a shift inside himself. Something entered into his pain. It did not take it away. He hurt just as much as ever, yet his sense of isolation decreased. He became keenly aware of a presence greater than pain in the room, in his body and in his soul. The Keeper? Was this the Keeper? He stretched out his mind to the presence, and instantly knew, he had just made contact with the mystery of the ages. This was not what he had expected or even wanted. Relief from physical pain did not come, but for the first time since the accident he felt his spirit stir. It was not dead yet. A tiny flicker of light sputtered inside of him. Was it hope? Could it possibly be hope? He did not know, but something was changing. Something, what or why, he did not know and he dared not question it lest it withdraw.


    *


    One day followed another and then one week, followed another. Time blurred into something isolated and cave like, but somehow a shelter of sorts. Pyre''s suicidal thoughts began to visit him less. Each time they arrived he would close his eyes and turn his mind to the Keeper. The Keeper''s presence would meet and enfolded him. It did not remove the pain or miraculously soothe his damaged skin, but it did make him aware of the fact he was indeed healing. Slowly, his body was mending as was his mind and spirit.


    Every day with gentle hands Loren Uhr tended to Pyre''s damaged skin. The scrubbing stopped being painful.The scars lost their angry red and became a softer shade of pink. They were still raised and always would be, but the red was not there. One night, Loren brought him a gown and lead him to a different room with a normal bed. To stretch out and move freely was a gift, a pleasure. He had survived. What came next he did not know nor did he ask? Would they send him home as an utter failure or would he be allowed to stay. He was too ashamed of his appearance to even entertain the idea that Fand might want him, ever. She was a stubborn an uncompromising girl. She wanted True Love and surely, she would get it.


    After a week in his new room, Dr. Kran visited him and told him, ¡°It is time you returned to the dormitory.¡±


    He could not believe his ears. If he was going to the dormitory did that mean he was not going to be disgraced and kicked out of his apprenticeship? He dare not ask, but hope whispered inside of him.


    Dr. Kran said, ¡°You will be allowed to attend classes half a day for the first week and if that goes well, you will be able to resume a full schedule next week.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes, really.¡±


    *


    It was his first night in his own room. Pyre knelt beside his cot and thanked the Keeper for sparing his life. He had a new resolve to live out what life now offered him and to release the life he would never get to  live. Acceptance was a heavy, but hard burden to shoulder, but it was a necessary one.


    Later in bed, he stared up at the ceiling. He could not believe that his life was resuming.To actually be eager to get back to his studies made him laugh. Never in those bored hours with Elder Zwar  did he think he would one day find learning interesting or appealing, but he did.


    Though thoughts of Zog and Fand hovered on the edges of his mind he did not let them enter. They were the past, he must focus on his future and what the Keeper required of him. His eyes began to grow heavy. Sleep, normal sleep, not induced by potions or medicine, began to slip over him like a warm and comforting blanket. Soon his was drifting...

 Chapter 17. The Dress

    In the bottom of Fand¡¯s trunk was a carefully wrapped wooden box with birds carved on it. She pulled it out and a pang shot through her. In her little girl dreams her true love would wed her in her mother¡¯s dress. Her true love was not coming. She opened the box. In gentle folds lay her mother¡¯s wedding dress. The over dress was made of intricate silk threads that her mother had spun herself. From the threads she had tatted the lace. The pattern was of delicate roses interspersed with spider like vines. The under dress was a simple white silk shift. Fand pulled it from the box. The last time she had held this dress or put it on had been when she was thirteen. She had grown taller since then and she was afraid the dress would not fit.


    She slipped the shift over her head. It fit, not perfectly, but it fit. A little alteration would be needed but not much. Next, she put on the over lay dress of lace. It too fit. The dress itself was a tad short. A ruffle would have to be added for modesty¡¯s sake. Her ankles must not appear on her wedding.


    In the not so long ago past that now seemed like an eternity ago, Fand would have gone to Zolla for help with the fitting. In fact if she had accepted Pyre¡¯s proposal she would have helped her with the entire wedding. That was past. It only made now harder if she dwelt on what might have been. Mrs. Zwart would help her alter the dress. She was a quiet woman and a fine seamstress. In her capable hands the dress would fit to perfection. At least this is what Fand hoped.


    As much as she disliked Gregor and his father, she did like Mrs. Zwart and she always had. Her quiet steadiness and her dedication to the Keeper gave Fand hope. The hope was that of survival. Somehow Mrs. Zwart had managed to carve out a life for herself despite her husband and large brood. How the brood came into being was something Fand never let her thoughts rove beyond. With each passing day her own wedding drew closer as did the wedding night. She couldn¡¯t and wouldn¡¯t think of that night. Once again she forced herself to focus on the dress, the food, the guests, but never the night...never the night alone with Gregor.


    *


    A fire burned low in the hearth to keep out the damp that clung to the sturdy granite walls of the Zwart house. It was a large house, not as big as the Holz house, but close. Fand stood in the wedding dress on a chair in the kitchen. Mrs. Zwart was letting out the hem of the shift. A ruffle would not be needed. As for the lace dress, it would have to remain as it was. The snip of Mrs. Zwart¡¯s scissors clipped away. When the hem was let down, she said, ¡°Now then, there is just enough fabric left for me to do a whip stitch around the hem. You can get down now.¡± She extended her rough work worn hand to Fand and Fand took it. When she was on the floor Mrs. Zwart gave her a smile and a hug. Softly she said, ¡°Ah, you look like your mother. I bet she looked as lovely as you do in the dress.¡±


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    Her comment brought Fand¡¯s mother very close. For an instant she wished her mother could be at her wedding but the instant quickly faded. What would her mother think of her marrying for penance? Fand managed to say, ¡°Thank you,¡± and give Mrs. Zwart a reciprocal hug before she went into the pantry to change. The pantry was well stocked as was Zolla¡¯s. Too soon, Fand would be sharing this pantry and this house with Gregor and his family. She did no let her thoughts advance to what else she would be sharing with him.


    When she came out of the pantry, Mrs. Zwart said, ¡°Leave the dress with me I will finish up. You best be on your way before the men come back.¡± This was another oddity of Mrs. Zwart. She never encouraged Fand to spend time alone or in the family setting with her future groom.


    Fand said, ¡°All right, if you are sure you don¡¯t mind. I could do it.¡±


    In a tight controlled voice, Mrs. Zwart said, ¡°Never been surer of anything else.¡± She paused and lowered her voice, ¡°I know what it be to marry a man not of my choosing. I know what it be to live with a man, a Zwart man. I love my babies, but not my man.¡± Her lips pressed closed as if they were a door that had been shut never to open again.


    Had there been someone else, someone Mrs. Zwart had loved, still loved? It was a question Fand would never know the answer to. She wasn¡¯t sure if what she had just been told was a cautionary tale or a warning to flee this marriage and all that would come with it. Fand said, ¡°Thank you for your kindness. You are a dear.¡±


    ¡°As are you my child, as are you.¡± There was no hint of warning in the older woman¡¯s response. A bit confused, Fand hugged her again and exited through the kitchen door.


    Outside it was a bright summer¡¯s day and for a moment, despite the future that hung over her, Fand felt light and hopeful. It was the feeling she got when Zog was happy. It had been a long time since she had intuited his happiness. Was Zog happy? She hoped so.


    As she made her way down the dirt road she saw Rehn Holz approaching on his horse. He was whistling. He sounded like the most skilled song bird. When he reached her, he reigned in his horse and said, ¡°I stopped by the house to tell Wert the good news. We received a formal letter from the Council from Doctor Kran. Pyre is on the mend. Looks like he is going to survive after all.¡±


    A wave of delight passed through Fand. Pyre was well! Pyre was alive! Praise the Keeper! To Rehn she said, ¡°That is such good news! I am so happy. I hope that Zolla is better.¡±


    He smiled and said, ¡°She is, but she still wants him home.¡± The light sputtered in his eyes as he said. ¡°Of course he has to take his Transferrance exam again. If he fails it could kill him. I wish he would come home too.¡±


    Fand wished the same, but she dare not say it aloud. Zolla¡¯s angry accusatory words still rang in Fand¡¯s heart and her head.


    Rehn continued, ¡°Zolla nor I will enjoy a shred of peace until we know he has safely completed that dangerous practice.¡± He shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t hold with sending a body through the void and having it turn up else where. It is unnatural and dangerous.¡± He tipped his hat to her and said, ¡°Keep him in your prayers.¡±


    ¡°I will!¡± Pyre was always in her prayers. Always.

 Chapter 18. Test of Fire

    When Pyre stepped into the classroom for the first time, it was Summer. He had missed Spring entirely. During the long hours in the infirmary his prayer life had deepened. The knowledge had come to him that he was where he belonged. Upon his return to his classes his marks improved. It seemed he might have some brains after all. It was good to be back among the living, to walk and mingle and converse with his fellow apprentices. Life would be utterly perfect except for one large thing. The thing he could not escape and must be able to accomplish if he were to remain in the city. He had to pass his Transferrance exam and if he failed he prayed he died. Every time he thought of facing that fire again he broke out in a panicked sweat.


    On the evening before his second attempt at Transferrance, Pyre made his way across the Common. He needed quiet, he needed peace to focus on his Transference incantation. The Dormitory was too noisy for him to study. He headed for the quiet of the Dining Hall. When he entered the Dining Hall, Jerue was seated at the head table. The older man smiled at him. "Evening Pyre. Come here to study?"


    "Yes, Sir."


    "Nervous about tomorrow."


    Pyre could not deny this, nor could he say it. He nodded his head.


    Jerue stood and came to him. He said, "Don''t worry. You will do fine. You will not make the same mistake twice." Jerue rolled up his left sleeve. Burn scars covered the arm. He gave Pyre a knowing look.


    "YOU?"


    "Yes, me. Even I bobbled a Transferrance in my early days."


    This comforted Pyre. "Thank you for telling me Sir."


    Jerue placed his hand on his shoulder. "I will keep you in my prayers tonight. You will succeed tomorrow. I have no doubt. I must be getting back to my rooms. Good night Pyre." When Jerue removed his hand from Pyre''s shoulder, Pyre''s fear left him.


    "Night Sir." Pyre watched Jerue walk away from him. The older man moved with such grace and power. He passed through the Dining Hall doors. Pyre glanced from the doors to Jerue''s picture on the wall. Tonight it didn''t frighten him. Instead it encouraged him. Jerue had not let his failures hold him back and neither would he. He settled himself onto a bench near the hearth. A low fire burned in it to keep out the damp. He opened his Book of Rituals. With his scarred finger he traced the letters of the Transferrance Incantation. As his finger slid across the page his mouth formed each word.


    A strange hissing sound erupted from the hearth. Pyre looked up. Standing in a cloud of steam was Zog. Pyre jumped to his feet. Zog smiled. "Hello friend." Pyre could not speak. Zog laughed and came to him. For a few moments, he studied Pyre''s scarred face. His eyes grew serious. "You have endured a lot."


    Pyre found his voice. "What are you doing here?"


    "I need your help."


    This was a first. "What kind of help?"


    Zog lowered his voice and said, "I need to cross over. Surely you have heard some rumor of a weakness in the wall. Studied some ritual."


    "Are you crazy? No one is allowed to cross over."


    "Allowed?" Zog laughed. "I''m not asking anyone''s permission. You owe me this much."


    Though Pyre didn''t speak his question, Zog answered, "Yes, owe. You little twit. Can''t you see you were just the tool Jerue used to keep me out."


    This angered Pyre. He was in the city by Divine order. He said, "I was called."


    Zog laughed again. "You are as delusional as I was. I thought I could redeem my family''s honor. I thought one day I could attain the position of Head Councilman. How stupid of me." Zog glanced down at the Book of Rituals on the table. His voice grew hard as he asked, "Will you help me?"


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    "I can''t even manage to properly Transfer myself much less penetrate the Council Wall." Pyre saw Zog''s eyes reading the open book. Pyre slammed it shut and said, "Even if I could, I wouldn''t tell you."


    Zog''s eyes narrowed when he looked up at Pyre. He leaned across the table almost touching Pyre''s nose with his. He said, "I should have expected as much. If Jerue could fool me, surely he could fool the likes of you."


    These words stung. He was lower than Zog, always lower than Zog in Zog''s estimation. Anger flared out of Pyre. "Am I so stupid?"


    "Look at you. Nearly got yourself killed even with instruction in Transferrance, while I got here without the help of any holy man. And I will get out of this damned realm with or without your help."


    "What about your family? Who will care for Fand?"


    "Ah, Fand still haunting you?"


    Pyre did not rise to the taunt. He remained very still as he studied his old friend. So, this was who the noble Zog had become.


    A strange bitter smile twisted Zog''s features. Softly he asked, "Has your mother not written to you of Fand''s betrothal?"


    "To who?"


    Bitterly Zog said, "Gregor Zwart."


    Gregor Zwart! How could pig-eyed Gregor Zwart be her true love?


    Zog placed his hand on Pyre''s shoulder. "You should go to her. She''d have you now, no doubt."


    "Would she? She didn''t want me whole, do you honestly think she would want me scarred?"


    "She''s not the same. She''s changed."


    Pyre studied his friend. "We all have."


    Anger flashed in Zog''s eyes. "Doesn''t it bother you that that pig''s hands will be on her? That pig will plant his seed in her?"


    Pyre felt sick. "Doesn''t it bother you?"


    "Of course it does, but I have not been able to get her to break the betrothal. A date has been set. Upon Fand''s insistence the wedding will take place at the Ruhe Inn in three weeks."


    What? Pyre had planned to take her there. He knew she longed to see the country where her mother had been raised. It was something he dreamed of sharing with her...and she was going to share it with Gregor Zwart! This was wrong, so very wrong! With a measured voice he said, "You must stop it."


    "Don''t you think I have tried? She won''t listen. She thinks Gregor is her destiny. Destiny, bah, there is no such thing, there are only choices, and we must each make our own." Zog let go of Pyre''s shoulder. "Think about what I said. Its still not too late." He returned to the fireplace, mumbled a phrase and tossed a small vial of liquid into the fire. The vial broke, a tiny puff of steam enveloped Zog, he vanished and the fire put itself out.


    Where had Zog learned this bootleg magic? Pyre stared at the now dead fire. What was he going to do? He had zero faith in his ability to sway Fand''s heart or her mind. If only the Keeper would intervene. He glanced at the ceiling and murmured, "Please show me what to do. Please save her from herself." When he looked back down, he noticed his Book of Rituals had disappeared. Damn Zog, he had added theft to his list of sins.


    *


    Pyre stood before the flames of the Transferrance fire. He could not breathe. Last night he had not slept. His mind had chased from one scenario to another as he tried to figure out how to save Fand from a bad marriage. The dawn had come slowly. At breakfast his food choked him. Now, his stomach felt raw and his mind was a blank. He could not do this thing. It would be best if he went home. His mother would never forgive him if he got himself killed and he would be of no use to Fand. His fellow Apprentices were assembled around him. Their anxiety or anticipation flickered in their eyes. Which ever way it went, they expected a show. Pyre closed his eyes and began to pray, "Have mercy upon me. Have mercy, I can not think."


    He heard the holy water pour onto the fire and sizzle. The words came to his lips and he said them. He felt his body slip into the dark void. And then in spite of his fear he felt, the Keeper''s presence. It was as if he were caught up and delivered to the other side. When he opened his eyes he was standing in the Inner Sanctum. The shrouded walls had been laid bare. He was alone. The place smelled of incense. Shafts of light pushed through the skylight. Before him, on the walls was the history of the Council in vivid detail. His eyes moved from panel to panel until they locked on the portrait of a man. The man looked exactly like Zog. In his hands was Jerim''s relic. Pyre read the word Beidenueng on its circular surface. At the man''s side was a pregnant girl. The girl looked like Fand. What? Whose child did she carry? And the man, who was the man? In an instant Pyre knew, this was Petran Schon, Zog''s uncle. The next image was of Petran being executed. Zog might come to such a fate if he did not stop his dabbling in the supernatural.


    Outside the heavy doors, Pyre heard footsteps. The curtains shot around the room covering the mural. Jerue, Appoccca and his fellow apprentices entered. Jerue said, "I see you were successful. I prayed you would be. Never underestimate the power of prayer." He began to applaud and the others did too.


    Embarrassed, Pyre said, "Thank you."


    Jerue smiled at him. It was almost a smile of tenderness. "Now that Pyre has completed his first unassisted Transferrance, the class will proceed with languages. Off with you." He strode out of the Inner Sanctum. The others Apprentices followed behind him.


    Unsure of his legs, Pyre did not move because he shaking. Appocca remained with him. He said, "I have something for you." He pulled a copy of The Book of Rituals from his robe and handed it to Pyre.


    "What? How?"


    "I know about your visitor last night. There is no need for you to be punished because your friend is a thief."


    "Thank you Sir."


    "Your welcome. Now go along. You don''t want to be late."

 Chapter 19. Almost

    The sun stretched long fingers of light through the branches. Fand sat in her favorite spot, the rock over looking the brook. In two days she, Uncle Wert and Zog would leave for the Ruhe Mountains. In five days she would be married to Gregor Zwart. She shuddered. Zog was still trying to talk her out of this marriage, while Uncle Wert seemed in a hurry to just get the deed done. As for Gregor, she never spent ANY time alone with him. Zog or Mrs. Zwart made sure of that. Once she was married to Gregor there would be no way of escaping him or his presence. She didn''t want to think about that, not now, not in her favorite place. Instead she turned her mind to what had happened since she agreed to marry Gregor. Zog had calmed down and seldom frequented The Tavern. These days he was very focused and quiet. He spent most of his time in his room. The peddler woman in the woods was apparently gone. Zog no longer went into the woods alone unless he was hunting. And, best of all Pyre lived! His younger brother Wendon had told her Pyre had successfully completed his Transfferance. He was now doing well and back in classes. She could only thank the Keeper for that and keep her part of the bargain. If she didn¡¯t she feared something terrible would happen to her beloveds.


    There was a carefully placed foot step behind Fand. She had been so lost in thought she had not heard any one approaching. She turned expecting to see Zog but it was not Zog, it was Gregor. "There you are." There was a bold look in his eyes. He sat down beside her and asked, ¡°So, out here alone?¡±


    She knew better than to admit she indeed was alone. She shook her head and said, ¡°Zog is just down steam fishing.¡±


    ¡°Is he now? Here I am to marry you in less than a week and I have not gotten even a single kiss.¡± His breath smelled of ale. So, he had been drinking. He puckered his mouth and zoomed in pressing his lips against hers. He tasted foul. She pulled away from him. It was then that he grabbed hold of her and pulled her to him. His hands bit into her flesh. She felt...she felt...rising against her thigh. She had seen bulls and rams get lusty, but she had never been held by a man in that state. She knew what bulls and rams did to the females. Gregor would NOT take her like livestock! She twisted in his arms and kneed him in the groin. He moved before her knee hit its target. His ankle turned. Cursing he stumbled, but he held on to Fand pulling them both down. They fell into the stream.


    The cold water shocked Fand¡¯s system. With all the strength she had she pushed against him. For a moment she broke free of his grip, but only for a moment. He hoisted her up into his arms. Wildly she kicked against him. He would no get her without a bloody fight. He pulled her onto the sandy bank. Instantly he was on top of her. Fand¡¯s sodden skirts wrapped around her, pinning her legs together. She could not move! He started kissing her hard on the mouth. Pyre never kissed her like this. Never. These kisses were violent and selfish. His left hand was tugging at her sodden skirt. She pleaded, "Please don''t Gregor. Our union won''t be blessed if you take me now. The Keeper will not honor the womb of a bride who pretends to be a virgin."


    Gregor said, "Rubbish. Me dad had me mom afore the ceremony and they have eight kids." Had Mr. Zwart taken Mrs. Zwart like this, over and over through the years? What a nightmare! With a hard jerk Gregor ripped the seam in Fand¡¯s skirt. He ran his right hand up her inner thigh. He cursed when it got stuck in her petticoat. Fand squirmed beneath him. He would not have her. He would not taint her womb. With all her might she jabbed him with her knee. Gregor grunted, "Be still bitch."


    Inside her, Fand''s heart raced. Her breath came in short gasps. He would have her. Desperately she prayed, ¡°Oh Keeper, please, help me.¡±


    From above a voice said, "Get off of her."


    Was this the voice of the Keeper? Fand looked up. Jerue stood on the rock.


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    Not recognizing the Head Councilman''s voice, Gregor shouted, "She is my betrothed and I can have her if I want her."


    Jerue said, "Not according to the edicts of the Sacred Text. Get up now or I will have this betrothal nullified."


    This time, Gregor recognized the voice. He leapt off Fand like she was poison. Fand rolled away from him and pulled her skirt around her. Gregor stood. He bowed and apologized, "I am sorry Sir."


    The Head Councilman did not acknowledge Gregor''s apology instead he said, "The Keeper created female flesh to be enjoyed, not abused. I will keep my mind fixed on you. If you attempt this again, you will not live to see another day. Now, be off with you.¡±


    Gregor bowed and awkwardly scrambled up the steep embankment. As soon as he crested the bank, he took off at a sprint toward home.


    Jerue turned his eyes upon Fand and came down to the brook. He offered her his hand and helped her climb up the bank. Still holding her hand, he said, "That pig will not abuse you again. I will be in the Ruhe Mountains on the date of your wedding rehearsal. At the dinner I will announce the marriage agreement has been voided by edict of the Council. Share this news with no one.¡± His pale blue eyes held a strange spark in them that demanded obedience.


    The marriage was to be voided? This was an unexpected miracle. Gratitude that was as immense as it was unexpected flowed through Fand. She said, "Thank you, Sir."


    Jerue''s voice was gentle when he said, "You are welcome. Now, home with you before you catch cold."


    ¡°Yes Sir.¡± She took off at a swift pace.


    Zog and Uncle Wert were both in the kitchen when she got home. Zog asked, ¡°What happened to you?¡±


    She lied, ¡°I tripped and fell in the brook.¡±


    ¡°Clumsy you,¡± said Uncle Wert.


    Zog eyed her suspiciously, but he did not ask any more questions. He had known what Gregor could and would do to her.No wonder he had constantly tried to talk her out of the marriage.


    Swiftly she climbed up the ladder and stripped out of her sodden clothes. Her heart was still racing and she felt so sick to her stomach. She still felt Gregor¡¯s hands on her, she still felt his body pressed against her. The life of abuse was not a life sanctioned by the Keeper according to Jerue. Another thought entered her head. It had been wrong of her to believe she could bargain with the Divine, to think she could purchase favor from the Keeper. Divine favor could not be bought and she had almost paid for her ignorance with her very life. Praise the Keeper Jerue had intervened on her behalf. Praise the Keeper!


    She toweled herself off, put on dry under things and her faded work dress. With a shudder, she sat down on her bed and pulled a blanket around herself. When Jerue showed up at the rehearsal Uncle Wert would be furious and angrier still when Jerue deliver the Edict. Deep down she felt that regardless of Zog¡¯s hatred of Jerue he would approve of the edict. Mr. Zwart and Gregor would not like it at all, but she knew Mrs. Zwart would secretly rejoice that she had gotten out of a bad match. A bubble of joy rose up inside of Fand. Regardless of how the Rehearsal played out, she would be in the land where her mother had grown up and lived. It was a place she had wanted to visit her entire life and she would! As huge as her gratitude was for the dissolution of her marriage agreement, getting to make the journey to the Ruhe Mountains was as great. She hugged herself and prayed this was all not a dream.


    *


    This leaving of home was only a temporary one. The room in the Zwart home was one she would NEVER share with Gregor. He had been very meek at last night¡¯s meal. Not once did she meet his eyes. He was not smart enough to read a woman, but she did not ever want to look into those eyes that had burned for her.


    As she packed the cart, Zog helped. He said, ¡°You look mighty happy this morning.¡±


    ¡°I am happy that I am going to see where my mother grew up. Beyond that, I refuse to think.¡±


    ¡°A wise woman you are, but I wish you were wiser,¡± said Zog.


    A part of Fand wanted to confide in Zog the way she used to, but Jerue had forbidden any mention of what would occur on the night of the rehearsal. There was also the risk that Zog might turn on her and refuse to go once he learned what Jerue had told her. She needed him to go with them. She wanted him to be there to see that miracles could occur.


    Once the cart was packed with everything, Fand climbed into the back of the wagon. Zog and Uncle Wert took the seat. The borrowed mule, Lucas, pulled the wagon forward. They were off. Fand rested her chin on her arms and gazed back at her home. It was a shabby place, but it was the harbor of her heart and she would be coming back to it.

 Chapter 20. The Smell of Carrion

    The first day of the journey had passed without incident. They spent the night at the Tummlin Inn. It was a shabby establishment with copious vermin. As Fand surveyed her less than clean bed, Zog said, ¡°Here rub some of this on you. I will keep you vermin free.¡± He handed her a bottle with an insect drawn on it. She knew who had decorated this bottle and she wondered what had become of Renate, the peddler woman, but she didn¡¯t ask. The smell of the rub was astringent. It stung Fand¡¯s eyes as she applied it to her skin.It did not surprise her that the concoction actually worked. During the night, not a a single bedbug or flea nibbled on her person. That peddler woman was a sorcerer of sorts.


    The next day they rode through two villages and could have stayed at another infested inn, but Zog said, ¡°The weather seems fine, let¡¯s camp for the night.¡±


    Uncle Wert said, ¡°All right.¡±


    After they set up camp in the shelter of a hollow, Fand took the opportunity to stretch her legs and look around. Had her parents camped here on their way to Tashe? She walked away from the camp and made her way to a rise. The long blowing grass of the Mitte Prairie was tossed by the evening breeze.It reflected the fire of the setting sun. In the distance the Ruhe Mountains loomed.  Tomorrow night if the weather was fine, they would reach the Ruhe Inn. The next night, she would be freed from her marriage.


    Sunlight faded from the sky. Zog joined Fand on the top of a grass-covered hill. He put his arm around her shoulders and pointed south east. "See there, Little One, that is the Wall."


    Fand had been so intent on the mountains she had not even noticed the Wall. The stone structure looked like a black granite snake in the grass. Beyond the Wall she saw more prairie. It didn''t look so different from the land on their side of the Wall. She asked, "What do you think it¡¯s like on the other side?"


    "Free. People are not bound to the ways of the Council." He removed his arm from her shoulders and pulled a leather pouch out of his pocket. "I came up here to give you this."


    Fand took the pouch and opened it. It contained more gold coins than she had ever seen. "Where did you get these?"


    Zog smiled and said, "Providence."


    "No. Gambling."


    Still smiling Zog said, "Call it what you like. This should be enough to buy you out of your horrible marriage. Gregor will destroy you."


    Indeed, he could have, but she she did not say so. The gold may have purchased her freedom and it may not have depending upon what Mr. Zwart¡¯s plans for his son¡¯s union were. She must refuse the coins for now and continue with this ruse. It would be over soon. She said, ¡°I won¡¯t take them.¡±


    Zog''s eyes narrowed. "I insist that you take them. You do not know what a man can do to a woman in closed quarters under the legal confines of marriage. You are about to walk intohell and you will want out. These coins can pave the way to your freedom. Please take the gold." He held out the bag to her.


    This unexpected generosity was not something Fand trusted. She shook her head and told him, "I won''t accept your tainted money."


    Zog fixed his eyes on her and bitterly said, "You will regret this as surely as you regret refusing Pyre.¡±


    These words stung. She murmured, ¡°Perhaps.¡±


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    Forcefully he shoved the bag into her hands and said, ¡°Little One, what ever happened to your dream? Isn''t it worth whatever you have to pay?"


    Though she didn''t respond, inside she thought, My dream is as dead as yours is Cousin. She dropped the bag of coins. It hit the earth with a jangling plop.


    *


    That night a strange wind woke Fand from chaotic dreams. Her throat felt constricted and her palms were sweating in cramped fists. She could not recall her dreams. There was the crackle of fire near the cart. She raised up and looked out of the cart. She sniffed the air. The smell of carrion tainted the air. The full moon shone down turning everything to silver. Behind her, Uncle Wert snored. Outside she heard Zog''s voice softly rising and falling. At first she thought he was singing and then by the rhythm of the sound, she knew he was chanting. She turned to the sound. The flames danced blue and purple. In their light she saw him. He had his staff strapped to his back and was wearing his travel pack. What was he doing? He turned to her and smiled. In the strange flickering firelight Fand saw him wink at her. He lifted something round and metallic to the full moon. There was a flash of light. A cloud of blue smoke engulfed him and he vanished.


    Fand shook her head hard. This could not be. She stared at the fire. It had returned to its normal flickers of red, orange and yellow. What had Zog done? She asked her self, Am I dreaming? Please let this be a dream! Instinctively, she grabbed her arrows and quiver and scrambled out of the wagon.She went to the fire. On the ground was the bag of gold coins. Tied to the bag was a note. In Zog''s messy scrawl were the words, "The elements were right. I have gone beyond. Remember me. Zog."


    Like she could forget him! Blast him! Fand asked the night sky, "How stupid can I be? He wasn''t getting better he was plotting his escape."


    A gust of cold wind hit Fand hard in the face. The sound of thunder rumbled in the distance. Dark lumbering shapes appeared over the rise.Whatever it was, whoever it was had seen the fire. With a quick movement, Fand picked up the water bucket and doused out the fire. She then ran to the wagon, just before she reached it, she saw Uncle Wert. He was fully awake. His eyes were focused on the shapes that were now descending the rise. Witheyes were full of terror, Uncle Wert said, "Run girl. Run for all you are worth."


    "What?"


    He hissed, "Sonpur, they have breached the wall. Run! They have come for you!¡±


    For her? What? The dream. The nightmare was coming true. And Uncle Wert knew? She had never told him anything.


    He shouted at her, ¡°GO!¡±


    With one hand she hiked up her skirt. The pounding of the mighty horses hooves was coming closer. The tough grass sliced against her legs and got tangled around her ankles. Her pace was too slow. They would catch her. She felt the vibration of of their rhythm shake the ground. The stench of their bodies filled the air. Manure, sweat and decay. They were close, so close, but she dare not look back. She must not look back. The night was torn open when Uncle Wert cried out in pain. Fand turned to look then. She saw dark shapes beside the wagon. They held Uncle Wert. She must go to him. She hesitated one moment and it was one too many. A rider over took her. The Sonpur¡¯s huge hairy arms arms scooped her up and set her down hard in front of the saddle. Fand struggled against the strong arms that held her. The coarse hair scratched her skin. The more she struggled the tighter the beast gripped her. She couldn''t breath.


    Uncle Wert moaned. Fand heard something break. She screamed, "Uncle!"


    The beast growled at her. His hot breath scorched her neck. As hard as she could Fand wrenched her body. For an instant the Sonpur lost his grip. In that instant, she managed to sink her teeth into the creature''s filthy arm. The blood she drew was salty, her teeth were tangled it¡¯s matted fur. The creature did not even flinch or acknowledge that it had been bitten. She bared her teeth to bite again. The Sonpur pulled her roughly against his body. He growled low in his chest. Fand felt the vibration of his growl as it reverberated through her body. A second rider joined them.


    In her peripheral vision, Fand saw a white kerchief pass from the second rider to the one that held her. The Sonpur that held her rammed the cloth over her face. Fand breathed in a strange sweet odor. It made her feel sick and light headed at the same time. The night or was it her brain, suddenly became cloudy. She felt her terror ease. The stars and the moon danced above her. One by one the stars began to disappear and then the moon was gone. She felt like she was floating. A delicious feeling of peace settled over her. Her body relaxed against the rider. Oblivion.

 Chapter 21. Beyond

    Pyre turned his head and opened one eye. He didn''t know where he was for an instant until he saw the head table. He jerked up right. Keeper, he was in the Dining Hall still. What time was it? He would get demerits for being out after hours. He yawned and scratched his head. The dorm was locked by now. There was nothing to do but make a pallet in the kitchen. He looked down at his slate. Smeared across it were scribbled words for the Transcription exam tomorrow. Idiot! He had fallen asleep studying. Angry with himself Pyre stood and made his way into the aisle between the tables.  Out of no where a voice said, "Pyre." The voice was familiar. He looked over his shoulder at the Dining Room fireplace. He expected to see Zog. No one was there. The voice said, "Come, stand by the fire."


    "I won''t do it Zog." A force picked Pyre up and carried his flailing body to the fireplace. Angry and frightenedPyre growled, "Don''t do this to me. Let me go."


    All at once the room went dark. Pyre felt himself being sucked into the blackness of Transferrance. A cold wind whipped around him. His body was falling faster than it ever had before. He cried out. The velocity of his fall made him nauseous. His stomach failed to keep up with his body. He literally threw up. His vomit was above him and it did not catch him as he continued to fall. Never had he fallen this fast and this long. Where was Zog taking him! When he landed, he landed hard. He stumbled and fell face down in dew soaked coarse grass. For several moments, he lay there with eyes still closed gasping and retching.A low moan came from near by. He opened his eyes he was in a moon bathed prairie. Near him was the silhouette of an over turned cart. Someone or something moaned again. The moan sounded familiar. Was it Zog? Pyre went to the sound. He passed by a burned out fire and the body of a dead mule.In the moon¡¯s silver light he saw Uncle Wert. The old man''s body was badly twisted. One arm was broken and the bone protruded. Pyre knelt beside him,  "Uncle, can you hear me?"


    He did not respond. He was unconscious. Pyre touched Uncle Wert''s bloody face. The instant he did, he felt himself and Uncle Wert being sucked into the darkness of Transferrance. Pyre latched on to Uncle Wert''s broken body. The old man screamed. Again Pyre closed his eyes. Down, down they fell just as swiftly as before. What the hell was Zog doing? The fall seemed to take an eternity and death passed before they finally landed on solid ground again. Stunned Pyre opened his eyes. They were in a house, a kitchen in fact. A low fire burned in the hearth. Where was Zog?  A man stood over them, he touched Uncle Wert¡¯s arm and gently said, "Hello Wert."


    Uncle Wert looked up at the man and whispered, "It can not be. Am I dead?"


    The man said, "No you old bastard, you are not dead. Besides, I doubt you and I will share the same side of eternity."


    Uncle Wert blinked hard. He mumbled, "But you are dead."


    Pyre looked from the  man to Uncle Wert and then back to the man. The man resembled Zog, only he was much older. The man said, "It was just a rumor. I''ve been living here since my so called death."


    "Come Pyre," the man said, "help me get him to bed."


    Pyre formed the question, who are you with his lips, but was unable to get it out. The man''s tone commanded obedience, so Pyre did as he was instructed. He grabbed hold of Uncle Wert''s legs.


    The man said, "Up, gently now." When they lifted Uncle Wert, he cried out in pain. They carried him from the kitchen into a large room. Books were stacked to the ceiling. They lined the walls, spilled out from beneath the the bed and were stacked around the bed. The man told Pyre, "Easy now, I''m afraid he has some internal injuries." Carefully they laid him down on the bed. Gentle as they were the movement still hurt Uncle Wert and he groaned.


    In the light of a flickering tallow candle, Pyre saw Uncle Wert had a long gash across his left cheek that it looked like an animal claw had made it.  Pyre''s mind began to spin. Uncle Wert would not be out alone. Zog and Fand would have been with him. Where were they?


    The man answered his silent question. "I do not know where Zog is. Some how he has shut his mind off to me.  I can read Fand though. I am afraid she is on her way to Kammin Spire."


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    Pyre had never heard of this place.


    The man told him, "It is the city of Angs.  We thought we had out witted him. We were foolish."


    Alarm filled Pyre. He asked, "Who are you and what do you mean Fand is on her way to K-Kammin Spire?"


    The man answered his first question, "I am Petran Schon."


    Pyre could not believe this. "What? You are dead."


    Impatience crept in Petran''s voice as he said, "We don''t have time for this now. We need to tend to Wert. Now, fetch me some hot water."


    Daring not to disobey, Pyre went  into the kitchen and grabbed the kettle and a towel. He brought it back to the room. Petran said, "Gently clean the gash on his cheek." Petran took Uncle Wert''s hand and sat down on a low stool beside the bed.


    Pyre had so many questions and fears running around inside of him. He wanted to ask, and talk, but Petran''s closed eyes did not invite interruption. Pyre touched Uncle Wert''s blood caked wound, he winced. Pyre murmured "I''m sorry Uncle, but I must clean this." The wound was deep and the skin was jagged along the edges. What could have made such a mark?


    When Pyre finished, Petran stood. He placed his hands a half inch above Uncle Wert''s body. He began to chant the healing chant. The same one Dr. Kran had said over Pyre after he had been burned. Petran''s hands traveled to Uncle Wert''s mangled arm. Before Pyre''s eyes the bone sunk back into Uncle Wert''s flesh. The bone mended and the flesh enclosed the bone. Petan''s hands then went to Uncle Wert''s face. The wound disappeared without a scar. This was strong magic and it frightened Pyre.


    Petran placed his hands over Uncle Wert''s side. Pyre heard the click of ribs. The agony on Uncle''s face eased then his body relaxed. Petran said, "He will sleep now."


    Before Pyre could ask any of his questions there was a knock at the door. "Excuse me." Petran went to the door and opened it. A lean, dark skinned man, dressed in black entered. Petran said,  "Thank you for coming Resen."


    Resen nodded. "What can I do for you at this late hour?"


    "Angs has abducted a new concubine."


    "So?"


    "I need you to bring her back."


    Resen frowned at Petran and said, "That is impossible."


    "The Sonpur just abducted her and I still have a read on her. If you hurry¡­" Petran''s voice trailed off.


    The words, Concubine and Sonpur spun around in Pyre''s head. Fand had dreamed of being abducted and it had come true. Or had it? Was this just some bizarre nightmare he had stumbled into?


    Resen said, "I won''t be risking my neck for some girl."


    Petran pleaded, "This isn''t just any girl. This is my kinswoman."


    Resen''s eyes narrowed. He said, "My mother will have your head if anything happens to me."


    "Only you can do this thing. Please."


    For several seconds Resen stood with his lips pursed. Pyre couldn''t stand the suspense, he blurted out, "You must help her."


    The man turned and acknowledged Pyre''s presence for the first time. His pale golden eyes made a quick assessment of Pyre before he asked, "Why?"


    "Because I love her."


    Resen frowned at him.  "An Apprentice in love, surely Jerue takes a dim view of that." He turned to Petran and said, "All right then. I''ll help."


    "Thank you son."


    "Right." Resen said, to Pyre, "Now, Apprentice, tell me what you know of the girl. What she looks like, how she behaves. What her habits might be."


    As Pyre spoke of Fand he felt disembodied, like he was listening to someone else describe her. When he said, "Her eyes are the most exquisite blue, like pale moonlight."


    Resen grunted and shook his head.


    Pyre asked, "Why did you do that?"


    Resen said, "It is always the same. Those eyes. Damn them. They have cost many a girl her life."


    Pyre had not imagined that Fand would be killed. "NO! Fand must not die!"


    Petran said, "Continue your description Pyre. If any one can save her, Resen can. He is the best Pathfinder this side of the Wall."


    Pyre asked, "The Wall?"


    Petran said, "You are Beyond Pyre. Now go on tell Resen the rest."


    Pyre stumbled over the rest of his description of Fand. Resen seemed pleased that she was so athletic. He said, "That is good. That will work to her advantage." He asked, "Any jewelry?"


    He had forgotten Fand''s dove. Pyre said, "Yes. She wears a dove on a ribbon around her neck."


    Resen shook his head. To Petran he said, "Please, tell me she is not Stella''s child."


    In a low voice Petran said, "She is."


    "I should have known." Resen looked at Pyre and said, "Thank you. This will help." To Petran he said, "Don''t you think it is time the boy got back. Dawn is fast approaching."


    Pyre begged, "No, please, let me stay." He had to see Fand again. He needed to know she was safe.


    Petran said, "I''m sorry Pyre. You must go back. It would not bode well for your friends or family if you turn up missing."


    "But-"


    Petran cut him off. "This is the way it has to be. You must go now, for Fand''s sake as much as for your own." Petran came and stood before him. He placed both his hands on Pyre''s shoulder. He said, "You will remember this as a dream." Petran raised his hands and clapped them over Pyre''s head. Once again Pyre felt the horrible sensation of Transferrance take hold of him.

 Chapter 22. Inside the City

    The roll of the river was overwhelming. Fand wanted off this damned boat. Forever it had been carrying her further and further away from home. The fog was so thick she couldn''t see anything. She didn''t know where she was. Zog and Uncle Wert must be so worried. In her head she heard a loud moan and then Zog''s voice whispered, "My braid."


    Fand sat up and cried out, "Zog." No answer. She looked around her. She wasn''t on a boat but in a cage on the back of a swiftly moving wagon. The wagon traveled beside a river. Above her tall leafy trees loomed. She looked ahead and she saw the Sonpur. Huge hairy beasts on horse back.She counted seven. Each wore leather britches and was shirtless.  Their fur ranged from dark ebony to dirty brown. All at once events slid into place in her mind. She remembered her nightmare and the reality of being kidnapped. She remembered Uncle Wert. Was he dead? Frantically she looked behind her and in front of her. There was no sign of him. Panic began to rise in her. Panic like she had never felt before. What would these creatures do to her? Worse than Gregor ever would have. Fand closed her eyes. She began to pray, "Please, please intervene. Please help me." Over and over she repeated this until she knew she was not alone. Frightened out her wits, trembling, sick to her stomach, she knew there was a force bigger than herself, holding her.


    Ahead a strange light emanated through the trees. Dazzling fingers of multi colored light shot out in every direction. Fand had never seen anything like it. A peculiar feeling twisted inside of her, a desire that pulled her away from the presence with in her.  She wanted to go to that light, be one with that light. The trees parted. The brilliance of the crystal dome was blinding. Fand shaded her eyes. Beneath the dome was a city, a beautiful city. A slender spire rose in the center of the city and seemed to be supporting the dome. Fand stopped breathing.


    Large wooden gates opened. The Sonpur took the wagon through. The inside of the dome was even more magnificent. Everything glowed with an ethereal light. The city was set up like the spokes of a wheel. Vacant streets ran to the center of the city where a  huge crystalline spire rose.


    A shadow swung near by.  She turned to her left. Hanging from a tree was Zog''s limp body. His face was contorted. A rope was around his neck. Oh, Keeper NO! NO! NO! The strange tug inside of her ceased.  She screamed. With all her might pressed and tugged against the bars of her cage. She had to get out of this thing. Get to Zog.


    Zog''s braid lifted slightly at the nape of his neck. Fand watched a silver disc fly toward her. It spun around her neck and shoved itself into her braid at the nape of her neck. Her hands went to her hair. Beneath her skin she could feel the shape of the disc. When she pulled her hands away from it, there was no blood and yet somehow it had passed through her skin. Had she absorbed it? What was it? She looked at the beasts, had they seen the thing come to her? Their eyes were focused straight ahead. They had not seen it, or if they did they were not concerned.


    A slight breeze kicked up and swirled around her. She could have sworn it whispered, Little One. She looked back. Zog had vanished. Had she only imagined what she had seen? She did not know. She turned forward.  The cage was entering the Spire. She felt the lure of it and she knew it was evil. With all her might, she pushed against the bars. They did not even move. She was trapped, she was trapped and they would take her where they would and do to her what they would. Terrified she started ramming her body against the bars. A large hand reached through and shoved a kerchief over her face. The sweet sickly scent filled her nostrils and her mouth. The world began to shut down again and she sunk into quick oblivion.


    *


    The air was sweet and warm. Fand felt like she was floating. Her eyes were still too heavy to open. Beneath her was a soft, soft mattress. She slid her hand across the silk coverlet. A sense of relief filled her. The other was just a bad dream or the result of some fever. She would be fine. Zolla would see to that. Zolla was a natural healer. She would take care of her. It would be all right. She heard Zolla softly humming. Fand always liked to hear Zolla hum. It meant she was content and that was a rarity. It also was further confirmation that everything was okay.


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    Into the peace a sound tore through Fand. A woman screamed again and then there was silence. A soft voice said, "It is finished. Angs can no longer torment you."


    Fand heard a woman crying. She was not with Zolla. She struggled to open her eyes. The same voice she had heard before said, "Gruin, tell Trug to fetch Talbot''s body."


    There was a swish of skirts and then a door opened and closed. Fand smelled the Sonpur when he entered the room. She opened her eyes. It was the one who had captured her. He passed by her like she was invisible. Behind him walked a female Sonpur. Her face was imprinted with wrinkles but they were not as deep as the male Sonpur¡¯s. She was muscular and wore a dark green gown. Her skin was dark and her eyes were pale green. Those green eyes glanced at Fand. There was resignation in those eyes. The female followed the male through a doorway.


    Instinctively Fand felt that someone beyond that door had just died. Death was in this place and death could and would take her if she let it. She tried to get up, but she was too weak. She wanted to run, but her legs were heavy. Two more Sonpur passed through the room and went through the door. When they came back through they carried a cot with a body wrapped in a linen sheet. The body smelled foul. A wave of nausea engulfed Fand. She turned her head to retch, but her empty stomach had nothing to offer. When she turned back, the Sonpur who had kidnapped her strode through the room. Behind him was the female Sonpur. Her green eyes dripped silent tears.


    An old woman dressed all in white followed the female Sonpur to the door. One of her hands reached for the female and gave her claw like hand a reassuring squeeze. The female Sonpur did not look at the woman or even acknowledge the gesture. She pulled her hand free and went out the door. As soon as the door closed the old woman bolted it.


    When the old woman turned, she saw that Fand was awake. A slow smile spread across her face fanning out into fantastical wrinkles. She had a cup of tea in her hands. She said, "Ah, you are a wake. I was beginning to fear Trug used too much potion and you had sunk into an eternal sleep."


    Fand thought, Trug is the Sonpur who captured me. Just above a whisper, she said, ¡°Let me go.¡±


    The old woman sat down in a wooden chair beside the bed. ¡°Would that I could, but I can¡¯t.We will make the best of things while we can.¡±


    Fand¡¯s throat ached. Her mind was still so fuzzy and she felt weightless. She tried to speak again but only managed to make a painful rasping sound.


    The woman held out the cup of tea. ¡°This will soothe your throat.¡±


    Fand forced a question through her lips, "Is this drugged or poisoned?"


    "No child."


    There was something in the woman''s brown eyes that made Fand trust her. She took a sip of the tea offered her. Its warmth slid down her throat and settled in a warm pool inside her stomach. The warmth seeped into the rest of her. She felt her body begin to relax again. The woman had lied. The tea was drugged. The room began to fade and Fand felt herself sailing into a place of peace and light.


    *


    When Fand awoke again the waning face of moon hovered over head. Its shape was distorted through the ceiling. Wait the ceiling looked like it was glass, no it was crystal. Fand heard soft breathing. Beside the bed the female Sonpur lay on a pallet. Cradled in her arms was a Sonpur child. Both were soundly sleeping.


    The dark in the room filled with a muted burst of rainbow light. Fand looked up.An arc of colors shimmered and danced. Above Fand the outline of a man walked within the dancing light. Was he floating? He stopped above her. Fand watched him kneel down over her. She saw him press his hand flat against his crystal floor.A longing to press her hand to the ceiling came over Fand, but her body was too heavy to lift.


    A spiral of multicolored light swirled through the transparent ceiling. It wrapped around the dove pendant at Fand''s throat and lifted it. The sensation was pleasant. A wonderful euphoria coursed through Fand''s body.


    All at once a searing pain shot down Fand''s spine. A horrible cold radiated from the nape of her neck where the disc had lodged itself. What was this thing? It burned cold and distracted her from the light above her. Her pendant fell back to her chest. The man stood and walk out of sight. As soon as he disappeared the cold burning stopped. Whatever the thing in her neck was, ithad just protected her from something. But what? It had not protected Zog, if it had been Zog that she saw hanging from the tree. Dreams, reality and nightmares were confused. Had Zog¡¯s spirit whispered, Little One to hers?

 Chapter 23. Images Breaking

    The morning sun was too white and it was already too warm. Pyre ran his finger around the neckline of his woolen robe. His scars were itching. He wished Jerue would finish his prayers. Moments, eternal moments passed before Jerue at long last said the waited for Amen. The Apprentices quickly dispersed. Pyre headed across the Common to his first class. He was feeling a bit off, like something had happened and he couldn''t remember what it was. Half way across the Common Jerue stopped him. He said, "Son, I fear I have an unpleasant task for you. Come this way."


    What now? Much to Pyre''s dismay, Jerue lead him to the Infirmary. Since his accident he did not like the place, too many bad memories of long and painful hours, days and weeks. Loren Uhr met them at the door. By the expression on Loren''s face Pyre surmised he was about to engage in something very, very unpleasant. Loren led them down the long central hall and to the back of the building. He pushed through a heavy door at the end of the hall. Pyre had heard about this room. It was the morgue. Why would Jerue take him to the morgue?


    In the room on a table was a single draped body. Jerue said, "Loren, you may go."


    Loren nodded and left them.


    Jerue said, "I thought you might like to say good bye to your friend."


    Good bye? Pyre did not want to know who the deceased was. His heart began to hammer hard inside his chest. His breath came in short gasps. Something, some memory was trying to rise to the surface, to push its way through. What was it? What?


    Jerue pulled the sheet back. Pyre saw his friend''s face. His left side was badly burned. Badly burned, just like Pyre''s had been in his Transferrance accident. And yet, his friend''s face held a strange calmness. Never had he seen Zog truly at peace in life and yet, in death he was. There was something else. Something...again Pyre felt a memory, a thought, trying to surface. Jerue said, "He was killed trying to escape across The Wall. The magic he used was faulty and started a fire. The Mitte Grasslands are burned. His uncle and cousin were caught in the fire."


    "No!"


    Jerue''s eyes held a tender light. Softly he said, "I am sorry. What remains of their bodies are being sent to be buried in Tashe.¡±


    This could not be! He asked, ¡°Are they still here?¡±


    Kindly, Jerue said, ¡°No. There was no reason for them to be brought here. As for your friend, we need to discover how he managed to apply such magic. An autopsy has been ordered.¡±


    Dumbly, Pyre nodded. Inside his head the question echoed,If Fand is dead wouldn''t I feel it? Wouldn''t I know? An image of rainbow light came to mind, nothing more.


    From his pocket Jerue pulled a prayer book.  It was Zog''s. Pyre recognized the worn binding. How many times had he seen Zog read this book? Jerue handed it to him and said, "Somehow this remained unscathed by the fire. Perhaps, it is a gift from the Keeper as a token of your friendship."


    The Keeper would give him a book and not save his friends'' lives? What sort of deity did he worship? Pyre took the extended book and said, "Thank you, Sir."


    "This is very hard I know. Take some time. Go to your cubicle."


    Pyre said, "Thank you," and Jerue dismissed him. After a bow of respect, Pyre walked through the doors. Outside of the Infirmary his grief overwhelmed him. He did not want to break down in the street. Swiftly, he made his way to his cubicle and hurled himself on his cot. His mind flooded with vivid images he could not turn off. He saw Zog¡¯s face broken with laughter. He heard the beauty of his voice, his head tilted back...it was always a triumph when he made Zog laugh. Next he remembered the feel of Zog¡¯s hands on shoulders. He heard his voice full of wonder and hope. These images and sensations faded and other images came. Unfamiliar ones. A room with books. Flesh covering mended bone. A man with dark skin and hair, another man who looked like Zog, only old, and then Uncle Wert, broken and bloody. Had it all just been a dream. Somewhere inside of him a voice said, ¡°No.¡± Something happened.


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    Desperate for answers, Pyre opened Zog''s prayer book. Inside the book was one of Fand''s parents'' letters. He had often wondered over their content, but she never shared them. How had the letter come to be in Zog''s book?


    Pyre unfolded the letter and read:


    "Dear Stella, Tonight, when I saw you, I knew I had been made to love you. I never expected to feel anything so strong for another. Then, there you were, dancing at the harvest festival, so lovely. You stole my heart, and I shall never get it back. Stella means star, and that is truly what you will be for me. The guiding  light of my life¡­"


    There was a knock at his door. Pyre shoved the letter back into Zog''s book. He got up and answered the door.


    Appocca stood in the entry. He had a finger to his lips. He motioned for Pyre to follow him.  In the Elder Councilman''s eyes was a sharpness Pyre had never seen before. Appocca led him out of the dormitory, cut across the Common and headed for the Library. Once inside the Elder Councilman took Pyre to a hallway he had never noticed before.  The hallway led to a stairwell. Pyre followed Appocca down it into a dark room. When he closed the door. Total darkness. There was a sputtering sound and then a flame flickered in the palm of Appocca¡¯s hand. Its light illumined the small room. It contained a desk, two chairs and several stacks of books. For the first time, Appocca spoke. He said, "Sit."


    Pyre took the seat nearest him. He waited for Appocca to speak again. Several minutes passed. The Elder Councilman had his eyes closed. He seemed to be elsewhere. Finally when he opened his eyes, he whispered, "Things are not as they seem. You must be wary. Your thoughts are being observed. For what purpose, I cannot say at this time. Images are breaking forth in your mind. Do you know where they come from?"


    Pyre shook his head.


    "Your recent past. They are not dream images, though someone has engineered them to appear so." Appocca ran his hand down his long white beard and asked, "You saw Zog?"


    "Yes."


    Appocca shook his head. "All that potential lost. If only he had heeded my words."


    An image flashed across Pyre''s mind. It was of Uncle Wert. He was lying in a strange bed sleeping. Pyre glanced at Appocca. The older man nodded. Had he seen the image too? Pyre tried to read Appocca''s eyes. They were veiled. Something was stirring behind that veil but Pyre couldn''t tell what.


    Appocca said, "Feel this."


    Pyre felt a warmth enter his mind. It seemed to grab hold of his thoughts. The veil dropped from Appocca''s eyes. He said,  "When this sensation comes over you, stop what you are thinking. It means someone has entered your mind. Remember how this feels." He sent out the sensation again. It was more distinct this time.


    "Yes, Sir."


    Appocca said, "You are dismissed."


    Pyre rose and headed toward the door. When he touched the latch he felt the warmth enter his mind again. He looked back at Appocca. The older man mouthed, It is not I.


    Pyre asked, "Who then?"


    Appocca closed his eyes. He shook his head but didn''t answer.


    A coldness came over Pyre. It wound around his head and seemed to penetrate his skull. The warmth disappeared. Frightened Pyre asked, "What was that?"


    "Your thoughts are being monitored from Beyond."


    The word Beyond reverberated in Pyre''s mind. Fast images slid across his inner eye. Everything came back all at once. Fand was not dead she had been kidnapped. Pyre began to shake.


    Appocca put a hand on his shoulder. He said, "You remembered."


    Pyre nodded and asked, "Who was in my head?"


    He said, "Petran."


    "You know he isn''t dead?"


    Appocca nodded. "Yes." He squeezed Pyre''s shoulder and said, "Now that you remember, you must be careful not to think these things. You must offer them up to the Keeper each time they enter your mind. Fand''s life depends upon it. Can you do this for her?"


    "Yes, Sir."


    "Good. Speak to no one of our encounter." Appocca let go of his shoulder. "If you get frightened or find your thoughts running away from you, turn to me. I will protect the privacy of your mind."


    Pyre said, "Thank you Sir."  He opened the door and went up the stairs alone. As he passed through the hallway into the Library he turned and looked back. The hall had disappeared.

 Chapter 24. Kammin Spire

    An odd calmness had settled over Fand. She knew she should be grieving Zog but she felt nothing unpleasant. She tested her memory of Uncle Wert screaming in the darkness. Nothing there either. It was odd. And even though it was odd Fand couldn''t seem to worry over its oddness. She couldn''t seem to worry at all. Around her every shiny object in the room reflected the rainbow colored light that poured through the crystal ceiling. She smiled to herself and pulled the white linen sheet up to her chin. Sleep would be good. Sleep was always good here.


    The door opened and the old woman, Kerzee came in. Fand smiled and said, "Hello Kerzee."


    The woman did not return her smile. Instead she asked, "You have been here many days and yet you remain calm. How is it that you are so at peace?"


    "Isn''t everyone at peace in heaven?"


    Kerzee''s dark eyes narrowed. "This is far from heaven. I thought you knew where you were."


    Fand didn''t have a clue and she didn''t care either.


    "Haven''t you ever heard of Kammin Spire?"


    "No."


    Kerzee''s eyes squinted into thin slits. She asked, "What about Angs?"


    "No."


    The old woman asked, "Where are you from child?"


    "Tashe."


    Kerzee''s eyes opened wide. "No. This can not be."


    Amused by Kerzee''s reaction Fand asked, "Why? Aren''t people from Tashe allowed into heaven?"


    Kerzee frowned. "Heaven yes, here no."


    A strange tingling sensation emanated from the nape of Fand''s neck to the base of her spine. It was the disc. The thing was getting hot. Pain radiated from it. Instinctively she knew she must not react. She willed herself not to cry out, even though the pain was spiking.


    Kerzee asked, "Is something wrong?"


    As best as she could, she calmly said,"No." This woman might want to take the disc out of her, but it had come from Zog. There was no way she would give it up. The uncanny peace she had been experiencing began to dissipate. The old woman closely watched Fand''s face. Fand felt a strange warmth invade her mind. It was a gentle warmth. All at once Fand realized she was not alone in her thoughts. She told Kerzee, "Don''t do that."


    The warmth receded.


    Fand said, "That is not allowed. No one is allowed in another''s thoughts without permission." Then it struck her, a woman possessed this sacred ability. "How is it that you can do that?"


    Kerzee bit her lip. Her eyes seemed to reach inside Fand. She said, "It is necessary for me to do my work."


    "What is your work?"


    In a low voice Kerzee said, "Caring for Angs concubine."


    "Who would that be?"


    Kerzee dropped her eyes to the floor. She whispered, "You."


    A surge of hot anger gushed inside Fand. She yelled, "No! The Keeper will not bless my womb if it is invaded before marriage."


    Kerzee sighed and said, "And Angs will not marry you if you are infertile."


    Fand rose from the bed. She wanted to hurt this woman. Then all at once her anger cooled as if it had never existed. Her body relaxed and she sank back down into the soft pillows. The calmness had returned and the pain was gone.


    *


    Later Fand sat in bed eating roasted grain soaked in goat''s milk. A panel slid open in the west wall. An old wrinkled man with sparse hair on his chin and head entered. He was dressed in rusty black robes. He eyed Fand and shouted, "Kerzee!"


    From the kitchen Kerzee called back, "What is it Father?"


    The old man shouted, "Don''t be bellowin'' at me. Come in here."


    Kerzee entered the room holding a pan and a dishtowel. She asked, "What?"


    The old man jabbed a thumb in Fand''s direction and said, "His Lordship wants to see the girl."


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    Kerzee argued, "She''s still too weak. And Trug bruised her. Angs won''t like that."


    Kerzee''s father glared at her. He said, "He wants to see her at sunset and he will. Have her ready."


    "I don''t think it''s a good idea."


    As the old man passed back through the panel he said, "What you think is of no account." The panel clicked shut.


    Under her breath Kerzee muttered. Fand could not make out what she said but she was obviously very perturbed. The older woman looked at Fand. "You must bathe. I will prepare a bath for you."


    "I don''t want to bathe. I am not going to meet this Angs person."


    Kerzee didn''t argue with her. She took Fand''s empty bowl and left the room.


    Fand settled back on her pillows and stared up at the ceiling. The afternoon light was fading. Several minutes passed before Kerzee returned and said, "Your bath is ready."


    "I''m not bathing."


    "Yes, you are. It will not bode well for you if you don''t obey my father."


    Fand laughed, "That old man? What can he do to me?"


    "Never judge another by outward appearances. My father, Folgen, is very powerful. If you value your life you will do as you are told."


    "Is that supposed to frighten me into obedience?"


    In a firm voice Kerzee said, "It is the truth. You will go to Angs no matter what. The only choice you have is the way you conduct yourself. You can follow my instructions or suffer the consequences of your own stubbornness. Which shall it be?"


    A voice inside of Fand said, obey. That was all. Fand didn''t know what or who the source of this voice was, but she trusted it. With Kerzee''s help she hobbled into the kitchen and then was ushered into a closet containing a huge wooden tub.


    Kerzee helped her undress and get into the tub. The warm water was soothing. It smelled of lavender and rosemary. Kerzee said, "If you need anything just call."


    Fand nodded. She took the bar of lavender and rosemary soap. The smell of it reminded her of Zolla. She scrubbed herself and washed her hair. The lather was sweet. It left no residue.


    Cleansed, she climbed out of the tub and toweled herself off. When she ran the towel over her hair, she felt a peculiar tingle at the nape of her neck. The disc.There was a strange sloshing sound and the disc slipped out. It spun to her empty hand. She dropped the towel. Clutching the disc with both hands she studied it. On its silver surface was etched a man on a horse. She turned it over. On the other side was a man at prayer. She flipped again, now there was a man propped up in bed. A chubby man. Immediately she recognized him. Uncle Wert. He was alive! She flipped the disc back over. The man in prayer wore robes. Was this Pyre? But who was the man on the horse?


    The disc quivered in her fingers. The words Beideneung EIUI Kavos shimmered across its surface. What was this thing? A relic? It had to be. How had Zog come by it? Panic seized her. She began to shake. The disc slipped out of her fingers and clattered on the floor. The instant she lost contact with it a black wave of grief engulfed her. She saw Zog''s dead body. She heard Uncle Wert''s cry of pain.


    The disc rose from the floor and lodged itself back into the skin at the nape of her neck. Her black grief evaporated. The sense of calm returned. It would be okay. She could do this. She put on the shimmering silk undergarments and the dark blue silk gown. The fabric seemed to have twinkling stars in it. It felt light and cool. She slipped her feet into the satin dancer shoes. The instant her feet were in them, they wanted to dance. This was a strange and enticing magic. She went to her room to wait.


    It was not long before the wall clicked open and the ugly little man reappeared. His eyes traveled the length of her. In a raspy whisper he said, ¡°Tha will do. Come.¡±


    Fand rose from her bed and followed him up the winding staircase to the spire above. The huge circular room was magnificent. The crystal floor and ceiling shimmered. She could make out the blurred images of the floor below. When she looked up, the evening sun cast rainbows all over the room. For several moments she was blinded by them. Slowly her eyes adjusted and she saw a mural painted along wainscoting of the spire.


    Folgers said, "Sit there." He pointed to a throne in the middle of the room. It was gold. On its back were carved three circles. The center circle was hollow.


    Fand went to the throne and sat down. She felt that odd tingling sensation at the nape of her neck. The disc.


    Folgen said, "His lordship will be here presently." He went to the eastern wall and sat down on a little chair. Carved in the wood above his head was his name, Folgen.


    As Fand waited for Angs to arrive she studied the mural on the wall. One panel depicted the city and next displayed the of the building of the spire. On the third panel there was a picture of a huge winged man. He hovered over a girl wearing a crown. The fourth panel portrayed the birth of a flaming child. For several panels there were paintings of this child growing up.


    Fand craned her neck around to see the last scene. It depicted a wedding. A beautiful young man stood beside a girl with long black hair. Her eyes were the color of the moon. At her throat was a pendant exactly like the one Fand wore. Startled Fand realized this was a portrait of her. How did they know she was coming? From a heavy door beside this last panel, a man emerged. An acrid smell accompanied him. Fand had smelled this odor before. She looked at the man and immediately recognized him. He was the man in the forest, the one who Zog told her to be wary of. Was this Angs?


    The man smiled at her, but did not speak. His eyes held a fascinating light. Fand felt herself drawn to it. She rose and went to the man. The instant she touched him a delicious feeling stole through her. His eyes echoed her emotion. Was this the man of her dreams? Her True Love?


    Folgen began to play a recorder. The music was sweet like the trill of birds at dawn. The man put his arm around her waist and took her hand in his. Slowly, they began to dance. With each pass around the room, Fand felt her heart grow larger with love. Dreams did come true after all. She looked up into his pale blue eyes and felt herself drowning. The sensation was not unpleasant, in fact it was glorious. They danced until the sun set and then he let go of her. He nodded to Folgen. Fand had forgotten the old man was even in the room. She didn''t want to leave Angs. She wanted to stay. Angs placed a finger to her lips and shook his head. Fand kissed his finger. This pleased him but he did not relent. He nodded to Folgen.


    Fand felt Folgen''s fingers wrap around her arm. With surprising strength he pulled her away from Angs and led her back down the stairs. At the base of the stairs he pressed a panel and the door slid open. Folgen pushed Fand through the opening into her room. She heard a sharp clink as the wall closed behind her. Why had Angs sent her away? Desolation filled her.

 Chapter 25. Transgressions

    The blue light of predawn penetrated Pyre''s closed lids. His head rested against something solid. His clothes were damp. He opened his eyes. He was in the herb garden beside the well!  He must have fallen asleep drawing water, which meant he had not mopped the floors. Keeper, he chided himself,  only I could fall asleep drawing water! Demerits were guaranteed now, and detention a strong possibility. Blast it all!  It was too late to save himself. Might as well face whatever punishment awaited him. Cook Grayson was sure to box his ears and give him a good scolding.


    Just as Pyre was about to pull himself up, he heard something scrape open,  like a window. He pressed himself flat against the well. From the direction of the Inner Sanctum he heard the fall of feet. Small feet. Pyre peered around the well. A  girl, in a white gown, leapt over the garden wall. Her dark hair was pulled back the same way Fand wore hers. For an instant he thought she was Fand and then he saw her face. She was not Fand.  The girl saw him and her eyes grew wide. Those eyes were the same color as Fand¡¯s. Urgently she whispered to him, "Please help me. I must get out of here. Which way?"


    Which way indeed? He looked at the kitchen door that he had failed to close last night. She could not go through there. There was a path beyond the kitchen garden. It went straight  to the pig sties. He pointed and whispered back, ¡°Take that path through the gate. Followit until you reach the third left gate. They keep pigs there and it has an opening in the wall where the muck is chunked out. You might be able to squeeze through. Its nasty, but it will take you away from here."


    "Thanks." The girl ran through the gate and headed down the path.


    Pyre felt shaken. She had looked so much like Fand. If only she had been Fand.  Who was she and where had she come from?  Females were not allowed in this section of the city, not even as servants. He glanced at the dark shadow of  the Inner Sanctum. A window was open.  Had she come from through the window?  Females were not allowed in the Inner Sanctum, ever. At least that was what he had been told. A terrible thought hit him. Was she a thief? Had he just helped a thief escape? That would be just like him.  Afraid he had just made his situation even worse, Pyre rushed to the back wall and scrambled over it. Fearfully he approached the open window. On tip toes he peered inside.


    The sun had yet to touch the day with its full light. Though inside the room was dim Pyre could make out a single figure asleep on  an ornate bed. He didn''t know there were bedrooms in the Inner Sanctum. Beside the sleeping body were mangled loops of rope. The body rolled over. It was a man.   It looked like-no it could not be. NEVER!


    Terrified, Pyre ducked down. He felt suddenly ill. That could not be, that must not be Jerue. Pyre wanted to look again to make sure, but lacked the courage.  With his heart in his throat, he backed away from the window. If that was Jerue, perhaps the girl hadn''t come through the window at all. He had not seen her do so. Still he could not rationalize away the scraping sound he had heard. It had been the sound of the window opening.


    *


    That day, every time a door opened  Pyre''s heart leapt and dashed madly until he knew the person entering the room had not come to take him to be punished or scolded. By night fall, he was spent. He was also puzzled. Nothing had happened. Nothing. No one had called him in to give him demerits or detention.  Cook Grayson did not mention the dirty floors.


    During the evening meal Pyre was careful not to make eye contact with anyone. Also, he sat alone and spoke to  no one. After the meal, when the last man left the hall Pyre sighed. The worst had not happened. At least not yet.   Now if he could just manage to get the tables cleaned and the floors  mopped without falling asleep, he would be good. Quickly he went to the well, drew water, came back inside and set to work.  When he finished mopping the  floors the front doors opened.  He thought, This is it.


    Seeing his expression, Loren Uhr laughed. "A bit jumpy my friend?"


    "A little."


    The laughter left Loren''s eyes. "You have reason to be. Dr. Kran noticed at Supper. He wants you to come to the Infirmary for a tonic."


    Pyre did not like tonics, his mother had dosed him with too many over the years. "I''d rather not."


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    "Doctor''s orders." Loren crossed the wet floor and took the mop from him. "You sit down. I will rinse this out and then we will go."


    Pyre sank onto the nearest bench.  He rested his head against the wall. His mind began to drift. Weariness sucked him under. Dreams fast and vivid  poured through him.  The images moved so quickly they were blurs of color. His heart raced. Some one was calling  him. He knew the voice. Fand! A different voice pulled him out of sleep. He opened his eyes.


    Gently Loren said, "Come, we must go. You need more than a tonic, you need some privacy." He helped Pyre to his feet and kept a steadying hand on him as they crossed the Common to the Infirmary. Once inside they went directly to Dr. Kran''s office. The doctor was not in, but this didn''t trouble Loren. He pulled a key from his pocket and unlocked what Pyre thought was a closet door. He said, "Go in there."


    Though he did not like tight spaces, Pyre was too weary to protest. He was surprised by the size of the closet. It was not a closet at all but a room. It had strange gray stone covering the windowless walls. The stone covered the floor and the ceiling. There was a narrow cot against the back wall.  Loren closed and locked the door behind him. The shape of the door disappeared in the wall. He told Pyre, "Lie down and rest. You need some peace."


    Pyre asked, "And how can I find it here?"


    Loren swept his hands outward. "The gray stones that cover floor, walls, ceiling and door deflect magic and thought invasion. Your thoughts will be safe here and you can explore them and find where they lead you without having to worry about anyone probing you. You can also pray whatever prayers you feel the need to pray and no one will intercept them, but the Keeper."


    "Can anyone monitor our conversation?"


    "No."


    As soon as he heard this Pyre asked, "Have you  word of Fand?"


    Loren nodded. "Yes, she is in Kammin Spire."


    "Is she all right?"


    "She should be."


    "What do you mean she should be?"


    Seeing his agitation Loren laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. He looked him right in the eyes and said,  "According to Appocca, Angs is kind to his concubine."


    "Concubine! Has-"


    "No Pyre, he has not violated her. She is safe until the moon reaches its fullness. Then-"


    Pyre could not bear to hear the words, he yelled "Stop!" He knew where this was going. The moon, the blasted moon! So much about farming and fertility concerned the moon. It now concerned Fand. When the moon was full...if only there was a way to keep that from happening.


    Squeezing his shoulder Loren said, "Resen is the best Pathfinder known. We must pray he gets her out. He is near the city. Pray and trust, that is all we can do."


    Bitterly, Pyre said, "It is not enough."


    Letting go of his shoulder, Loren said, "I know it seems so, but worry and panic, will not help Fand and they will wear you out."


    The door reformed and opened. Dr. Kran entered. He stepped inside and the door once again vanished. To Pyre he said, "Ah, you are here. " He uncorked the bottle. A noxious smell filled the small room. The doctor said, "This will revive you."


    Or kill me, thought Pyre. He took the bottle and drank it down. It tasted even nastier than his mother''s tonic and he didn''t think that was possible. With the back of his hand he wiped his mouth. "Disgusting."


    "Indeed." Dr. Kran then said, "You did a good deed this morning. A family is very grateful to you."


    Confused, Pyre asked, ¡°What?¡±


    "The girl made it safely home."


    The girl. Had that only been this morning?He said, "She looked like Fand."


    Loren who had been silent suddenly growled. His face flushed an angry red.  He shot a look at Dr. Kran. "They always do." He started to say something else, but a look from Dr. Kran quelled him.


    Pyre asked, "I think I saw-"


    "Jerue," Loren finished for him. Angrily, he added, "From time to time he captures a young woman to test his celibacy."


    Pyre asked, "What? Why would he do that?"


    Loren started to say something but Dr. Kran said, "That is enough Loren." To Pyre he said, "It is a good thing you fell asleep by the well. Sometimes what seems to be a mistake to us may be  divine intervention for someone else. Now lay down and get some rest."


    Pyre protested, "I can''t sleep here. I must get back to my cubicle before curfew."


    "Yes you can. You are here by Appocca''s permission you will not get into  trouble. Now lay down."


    "What about Jerue?"


    Before Dr. Kran could answer, Loren said, "He is preoccupied with the loss of his concubine."


    "Loren she was not a concubine." Dr. Kran motioned toward the cot.  "Pyre, get in bed."


    Ever obedient Pyre did as he was told. The tonic had upset his stomach. The talk had upset his mind. This business with Jerue was troubling. He watched the doctor and Loren leave. He tested the space inside his mind, for the first time in weeks he felt utterly alone in his brain. Immediately, all the thoughts he had been repressing rose to the surface of his mind like jammed logs in a river. One crashed into another.


    For awhile he lay there dazed and gasping.  It took awhile for his mind to sort itself out. Finally his thoughts all ran to Fand. She was alive, there was still hope. Loren had implied that Resen would be able to get her out of that Kammin Spire place.  What if Resen failed?  Worry and misery swirled inside of Pyre. He must DO something! He was working himself into a panic when Loren''s words echoed in his mind, "Pray and trust."  At present it was all he could do. He slid off the cot, clasped his hands and prayed harder than he had prayed in his life. Would it help? He didn¡¯t know.

 Chapter 26. The Night

    It was time. Overhead the full moon shot muted rainbows through the ceiling. Fand was ready. This night Angs would plant his seed in her and if all went well that seed would take root. She looked at herself in the long mirror Kerzee had provided for her. The sheer white dress was lovely. It accentuated her every curve. Angs would like it. Angs had been waiting for her as she had been waiting for him. After tonight, she would live with him up above. She too would become a creature of the night. Fand hugged herself. This was better than anything she had ever dreamed.


    The panel in the wall slid open. Folgen was dressed in crisp dark robes. Trug stood beside him. He wore a uniform with gold stars. Dressed as he was he looked more human than beast and yet the sight of him unsettled Fand. The night of her capture flitted through her mind. She felt the terror and the pain, for only a moment, and then it dissolved.


    Kerzee came out of the kitchen and said, "She is ready."


    Folgen asked, "Where is Gruin?


    Upon hearing her name, the female Sonpur entered the room holding her child. She was dressed in dark green velvet. Fand saw what looked like a smile twist Trug''s features. Was this child his? There was a slight resemblance.


    Folgen said, "It is time."


    Kerzee urged Fand forward. Fand felt her heart leap up inside her. She was suddenly nervous and timid. She felt a furry hand grab her elbow. It was Gruin. Fand''s eyes met the beast''s. Their warm green light calmed Fand. Gruin was going with her. It would be all right.


    The small processional made its way up the stairs. Kerzee stayed behind. Fand had never been in this room at night. Rainbow halos glistened on every shiny surface. The cold beauty of it overwhelmed her. Tears came to her eyes. Tonight would be more beautiful than any of her girlhood imaginations.


    Folgen said, "Go to the throne, but do not sit down."


    Fand did as she was instructed. Trug, Gruin and Folgen took chairs against the wall. Where they going to watch? Would they leave once Angs arrived? Surely, they would leave. She wanted to be alone with Angs. All alone. Agitated, she tugged her dove charm. An image flashed across her mind. Zog''s dead body swinging. Who had killed him? Angs? Fand dropped the charm. Angs would not do that. It must have been Folgen or Trug. She would tell Angs of their sin and he would punish them.


    The heavy wooden door slowly opened. Angs as she had never seen him, entered the room. All thoughts of anything but him evaporated from her mind. He wore a long belted robe with gold threads that glistened. The robe was low cut. His chest pulsated with ethereal light as he approached her. He was magnificent. Fand''s breath caught in her throat. Angs smiled at her. The instant he touched her, Fand felt like she was drowning in warm milk. He pulled her to him. She was anxious for him to speak to her. In all their time together over the past few weeks he had never spoken. His hands followed the curves of her body. They were like fire against her skin. She wanted to consummate this relationship now.


    Aware of her eagerness, Angs scooped her up. He placed her on the throne. He pressed his mouth against hers. His foul breath suffocated her. She tried to pull away. Her perfect dream disintegrated. Angs hands bit into her flesh. His mouth pressed harder against hers. Fear greater than she had never known paralyzed her.


    All at once a searing pain shot down Fand''s spine. At the nape of her neck the disc began to burn. Her body jerked backward pulling her from Angs grasp. The disc slid through her skin and locked itself into the hollow circle of the throne. She heard the disc turn. There was a soft whir and then the throne thrust skyward knocking Angs away. Fand looked up. The concave point of the spire rushed toward her. She was going to crash against it and be killed. The air spun around her in swirling violent gusts. She closed her eyes.


    There was the sound of crystal shattering. The top of the throne burst through the spire. With a hard jerk the throne stopped above the dome. Fand opened her eyes. Bright white moonlight blinded her. The throne tipped forward and dumped her out. Her face smacked hard against the surface of the dome. Warm blood filled her mouth. Below her she heard Angs scream with rage. The spire exploded with brilliant light. The dome trembled beneath her. Her body began to slip. With desperate fingers she tried to halt her descent. The surface was too slick. Faster and faster she slid toward the edge of the dome. Once again she closed her eyes. She felt herself falling. She braced herself to make contact with the earth. Human arms caught her up. A male voice said, "Well, that was much easier than I expected."


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    For one brief moment, Fand thought the strong arms belonged to Zog. Zog had come to save her. But this man did not smell like Zog. His muscles were harder than Zog''s. She opened her eyes hoping to be wrong. She was not. Even in the moonlight she could see this man was not Zog.


    Still holding her, the man pressed Fand tightly against him. He turned and ran into the deep brush. His arms maneuvered Fand''s body, careful not to snag her hair or her clothing in the hanging vines. He was swift. Swifter than she was when she ran. The jolts of his body shot pain through her. She must have broken something. Her mind twisted. She felt so funny.


    The sky behind them detonated with violent orange light.


    The man said, "Angs is not pleased."


    At the mention of his name, Fand felt a sudden longing. She wanted to be with Angs. She had been waiting to be with Angs.


    Why had this man taken her from her lover? All at once she felt the cold of the disc. It had returned to her. It shot ice down her spine. She remembered the kiss, the horrible kiss. It had smelled of death, had tasted of death. She pressed her face against the man''s shoulder and closed her eyes. If only this were just a nightmare. The man''s pace slowed and then he stopped. Fand opened her eyes. They were beside a moonlit river. A cargo boat swayed in the water. An old man stood on the prow of the boat. The man holding Fand jumped from the shore to the deck. The boat rocked wildly beneath them.


    The old man said, "Keeper, Resen, she glows in the dark. That could be a problem."


    Fand looked at her arms, at her body. She did indeed glow in the dark. Her skin glowed right through her sheer dress. Shame and fear filled her.


    "Aye," the one called Resen said. "It''s the stuff they been giving her. Brings her angel blood to the surface, I''m told."


    The old man shook his head. "Never seen the likes of it afore." Neither had Fand. What had Kerzee been giving her? Just that tea.


    The old man led them down the hatch into the cargo space. Its ceiling was low and the sides were stacked with barrels of ale. Resen put Fand down. He kept one arm around her to keep her steady. The smell of ale filled the small space nauseating Fand. She put her hand to her mouth. The blood on her face was beginning to clot and dry.


    Resen said, "Grinwal, hand me my pack.¡±


    The old man tossed him a pack. Resen took out a dark brown long sleeved tunic, a pair of britches and suede boots. He said, "Put those on. We need to throw everything you are wearing overboard. It is a good thing it has blood on it. Trug will think the Wasserstime have eaten Angs'' concubine." Wasserstime, was that another monster that lived in this strange place? Resen asked, "Are you steady enough to change?"


    Even though she felt unsteady she nodded. He let go of her. He and Grinwal exited through the hatch. Fand ripped off the blood stained dress. Her blood had caked along the neckline and shoulder. She kicked off the beaded slippers. Her hand went to the dove at her throat. She would not part with it. It had been her mother¡¯s. The boat lurched, knocking Fand to the floor. They were moving. She pulled on the clothes and boots and then tucked her charm into the tunic. It was best to hide it.


    From above Resen knocked and asked, "Are you decent?"


    "Yes."


    When he opened the hatch Fand was once again struck by his silhouette. He was built so much like Zog. He went to the curved side of the hull and pulled some boards back revealing a secret compartment. Grinwal must be a smuggler. He said, "Climb in."


    Fand looked into the narrow space this man wanted to cram her into. She tried to gulp back her nausea. She shook her head. She hated tight places.


    "You must. This is the only way. Please."


    The word please, reached through her fear. The disc burned cool, steadying her. She crawled into the space.


    "Press yourself against the side." Fand did as she was told. Resen slipped in behind her. This would never do, every inch of her made contact with him. She felt panic rise in her throat. Resen snapped the boards into place. It was so airless. Fand was sure she would be sick. Her hands and face illumined the darkness with a strange yellow glow. It reminded her of the light of firefly tails. She wanted out of this tiny place. She wanted to be out in the air. Her breath became ragged and fast. Her palms began to sweat. She couldn''t breathe.


    Resen whispered, "Match my breaths. Slow, now, in and out."


    Fand could not breathe at all. Through clenched teeth she asked, "Who are you?"


    "Resen. I''m a Pathfinder. Your Uncle Wert sent me to fetch you."


    Not sure she heard right Fand asked, "Uncle Wert is alive?"


    "Yes, he is and I am taking you to him."


    Uncle Wert was alive! Praise the Keeper! She took in a slow breath and let it out as Resen let out his breath. She could do this thing. She must do this thing.

 Chapter 27. The Hood

    Slowly the full moon revealed her face. The moon had been full the night Pyre had told Fand they would wed. What if, what if he had waited like Zog had advised, what would now be like? Would they all be safe now, if only he had been patient, but he had not been patient. And now...now.


    The white light of the moon obliterated the stars it was so bright. It cast its silver all around Pyre. The color reminded him of Fand¡¯s eyes. He knew he must not think of her eyes and yet, in this moment, she was so vivid in his mind it was almost like she was with him. He needed to stop thinking and get to get to his cubicle, but the moon held him.


    There was a twisting in his gut. Instinctively he knew it was about Fand. Something was happening to Fand. He could feel it. She was in danger. It felt like her fear had called out to him. All he could do was pray and that felt like such a pitiful exercise in futility. He wanted to save Fand, he wanted to help her. The only way he could help her was to shut his mind off from thoughts of her, lest she be discovered in his thoughts. It was so damn hard.


    A warmth seeped into Pyre¡¯s mind. He was no longer alone with his thoughts. Frightened, he began to recite a prayer of thanksgiving he had memorized. All the while he recited it fear in him grew. It would be far too easy to betray Fand and put her in more danger if he gave into panic. He must not give into panic. He crossed the empty Common. His shadow kept pace with him. There was a strange ringing in his ears that he had never felt before. He dare not acknowledge it or question its existence. He must just keep walking and praying.


    Once inside his cubicle, he stripped off his clothes and put on his nightshirt. Through his small window, moonlight passed creating a path across the floor.Damn the moon!


    With tender and flint, Pyre lit his candle and slipped beneath his covers. He reached for his prayer book. He needed its solace to divert his mind. With great concentration he began to read. It was hard to focus, thoughts and images of Fand kept trying to surface but he pushed them down. He had to. He forced himself to read the letters on the page one by one. The letters formed the words thatcould create a wall of safety in his mind if he would just let it. Exhausted by the effort, his vision began to blur. His head nodded once and then sleep overwhelmed him.


    Moments later, hours later, Pyre did not know, a hand on his shoulder shook him out of sleep. He blinked his eyes. It was too dark to see. The moonlight no longer illumined his window.There was a man standing over him. He smelled of the infirmary.He asked, ¡°Loren?¡±


    The man placed his hand over Pyre''s mouth and whispered, "Yes. Here, put this on."


    Pyre took a heavy metallic cloth from Loren. He had not idea how to put in on. Was it a hood, a shawl, he didn¡¯t know.He asked, "What is this?"


    Loren hissed, "A hood.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Softly, Loren said, ¡°Shh. You will find out soon enough. Now do as you are told.¡±


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    Pyre lowered his voice, "By whose orders?"


    "Appocca''s."


    This was a moment when Pyre had to choose trust or disobedience. He chose trust. Loren had always been good to him. Would someone who worked so hard to heal him betray him? Pyre did not think so. The instant he slipped on the hood it adhered to his skin.All though it didn¡¯t have eyeholes he could see Loren¡¯s dark silhouette. There weren¡¯t any nose holes either, he could breathe normally.  He asked, "What does it do?"


    Loren sat down beside Pyre. "Be quiet and you will find out."


    A single bell tolled in Pyre''s mind. He felt himself being sucked into the darkness of Transferrance. This was impossible. There was not any fire or steam. Terror gripped him. It had been wrong to trust! With sweaty fingers he tried to remove the hood that was taking him to--where? It held his head fast. He was fallingand falling. Would he survive the landing? Abruptly, the sensation of Transferrance ceased.Pyre found himself in a small stone room with a single candle. He was alone. At least he thought he was until a voice behind him said, "Pyre." He turned. The man wore a hood exactly like his own. The voice was not recognizable through the heavy fabric, neither was the face. The man¡¯s body was clad in a shapelessblack tunic.


    Pyre asked, "Who are you?"


    The man stood in perfect stillness. He said,"You do not need to know. Ignorance is safer than knowledge sometimes and this is one of those times.¡±


    Frustrated Pyre asked, ¡°Why am I here?¡±


    The voice patiently responded,¡°You have been summoned here because you have become a key player in the Purge." Pyre hadn''t heard of any Purge. In his Religious History Class he had studied a few, but he had no idea they were in the midst of one. We¡¯re they in the midst of one? And how in the hell had he become a key player? Fand. That was how. The man continued, "Within this city is an uprising. We oppose the abuse of power and the practice of whitewashed dark magic."


    Inwardly Pyre groaned. This is just what he needed more trouble to deal with. If only he just remained a farmer! If only...


    The man continued, "The hood you wear will protect your mind from the intrusion of others. It will help you keep the secrets you now harbor." He paused.


    Pyre could feel the intense gaze of eyes he could not see. He was being summed up. Under the scrutiny, he began to twitch. How in the hell had he landed in this?


    The man said, "This hood will bring you to this room when there is information to be shared."


    Information? Had he been summoned here to be told about Fand? Surely he had.He asked, "Do you have word of--"


    The man cut him off, "Never assume anything Pyre. Never ask a question that divulges information. The answer is yes. We have word of Fand. This night, by some miracle she has done what no other concubine has ever done in the history of Angs'' foul city. She has escaped."


    Fand was safe. Praise the Keeper! She was alive. "Is she hurt?" He was desperate to ask if Angs had raped her but he found the words impossible to form.


    The man said, "Yes, she is hurt, but not mortally. Her union with Angs was not consummated."


    Tears came to Pyre''s eyes. Fand was safe, Fand was whole.


    The man said, "You must continue to grieve her, Pyre. More minds than you know are bent toward yours. If you fail to keep her life a secret, it could undo all. You must pray. The Keeper will help you as he has done in the past. And when your thoughts grow too frantic, this hood will come to you."


    The candle extinguished itself and Pyre was cast into complete darkness. He felt his body begin to slide into Transferrance. It was too soon! He had more questions!


    He needed to know if he would ever see Fand again. He so wanted to see Fand again! Would he ever see her again? For a brief moment he tried to fight against being transferred, but it was pointless. When he landed, he was on the floor beside his cot. Loren was gone. The hood released him and disappeared.


    He took in a slow breath of air, and grabbed his prayer book off his bed. It was too dark to read it, but he held it and he prayed for all he was worth, for all Fand was worth. He prayed for continued mercy.

 Chapter 28. Blood

    The boat tilted and rocked violently. Resen grabbed hold of Fand, but he was too late. Her face smacked against the side causing one of her wounds to reopen. He sniffed the air and whispered, "Damn. They may smell your blood."


    They? Fand heard heavy feet clomp above them. The boat rocked again. It must be Sonpur. They had found them after all. Resen handed her a thick cloth. "Put this over your face." When she did she saw her own reflected light. She was still glowing! If the Sonpur didn''t smell her, this light would betray her. Panic reamed in her stomach. She gasped.


    In her ear Resen said, "Easy now. Match my breaths. You can do this. They will be gone soon." Fand struggled to do as she was told. Above she heard the sound of the hatch opening. A beast growled. The growl was familiar. She knew it belonged to, Trug. A strange sensation took hold of her as she listened to him bark orders. The temptation to reveal herself struggled in her brain. She pushed it away. Beyond their hiding place, kegs crashed against the boards and feet shuffled. The temptation grew stronger. With its growth she saw her body¡¯s illumination grow stronger. If Trug saw her light through a crack in the boards, he would take her home. He would take her to Angs. She needed to be with Angs.


    Resen pulled his cloak over her. He held it firmly in place. He hissed one word, "Resist." She did not want to resist. The boat swayed again and she heard the feet moving upstairs back to the deck. Trug was leaving without her. She tried to cry out to him, but Resen clamped his hand over her mouth. She jerked her head and bit down hard on the hand that covered her mouth. Resen grunted, but did not remove his hand. They felt the boat sway as the Sonpur disembarked. Within moments, the temptation begin to ease. What lunacy was inside her veins. To want to be with that monster! She opened her mouth releasing Resen''s hand. The glow of her illumined his face. He put his finger to his lips cautioning her to remain silent.


    Once the boat set off again she asked, "Why did I want to betray myself?"


    "I don''t know, but you must fight the temptation if it ever comes again. By the Keeper''s grace I pray it doesn''t. You have quite a bite." He held up his hand revealing a row of red teeth marks and broken skin.


    "I am sorry." Tears of confusion and fear filled her eyes.


    "You are forgiven. Now, shh. Let''s try to get some sleep."


    Fand settled herself into the narrow space. Tears continued to slip from her eyes but she didn¡¯t speak. What could she say? She did not trust herself at all. The nearness of Resen was a comfort to her. He had saved her twice now. How many more times would he have to save her from herself and from Angs? By the Keeper¡¯s grace he had said. Would the Keeper protect her?


    Around and beneath the boat the river flowed. The sound of it assured Fand that she was moving further and further away from Angs and hopefully closer to safety. For a while Resen lay awake behind her, then she heard his breathing relax and he slept. She could feel the rise and fall of his chest against her back. His breath tickled the nape of her neck and his right arm slipped around her waist. She did not move it. It was an anchor to her, a tether that kept her safe. She had never been this close to a man. The smell of him filled her nostrils, the feel of him soothed an ache deep inside of her. She had known so little physical contact in her life that she had little experience with the comfort nearness could bring. The night passed slowly, but it did pass.


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    Before dawn the boat lurched to a sudden stop. She heard the old man open the hatch. The stairs creaked as he descended them. Within seconds he banged against the boards. They popped open. The old man snickered. "My don''t you two look cozy."


    Behind her Resen said, "That is enough Grinwal." How long had Resen been awake? He let go of her and backed out of the space. Fand followed.


    Grinwal looked at her and said, "The girl is still glowing."


    Resen nodded. He extended his hand to Fand and helped her out.


    She asked Resen, "What is wrong with me?"


    Grinwal said, "Its the demon blood."


    Incredulous she looked at him and said, "What?"


    The old man said, "All you concubines is descended from demons. And Angs is your kin. Demon blood runs in your veins."


    Resen said, "Hush. There is not such thing as demon blood."


    The old man grunted.


    Panic ripped through Fand. Had she been kissed by a demon, wanted to mate with a demon? Was she part demon herself? Tears blurred her vision. Resen pulled her to him. Angrily said, "Don''t listen to him." To Grinwal he said, "Now look what you''ve done you old fool. The girl has been through enough without you scaring her."


    Grinwal was not repentant. "She should be scared. Angs ain''t lost a concubine yet. He was riding those critters hard last night. It''s a miracle they didn''t sniff her out." He wagged a gnarled finger in Resen''s face, "And when they do catch up to you, you are as good as dead."


    "I haven''t lost a case yet old man."


    "You ain''t never thieved Angs concubine afore either. Remember, he¡¯s supernatural. You ain''t."


    "Shut up."


    Grinwal shrugged his shoulders. He muttered, "The truth is the truth. It can''t be denied. You will see soon enough, who the fool is." He hobbled back up to the deck.


    Pressing her face against Resen¡¯s shoulder, Fand asked, "What is going on?"


    His grip on her tightened and he sighed before he spoke. "Long ago when the earth was young some say fallen angels walked the earth and mated with humans. By the color of your eyes, some would say you are a descendant of those Nephilim. The race is dying out. We don''t know how many of you remain."


    "No! I am just a girl from Tashe!"


    With rough fingers he grabbed the neck of her tunic and pulled it down baring her shoulder. His finger pressed into the back of her shoulder blade. "Feel that scar?"


    Scar? Fand ran her finger along the surface of her shoulder. There was the slightest rise. It was almost imperceptible. She knew it was there, but she never knew it was a scar. She just thought it was some kind of birth mark.


    Resen said, "You have another on the other side, don''t you."


    It was true. There was. Frightened she asked, "What are they?"


    "Scars from your wing buds. They were snipped off at birth."


    "I was born with wings?"


    "Apparently."


    "Wings that could fly?"


    He shrugged and said, "Maybe.¡±


    Maybe? Fand¡¯s mind raced to Uncle Wert. Had he known? Zolla had been her mother¡¯s midwife, had she known? Was that why she had called Fand a bad seed? Why had no one told her? No, no...this must not be true. What if she could have flown? What would that be like? To clip a birds wings had always seemed like a sin to her. To have her own wings clipped...was a devastating thought. Had she really had the potential for flight?


    Before Resen released her he gave her a quick hug and , said, ¡°I know this is all confusing, I wish I had some answers for you but, unfortunately I don¡¯t. But, perhaps, Bruel can answer your questions. She''s a very wise woman. If we are lucky, we should reach her home before night fall. For now, we must leave before the sunrises. We have distance to go.¡± He leaned over and picked up a filthy potato sack. ¡°I need you to get in here. For today, you are a bunch of potatoes.¡±


    This statement would be comical if it weren''t true. Fand did not want to get into the bag, but she would do it. It would hide her damned glowing skin. He opened the bag on the floor and she stepped into it. Resen told her to scrunch down and he pulled the bag over her and tied a knot in the top. He asked, ¡°Can you breathe in there?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± He lifted her body and literally threw her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

 Chapter 29. When Darkness Comes

    Thump, thump, Fand''s body banged against Resen''s back. She ached from being cramped in the bag he carried. The burlap itched and smelled of rotting potatoes. Regardless of her discomfort, what mattered was that she could see through the bag''s loose weave. The sun was a beautiful bright orb in the blue sky. It had been weeks since she had seen sun and sky. In the distance she heard the sound of approaching horses. Their gait was not heavy enough to be Sonpur horses. Resen stopped. He called out. Fand heard a wagon halt. She felt herself being lifted and dumped into the back of it. Resen''s voice moved away from her. She started to panic, and then she heard him climb onto the wagon. He was not leaving her.


    An old man spoke. He said, "Thanks for fetchin¡¯ them tatars for me."


    Resen asked, "How''d you know I''d be along the road today?"


    "Bruel had one of her knowings."


    Resen laughed and said, "Praise the Keeper for Bruel."


    "Indeed," said the old man.


    The men continued to talk. Their voices drifted over Fand and soothed her with the ordinariness of their conversation. She stretched out as much as she could in the bag and stared through the fabric at the sky. It was getting dark. A strange warmth stole over Fand''s mind. Someone was trying to read her thoughts. The disc in the nape of her neck turned cold. The warmth left. The intruder was gone. Had the disc just chased away who ever was trying to invade her mind? Fand touched her neck, the disc slipped into her fingers. It looked like ordinary silver. Bits of her hair had burned into it. She realized it was a miracle it had not ignited her hair when it locked into the throne.


    With grubby fingers she held up the disc and stared at its surface. It was blank and then it wasn¡¯t. Upon the surface of the disc a group of Sonpur rode on horse back. Were they close? Keeper she prayed not. She flipped the disc over. On this side were the forms of two men, one looked like Pyre, the other she did not recognize. She brushed her finger tips across the one who looked like Pyre. How she missed him. Would she ever see him again?


    The wagon stopped. The old man called out, "Bruel, the tatars is here."


    Fand heard Resen jump down from the wagon. The disc twirled in her fingers and then spun back to its hiding place beneath her skin. She touched the nape of her neck. There was no blood and no pain. Fand heard a door open and woman shout back, "Go on now Georg, stop your bellowin''."


    Resen touched the bag. He whispered, "Curl your self into a ball." Fand did and Resen lifted her out of the wagon. Instead of positioning the bag over his shoulder, he cradled her in his arms. He pressed her close against him. So close, Fand could hear his heart beat. It was racing. He carried her inside a house. It smelled of mutton and roasted onions. She discovered she was quite hungry. A door closed and then another. Resen sat the bag on the floor and opened it. When she looked up at him, his face broke into a smile. She felt her lips return his smile. His eyes sparked. He offered her his hand and she took it. How strong and warm his hand was. He released her hand and Fand felt bereft.


    The old woman, who must be Bruel had a long gray braid. Her wrinkled face was still beautiful. Her eyes were the same peculiar color as Fand¡¯s own eyes. She lead Fand to the light of the hearth and touched Fand''s bruised and bloodied jaw. She said, "Those scrapes need to be cleaned. Georg fetch me some water."


    Dutiful Georg left the room.


    Fand looked at Resen. He was leaning agains the kitchen counter watching her. He gave her a smile of encouragemtent. The strangest feeling came over her. She was here in this place for a purpose.


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    In the corner of the room was a large cupboard. Inside of it were jars and bottles of remedies and elixirs. Overhead, Fand noticed various herbs hung from the rafters. Bruel pulled out a large clay container of salve and selected a long leafed plant that hung from the ceiling. Bruel, like Zog¡¯s Renate was a healer.


    With bowl and pestle Bruel mixed the herbs and elixirs. She said, "A poultice will help the swelling and the pain.¡±


    Fand looked down at her arms. They still had a faint glow. She asked, "Can you fix this?"


    Bruel shook her head. "Nothing will right that but time, I hope."


    "What do you mean you hope?"


    "Girl, no one has ever escaped from Angs, we dunno what''s been done to you. We will just have to wait and see."


    Would she always glow? Please Keeper no!


    Georg banged the door open and sloshed the bucket onto the table. Bruel poured steaming water from the hearth kettle into a wooden tub. To the men she said, "You two go on now. I need to look her over."


    Fand glanced at Resen. He nodded his assurance. It was strange to have to trust someone she didn¡¯t know. He and Georg left the room. Bruel said, "Sit." Fand took the chair Bruel had placed by the hearth fire.


    With gentle fingers the old woman washed Fand''s face and told her to hold a foul smelling poultice against her jaw. Next, Bruel cleaned the scratches that covered Fand''s body from being hurled through the roof of Kammin Spire. When Bruel''s hands went to Fand''s neck. Fand jerked her head away. "My neck is fine." The old woman must not detect the disc.


    Bruel''s eyes narrowed, but she didn''t say anything. Instead her fingers caught on the ribbon of Fand''s charm and pulled it out. A peculiar expression filled the old woman''s eyes and she frowned. Fand couldn''t tell if she was perplexed or afraid. She dropped the dove. In a low voice Bruel said, "That will cost you and Resen your lives if you don''t get rid of it."


    "What? I''m not parting with it. It''s all I have left of home and my mother."


    "I am surprised your mother let you wear it."


    Fand clutched her dove.


    Bruel asked, "Didn''t your mother explain its meaning and its danger?"


    "She died when I was a baby."


    Bruel sighed and shook her head.


    "What is wrong?"


    Bruel went to the hearth. She pulled out a brick loose. Behind the brick was a small box. Bruel took it out and opened it. Inside was a dove charm exactly like Fand''s.


    She said, "This is the symbol of the tribe of Kedir. A symbol we don''t advertise. Our tribe is scattered now and almost gone. Once we lived together. If your mother had lived she would have told you to hide your wings."


    "Wings?" Fand held out her charm. "This is a dove."


    Again, Bruel''s eyes narrowed, "No, child. They are wings."


    Clutching her charm, Fand said, "You can''t have this."


    A sad smile furrowed Bruel''s face. She said, "I understand why you want to keep them. I kept mine. I survived my folly, may the Keeper protect you from yours."


    There was a knock on the kitchen door.


    Bruel said, ¡°Come in.¡±


    Resen entered. He looked at the two women and asked, "Everything all right?"


    Through tight lips Bruel said, "Perhaps."


    Resen''s eyes searched Fand''s. She did not answer. All at once she felt her emotions shift. Her eyes traveled from Resen''s face to the open kitchen window. Outside the moon rose over the trees. An arc of rainbow light spiraled from it. She felt herself drawn to the moon and the light. She rose from the chair and went to the window.


    To Resen, Bruel growled, "Get her to the cellar,"


    Grabbing her from behind Resen pulled her to him. Anger surged through Fand. How dare he? She struggled against him but Resen was too strong. The old woman said, "Hurry, before Angs detects her." Georg and Bruel pushed aside the cupboard. George opened a trap door.


    They were putting her down there? They were burying her in the earth. Angs would not find her below ground. She must be with Angs. Though she fought Resen hard, she couldn''t get free of his grasp. She did manage to sink her teeth into his shoulder but he didn¡¯t even flinch. Kicking and thrashing Resen took Fand down steps into the unlit cellar. Only it was not dark. Her body was creating light. It was glowing brighter. The trap door slammed close overhead. She heard the scrap of wood on wood. That daft old couple had sealed the door with the cupboard. Furious, Fand kicked Resen hard. He let go of her. She climbed up the steps and pushed as hard as she could against the door. Of course she couldn¡¯t move it.


    Softly Resen said, "Resist. What you are feeling is not true. You do not want Angs. Resist."


    Resist? Resist? Everything inside of her wanted Angs. She was born for him!

 Chapter 30. The Power of the Mask

    Pyre was still shaking. He had been sound a sleep when the damn masked jerked him to this dark place. It was the same room as last time, only this time there were others. All around him were the covered faces of men. On a raised stage a man paced. His gait was very like Jerue¡¯s, but Pyre was certain he was not the Head Councilman. The man raised his hands and the room quieted.


    Another man ascended the stage. He walked to its center. The man, who walked like Jerue, put his hand¡¯s down and stepped back.


    The man at center stage said, ¡°Tonight, the wall has been breached and not for the first time. On the surface things will appear as they always have been, but beneath the surface great suffering will occur. Suffering I fear that will be necessary if the Purge is to succeed. Some of you will suffer, and some may die. Be prepared and make your peace with the Keeper.¡±


    Pyre shook his head twice. This was a dream, no a nightmare. It had to be. War? Was there going to be a war? A battle, perhaps just a battle? Battles led to war. He had not joined the Council to take part in an insurrection. Truth was he still didn¡¯t know why he joined the Council at all.


    The man on the stage raised his hands . In one blink of an eye the room emptied. Every man vanished except for Pyre and the man on the stage.The man said, ¡°Come closer.¡±


    Before he took a step, Pyre asked, ¡°Who are you?¡±


    The man said, ¡°The less you know, the safer you are.¡±


    Pyre asked, ¡°Then, why know anything at all?¡±


    The man laughed. ¡°Well spoken. Still, you must know something to be of use.¡±


    Alarms went off in Pyre¡¯s head. He asked, ¡°Be of use? How?¡±


    The man stepped off the stage and came to where Pyre stood. He said, ¡°You will find out in time.¡±


    Was the man before him good or evil. He asked, ¡°I want to know now.¡±


    With a slight jerk of his head the man said, ¡°I will tell you this much. You are at the center of the storm that is brewing.¡±


    Pyre asked, ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°Yes you. Events are about to unfold that will be painful and perplexing, but be certain of this, the Keeper will not forget you and neither will the Purge, even though it will appear that you are utterly forsaken.¡±


    Pyre stared at the man. ¡°Speak plainly.¡±


    ¡°I speak as plainly as I am permitted. More would be dangerous for you. Know this, when the time comes you must remain silent about all you know.¡±


    A crawling fear had begun to grow in Pyre. Angrily he said, ¡°I know nothing.¡±


    The man shook his head. ¡°No Pyre, you know a great deal. More than most of the men assembled in this room tonight. None of them have ever traveled Beyond. You have. Tonight our enemies have traveled Beyond and broken the age-old law of Separation. This does not bode well for our people or our realm.¡±


    This man¡¯s words were too grandiose and his riddles were beginning to make Pyre¡¯s headache. Who were their enemies?


    The man said, ¡°It is time you returned to your cubicle.¡±


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    Before Pyre could even protest he was sucked into the darkness of Transferrance. He landed hard on his cot. Pyre felt his face. The mask was gone.


    Outside he heard the wind stir. Then thunder rumbled in the distance. A storm was coming.


    *


    The Common was still wet from the previous night¡¯s rain. During Morning Prayer, Pyre cast covert glances at the Apprentice¡¯s assembled around him, at the elder Council men with their heads bowed. Had any of them been present in that room last night?


    After prayer, Pyre headed to his Transcription class. He was stopped outside his classroom by Jerue. The Head Councilman¡¯s eyes seemed to penetrate his soul. He said, ¡°You are looking rather peaked these days? Still grieving for the Gewordens I fear?¡±


    Pyre nodded, but did not speak fearful his voice would betray him.


    ¡°I will get Dr. Kran to fix you a potion. It will help you sleep. You do need your rest.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sir. Thank you.¡±


    Jerue smiled. ¡°Loren Uhr will bring it round tonight before lights out. I expect you to look much better tomorrow.¡±


    Had Jerue been the one on the stage last night? If he had been wouldn¡¯t he know Pyre had been there too? Surely the Head Councilman would possess such knowledge. The warmth stole over Pyre¡¯s mind. For the first time, he recognized the intruder. It was Jerue. Pyre stilled his thoughts and his questions. He turned his mind to Zog. After several seconds Jerue released his mind. Pyre looked into the older man¡¯s eyes. He seemed satisfied by what he had read.


    Pyre stuttered, ¡°I better, get on to class Sir, if there is nothing else.¡±


    Jerue smiled again and said, ¡°No, nothing, for now.¡±


    *


    As Jerue promised, Loren Uhr came to Pyre¡¯s room that night. In his hand was a small vial. It contained a peculiar blue shaded concoction. Loren handed the vial to Pyre, he said, ¡°Jerue¡¯s medicine.¡± Then, he shook his head and mouthed something that looked like, ¡°Don¡¯t drink it.¡±


    Pyre frowned at him. ¡°What?¡±


    Loren rolled his eyes. He mouthed, ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± then said aloud, ¡°Drink it.¡±


    Unsure of what to do, Pyre raised his eyebrows at Loren.


    Loren pantomimed opening the vial and spreading the liquid from the bottom of his lower lip to the base of his throat, then he opened his robe revealing his bare chest. He ran his finger down to where his stomach was and stopped.


    This was very odd. Still Pyre did as he was instructed. He opened the corked vial and touched the liquid to his skin. It was cold and sent a tingling sensation over him. When he finished, Loren said, ¡°Good.¡± ¡°At dawn¡ª¡° Loren made a swirling motion on his stomach and then proceeded to draw a line to his privates.


    This was even odder. Pyre muttered, ¡°What ever.¡±


    Loren hissed, ¡°Just do it.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡± Pyre searched his mind for any sign of intrusion. He felt a vague presence. His questions would have to wait.


    Loren took the vial from Pyre and poured the remaining liquid into an empty cup. He said, ¡°I must return this vial to Dr. Kran.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡± Pyre took the cup Loren handed him and put it on his bedside table. He tested his mind. The vague presence was gone. He had to ask his questions quickly before he was monitored again. He turned to Loren and whispered, ¡°You and Appocca are the only ones I am sure of.¡±


    This statement did not puzzle Loren, he said, ¡°That is as it should be. You harbor enough secrets without knowing more.¡±


    ¡°How will I know who to trust?¡±


    Loren lowered his voice to a faint whisper and said, ¡°Trust only those who have been revealed to you. And only those.¡±


    ¡°Only you and Appocca have been revealed to me.¡±


    ¡°No Pyre, one more. Think.¡±


    He asked, ¡°Dr. Kran?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    The vague presence returned.


    *


    A voice woke Pyre in the night. He sat bolt upright in bed. He recognized the voice. It was Zog¡¯s. Pyre had the strangest feeling that Zog was in the room with him. It was not a scary feeling, but a comforting one. How could this be? Surely due to his numerous sins Zog resided in hell. Or had he been forced to haunt the earth? He whispered, ¡°Zog are you there?¡± No answer came.


    Thoughts began to rapidly shoot in Pyre''s mind. Things he must not think. Desperate to quiet his mind he sank to the floor on his knees. He was too agitated to know if he was safe or not. All at once the hood came to him. A voice inside Pyre''s heart said, ¡°Friend, it is me. Please pray for Fand.¡±


    With his face pressed against his hands Pyre prayed for Fand¡¯s safety, for her life, for her future. All the while he prayed he had the strangest sensation that Zog knelt beside him. When he finished his prayer, the presence left as did the hood. Had it been Zog?


    He lay back down on his cot and waited for the dawn. When it came he got up, took the cup Loren had left him and spread the remaining liquid on his body as Loren had instructed him. He was once again engulfed in tingling cold. He poured the rest of the liquid in his chamber pot. A single spiral of blue smoke hissed upward.

 Chapter 31. Poison Released

    Fand¡¯s skin was on fire. Her stomach cramped. No not again. She leaned the edge of her cot and vomited into a basin. Her throat stung. Violent shakes took hold of her. Her teeth rattled. She was going to die any second now and it would not be soon enough. She threw up again. With gentle hands, Resen stroked her hair. He put a cooling cloth on her feverish forehead. When she didn¡¯t throw up any more, he helped her stretch out on her cot.


    Through chattering teeth Fand asked, ¡°How much longer till I¡¯m dead?¡±


    Resen smiled down at her. ¡°You are not dying. Bruel believes the poison that was done to you is coming out. Look at your hands.¡± He took her hands. ¡°See.¡±


    Fand looked. They no longer glowed. He eyes went back to Resen. His face was covered in scratches she had clawed into his face during the night. He had held her firmly pressed against him no matter how hard she had fought or struck out at him. Last night had been awful. It had been as if the poison in her knew it was running out of time. It had pushed her into such spasms of longing and rage. She dropped her eyes and said, ¡°I am sorry.¡±


    Still holding her hands, Resen said, ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°Your face, your arms¡­¡±


    He let go of her hands and tilted her face up. ¡°Look at me.¡±


    She shook her head.


    ¡°Please.¡±


    Fand met his eyes.


    Gently he said, ¡°These scratches and bruises are not your fault. It was the poison not you. With Bruel¡¯s salve, I will be my handsome self in no time.¡±


    A fresh wave of nausea jolted through Fand''s body.


    Resen thrust her head over the basin. Nothing came out but she couldn¡¯t stop heaving. Her body seemed locked in perpetual motion. Resen put the basin down and gathered her in his arms. He murmured, ¡°Think Fand. Think of what you have to be thankful for. Speak each out loud."


    Against his chest, through chattering teeth, she said, ¡°I am alive and so is Uncle Wert.¡±


    Resen pulled her closer. ¡°Yes, You are also free. By some miracle you managed what no one else has ever managed to do." By the tone of his voice, Fand knew he wanted her to give him information she would not share. The disc had jettisoned her out of the spire. She had never told him how she had escaped the spire on her own. When she did not respond he said, "It was providential I was there to catch you."


    "It was.¡± Truly it was. If he had not been there to catch her, where would she be now? Dead or much, much worse. She hesitated before she said, "I am thankful for you. Without you I would not have made it safely to here."


    Resen asked, "I am thankful I was able to get you here. I have been sent on a few missions to Kammin Spire and I have never succeeded. Did you see any other women there or children?"


    "The only people I saw were Kerzee my caretaker and her father, Folgen."


    Resen asked, "Did you hear the name Talbot?"


    In that moment she remembered the terrible screams she had heard when she first awoke inside Kerzee¡¯s rooms below the in the spire. It had been a woman screaming. It was a terrible sound. Kerzee had said, the name Talbot. The stupor of the potion Fand had been given, had blurred all thought and memory. Another memory rose to the surface. It was that of a body being carried out of the room. There had been a terrible stench. Had Kerzee finally poisoned the woman? Had Angs seed killed her? Fresh nausea swept over Fand as she realized once again, That could have been me. She gagged. Resen grabbed the basin. Again the heaving. Again, nothing came up. She eased herself back down and weakly and finally said, ¡°The woman named Kerzee said her name once. ¡°I saw a dead body. I think it was her.¡±


    Stolen novel; please report.


    Sadness filled Resen¡¯s eyes as he said, "Probably so."


    "Did you know her?"


    "No, but I did try to save her when she first entered. I was never able to get in. This time, was the first time, I ever succeeded in scaling the wall.¡±


    *


    Two morning¡¯s later, Fand awoke after a full night of sleep. She had not been sick even once. When she held her arms up they did not glow. Was the poison finally out of her?


    On the floor beside her cot was Resen¡¯s pallet. He was soundly sleeping. Good, he deserved a deep rest after the hell she had put him through.


    After breakfast, Bruel took  Fand down to the cellar. She closed the hatch behind her and blew out the candle. ¡°I need you to undress. I need to see if the poison has fully left you.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡± Fear clenched at Fand¡¯s stomach. What if the poison wasn¡¯t gone, what if it never entirely left her? She took off her clothes. In the complete darkness of the cellar, she stood naked and chilled. Bruel examined her carefully and finally said, ¡°I don¡¯t see any glow any where. My prayer is that the poison is all gone. How do you feel?¡±


    ¡°Weak, but lucid. I have not had any cravings for Angs.¡±


    ¡±That is a good sign, but you must be careful. Do not be out alone in moon light. Promise me.¡±


    The moon had once been her best friend, and now, now she was the mistress of Angs¡¯ evil. ¡°I promise.¡±


    ¡°Good, get dressed.¡± Bruel lit a candle without any tender or flint. She set it on the low table beside Fand¡¯s cot and went up the ladder.¡±


    On the cot was a pair of britches and a tunic that were too large. They must be cast offs of Bruel¡¯s husband Georg. Quickly Fand dressed and went the ladder. As soon as she was up, Resen closed the trap door and slid the cupboard over it.


    Bruel said, ¡°Come to the window, I need to look at your eyes.¡±


    Fand did as she was bid. Bruel tilted her head up and slowly looked into her eyes. There was power in this old woman, she could feel it. Bruel said, ¡°They look clear.¡± To Resen she said, ¡°I think its too soon to be leaving. One good night¡¯s sleep is not enough and you know it.¡±


    The muscle in Resen¡¯s jaw flexed. In the light coming through the window, his skin looked like smooth milled walnut. In a firm voice he said, ¡°She is not safe here. We must get moving.¡±


    Bruel clucked her tongue but did not argue.


    Within the hour, Fand was once again in a potato sack with a few other potato sacks for company. Resen, dressed like a farmer drove Bruel''s two wheel cart and her pony. Though the ride was bumpy and Fand¡¯s body grew cramped, she was just so thankful to be outside. The sun was warm but not hot. Through the weave of the sack she could make out the blue of the sky. There were much worse things than being in a potato sack.


    When it grew dark, the cart turned off the hard dirt road and headed down a sandy path. In the distance was the bleat of sheep and the crow of a rooster. The cart drove into a barn. A horse snorted. It sounded big. Resen said, ¡°There now Donner. I''m back.¡± The horse nickered.


    A man¡¯s voice said, ¡°Aye and praise the Keeper. That damned horse has been mourning you like you was dead. Nothing I did suited him.¡±


    The cart swayed when Resen leapt off it.


    The man said, ¡°So I take it you didn¡¯t succeed.¡±


    Fand heard Resen¡¯s feet make their way to the back of the cart. He undid the string and said, "Look." Fand poked her head out. He smiled at her.


    The stocky man¡¯s eyes grew wide when he saw her. He whistled and said, ¡°Keeper, you did it? How?¡±


    Resen didn¡¯t answer. He couldn¡¯t because he didn¡¯t know. He lifted Fand to the ground and held onto her. The barn seemed to sway. She saw a huge black horse. He was looking intently at Resen. Her legs trembled. She pressed her face against Resen''s shoulder and prayed she would not be sick or faint.


    Resen asked, ¡°Have the Sonpur been through here?¡±


    "Nay,¡± said the man. ¡°Still, we best get her below."


    "Yes." Resen slung his pack on his shoulder and scooped her up. He followed the man into a stall. The man pulled a manger off its supports. It opened into a narrow opening. The top of a ladder protruded from the hole.


    Fand looked down. A faint light flickered below. Climb down? Spend another night below earth. She could not do it. She turned tear filled eyes to Resen.


    He said, ¡°You can do this.¡±


    Could she?


    He put her down, swung his legs over the manger and stepped down the ladder. He extended his hands to her. "Come." Fand gripped the ladder. The man helped her swing her legs over. With Resen beneath her, she began her downward descent. The tunnel seemed to widen. It ended in a very small stone room that smelled of mice. The smell and closeness of the space sent a wave of nausea through Fand. When she stepped off the last rung, her knees buckled. Resen caught hold of her before she fell. Gently he settled her down in the hay. From his pack he pulled a crock. "A little of Bruel''s gruel will help." He handed her the crock. Carefully, she took a sip. Just one, it was all she could manage.


    Resen said, ¡°Focus on the flame of the candle.¡±


    The light wavered and danced. In a low voice Resen began to recite a prayer of protection. The words wrapped around her. The Keeper was listening. He knew where she was. He had gotten her thus far. She was safe, she was not glowing, and she was with Resen. It was enough.

 Chapter 32. Lies of Protection

    There was an air of anticipation (or was it dread?) in the dining room. Pyre sat between Rube Johan and Wilm Koft. Both seemed on edge. As he looked around at his fellow Apprentices he had the strange sensation that there was a wall around him. Who had was encompassing him, mind, body and spirit? Fear shot through him. This could not be good. His eyes traveled to the Dining Hall doors. Guards were posted. This was unusual. Something was up. Something was about to happen, he could feel it. Wa it about to happen to him? He asked, Rube, ¡°What¡¯s with the guards?¡±


    Rube shrugged and said, ¡°Dunno.¡±


    Pyre sensed that Rube did know, but he wasn¡¯t telling. Did this have something to do with- Pyre felt eyes upon him. Jerue held him in his gaze. Was it Jerue that now held him. It did not feel like Jerue. The Head Councilman motioned to Pyre.


    Reluctantly Pyre rose from the bench. His encounters with Jerue were becoming more and more difficult. Slowly he walked to the Council table. He felt all eyes following his progress across the room. When he reached the head table Jerue said, ¡°Wilm Koft to do your after supper chores.¡±


    Wary Pyre said, ¡°Thank you Sir, but why?¡±


    Though Jerue smiled, his smile did not comfort Pyre. The Head Councilman said, ¡°I have something I want to show you. After you finish eating, meet me outside the Inner Sanctum.¡±


    ¡°Yes Sir.¡± Pyre bowed. His knees trembled. He thanked the Keeper that his Apprentice robe hid their trembling. He felt quite unsteady, even light headed, but he forced himself to walk back to his table as if he was just fine.


    Rube whispered, ¡°What was that about?¡±


    Wilm said, ¡°I dunno but, I get to do Pyre¡¯s chores tonight.¡± He looked at Pyre and asked, ¡°Why?¡±


    Pyre could honestly say, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± He didn¡¯t. Whatever it was could not be good.


    To avoid further conversation Pyre bent his head low and shoveled stew in his mouth. It stuck in his throat when he tried to swallow. After several tense seconds it went down. This was no good. He picked up his bowl and took it to the kitchen.


    At the hearth Cook Grayson was at the sink washing his foul concoction off the pots and bowls. When he saw Pyre¡¯s uneaten food, he asked, ¡°My victuals ain¡¯t agreeing with you boy?¡±


    ¡°Do they ever?¡±


    ¡°Nay, but do ye have to be so honest?¡± He gave Pyre a quirk of a grin.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± Pyre exited through the kitchen door and crossed the herb garden to the Inner Sanctum. As he waited for Jerue he looked up at the twilight sky. It was streaked with burnt orange clouds. A slight breeze ruffled his robes. Then Pyre caught a whiff of the nearby stables. Earlier that day, he had given Braun a good brushing and spent some time riding around the city. He and Braun both longed for wide open spaces, but neither of them were allowed outside the city.


    A thought dropped into his head, this time last year he had been with Fand. They had been together on Braun. Fand¡¯s arms had been wrapped around his waist and her cheek pressed upon his shoulder. Immediately he stopped his thoughts. It hurt too much too go there even in memory and it was dangerous. He turned his thoughts and his eyes to the fading light of day.


    Pyre heard a step behind him. He turned, it was Jerue. The Head Councilman smiled and said, ¡°Punctual as always.¡± He placed his hand on the ornate wooden doors and said a few words. The doors of the Inner Sanctum sprung open. At the center of the Sanctum¡¯s floor was a circle of pale orange light. Pyre glanced up at the domed skylight grateful it was just natural light and not some magic.


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    Without speaking Jerue entered the circle of light. A long shadow formed on the floor behind him. In the even glow he looked other worldly. It was as if he had been touched by fire. He passed into the shadows. All Pyre could make out was his silhouette against the western wall. Jerue said, ¡°Pyre, come here.¡±


    Obedient but reluctant, Pyre crossed through the fast fading circle of light and into the shadows. Jerue lit a sconce candle with a snap of his fingers. He touched a wooden panel that slid open. In the flickering light Pyre saw a rectangular vault that was taller than he was. Jerue repeated an incantation and the vault clicked server also times before it opened. When it did, the middle drawer shot out. Jerue peered into it. Pyre saw a series of wooden boxes. Jerue picked up a small one and opened it. Inside was a silver dove. He asked, ¡°Pyre, have you ever seen anything like this?¡±


    A lie would not work. Jerue knew he had. ¡°Yes sir.¡±


    ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°Fand Geworden had one.¡±


    Jerue dangled the charm between his long fingers. He asked, ¡°Do you know how a poor farmer¡¯s niece came to have a pendant from Kedir?¡±


    This was a question Pyre couldn¡¯t answer. He had never heard of Kedir.


    With eyes narrowed, Jerue asked, ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡±


    ¡°No Sir.¡± He could feel Jerue¡¯s mind bending toward his, trying to push through whatever barrier had formed around him. Pyre had to force himself to remain calm.


    Jerue put the dove back into its box and selected another. This one was larger and very ornate. It was made of ebony and inlaid with gold. On its surface was the Beidenung. His long fingers caressed the word. He touched a button and the box opened. Inside was nothing but a circular indentation in the black velvet. In a low voice Jerue said, ¡°Jerim¡¯s Relic remains lost. Petran Schon never divulged its location.¡±


    The sensation of Jerue¡¯s mind prying into Pyre¡¯s should be overwhelming only it wasn¡¯t. The Head Councilman¡¯s turned his cold eyes to Pyre. They seemed to be penetrating his soul, only they weren¡¯t. Thankful he did not have to lie on this point Pyre blurted out, ¡°I know nothing of Jerim¡¯s Relic.¡±


    Jerue raised his eyebrows. ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°I would not lie about that Sir.¡±


    A strange fire flickered in Jerue¡¯s pale eyes. The fire was cold and seemed to crystallize the air between them. With an angry hiss, Jerue said, ¡°You are lying. Tell me your friend Zog revealed it to you. Where is it Pyre? Where did he hide it?¡±


    Pyre could feel his eyes grow wide in astonishment. Jerue actually thought Zog would share such a secret? Hid heart began to hammer away inside of him. He had to steady his voice. ¡°Sah Zog never shared such a secret with me, nor would he. If he knew where it was, he would never trust me with such information. Never. Sir, I swear. I don¡¯t know where it is.¡±


    An ugly frown creased Jerue¡¯s face. Again he said, ¡°You are lying.¡±


    ¡°No, Sir. I would not lie to you.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you?¡±


    Again he repeated, ¡°No, Sir.¡± It wasn¡¯t true, but he had to say it anyway.


    Through clenched teeth Jerue said, ¡°You best not be.¡± He jerked his thumb toward the Inner Sanctum doors. ¡°Go back to your cubicle until you are called for. You are dismissed Apprentice.¡±


    Completely shaken Pyre made his way across the floor. The circle of light was gone. When he stumbled out the doors, he was well aware Jerue¡¯s mind was attached to his. He could feel it pushing and probing. Panic shot through him. He was going to break. He could feel it. A power greater than Jerue¡¯s seemed to cut through Jerue¡¯s hold. This sensation had a different quality than what Appocca used to protect Pyre¡¯s thoughts. Jerue¡¯s presence diminished. It was still there but it was weaker. Pyre could only wonder who had hold of his mind. Was this for good or ill?


    Just outside the dormitory, Loren Uhr was waiting for him. All at once Pyre knew who had taken him hostage. It was Loren. Loren smiled and pressed a finger to his lips. He ushered Pyre to his cubicle.


    Once they were inside, Pyre tested his mind. Jerue was still there but he felt very far away. He asked, ¡°Is it you?¡±


    Loren nodded.


    Pyre asked, ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t say. It¡¯s just a trick me mum taught me.¡±


    Pyre¡¯s mouth dropped open in surprise. Mothers, women didn¡¯t have such power did they? This was more than a trick. Who was Loren''s mother? More importantly, who was Loren?


    Gently popping him in the jaw, Loren said, "Shut your trap and no more questions for both our sakes." His voice dropped as he added. "No matter what happens, know that Dr. Kran and I will not forget you."

 Chapter 33. Jerim鈥檚 Relic

    The white afternoon sun was too warm. The dappled gray horse lumbered beneath Fand. She held on as tightly as she could. If Resen didn¡¯t stop soon, she was going to slip off the damn creature. She looked ahead to where he rode on Donner. They moved as a single entity. He called back to her, ¡°We are almost there.¡±


    She asked, ¡°Almost where?¡±


    ¡°To your Uncle Wert.¡±


    Fand looked around her at the swaying grasses. Was this near the Wall? She didn''t see the wall. All along she had assumed Resen was taking her home. She yelled, ¡°Where is my uncle?¡±


    ¡°With Petran Schon.¡±


    Fand stopped her horse. If Uncle Wert was with Petran Schon, he was dead.


    When Resen realized Fand wasn¡¯t following him, he turned Donner around and rode back to her. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I thought you were taking me home. I didn¡¯t know you were taking me to my uncle¡¯s grave.¡±


    A frown creased Resen¡¯s forehead. ¡°Your uncle is not dead.¡±


    ¡°If he is with Petran he is.¡±


    ¡°Petran isn¡¯t dead.¡±


    This was crazy talk. Fand shook her head. ¡°No, he was executed over twenty years ago.¡±


    Resen looked at her and said, ¡°Petran is very much alive. My father found him outside the Wall broken and near death, but not dead. Who delivered him, we do not know. My mother nursed him back to life. He lives and so does your uncle. We are almost to his farm.¡±


    Was this possibly true? Please let it be true. There was something in Resen''s eyes that troubled her. She guessed what it was and asked, "We won''t be going back to Tasche will we?"


    He shook his head. "I am sorry. No. Once one has crossed over, they have crossed over for life.¡±


    She would never see home again. Never sit on her favorite rock by the stream. Never hear the birds sing outside her window. What would her life be here in this land? If Uncle Wert were with her, it would be enough. It had to be enough. Her thoughts clouded with the foolish girl she had been. This was not the way it had to be. Instead of accepting Pyre¡¯s honest devotion she had chased after a dream man and dream sensation. What had she gotten? A nightmare and the loss of almost everyone she loved.


    *


    The sun began its swift slide toward the horizon. Soon she would be with Uncle Wert. She would see him and hold him, and grieve with him. She clucked to her horse and caught up with Resen. They crested a small rise. Below them was a ring of trees. Within the ring were a barn and a burned down house. Resen cursed and goaded Donner forward. Fand remained rooted. Who lived in that house? Oh, Keeper, not Petran. Please, no! No! She felt herself slipping, but she did not even try to stay on her horse. She hit the ground hard and wrapped her arms around her knees. If Uncle Wert was dead, she wanted to be dead too. So what if she resided in hell with Uncle Wert and Zog, at least she would be with them. She just wanted to be with them.


    Resen¡¯s voice punctuated the stillness. He called out ¡°Petran¡± then ¡°Wert.¡± No one responded. His voice echoed back and forth, but no one answered when he called again and again.


    Fand had been right. Resen had taken her to her uncle¡¯s grave.


    The wind stirred the grass around her. An ant crawled across her boots. She brushed it away. She didn¡¯t have the heart to take its life. She wished she had the courage to take her own. At the sound of Donner approaching Fand closed her eyes. She did not want to see Resen¡¯s face. She did not want his eyes to tell her she was now alone in the world. She did not want to be told, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but your uncle is dead.¡±


    Resen dismounted and knelt down beside her. With his left hand he lifted her chin up and said, ¡°Look at me.¡±


    Reluctantly she opened her eyes but did not look at him. Her gaze strayed toward the darkening horizon.


    He said, ¡°I found no evidence of their bodies. They may still be alive.¡± His voice broke. Fand glanced up at him. Tears welled in his eyes. With his clenched right fist he rubbed them away. He said, ¡°I am certain they were forced into hiding.¡±


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    Fand whispered, ¡°So certain that you grieve already?¡± She jerked her chin from his grasp.


    Resen didn¡¯t answer her question, instead he told her, ¡°We best get you below ground.¡± In one deft movement, he scooped her up and put her back on her horse. He laid his hand over hers. ¡°Until we are sure, don¡¯t count your uncle among the dead.¡±


    Though Fand nodded, the truth was, she did not have the courage to hope.


    *


    The night was alive with crackling electricity. The thunder boomed then echoed. Rain pelted the makeshift cover Resen had positioned over the cellar opening. He was in the barn tending to the horses. Fand rolled onto her side. The disc poked the back of her neck. She sat up and touched the place where it resided. It slipped into her hand. A bolt of lightening flashed. A single shaft of light pierced the dark cellar. The disc became suddenly warm, then hot. Fand dropped it. The metallic disc made a ringing sound as it hit the brick floor. The disc broke open in a pool of white light. A round stone glowed and spun into the air. It hovered over Fand a moment, before it shot across the small space and dropped to the floor. She got up and went to the stone. Beneath it was a burned scrap of paper. The burned paper instantly regenerated. Words in the Ancient Tongue appeared, and then translated themselves. As Fand read the phrase the stone moved restoring the paper as it went. It revealed the sentences, ¡°The Prophet Jerim held the stone of Cedrin in the ring of execution. A beam of moon light passed through the stone and destroyed the army of Caldas. Thus Jerim saved his people. And became known as a great prophet.¡± The stone stopped. The paper beneath it turned black. The stone flew passed Fand and returned to the disc. The disc snapped shut. She went to the disc and picked it up. It was cool now. She turned it over. There were no pictures or words on it.


    The disc burned cold in her hand. It emitted a blue light. Outside she heard the sound of women¡¯s voices singing. Women? She rushed up the ladder and out the cellar doors. In the sky was a fast spinning spiral of blue light. What ever it was, it was not Angs. As the spinning wheel neared she saw it was made of female forms dancing a slow moving dance. The ring hovered over her and she began to rise. Though she should have cried out, she did not. This something that had her was not evil. Up, up she went until she was in the very center of the circle. All the women around her were like reflections of her, except each had a magnificent set of wings. One flew away from the circle and came to her. In a voice as soft as a breeze she said, ¡°We are the concubines of Angs. His poison had bound us to him even in death. By destroying the Spire, you set us free. We are on our way to the place of rest. Thank you.¡±


    Fand asked, ¡°Are you Talbot?¡±


    ¡±I was.¡±


    All at once the circle vanished and Fand floated back to the ground. Still grasping the disc, she looked up at the sky. There was nothing up there but storm clouds. Had it happened or had she just imagined it? Was it just another trick of the poison that had invaded her? She opened her fist and looked at the surface of the disc. it was blank. It revealed nothing.


    The hand of Resen gripped her shoulder, she curled her fingers over the disc and turned. In the darkness, she could not make out Resen¡¯s features. He said, ¡°Please tell me that is not what I think it is.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°The thing in your fist.¡± Had he seen the circle of light? He gave no indication that he had, nor did he ask about it. He did ask, ¡°May I see it please?¡±


    This was not something Fand wanted to share.


    For a moment he gazed at the sky but still he said nothing about the blue spinning wheel. When he did speak, he said, ¡°We must get below.¡± He grabbed hold of her elbow and led her back to the cellar. Once they were below ground he asked again, ¡°May I see it? I promise I¡¯m not going to steal it.¡±


    Reluctantly, Fand opened her palm. Lightening flashed. She saw the words EIUI KAVOS appear on the surface of the disc. She asked, ¡°Do you know what that means?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it means, I am sufficient.¡±


    ¡°Who is sufficient?¡±


    Resen curled Fand¡¯s fingers over the disc. He whispered, ¡°The Keeper is sufficient. And this is a good omen.¡± He let go of her hand and scratched his head. ¡°Where did you find it?¡±


    Fand shrugged. She didn¡¯t want him to know.


    Resen said, ¡°You must tell me. Secrets will only make my job more difficult than it is already.¡±


    Reluctantly Fand told him, ¡°I got it from Zog.¡± It wasn¡¯t exactly the truth, but it was close.


    ¡°How did he get it?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Maybe he uncovered it among some of Petran''s belongings.¡±


    ¡°So, the lie still persists.¡± Resen walked away from her and stood at the ladder. Another flash of lightening cast him in silhouette. He shook his head. ¡°Petran never stole that relic. He never got that girl pregnant who accused him of the theft. Someone set him up.¡±


    This was hard to absorb. Only Uncle Wert had defended Petran everyone else had condemned him. Was it possible only Uncle Wert had known the truth?


    Resen asked, ¡°Where have you kept this hidden?¡±


    Well, she hadn¡¯t exactly kept it hidden, it hid itself. She said, ¡°In my braid.¡±


    ¡°That is as good a place as any.¡± Resen started up the ladder. ¡°I best go back and check on Donner. He¡¯s not too fond of storms.¡±


    Fand watched him ascend the ladder. She had expected Resen to ask more questions or at least take the disc away from her, but he had not. The instant he was above ground, the disc flew from her fingers and reinserted itself in the nape of her neck. How it entered and left her skin without pain or laceration, she had no idea. Her mind was a jumble of thoughts and fears, grief and wonder. The scars on her shoulders itched. It was as if the clipped wings wanted to sprout so she could fly again. When she rose up to the center of that circle had she flown? The disc in her neck radiated warmth. The itching of her scars ceased. Had the disc become part of her. Had it claimed her as it had claimed the Prophet Jerim? Why would it claim a mere girl? She mouthed the words, Why Me? No answer came, not that she expected one.


    She lay down on her bedroll and pulled her blanket snug around her. Of this she was sure, sleep would not come to her this night. Her body did not agree with her mind, it was tired. Soon she slipped into deep and dreamless sleep.

 Chapter 34. Crazy Mother

    From a muffled distance, some one called her name. Fand opened her eyes. Muted morning light slipped into the cellar. She had slept after all. She looked up at Resen. His face was so near hers. She reached up and touched his cheek. Bruel¡¯s medicine had erased most of the scratches she had given him. He covered her hand with his and said, ¡°I hate to wake you, but we must be moving on.¡± She felt the muscles of Resen¡¯s cheek draw into an apologetic smile. She smiled in return and met his eyes. They held the same intensity that Pyre¡¯s held when he wanted to kiss her. Resen¡¯s fingers tightened over hers before he pulled her palm away from his face. He said, ¡°We can make it to our next stop if we start now.¡± He helped Fand to her feet. He was so close, so very close. His eyes traveled to her mouth. He looked away and said gruffly, ¡°Lets go.¡±


    *


    It started raining again. The gray wool cape Resen put on Fand did little to repel rain. Her boots and britches were soaked. The large brimmed hat she wore had dribbled more than a little cold rain down her back. Her body ached and her head hurt. She was miserable. Up ahead, Resen did his best to keep up a steady pace, but the path had turned to mud that was quickly becoming a slushy goo. In frustration he said, ¡°Blast this rain. We won¡¯t make it to our stop.¡±


    Too cold to respond, Fand just hope they would not be spending the night in this weather. Resen waited for her and her horse to catch up with him. When she reached him, she reigned in her horse and surveyed the dreary landscape.


    Resen told her, ¡°My mother won¡¯t like it, but she will have to put us up for the night. This way.¡± He did not elaborate on why his mother would not like it and Fand did not ask. He turned Donner off the path and headed in what might be west. It was hard to tell without the face of the sun. Fand turned her horse to follow.


    The trees around them were pine and spruce. The rain intensified the smell. It reminded Fand of the woods back home. Home. A place she would never see again. They broke through the trees onto another muddy road. In the distancea farm appeared. It looked much like the Holz farm. Three huge barns and a squat two story farm house with a thatch roof. Resen said, ¡°That¡¯s it.¡±


    To get out of this blasted rain would be a godsend. The lights in the window were inviting.


    Resen lead the horses into the first barn and dried them off. Horses seemed to come first with Resen. Fand forced herself to be patient. Warmth and dry clothes were near at hand. She just had to be a bit more patient. After Resen brushed both horses down, he fed them. Fand¡¯s own stomach was growling. How much longer?


    Finally, with his jaw clenched he told her, ¡°You are going to be a boy, named Cedric, and you are my apprentice.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Fand knew she did not look like a boy. ¡°Why would you lie to your mother?¡±


    He shrugged. ¡°She doesn¡¯t like me bringing my cases home. An apprentice may set with her better. If she won¡¯t let you stay, my stepfather will, I hope.¡±


    ¡°So shelter is not guaranteed?¡±


    ¡°With my mother no.¡± He left the barn and Fand followed. At the back door of the house Resen knocked.


    The door swung open and a woman with fair skin and graying brown hair peeked out. Once she saw whom it was she exclaimed, ¡°Praise the Keeper! You are still alive.¡± She threw her arms around her soaked son and then her eyes landed on Fand. Her face blanched. She let go of Resen and took a step back. Her voice dropped low and she said, ¡°Tell me that you have not brought Angs¡¯ concubine to my house.¡±


    Despite his mother¡¯s reaction Resen continued the ruse. ¡°Cedric this is my mother, Mrs. Hilfen. Mother, this is Cedric, my apprentice.¡±


    Mrs. Hilfen glared at her son. ¡°Cedric my eye. Don¡¯t lie to me. You take that girl elsewhere. I won¡¯t be tangling with those damned beasts again.¡±


    From behind Resen¡¯s mother a man appeared. He put his hand on Mrs. Hilfen¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Lily, let them in. They¡¯ll catch their death out there.¡±


    Mrs. Hilfen shrugged the man¡¯s hand off her shoulder. She said, ¡°No, I will not let them in my house.¡±


    This was absolutely brillant. Resen had quite a mother. The look she gave Fand, was so cold. It probably would be better to stay in the barn, or even the weather than face what ever poison this woman excreted.


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    In a low firm voice the man said, ¡°Last time I checked Lily,the deed to this house has my name on it.¡±


    Mrs. Hilfen looked dagger¡¯s at her husband.


    To Resen Mr. Hilfen said, ¡°Come in you two. Resen you know are always welcome here.¡±


    Resen said, ¡°Thank you Mr. Hilfen.¡±


    Mrs. Hilfen spun around on her heel and stomped past her husband.


    Fand followed Resen into the mud room and took off her soaked cape and boots. There were dry slippers by the door. When they entered the kitchen Mrs. Hilfen was violently stirring something on the hearth. She looked up at Fand and dropped her spoon into the pot. Wide-eyed horror transformed her hard face. She sputtered, ¡°T-tell me this is, is not Stella¡¯s child.¡±


    What? Did she really look so much like her mother. More importantly how could this woman have known her mother? She lived on the wrong side of the wall.


    Resen went to his mother and said, ¡°Calm down Mother.¡±


    His words only further angered her. She glared at her him. In a hard voice she said, ¡°She is Stella¡¯s child. How could you bring this curse upon my home again? How? After all Stella cost me, cost our village-you bring her child here.¡±


    Bewildered Fand asked, ¡°What?¡±


    Mrs. Hilfen asked, ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡±


    Bewildered by the turn the conversation had just taken, Fand shook her head.


    Resen pleaded, ¡°Mother, don¡¯t.¡±


    "Ha!" Mrs. Hilfen hurled bitter angry words at Fand, ¡°Imagine, she doesn¡¯t know. I don¡¯t guess I¡¯d be telling any child of mine that saving my life got my village burned to the ground. Nor would I tell her the Pathfinder who rescued me was murdered for his success. No I think I¡¯d keep that to myself.¡±


    A sick feeling twisted inside Fand. This could not be true. Her mother was from the Ruhe Mountains. She had letters to prove it. This woman was crazy.


    Mrs. Hilfen asked, ¡°By the way, how is your mother?¡±


    Softly, Fand said, ¡°Dead.¡±


    A strange look came into Mrs. Hilfen¡¯s eyes. She asked, ¡°How long has she been dead?¡±


    Resen protested, ¡°Really Mother-¡°


    Mr. Hilfen said, ¡°That is enough Lily.¡±


    This woman was more than a little crazy, she was scary crazy and Fand would prove it. She said, ¡°My mother came from the Ruhe Mountains. She never lived on this side of the wall.¡±


    With a quirk of her right eyebrow, Mrs. Hilfen asked, ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Really. I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    Again the woman asked, ¡°When did your mother die?¡±


    Fand glanced at Resen. For a brave man he sure was a ninny around his mother. Fand swung her gaze back to Mrs. Hilfen. This woman did not know what she was talking about. Fand jutted out her chin and said, ¡°She died when I was a baby.¡±


    Mrs. Hilfen shouted, ¡°A baby! And you are what about sixteen.¡± With each word, Mrs. Hilfen raised the volume of her voice. ¡°My husband gave his life so that your mother could have a scant year and half left on earth. She would have lived longer if he¡¯d turned her over to Angs.¡±


    This was too much. Fand shouted, ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about. My mother¡¯s name was Stella but she isn¡¯t the person you say she was.¡±


    ¡°You look exactly like her. Doesn¡¯t she Resen?¡±


    Resen didn¡¯t answer.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t she Bo?¡±


    Mr. Hilfen said, ¡°That is enough Lily.¡±


    A grim smile of satisfaction crossed Mrs. Hilfen¡¯s lips. She said, ¡°See they can¡¯t deny it. They know who you are, even if you don¡¯t.¡±


    What? This was a nightmare land. If only she had stayed on her own side of the wall. She looked at Resen. His eyes met hers. She read truth in them. Truth that her mother had been this woman his mother hated. His crazy mother wasn¡¯t lying. Fand said, ¡°If you will excuse me, I am going back to the barn.¡± She turned on her heel, went to the mud room, got her sodden cape and was just about to put her boots back on, when Mr. Hilfen joined her. She told him, ¡°I will not stay where I am not wanted.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t blame, but you need the shelter of a house. More importantly, the shelter of a cellar. We can¡¯t risk the Sonpur getting a whiff of you. And though you can¡¯t see the moon, the moon can still see you.¡±


    This sounded like some kind of bad riddle. ¡°I can¡¯t stay here. I won¡¯t stay here.¡±


    He gave her a sad smile. ¡°No one can force you to do anything.¡±


    Resen came into the mud room. He said, ¡°He is right. But, you have come this far, you don¡¯t want to risk your life just because my mother was born with an ill temper.¡±


    Truth was she didn¡¯t. ¡°Okay. I will stay inside.¡±


    A genuine smile spread across Mr. Hilfen¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯ll get our girl Sandy to get you a basin and some dry clothes. He stepped out of the mud room and called out, ¡°Sandy!¡±


    Resen removed the wet cloak from her shoulders. ¡°I am so sorry.¡±


    Fand turned and looked up at him. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±


    ¡°I did not think there would be a need. It just seemed better that you believed what you always believed. I couldn¡¯t bear to see you lose one more thing.¡±


    These words hit Fand hard. ¡°So, you think I¡¯ve lost my uncle?¡±


    ¡°No. I don¡¯t. But you have lost your home, your cousin,¡± he paused then added, ¡°and your friend, Pyre.¡± His eyes searched her face.


    Stunned, Fand said, ¡°What do you know of Pyre? Is he too dead?¡±


    Resen took her hand in his and said, ¡°Pyre is alive. He is the one who told me all I needed to know about you.¡±


    ¡°Where is he now?¡±


    ¡°In the Council City.¡±


    ¡°Did you cross over?¡±


    ¡°No. Somehow he came here.¡±


    A spark of hope ignited in Fand, ¡°If he could pass back over, why can¡¯t Uncle Wert and I?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. That is something you will have to take up with Petran when we find him.¡±


    Fand pulled free of his grasp and said, ¡°If we find him.¡±

 Chapter 35. The Liar

    It was late evening the last shreds of daylight filtered through the single window. In the distance was the rumble of a storm. In the class room Pyre sat at a wooden table across from Master Uber. One by one the older man said a word or a phrase in the Ancient Tongue and Pyre had to verbally translate it. If he passed this oral examination he would wear a green cowl with his robe like Rube and Wilm. He had studied every free moment he had. It kept Fand from his thoughts. Master Uber looked at the slate he held in his hands and said, ¡°EIUI Kavos.¡±


    Pyre knew this one. He translated, ¡°I am sufficient.¡±


    Master Uber smiled. ¡°Good work, Apprentice Holz.¡± Quickly, his eyes scanned down the slate and he said, ¡°You have done remarkably well. I am pleased with your progress.¡±


    ¡°Thank you Sir.¡±


    ¡°You are most welcome.¡± He pointed at the slate and said, ¡°Always remember that last phrase.¡±


    ¡°Sir?¡±


    There was a strange light in Master Uber¡¯s eyes. He said, ¡°EIUI Kavos. Life has proven to me that the Keeper is sufficient. I pray your life bears this out as well.¡± He rose from the table. He came and stood behind Pyre and placed his hand on Pyre¡¯s head. Softly he uttered the prayer, ¡°Eyeew¡¯ oos tekvov.¡± (Have mercy upon Thy child.) He removed his hand. Pyre stood and turned to him. For one brief instant he looked into Pyre¡¯s eyes. It was enough to communicate to Pyre that Master Uber was part of the Purge. He said, ¡°You are dismissed.¡±


    Pyre bowed to Master Uber and exited into the empty hallway. His footsteps echoed on the stone floor. As he walked a peculiar and unfamiliar sensation took hold of him. Something was wrong, very wrong. Someone was trying to communicate with him, but they were too weak to break through. Pyre stopped at the door. He bent his mind toward the one that was trying to grasp his. Just as he was about to intercept it the door swung open. Two large guards entered the hall. These were not ordinary guards but Wardens. Their uniforms were black with a slash of red on their right sleeves.  They were special emissaries of the Council that took care of high priority assignments. To Pyre''s complete shock, they grabbed hold of him.


    The big burly one said, "You are under arrest."


    Pyre did not have to ask for what. This either had to do with The Purge or Fand. Fear shot through him. His life was in danger and he knew it. As hard as he could, he twisted his body in an effort to break free. A large open hand hit the right side of his face. The sound of his spine and jaw popping rang in his ears. He tried again, but they had him fast. Another blow was dealt him. Pyre felt like a doll caught in a jackal¡¯s mouth. The brawniest Warden held him still while the other snapped manacles on his hands and feet. The taste of his own blood filled his mouth. He was hoisted off his feet. Every reaction was wailing to be released, but he did not give way to panic. It would serve no purpose in this moment. He forced himself to focus on the moment at hand.


    The Wardens carried him out of the university. The dark clouds had rolled in and a sheet of water was descending. It was cold, like ice when it hit Pyre''s face. Lightening illumined the Common. Pyre saw Apprentices watching him from doorways and windows.  At first he had no sense of direction and then he knew where he was headed. The Inner Sanctum. The brawny Warden banged on the door. Pyre heard Jerue¡¯s voice boom, ¡°Enter.¡± The heavy doors swung open without assistance. Behind a small wooden lectern Jerue stood. A single candle burned on the lectern. Weird shadows danced on the curtained walls. There were others in the Sanctum but it was too dark to see who they were. The Head Council man''s body was tense and his eyes liquid black. He held something in his hands. The Wardens thrust Pyre into the circle below the skylight. The Inner Sanctum doors slammed shut.


    Through the skylight a flash of lightening cast Jerue in glowing silver. He didn¡¯t look human. Pyre¡¯s heart lurched to an erratic rhythm. Jerue thrust a book into the air. It looked like the Book of Rituals Zog had stolen him. Jerue asked, ¡°Do you know how this book came to be in Zog Geworden¡¯s possession?¡±


    A lie was necessary and Pyre knew he was a poor liar. Words would betray him so he shook his head.


    In a cutting voice Jerue said, ¡°Speak! You gave it to him.¡±


    Pyre could tell the truth here. ¡°No. I did not. I would not.¡±


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    Jerue¡¯s eyes seemed to pry into his soul. He held the book up and banged it down on the lectern. The candle wavered. He called out,  ¡°Loren forward.¡±


    From the outer shadows, Loren appeared. In his hands was Pyre¡¯s treasure box. As he walked passed Pyre, he did not look at him. Jerue took the box and opened it. He pulled out the lock of Fand¡¯s hair. With a simple flick of his fingers a wisp of black smoke disintegrated the lock of hair. Grief tore through Pyre. He most likely would never see Fand again, and now the one memento he had of her, was gone. From the box Jerue extracted a letter. Pyre recognized it. It was the letter he had found in Zog¡¯s prayer book. The one Jerue had purposefully given him after Zog was found dead.


    With careless fingers, Jerue opened the letter. He cleared his throat and read loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. His voice bit into Pyre as each word was pronounced. Confusion swirled inside of him as Jerue read, ¡°Dear Fand, Tonight, when I saw you, I knew I had been made to love you. I never expected to feel anything so strong for another. Then, there you were, dancing at the harvest festival, so lovely. You stole my heart, and I shall never get it back. ¡± The Head Councilman looked up from the letter at Pyre. His eyes were steady and lightless. He asked, ¡°Did you write this letter?¡±


    ¡°No. Fand¡¯s father wrote that letter to her mother.¡±


    Jerue held the sheet of parchment up. He pointed his finger at the last line and said, ¡°Isn¡¯t this your signature?¡±


    It was. Most peculiar of all was that the handwriting was his own. Pyre bit his lip. This was not good. This was the work of bad magic. He said, ¡°I don¡¯t know who planted this, but I never wrote such a letter to Fand.¡±


    ¡°Liar.¡± Jerue folded the letter and handed it and the book to Loren. To the Wardens he said, ¡°Take him to Block Nine.¡±


    Pyre had heard about Block Nine. It was  where they kept lunatics, enemies of the Council and assassins.


    Jerue¡¯s eyes narrowed, he shouted, ¡°Open!¡± The doors opened. The Wardens took hold of Pyre¡¯s arms and pulled him outside.


    Apprentices, servants and even a few elders had come out to see who was being interrogated on this rainy night. When lightening flashed Pyre tried to find some sympathy in the faces of those who watched him. Rube lifted his chin to him. It seemed to be a gesture of courage, or was it rejection, Pyre wasn¡¯t sure. Thunder boomed overhead. All at once Pyre felt the weak connection trying to grab hold of his brain again. Only three words reached him, ¡®Keep secrets safe¡¯ and then the sensation faded. Did this refer to Fand or to the Purge, or both?


    Through the down pour, the silhouette of the The Prison loomed.  Pyre had never even been near this building and now he was being taken to it. At the gated entrance, one of twelve guards opened the iron gate. The Warden''s carried Pyre through gate and across the stone court yard. A second set of twelve guards stood the barred doors of the prison. A guard stepped forward and unbolted the door. Pyre was taken inside. Torch light flickered. A bored clerk sat at the entry desk He immediately came to attention when he saw the Wardens and Pyre.


    The burley Warden said, "Accommodations for Pyre Holz."


    "Ready and waiting." The clerk motioned for one of the guards keeping watch over  the heavy iron door. One guard unbolted the door. It swung open. The smells  of human excrement, mice, mildew and rats was over powering. Pyre was carried through the door into a hall with a double row of barred cells. Pyre felt eyes upon him.  He could hear the whispers of men. The Warden crossed the length of the cell block and then turned down a narrow hall that lead to  a descending stone staircase. Rumor had it that  cells below the earth were windowless and pitch dark. Below the stench of vermin and excrement were much worse. Pyre was sure he was about to puke.


    Six  guards were posted outside Block Nine. One stepped forward. Pyre could not make out his features in the wavering torch light. He took note of Pyre and said, "This way please," and unbolted the door. A denser wave of hellish smells filled Pyre''s nostrils. Utter darkness lay beyond that door. The panic inside of Pyre rose and crested. A peculiar moment of silence passed through him. The Wardens holding Pyre thrust him into the cell. The door slammed behind him. A tiny slice of light came through the crack at the base of the door. Pyre knelt down beside it. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was light. The entrance door slammed shut. All that remained was utter darkness.


    At the sound of rats scurrying Pyre drew his limbs tightly to him. Rats down here were likely hungry and not above taking a jaw full of living flesh. Master Uber¡¯s words echoed in his brain. Had the man known he was about to be arrested? Once again panic began to rise in him. He hated closed in spaces. He hated the dark even more. He had been set up just like Petran Schon had, just like Zog had. Zog had tried to warn him, but he would not listen. If only he had listened. Keeper his mother would die of mortification once word got out he had been arrested. Damn Jerue!


    Unbidden the last phrase of his examination came to mind. EIUI Kavos. Pyre tried to shut it out of his brain. How could he turn to a Divine Being that cared so little for him or those he loved? Over and over the phrase repeated itself. All at once Pyre realized, this was not some phrase his own brain was repeating someone was sending it to him. He stilled his thoughts. The words, You have not been forgotten, came to him. There was no way for Pyre to be certain of the validity of this message. Still he could choose cling to hope or despair. Which would it be? He closed his eyes and began to pray. The repetition of familiar words was at first difficult, then the words began to ease some of the fear in his body and his mind. The words did not remove it, but they gave him enough leverage to just hold on, one moment at a time.

 Chapter 36. Trust

    The tiny candle flame reflected off the crocks of preserved pears and berries. Fand looked up at the cellar door. The cellar was small, so small. Constantly, since she left Kammen Spire, she had been thrust into tight places under ground. She did not like it. One harvest when she was a little girl, she and Pyre had been in the cellar sneaking blackberry jam. It had tasted so good until Zolla had slammed the cellar door shut. Complete darkness descended. Pyre had cried out and she had taken his hand. His palm was as sweaty as her own. Slowly, they made their way up the cellar steps and tried the door. It was locked. Pyre began to cry while she pounded on the door with her free hand. It had taken awhile before anyone noticed they were missing. Holding Pyre¡¯s hand had kept her steady, but still the experience had left both of them traumatized, especially Pyre. He hated tight closed in dark places. She prayed that where ever he was there was light, and space and fresh clean air.


    The only thing that had made all the tight spaces she had endured over the past nights bearable was Resen. He had become her security. She turned to him and he was always there, always ready with the right word or gesture. Tonight however he was not with her. She knew he just beyond the cellar door, but that was too far away. Mrs. Hilfen had made it clear it was improper for him to sleep in the same room with her. Which in Fand''s mind was stupid given their circumstances, but Resen had not protested. The candle by her pallet was burning low. Any moment now it would gutter out and she would be plunged into darkness. Tears filled her eyes. How would she bear complete darkness alone?


    The door opened and Resen crept down the ladder. He whispered, ¡°How are you?¡±


    Unable to respond, Fand brushed the tears out of her eyes.


    In an instant he was beside her. The nearness of him brought her the sense of safety Zog had once brought her. Resen pulled a small candle from his pocket and touched it to the dying flame of the other. Fresh light filled the dark cellar. He blew out the failing candle and replaced it with the new one. "Now, tell me what is keeping you awake."


    She could not look at him. In a low voice she said, "The things your mother said. Were they true?"


    ¡°Partly. Not all though. I was only nine when I met your mother. Her hair was long and dark like yours and her eyes were the same color. She was very lady like and quiet. Also delicate, not very strong looking. She was only in our house one night." Resen¡¯s hand touched Fand''s. ¡°I remember her long fingers." Fand did not have long fingers. "Though she was shy, Father coaxed her to sing. As she sang, she seemed to give her heart and her grief up in music. Her voice, I can still hear it was beautiful. Do you sing?¡±


    Fand shook her head.


    "It was her voice that stole my father''s heart. My parents marriage was arranged, and well you have met my mother. She is not an easy person and her jealousy is poison." Seeming to sense this information troubled Fand he added, "Your mother did nothing to encourage him and I doubt she even knew. Heck, I fell in love with her and I was only a boy."


    What was this power her mother possessed that had made men love her so suddenly and completely? Anxiously Fand asked, "Was she responsible for your father''s death?"


    "No. He was killed on his way home from a mission by a gang of Sonpur. My mother has chosen to believe those Sonpur where out for revenge because my father had robbed Angs of a potential concubine. What they really wanted and got, was the fee he had been paid for the job he had completed. Your mother had nothing to do with it."


    "Why didn''t you tell me about my mother before now?"


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    "I had hoped Petran would tell you the whole story..." his voice trailed off.


    Fand met Resen''s eyes. Quickly he hid his fear and worry. She asked, "Can you tell me the whole story?"


    "No. I don''t know where your mother came from or how she got on the other side of the wall." Resen¡¯s fingers closed over hers. He squeezed them briefly and then let go. ¡°I best get back upstairs before my mother catches me down here. Her hearing is very sharp and I suspect she will not sleep well, if at all knowing you are in the house.¡±


    "You are afraid of your mother?"


    "Aren''t you?"


    ¡°I am.¡±


    He gave her a crooked smile and went back up the stairs.


    *


    The blue light of dawn filled the kitchen. A somber group sat at the table. Mr. Hilfen kept his eyes fastened on his plate. With tight lips Mrs. Hilfen served up eggs and toast. In this oppressive atmosphere, Fand did not have any appetite. She glanced at Resen. His expression encouraged her to try to eat.


    Mrs. Hilfen slammed her fork down on the table. She said, ¡°Keeper Resen, don¡¯t be looking at that girl like that. It hasn¡¯t been a year since we put Leben in the ground.¡±


    Instantly Resen¡¯s expression changed. Anger and sorrow filled his eyes. He jerked his head to face his mother. ¡°Don¡¯t you speak of Leben.¡±


    Who was Leben? Fand looked from Resen to his mother. Mrs. Hilfen asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter son? Did you suddenly remember you are still mourning your wife?¡±


    Resen did not respond. Fand dared not look at him. What had happened to his wife? Not once had he mentioned her.


    *


    The horses sloshed through a swollen creek. The afternoon sun was high in the sky. Fand noticed a sliver of moon in the day blue sky. The moon was waxing. How long before it would be full again? Resen turned Donner up the creek bank. Her horse followed behind. The tang of smoke stung her nostrils. Resen stopped when he crested the bank. Fand reigned in her horse beside him. In the shadow of the trees she saw two bodies, one male, one female, swinging from ropes. Swinging in the exact manner Zog had swung. Grief for Zog ripped through her, stronger than she had ever felt before. The disc did not protect her from the force of her sorrow. Completely unable to move or cry, she sat frozen on her horse.


    Resen urge Donner forward and dismounted. In his hand was a sharp knife. Fand cast her eyes to the ground. She heard the sound of rope being sliced. Quickly, she covered her ears with her hands. She did not want to hear the bodies fall. On the ground she saw huge horse hooves'' prints. The Sonpur had been here. Where were they now? She removed her hands from her ears and dismounted and hid her face in her horse''s mane. She could feel the thrum of its heart. For a long while she clung to her horse. Finally she heard Resen¡¯s step andDonner¡¯s returned to her. Silently, he helped her up onto her horse and then climbed onto his own. They headed back toward the stream. Careful not to look toward the farm, Fand turned her horse to follow.


    Further down stream they came to an abandoned farm. Resen said, "We will stay in the barn for the night. The Sonpur are close, I can smell them. If they come we will need quick access to our horses."


    Fand nodded. Resen climbed off Donner then helped her dismount. For a moment she clung to him and whispered, ¡°Where those people back there supposed to hide me last night?¡±


    "Yes."


    ¡°If not for me, they would still be alive.¡±


    He pulled her close and tucked her head under his chin. Fiercely he said, ¡°Angs is responsible for their deaths, not you. Long ago that couple committed their lives to offering shelter for refugees and other people in trouble. It was their calling and they knew the risks.¡±


    Huge tears welled in Fand''s eyes. He was risking his life to get her to safety. Was her one life worth more than others? No. She pulled away from him. "It would have been better if I had stayed in Kammin Spire. Uncle Wert and Petran would be alive, so would that couple and you would not be risking your own neck."


    His arms pulled her back to him. Against her hair he said, "This not just about you Fand. Angs has been terrorizing our land for years. His evil must be stopped. He is afraid. No one until you ever escaped his City. Your escape has given people hope. Hold on to that. You are in a fight for good whether you chose it or not. Trust the Keeper to see us through."


    Trust was such a hard word. Zog had trusted the Keeper. Or had he? When he had not gotten his way he had renounced his faith. Was that trust? Could he have had a different destiny? Fand thoughts went from Zog to Pyre. When she had refused him, he had not destroyed himself. Even after almost being killed in Transferrance, he had trusted, tried again and succeeded. He kept going. Could she? Could she keep going like Pyre did? Silently she prayed, "Please Keeper, help me trust."

 Chapter 37. Not Alone

    Was it morning or night? Pyre had no way of knowing. The only thing he was certain of was that the fleas, ticks and lice in his cell appreciated his presence. From time to time he felt little rodent eyes watching him, waiting for a chance at fresh flesh. So far the rodents remained unsatisfied.


    Four meals ago, someone had smuggled a few torn pages of The Prayer Book beneath his bowl of stew. It was the section on endurance and hope. Pyre pulled the tattered pages from his pocket. He placed them in the slice of light at the door base ready to be read the instant anyone opened the outer door. He had committed himself to memorizing every phrase of these prayers. It was the only thing that made him believe he had not been forgotten. Softly he recited the words, "Our hope is in your love. Your love is our shelter though the world may forsake us and our bodies may fail." How long would it be before his body began to fail. At his best estimation he was only being fed sporadically. He had no idea when food or water would arrive. His thirst sometimes became so unbearable he wanted to scream and yet he forced himself to pray. Often he cried. The tears brought relief. They had the power to express his hurt, his anger and his fear in the way screaming could not. Wearily he focused all his attention on the prayer. This time in this dark place was not unlike the time he had been badly burned. The previous suffering had taught him that endurance was possible, that living in the moment was something he could do even though he was afraid and miserable. Firmly he said aloud, "My hope is in your love." A tear slid down his cheek. He was so lonely. The Keeper''s love was real to him, but he longed for human contact.


    Beyond the door a Guard shouted. Boots crunched gravel in the hall. He had been expecting another interrogation at some point in time. Now must be the time. Quickly, he grabbed the pages and scooted away from the door. He crumpled the pages in his hand and shoved them into his pocket. The door swung open. Bright torch light blinded him. It hurt his eyes. He squinted at the two dark silhouettes that towered over him.


    One said, ¡°Get up and come with us.¡±


    The other didn¡¯t wait for Pyre to do as he was told. He jerked him to his feet and pushed him through the door. Pyre''s eyes adjusted to the light. Light was a glorious thing. It was so necessary. To see again, for even a little while was a gift. They headed up a flight of steps. At the top was another door. Was it possible he might see out a window? At the thought of seeing the sky his heart leapt. He was thrust into the room. It was the prison lavatory. It did not have a window but it was bathed in soft candle light. The tiny flames were beautiful flickers. Roughly, Pyre was stripped of his robe. His fingers had just an instant to retrieve the ball of parchment from his pocket.


    The prison warden, a stocky man with thick dark hair came into the room. He nodded at the Guards. They picked up Pyre and tossed him into a tub of warm water. The water smelled strong. The wadded pages in his became sodden. A cloud of vermin rose from his body and floated in the tub. One of the Guards pushed his head under water. Pyre had the presence of mind to hold his breath. This water was poison laced. The guard jerked pulled Pyre''s head up. More vermin leapt into the water and instantly died. As soon as he took in two gasps of air, the Guard shoved him under again. In Pyre''s hand the pages of The Prayer Book disintegrated. Grief filled him. At least he had managed to memorize five of the prayers. Though the others were lost he still had those five.


    After two more dunks the Guard seemed satisfied. Pyre was hoisted out of the tub. The Warden threw him a towel and left the room. The Guards remained.


    For several seconds Pyre stood filling his lungs with air. Slowly he began to towel himself off. The lavatory door opened. Loren entered. It took everything Pyre had in him, not to run to him and throw his arms around him. Tears pricked at his eyes but he held them back. He must not betray his friend. In Loren''s arms were a pile of clothes. He did not speak as he handed him the pile. Their eyes met. Pyre felt the strength of Loren''s friendship and also the innate power he possessed. He wanted to give him a word of thanks, but he knew better. Loren said, ¡°Hurry up and get dressed Apprentice.¡±


    Pyre put on the undergarments then the robe, at the bottom of the pile was a green cowl. It must be a gift from Master Uber. In his mind, Loren said, ¡°Many are praying for you. You have not been forgotten.¡± Loren turned to the Guards. "Escort the prisoner to his next destination."


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    The two Guards roughly took hold of Pyre.


    Loren said, ¡°Let him walk unheeded.¡±


    The Guards looked at one another, shrugged and obeyed Loren. How was it that a mere nurse had authority over Council Guards?


    With Loren in front, Pyre was led through the prison to the main doors. Loren pushed open the wooden doors. Pyre looked up. The evening sky was streaked with fire. It was so beautiful. A warm breeze blew from the south. Pyre took in one great gulp of fresh air. It was so pure after the stench underground. The Guards prodded him forward.The Common was deserted. There wasn¡¯t even a servant around. Pyre was taken to the school and lead up a winding staircase. Four guards stood in front of two stone doors. Loren said, ¡°Open.¡±


    The doors were slid open. The instant Pyre stepped inside the room he knew where he was. This was the place of clandestine meetings. This was the place the hood took him. He looked at the stage. Jerue sat behind a table. To Loren he said, "Go." To the Guards he said, "Close the doors." When the room was empty and the doors were closed he looked down at Pyre and asked, ¡°Would you like to get out of prison?¡±


    Something rose inside of Pyre. A courage he did not possess. He heard himself saying, "That depends on how?"


    "Simple. Tell me where the Geworden girl is?¡±


    Pyre said, ¡°In heaven.¡±


    "Liar, you know as well as I do that she is not dead." He rose from the table and came to him. He cuffed Pyre upside his head and asked, ¡°How is it that I can not penetrate your mind? Who is protecting you?¡±


    "The Keeper."


    His words brought fury into Jerue''s eyes. "The Keeper! The Keeper does not protect liars! You know where Fand is. You have traveled Beyond. You know who she is with. You know. How is it that you have done these things. How? You are surely not smart enough, not even Zog was smart enough." The Head Councilman halted. Pyre watched as he struggled to gain control of himself. After several silent moments Jerue said, "According to Gregor Zwart, you and Fand were lovers. According to our records we have found Transferrance residue all around the Geworden farm and in our Council Dining Hall. In and out you went some how, satisfying your lust with that girl."


    Anger rose in Pyre. Rage colored his face. "How dare you speak such filth. Fand is pure."


    Jerue smiled. "IS, IS. Then she is not dead."


    Angry with himself for being so easily baited Pyre said nothing.


    "Tell me where she is or your family will suffer."


    Pyre knew this was not and idle threat. How could he keep his family safe? He couldn''t. Jerue was evil, an evil that cloaked itself in righteousness. He knew he must be careful, very careful. He sent a prayer upward asking for wisdom. The first words that came out of his mouth were, "Why is her whereabouts so important to you?"


    Jerue visibly flinched. His eyes held a trace of fear which he quickly extinguished. Someone, something was compelling Jerue. What was it? Who was it?


    Pyre proceeded, "Fand would not want me to risk my family for her. My father raised me to be an honorable man. Thus I am stuck, here with a single truth. I do not know where Fand is."


    "You know who she is with."


    Pyre looked at Jerue and realized, Jerue knew who Fand was with too. "I can''t tell you more than you already know. I have been kept in the dark, for the protection of my family and myself. If you harm or murder to get further knowledge, you will gain nothing but more sin heaped upon your own head."


    With one hard crashing blow, Jerue slapped him. "You will tell me where the girl is. You will!"


    There was such fear in Jerue. Fear that only something or someone more powerful than he could create. Pyre looked into his eyes, those cold eyes that held no light. He said, "Something bad will happen to you if you don''t locate Fand won''t it Jerue?"


    Horror registered on Jerue''s face and then door seemed to shut over his eyes. Pyre knew Jerue finally understood that he could not help him. The Head Councilman shouted, "Guards!"


    The doors swung open and the Guards returned. "Take Pyre Holz to the Special Chamber."


    Pyre had never heard of any Special Chamber, but he knew it would be worse than the one he had been inside. Fear like he had never known took hold of him.


    The Guards hoisted Pyre into the air and carried him out of the room. They did not leave the way they had come in, instead they exited down a pit of a staircase. It spiraled into thick darkness. A tunnel was at the base of it. A single torch lit the way. Panic surged through Pyre. He struggled to free himself, but the Guards were far too strong. At the end of the tunnel, a panel opened into a small entry way. Another torch blazed in this room. There was a single door. The Guard on Pyre¡¯s left unlocked the door. In the torch light Pyre saw the swollen blood caked face of Uncle Wert. The guards shoved him into the cell and slammed the door.


    Pyre crawled to where he had seen Uncle Wert. He reached out in the darkness. Thick fingers wrapped around his. Pyre hugged the old man to him. How good his arms felt. In a hoarse voice, Uncle Wert said, "Petran is with us too. But not for long I fear. Damn, Jerue! Damn him!"

 Chapter 38. Abode of Pathfinders

    The motion of the horse beneath Fand was rocking her to sleep. She was so weary. All she wanted was to get off this damned horse. Ahead of her Resen rode. His back was straight and his eyes were scanning the area. Donner''s black mane blew in the wind. They made a striking picture. Beyond them along the horizon were mountains. They did not look anything like the Ruhe Mountains of home. The Ruhe Mountains did not jab the sky with their bare rock precipices. Fand prayed they were not their destination. Currently they were in a vast prairie. Shelter of any sort was not visible. Where would they sleep tonight?


    Resen reigned in Donner. Fand rode to his side. He said, "Steady your horse." Fand took a firm grasp on the reigns. He spoke a single word, ¡°Now.¡± The ground in front of them rumbled and opened up. A platform appeared. Donner stepped onto it. Resen said, ¡°Follow and hold your horse firmly.¡± Fand did as she was told. She had no idea what was about to happen and she was afraid. There was a whirring sound and then the platform plunged downward. It took all Fand''s strength to keep her horse from bolting. The speed of the platform was terrifying. Abruptly, the platform came to a shrieking stop. Her horse attempted to leap forward, but Fand held on to the reigns and softly said, ¡°You are safe.¡± The tension in the horse relaxed. Fand looked around her. They were in a cavern. She asked, ¡°Where are we?¡±


    Resen said, ¡°The Abode of Pathfinders,¡± and guided Donner off the platform. Fand on her horse followed. As soon as they were off the platform, it rose upward at an amazing pace. Far above was a tiny square of blue sky. Too quickly, the platform blotted out the sky. Resen urged Donner into the cavern. Up ahead orange light wavered. The clip clop of the horses hooves echoed on the stone floor. The air inside the cavern was stale.


    Underground, again underground. Fand did not want to be underground, but she suspected she might be in this place longer than any others. This was where Resen lived. Would it be where she would live?


    They passed out of the cavern into a huge open area. Fand looked up. Stout rafters braced the carved ceiling. Her eyes followed the rafters and traced them to the walls and finally the floor. In the distance squat houses and shops lined the outer edges of the cavern. In the center of the cavern was a large orb of blue light. A group of children were playing in its light. Resen rode toward the group.


    A little boy with blonde hair called out, ¡°Papa!¡±


    Resen leapt off Donner. He ran to the boy and scooped him into his arms. The child gave him a fierce hug. "I have missed you, Papa."


    Tenderly, Resen snuggled the boy, "And I you!"


    Resen had a son! Why had he not told her?


    The boy tilted his head back and laughed. The beautiful sound of his laughter echoed inside of Fand''s heart. He said, ¡°Granma said you¡¯s comin¡¯. She got the house ready.¡± He bellowed, ¡°Granma they¡¯re here!¡±


    Resen asked, "Tugg, was that necessary?"


    "Yes.The Keeper gave me a big voice and I like to use it." He laughed again.


    A woman with delicate features came out of a house to Fand¡¯s right. She walked to the edge of her yard and opened her gate. As she neared them Fand could see that Tugg took after the woman. Fand slid off her horse. She watched the woman approach. She moved with grace. When she reached them, Fand saw the fine network of wrinkles that lined her face.


    Resen helped Fand off her horse and said, "Elise, this is Fand. Fand, Elise."


    "Pleased to meet you." The woman had a sweet voice. She said, "Come, I know you are tired and hungry."


    "I am."


    Resen put his son down. "I need to go check in. I will be back as soon as I can Tugg."


    The boy said, "I want to come with you, Papa."


    "You know it is not allowed until you are a certified Pathfinder." He glanced up and said, "Hopefully this won''t take long, Elise."


    "I will keep a plate warm for you."


    Much to Fand''s surprise Tugg put his hand in hers. His grip was strong for one so small. He said, "My papa saved you didn''t he?"


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    "Yes."


    The smile of satisfaction that creased little boy''s face was one of deep pride. But Fand wondered, as she looked down at him, how often did he see his father? It had been what, two months or more since the Sonpur first abducted her? That was a long time in a child''s life. He yanked her hand and said, "Come on, I''m hungry! And Grandma made chicken pie. Its Papa''s favorite."


    *


    After supper Elise prepared a bath for Fand. Alone in the kitchen, Fand unbraided her hair. The disc slipped into her hand. She brushed the letters with her finger tips. No images appeared. She placed it on the chair beside the tub and pulled off her grubby clothes. A dress was laid out on the chair. It was sky blue wool. Fand had not worn a dress since she had been in Kammin Spire. The image of Zog suddenly swung in her mind. With trembling fingers she reached for the disc and held it to the back of her neck. It did not slip through her skin or numb her feelings, but it steadied her. With it in one hand, she scrubbed herself with the other hand. Tears slipped down her cheeks. She dunked her hair beneath the water. Debris and dirt floated to the surface. How filthy she was! As quickly as she could she finished her bath, reached for the towel and dried herself. She wasted no time braiding her hair and shoving the disc back into her braid. The disc against the nape of her neck was not the same as the disc beneath her skin. It did not bringher comfort. Why? Was it weaning her from its influence? If so to what end?


    Fand put on the undergarments and the dress. She slipped her feet into the kid skin shoes. The clothes and shoes were a little large but it was good to be dressed, shod and clean. She opened the kitchen door and went to the front room.


    Elise sat on wide bench mending small britches. Tugg stood at the window. His shoulders drooped. Worry pricked Fand''s mind. What was taking Resen so long? She took the chair nearest to Elise.


    To Tugg Elise said, "Come sit."


    Reluctantly, Tugg climbed up beside his grandmother. He propped his sleepy head on his grandmother''s shoulder. A huge yawn escaped him. He asked, "How much longer till Papa comes back?"


    "I don''t know sweet heart."


    The little boy sighed. He closed his eyes, in seconds he was asleep. His blond lashes lay against his cheek. Elise waited until he was in deep sleep before she scooped him up and carried him through a door to the right. Inside the room were two beds. Elise put Tugg on the trundle bed. He rolled over and she covered him. Gently she kissed his forehead.


    Fand looked away. Tears pricked her eyes. Had Uncle Wert ever put her to bed like that? Surely he must have, or at least she knew Zolla would have. Zolla was the closest thing she ever had to a mother. How she missed her. Restless and upset, Fand went to the window and looked out.


    The lamp at the center of this village burned low. A door opened across the common. Fand saw a man coming toward the lamp. It was Resen. His head was down and his shoulders were stooped. He must have bad news. Her eyes followed him. When he saw her in the window, a smile momentarily chased away his somber expression. He crossed the yard and opened the door. For several moments he stood in the door way looking at her. Softly he said, "You look lovely."


    The warmth of a blush stole over Fand''s face. She cast her eyes down. The instant she did she became angry with herself. How easily she forgot what mattered most. She turned her eyes back to Resen''s face, braced herself and asked, "Do you have any word of my uncle?"


    Seeing her stiffen, he came to her and took her in his arms. He said, ¡°Your uncle is in the Council Prison along with Petran and Pyre.¡±


    Uncle Wert was in prison, but he was alive! For how long would he be alive? And now Pyre was in danger too! Zolla, poor Zolla! Tears welled up in her eyes. Zolla must not loose Pyre.


    Gently he said,¡°We will do our best to save them. We are leaving tonight.¡±


    "I will get ready."


    "No, you are staying here."


    Neither had heard Elise come into the room. Elise protested, ¡°But Resen, you need to rest, so does Donner.¡±


    ¡°There isn''t time. I¡¯ll take Sophie, she¡¯s fresh.¡±


    Fand disentangled herself from Resen. "I am coming with you.¡±


    "No. You are safer here. It will take all my skill and the help of another to get them out of that prison."


    With a tinge of bitterness, Elise said, "Go, kiss your son goodbye, again." Resen had heard the bitterness too. He dropped his eyes and left room. Elise looked at Fand. Her eyes were sad, but not angry. She said, "This is the life of a pathfinder. My daughter was not suited to it. I can see Resen is taken with you. Be wary. Too many goodbyes are not healthy."


    This was a truth Fand understood.


    Elise went into the kitchen.


    Fand remained where she was. Her mind was spinning. Resen''s mother and now his mother-in-law both confirmed what she did not want to think. Surely they were wrong. As for herself, how did she feel about Resen? There had been far too much trauma to determine that.


    The sound of Tugg whimpering came from the bedroom. Poor little boy. After awhile, Tugg quieted. He must have fallen back to sleep. Quietly Resen crept out of the bedroom. He glanced at Fand, his eyes were bright with tears. In a low voice he said, ¡°I will not be gone long. When I return I will not be alone.¡± Through his tears, Fand saw his fierce determination. With all her heart she wanted to believe he would succeed in rescuing her uncle and Pyre.


    She went to him and hugged him. Though she honestly was not sure, she told him, "I know you will bring them back to me." Suddenly, his lips came down on hers. Moist, firm, not reckless the way Pyre''s had always been. When he pulled away from her, she saw the fear in his eyes. Fear that he had done the wrong thing. Compassion filled her. He had risked his very life for her and was about to do the same for Uncle Wert and Pyre. She returned his kiss. The hunger in him coursed through her. His arms tightened around her. She could not breathe. This was the kiss of a man, not a boy. He pulled away from her and without a word, went out the front door.

 Chapter 39. Again, the Witch

    The darkness was absolute. The air was putrid and heavy.  Petran¡¯s shallow breathing filled the cell. His breath came and went, sometimes too many moments passed between breaths. In the filthy hay strewn floor, Pyre and Uncle Wert lay on either side of Petran trying to give him what warmth they possessed from their bodies. Pyre¡¯s head ached and he couldn¡¯t remember the last time they had been fed.


    Petran let out another jagged breath. In a hoarse whisper Uncle Wert said, ¡°Won¡¯t be long now."


    The thought of death here in this cell, for Petran Schonangered Pyre. The Council was a sham. Once they had sentenced Petran to death for treason, only for some weird reason he hadn¡¯t died. Now, they were killing him, slowly and painfully. Jerue was evil. Silently Pyre chidedhimself, How could I have been such a fool? I should have gone back home when Zog told me to. Hell, I never should have left home in the first place. I should have trusted Zog¡¯s advice. I should have been patient with Fand and waited to see if her feeling for me might change. But no, I was an idiot and latched onto the first thing that came my way, just because Fand had rejected me. Honestly, I¡¯m no better than Zog. Dream denied, destroy life for self and those I love.Would any of this be happening if I had just bided my time? It seems impatience is a terrible sin with terrible consequences. Frustration and regret filled Pyre. There was nothing he could do now. It was too late. First Petran would die in this god forsaken cell and then Uncle Wert and then he would die. Bitterly he shook his head.


    Too many moments had passed since Petran¡¯s last breath. Pyre stretched out his hand and placed it on the old man¡¯s chest. His heart was still beating, but it was erratic. Pyre knew he should pray, but he couldn¡¯t. What he felt now was beyond words. Death was coming, no it wasn¡¯t just coming, it was already in the room. He could feel it. How could he stop it? He couldn¡¯t. A miracle was needed, but he had lost all faith in miracles.


    A rat skittered across the floor. Though Pyre couldn¡¯t see it, he knew it was heading for Petran.


    Metal scraped across the stone floor. There was a slight whoosh of air and then Pyre heard their metal dinner plate make contact with the skull of the rodent. It let out a shriek and there was the sound of tiny claws scrapping against the stone floor. The scrapping was brief and then all went still. The rat was dead. Killing that rodent in this pitch dark was a miracle of sorts, though a small one. Uncle Wert growled, ¡°You greedy little bastard. He will be dead soon enough.¡± He slammed the plate down and a loud ringing sound echoed in the cell.


    The smell of fresh blood stung Pyre¡¯s nostrils. It was a clean smell that cut through the rot and damp of the cell. Beyond the door, Pyre thought he heard a soft thud and then another one. After that, something beyond the door scraped on the floor. Was it just another rat or was someone out there? Pyre extended his mind beyond himself and came up with nothing. Still, he felt like there was a presence near by. A small gust of wind swirled into the darkness.The door swung noiselessly open. A dull blue ball of light illumined the small cell. Pyre and Uncle Wert squinted. The silhouette of a man filled the door. The man said, ¡°Praise the Keeper, you are still alive.¡± It was that Pathfinder, Resen. He came and knelt beside Petran. He listened to his heart. "We must hurry." He passed the blue ball to Pyre and then scooped up Petran. "Follow me."


    The blue glow did not burn Pyre¡¯s skin nor produce any warmth. It would have been nice if there was warmth. Weak and unsteady Pyre and Uncle Wert followed behind the Pathfinder. At the tunnel door, two guards lay unconscious. Resen told Pyre, ¡°Open the door.¡±


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    When Pyre opened the door it was the first time in he didn¡¯t know how long that he beheld light. The torch on the wall burned brightly. It hurt his eyes.


    Resen jerked his head in the direction of the torch and said, ¡°Put that on the floor Apprentice.¡±


    Though he only held the torch briefly before he put it down, its warmth had sunk into his bones.


    ¡°Now,¡± Resen said, ¡°you two, grab hold of my fore arms and hold on as tightly as you can.¡± Uncle Wert and Pyre did as they were told. All at once a cold wind blew through the tunnel. It smelled of snow and pine. It wrapped around them and pushed them into the flames of he torch. There had not been any holy water or incantation and yet they were traveling through the nether region. A strange feeling overtook Pyre as they passed into the cold nothingness. He felt his body being directed. Who was responsible for this uncanny Transferrance? Someone more powerful than he ever hoped to be was guiding them. They landed in a dark field. A single candle burned at their feet. A woman in dark robes bent low and blew out the flame. She said, ¡°My wagon is in the trees.¡±


    As they made their way to the wagon, Pyre followed behind Resen and Uncle Wert. The woman¡¯s wagon was not an ordinary wagon but a gypsy cart. She opened the back door of the cart. A dim lantern burned within on a shelf. The tiny cart space was chocked full of herbs and remedies. So, she was not just a Gypsy but a witch. Was she the one who was responsible for that uncanny Transferrance? Impossible, she was a woman.


    A pallet was spread out on one side of the cart.With gentle care, Resen lay Petran Schon on the pallet. Pyre helped Uncle Wert ascend the steps and then he shut the door behind him. There was a narrow bench beside the door. Uncle Wert sank down on it. He covered his face with his hands. He shoulder¡¯s shook with silent sobs.


    The woman turned up the wick of the lantern and the small space brightened. She cast off her robes and put them over Petran. Her body was hugely pregnant and she was not a young woman. In the light Pyre saw the black bruises that covered the Petran¡¯s face and hands. Infected sores oozed puss. Careful to keep Petran as covered as possible the woman examined his body. Ugly black bruises and long dried blood caked his thin body. Pyre couldn¡¯t bear the sight and turned his head. He was going to be sick and now was not a good time.


    The woman said, ¡°Apprentice, give me some of that yarrow above your head.¡±


    Pyre looked up. The ceiling was covered with dried herbs. He located the small white flowers of the yarrow and pulled a bunch of it down. Yarrow was a cleansing herb.


    The woman pointed at a box on the counter. She said, ¡°Fetch a bowl and pestle out of there and crush the yarrow.¡± Pyre rummaged through the box of utensils and extracted a small bowl and pestle. The woman said, ¡°Crush the yarrow as finely as possible, and then pour a little water into it to make it into a paste. Pyre did as he was instructed. When he had completed his task he handed her the bowl, careful not to look at Petran.


    She said, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Pyre glanced at her. He was startled to discover her eyes were the same color as Fand¡¯s.  Into Pyre''s hand the woman put some of the yarrow paste. ¡°Apply it to Mr. Geworden¡¯s sores. It will soothe them.¡±


    Pyre nodded. As he put the stuff on Uncle Wert¡¯s sores, he heard the woman praying. She was praying sacred prayers, prayers that were forbidden to pass through female lips. Her voice became unsteady, then broke off entirely. To Resen she said, ¡°I can¡¯t believe they did this to him again. He was young the first time. Now he is old. What a fool I was.¡±


    Resen lay a hand on her shoulder and said, ¡°Renate, That was so long ago. You have redeemed yourself a thousand times over.¡±


    The woman jerked her shoulder from his grasp. In a tear choked voice she said, ¡°No. I haven¡¯t. Nothing can ever redeem me for what I have done.¡± She leaned over Petran and stroked his white hair.


    Pyre looked from the pregnant woman to Petran. The image seemed familiar. The woman seemed familiar. Then all at once the mural in the Inner Sanctum came clearly to his mind. Specifically the panel of the pregnant girl at the gallows by Petran¡¯s hung body. Had this woman, Renate, been that girl?

 Chapter 40. The Burning

    Time was a peculiar thing beneath the earth. The Pathfinder community seemed to instinctually know where the sun was even if they couldn¡¯t see it. How Fand missed the sky. How did these people live like this, especially the women and children? All afternoon she had played in the yard with Tugg. He was a bright little boy. She couldn¡¯t help but think how terrible it must be to grow up without the light of the sun and the stars.


    Tonight, Fand sat silently beside the hearth fire. She was loath to go to bed. The room she had been sleeping in was Resen¡¯s. It was the room he had shared with his wife. There was a small portrait of Leben, his wife, on the bureau. Her hair was long and blonde. Her eyes were a tranquil brown. Her skin was smooth and a delicate shade of pink. She was utterly beautiful. She must have loved Resen very much to choose a life underground. If Fand survived, she doubted she would so much as go into a cellar again, much less choose a life underground.Though the kiss she had shared with Resen had stirred her, what she felt was not enough to even tempt her to give him her heart. Where was he and what was he doing now? With each day that passed her worry increased. The longer it took the more she feared he was not coming back and neither was Uncle Wert. What would happen then? Where would she go? The thought of being trapped in this cavern sent her heart racing. How much longer could she endure? Was Uncle Wert even alive? Prayers began to filter through her mind and heart.


    Elise entered the kitchen and asked, ¡°Can¡¯t sleep?¡±


    ¡°No, Ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Would you like a little tea?¡±


    The question brought back memories of the ¡°tea¡± Kerzee had served her. Fand said, ¡°No, thank you. I am fine.¡±


    Elise nodded. ¡°All right, if you need anything, just let me know. Good night.¡±


    ¡°Good night.¡±


    For awhile Fand sat staring at the flames. Fire was such a peculiar entity. The way it feasted on the logs bringing light and destruction at the same time. A familiar feeling began to twist inside of her. She knew what it meant. How would it effect her this time? Above this cavern the full moon must be on the rise. Though her skin did not glow, her blood began to tingle. Her shoulders felt strange. The fire light cast her shadow on the wall. Her breath caught in her throat. Her shadow had wings, magnificent wings. The disc, Jerim''s Relic, burned cold against her skin and slipped beneath the surface.


    In the next room she heard Tugg cry out in his sleep, ¡°Papa!¡± Was something happening? It had been almost a week since Resen left. Tugg had asked by the hour every day and each night before bed, ¡°Will Papa be home soon?¡±


    Elise always looked at her grandson with tenderness, but there was a trace of bitterness in her voice when she would reply, ¡°Papa will be home as soon as he can be.¡±


    This answer never appeased Tugg.


    All the sudden the ground shook. The sound of thundering huge horse hooves filled the air. A bright flashshot through the house like lightening. Something exploded outside. The sound of a ram¡¯s horn blared through the cavern. Fand jumped up and ran to the front room. She peered through the window. A battalion of Sonpur carried torches and were tossing them onto rooftops. Fand knew they had come for her.


    With Tugg in her arms, Elise entered the room. Slung across her shoulders was a bag filled with supplies. ¡°There is a tunnel in the cellar. Follow me.¡±


    Fand¡¯s eyes turned back to the window. These people were in danger because of her. People might, no would die tonight because of her. She didn¡¯t want any more people to die. A Sonpur tossed a torch. It landed on the roof. Fand could hear the crackle of fire.¡±


    Elise said, ¡°Come on, you are wasting time.¡±


    ¡°Go. They only want me.¡±


    Elise said, ¡°They have long wanted to destroy this place, its not just about you.¡±


    ¡°Maybe not, but maybe I can buy you some time. Now go!¡±


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    Elise didn¡¯t protest, she said, ¡°Thank you.¡± With her bag and Tugg, she opened the cellar door. Fand closed the door behind them. The disc burned cold at the base of her neck. It had saved her once, would it save her again? She would soon find out.


    She crossed the front room and yanked the front door open. The entire village was ablaze. Smoke burned her eyes. The guards that had been on duty were all dead. Their blood pooled around them. How many families had just been impacted by loss? So much grief lay in front of them. A lump formed in Fand¡¯s throat. They had died because of her. What a curse it had been the day she was born. Zolla had been right, she was a bad seed. If only she had never been born! She made her way to center of the cavern were the orb burned. There, on his huge horse was Trug. His dark eyes met hers. Her growled at her. The disc shot cold through her entire body and propelled her forward. It was leading her to Trug.


    Trug barked an order. Two Sonpur rushed to her side and took hold of her shoulders. The disc was so cold she couldn¡¯t even feel their rough hands upon her. She did not resist as they hauled her to Trug.


    The huge beast looked down at her. She dropped her gaze lest he see something in her eyes that might betray the power of the Jerim¡¯s relic. Roughly he pulled her onto his horse. She did not fight him. He yelled something and all around her Sonpur came out of the houses. This village would soon be ash. Her eyes scanned Resen¡¯s home. Fire danced through the windows creating grotesque shadows. The portrait of Leben was burning, no most likely burnt. Were Elisa and Tugg safe? Would they be safe? Resen never should have brought her here. Never! The stench of Trug filled her nostrils. She was keenly aware of his strength. Any moment now she expected him to place a kerchief over her face and sent her into oblivion.


    The Sonpur mounted their horses. Trug growled low in his throat and all the horses leapt forward.They were not running toward the cavern opening. They were headed for the blue orb. A strange sputtering noise erupted from the orb. It burst open and engulfed them all. The next thing Fand knew she was falling in deep darkness fast. It felt like the plunging of a hawk upon a terrified rabbit. Only she wasn¡¯t terrified, she was resigned.


    Trug¡¯s huge hand held her firmly in place. Her back was against his massive chest and she could feel his heart racing. Was he afraid of this void? It seemed so. When they landed it was a gentle cessation of motion and not a jolt. Fand looked around her. She was in a circular room. The place smelled of incense. Overhead was a skylight. Silver fingers of moonshine illumined the room. Fand looked around her. On the wall was a mural painted in the same style as Kammin Spire. Fand''s eyes locked on the portrait of a man. He looked like Zog. In his hands was Jerim¡¯s relic. The word, Beidenueng, on the disc glowed. Heat emanated from the disc beneath her skin. In the mural the pregnant girl stood beside the man who looked like Zog. The girl¡¯s eyes and hair were the same color as Fand¡¯s. Confusion swirled in Fand¡¯s head. What did this mean?


    Trug dismounted from his horse and pulled her off his saddle. From there he carried her to the center of the room. He snarled at her and placed her in the circle of moon light. In a flash of fire, he and his horse disappeared.


    Double doors flew open to Fand¡¯s left. Hooded men silently entered and fanned out along the wall. A strange ringing sound filled the room and curtains shot closed covering the mural..


    A single man emerged from the opened double doors. He shouted something Fand did not understand. Instantly a foul wind blew into the room. A foul wind! It smelled of rotting flesh. It ripped at Fand''s hair and gown. NO! This must not be! After all she had endured to be brought back to Angs again! She tried to move, but she was frozen in place. Desperately she prayed, No, please no!


    Rainbow lights swirled down through the sky light. Churning light that materialized into Angs inches from her. He pulsated with flashes of red, violet, blue and yellow. Fand could feel the stirring in her blood. The power of Angs drew her to him. Her heart rate increased when he place his hand beneath her chin. In her head a voice whispered, Your True Love has arrived at last. Was this the voice of Angs? He never spoke aloud. He turned his gaze upon Fand. How well she remembered each angle of his face. The light in his eyes pulled at her core. He smiled at her. His entire body throbbed with colored lights. There was a rhythm and a pattern to the pulsation. The lure of it seeped into her body and mind. He would have her, he would have her this time!


    A jolt of blinding pain thrust down Fand''s spine. It caused her look up and away from Angs. Through the skylight she saw the full face of the moon appear. She felt the disc traveled beneath her skin from the base of her neck to the palm of her left hand. Angs pulled her closer. A beam of pure moonlight sliced through the narrow space between them. In her hand, the disc melted revealing the stone. Strength that she did not possess flowed through her left arm. In her mind flashed the words, "The Prophet Jerim held the stone of Cedrin in the ring of execution. A beam of moonshine penetrated the stone and destroyed the army of Caldas." She held up the stone for Angs to see.


    Horror filled his eyes.  Before he could take a step back, moonlight shot  through the stone and hit him in the center of his broad chest. His body exploded in fiery light. Searing pain radiated from Fand''s hand. The stone fell. There was another explosion as it struck the floor. The floor heaved and Fand felt herself take flight. Glass shattered as her body penetrated the skylight. She was flying high and far into the darkness.

 Chapter 41. Broken

    Thunder? Pyre swung open the cart door. The sky was cloudless. There was another boom. To the west a rim of orange light raced along the horizon. Resen stopped the cart and jumped down. Pyre scrambled outside. A third explosion knocked Pyre off his feet. He tumbled into the tall grass. To the east Pyre saw another band of fire. He asked, ¡°What is going on?¡±


    In a low voice Resen said, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    Renate came out of the cart holding a candle. She sniffed the air and then cursed. ¡°It is Angs, he is in the Council City. You must go back, Fand¡¯s life is in danger.¡± Before Pyre or Resen could speak, they were flying through the darkness of Transferrance. The cold of it turned to heat as they landed outside the Council City wall. The gates had been breached. Resen and Pyre stepped into the city. A roar of anger and the light of burning buildings cast everything in nightmare shades. Guards on horse and foot struggled against each other wielding swords, spears and some were wielding magic. Magic was not used for combat, Guards did not have the ability to do so, at least that is what Pyre had been taught. It had been a lie, another lie.


    Women screamed, men cursed. The smell of sweat, blood and smoke filled the air. There was a strange whirring sound above.Pyre looked up. A huge blue wheel of light was spinning in the sky. A point of yellow light was at its center. Because of the smoke, he was unable to see clearly just what the thing was. The flames sizzled as fire leapt from rooftop to rooftop. Resen grabbed hold of his arm and propelled him forward. He hissed, ¡°Stay close. We mustn¡¯t get separated.¡±


    The Pathfinder followed the outer edges of the street. He kept in the shadows. The heat of the fire grew more intense as they neared the Inner Sanctum. There was a loud crash as great beams fell. Sparks sprayed into the night sky. The Inner Sanctum''s roof collapsed. Pyre could hear screams coming from within. The double doors were closed. Guards were trying to open them, but were unable to. Around the inferno mangled bodies littered the street. All at once he felt the nearness of Fand. Was she among these broken bodies? He prayed not, still his eyes anxiously scanned the area. To his left he saw a woman''s body. Her left arm was twisted beneath her. Her hair was all singed and steam or smoke rose from her. He cut and run, trampling over bodies to reach this one body. She still had her limbs but her naked body was covered in blood. Gently, he turned her head. The instant he made contact with her skin, time seemed to stop. It was as if he could hear his own heart beating despite the chaos all around him. When he looked down at her face, fire illumined her features. It was Fand! Keeper it was her! She didn¡¯t seem to be breathing. He called out, ¡°Resen!¡±


    Behind him he heard the Pathfinder¡¯s approach but he did not turn from Fand. Beside him Resen dropped to his knees and pushed Pyre away. He put his head on her chest to listen and instantly he jerked away. A sticky blob of something dangled from his cheek. With a swipe of his left arm he flicked it away. The smell of rotting flesh broke through Pyre¡¯s shock. Fand¡¯s bare body was covered in burns and strange gray blobs.


    Resen said, ¡°We¡¯ve got to get her out of here! Even if her heart is beating I won¡¯t be able to hear it for the noise. If she''s breathing it is just barely. I am afraid if we try to Transfer her the cold and movement might stop her heart.¡±


    Aware that she might already be dead, Pyre could not speak. Desperately he prayed, Please let her be alive! Please! The roar of the battle was all around them, but Pyre did not notice. All he could see was Fand.


    A horse clattered by. Resen stood and said, "Our only choice is to take her to the Infirmary. If it isn''t on fire too." With one hard yank, Resen pulled off his tunic and coat. Gently, he eased the coat beneath Fand and covered her body with his tunic. He told Pyre, ¡°Grab hold of that end. Keep the fabric taut. Her back might be broken. When I say three, lift.¡± Pyre knelt and took the bottom corners of the coat. Resen counted and they lifted her in unison. Pyre walked backwards guided by Resen toward the Infirmary. As they dodged the fighting Guards, Pyre felt the warmth of Fand¡¯s blood seeping into his robe. If her blood was still warm that meant she was still alive didn¡¯t it?


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    They passed a woman crouched in the street wailing. In her arms was a lifeless Guard. Pyre felt his stomach turn. He glanced up at the sky. The blue circle of light was gone. Only the moon remained cold, whole and distant.


    Loren Uhr met them at the Infirmary doors. He said, ¡°Bring her this way, Resen.¡±


    These two knew each other?


    Loren led them to Dr. Kran¡¯s office. The wall behind the doctor¡¯s desk shot open revealing a narrow room completely tiled in some peculiar black stone. There was a cot and table inside. On the table was a basin, tongs, a bowl of some liquid with a rag in it and small pot of salve. It was if, Loren had anticipated this nightmare. Pyre and Resen lay Fand on the cot. In the small space the stench of rotting flesh was overwhelming. Loren placed a silver horn to her chest. He put his ear to it. He said, ¡°Her heart is still beating but it is weak." He picked up the tongs and handed them to Pyre, ¡°You must get Angs flesh off of her.¡±


    Those blobs on her were Angs flesh? His remains! Pyre was horrified.


    Matter of factly, Loren continued, ¡°It is very acidic and it is burning her. Be careful not to touch it. Put it in the basin. When you are done, gently wash her with this liquid and then put this salve on her wounds. It will ease and heal them.¡± To Resen he said, ¡°Put pressure on her left wrist. We¡¯ve got to get the bleeding to stop.¡±


    Pyre looked down at Fand''s left hand. All her fingers and part of her palm had been blown off. Quickly, he looked away. He picked up the tongs and began to remove the bits of sticky gray matter from her body. How many times had he dreamed or lusted after this body? To see her like this broke something inside of him. If she lived, he would never look at her the same. Each piece of Angs he removed left a burn mark on Fand''s skin. For the rest of her life she would be tattooed  by this demon. When the last of Angs was extracted, Pyre took the rag and gently washed away the residue of Angs from Fand¡¯s body. All the while tears slipped down his face. Next he plunged his fingers into the green salve. It was the same stuff Renate had given him to put on Uncle Wert. The instant his finger tips made contact with Fand''s skin, he felt her fading vitality. She must not die. She must not!


    With deep concentration Loren worked with her hand. Pyre dare not look at it. He kept his mind focused on his task. Finally, Loren said, "The blood flow has stopped." Still, Pyre did not look. He kept his eyes focused on Fand''s face. Suddenly, her nostrils flared and she sucked in a breath of air. She was alive, at least right now, she was alive! Loren covered her with a white blanket.


    The door swung open. Dr. Kran entered the room. He listened to Fand''s heart and then examined her hand. He shook his head. "This is bad. We must do all in our power to keep it from getting infected. But first we must let the blood dry and seal it." He turned to Pyre. "You are a part of Fand. She needs to hear your voice. So, please, speak to her out loud, pray for her. The sound of your voice may give her the strength she needs to fight for her life, because she must fight. She must want to live."


    "Yes, Sir."


    Dr. Kran said, "Loren, Resen, we need you outside."


    Fiercely, The Pathfinder said, "I won''t leave her."


    The tone of Resen''s voice sent alarms off in Pyre''s head. He glanced at the Pathfinder. The look on his face spoke plainly of his feelings for Fand. Resen loved her. What had passed between he and Fand as they had run from Angs? Did she love him?


    Dr. Kran¡¯s eyes narrowed. "Resen, you took an oath to help those in need. There is nothing you can do for Fand now. Others, though, do need your help. So come.¡±


    Resen''s face turned an angry red, but he did not protest again. He followed Dr. Kran and Loren out of the room.


    After they had closed the door, Pyre knelt beside Fand. He took her right wrist and felt her pulse. It was so weak. He laced his fingers through hers. They were so cold. In her ear, he whispered, "Fand, its Pyre, please come back to me. Please. We need you here. Uncle Wert is safe. He needs you. We need you." His mind became a jumble and he could not think what else to say. All he could do was stare at her face which was covered in the green salve. Into his mind a healing prayer slipped. He latched onto it and began to pray out loud. Half way through the second prayer his voice faltered, and then broke. How fragile she was. So close to death. She must not die! She must not!


    All he could do was pray, pray for her out loud. It might not be enough but it was all that he could do. Aloud he prayed. He throat was choked with tears but still he prayed. The warmth of his hand warmed hers. His tears plopped on her blanket like stray drops of rain. Every prayer he had ever learned or heard, he spoke to her, for her. Was the Keeper listening? Though the Keeper might forget him, he prayed the Keeper did not forget Fand.

 Chapter 42. Sometimes It Was Light

    Sometimes it was dark and sometimes it was light. Fand felt like her body was a great weight that she wanted to shed. Terrifying dreams came and went. Always there was pain. Something had happened to her, but she could not remember what it was. There was also something wrong with her left hand. A man, a young man, with gentle fingers and a gentle voice kept tending to it.


    The smell of spirits filled the room. It was Uncle Wert. He had been drinking again. His voice was steady one time and slurred the next. When he was drunk, he didn¡¯t plead with her, he just sobbed. The sobbing was easier to stand than the pleading. She heard him kneel down beside her bed. His hands closed over her hand. Hard sobs wracked his body. The sobs pulled at her, but not hard enough for her to try to reach out to him. The darkness began to swirl around her and pull her under.


    *


    Time passed. How much? She had now idea. Right now Resen was with her. Hiis hand touched Fand¡¯s head. The hand was warm and calloused. He leaned so close she could feel his breath. Softly he pleaded, ¡°Please come back to me. I want to marry you.¡± If she could have, Fand would have put her fingers in her ears. She did not want to hear any plans for a future she did not want. Why was death being so cruel? Why did it not come and take her? Resen took her right hand in both of his. In a low voice he said, ¡°I need you to be okay.¡±


    Why did he need her to be okay? She was obviously not okay, most likely would never be okay? Honestly she did not want to live long enough to find out it she would be okay. She felt his lips brush hers.


    In a choked voice he said, ¡°You have got to wake up.¡±


    Why?


    The door open and closed. Someone else was in the room.


    Resen released her hand and stood. He said, ¡°Her wounds are not healing properly.¡±


    Wounds? How many wounds did she have?


    The man said, ¡°She is doing as well as can be expected. It is a miracle she is still with us.¡± The voice was one she had heard before. It was the doctor who tended to her.


    Anger punctuated each word as Resen spoke, ¡°You know Petran could help her.¡±


    Dread filled Fand. She did not want to go to Petran. He might have the power to save her. She did not want to be saved. She just wanted to be free of her heavy, painful body. Why was she still trapped in this body? Her spirit wanted freedom.


    The doctor told Resen, "Petran is not strong enough to help anyone."


    Resen made an impatient sound in his throat. He said, ¡°She won¡¯t make it on your prescriptions alone.¡±


    The doctor sighed before he said, ¡°You don¡¯t know that and neither do I. But I am certain, that any expression of power from Petran might kill him. I won¡¯t have him die on my watch.¡±


    Bitterly Resen asked, ¡°But, you would have Fand die?¡±


    ¡°You know me better than that. Fand needs time.¡±


    ¡±That¡¯s what the healer said about Leben. She didn¡¯t need time, she was running out of time.¡±


    At the name Leben an image came to Fand¡¯s mind. The small portrait of a beautiful young woman and she recalled Resen¡¯s son Tugg. She saw his bright eyes and heard his laughter. Was that beautiful boy still among the living?


    Gently the doctor said, ¡°I think you are worn out and you need rest. You should go home to your son.¡±


    ¡±I will go home when Fand can come with me.¡±


    A moment of silence fell and then the doctor said, ¡°That may never happen.¡±


    Angrily, Resen said, ¡°Then let Petran help her.¡±


    ¡±In time, maybe, but not today. I need to examine her, so please leave.¡±


    Resen who could walk so softly his steps couldn¡¯t be heard, stomped out of the room like an angry child.


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    After the doctor finished with her, Pyre came. There was always someone with her. If they would just leave her be, maybe she could slip away. She felt Pyre take her hand. Once again, he began to pray.The words he spoke wove themselves into the dark place where she hovered in her pain. She heard him say, "The love of the Keeper comes to warm you, to hold you, to comfort you. Receive these gifts of love..." There were more words but Fand''s mind could not latch onto them. Pyre''s voice rose and swelled around her. She felt herself drifting.


    A door swung open and then snapped shut waking Fand. A woman''s voice asked, ¡°Any change?¡±


    Pyre replied, ¡°I don''t know. I stare at her so hard, I start to imagine things. See what you think.¡±


    The woman leaned over Fand. The smell of lavender drifted from her. The smell of it reminded Fand of Zolla and of home. How long had it been since she had been home? The woman placed something cold on her chest. She felt the softness of hair brush against her face. The woman said, "Her heart is beating at a steadier rate. That is a good sign Pyre. Your presence and prayers are giving her strength. Keep at it." Gently, the woman lifted Fand''s eye lids. There was a white blur of light and a face that would not come into focus. The woman let go of her eyelids. "There seems to be some responsiveness."


    Spots drifted across Fand¡¯s closed lids. She heard the woman cross the room and then open and close the door. Pyre began the prayer cycle again. As Fand listened she felt herself being pulled away from him. In fact she felt like she was running. Was her soul running? Where was it going? Heaven? She rushed into a white nothingness full of light. So much light, she shut her eyes. When she opened them the sight she saw caused her to gasp.


    By some miracle she was home. This was home. The land, the familiar land that she knew by heart stretched out around her. At her feet was the path to the stream. It had been so long since she had been to her favorite rock. She rushed down the path. Her heart was racing with joy. Someone was on her rock. It could not be. Abruptly she stopped. The man on the rock was Zog. He looked at her and smiled. Such light, light like she had never seen before, filled his eyes. He patted the space beside him. Quickly she ran to him. It took everything she had not to throw her arms around him. She restrained herself, Zog did not like displays of affection and she was too happy to have her feelings hurt by possible rejection. When she sat down, he surprised her by taking her left hand. His strong fingers wrapped around hers. He studied her face for a moment and then said, "You must fight Little One, the world still has need of you.¡±


    Images suddenly came to focus in Fand''s mind. Things that had not surfaced before. She smelled the foul wind and saw the swirling lights. There was the memory of intense pain ripping through her body. All the images faded. Only peace remained. She looked at Zog and asked, "Are we in heaven?"


    Zog asked, "Is that where you want to be?"


    "Yes."


    "What about Father?


    Irritated by this question Fand said, "You left him. Why should I stay with him?"


    "Yes I did. I left both of you and got myself killed because I didn''t get what I wanted. Denied my dream, I chose my own selfish path, and I chose poorly. Selfishness is a destructive force. It makes us forget our actions have consequences not only for ourselves but others. Please Fand. Go back. Father and Pyre still have need of you. Think of them. Love them. Let love carry you back to life."


    An agitated voice pulled Fand from heaven or was it just a dream? Whatever it was it hurt when she was jerked from it. A bitter taste filled her mouth.


    Resen said, ¡°Renate, she needs to wake up. Why won¡¯t she wake up? Isn''t there anything you can do?¡±


    The woman who smelled of lavender said, "We are doing all we can. She has to fight too."


    A spoon was thrust between Fand''s teeth and a honey sweet tea slipped down her throat. She swallowed. Renate said, "Did you see that?"


    "What?" asked Resen.


    "She swallowed on her own. That is good."


    Angrily Resen said, "She needs to do more than swallow. She needs to wake up."


    For the first time Fand wondered where she was. She swallowed the next spoonful of tea. She tried to open her eyes but couldn''t. Another spoonful of tea touched her lips. She managed to swallow several more before she felt the pull of darkness.


    *


    The next time she woke, Pyre''s hand was in hers. As usual he was praying. In her mind Zog''s voice echoed, ¡°Fight, Little One...Let love carry you back to life.¡± Could love carry her back? Pyre''s voice was sad. He had known so much sadness. It would hurt him if she let herself die, if she did not fight to live. Only she didn¡¯t want to fight. She just wanted to go. Her eye lids began to flutter. Light flashed as they did. And then, they were open. Nothing was clear except an orb of light beside her. Was it a candle or a lantern? She struggled to focus. it was a candle. She looked down to where Pyre knelt beside the bed. Though his head was bowed she saw that the left side of his face was discolored and scarred. He had suffered, he ws suffering now. From his eyes tears were slowly slipping. His lips, lips that had given her unwanted kisses were forming prayers. Prayer filled the room and crept into her soul. A tiny flicker of light began to wiggle inside of her. It was small and might soon go out.


    With great concentration she formed the word "Pyre" with her lips and from the back of her throat she pushed his name out.


    Immediately, Pyre stopped praying. His eyes met hers. He whispered, ¡°Do you know me?¡±


    She stared up at him. He looked so much older. The boy she had known was gone. In his place was this man, this gentle, brave man, who loved her still. She whispered, "Yes."


    He leaned forward and pressed his forehead against hers. She felt his tears mingled with her own. She tasted the salt of his sorrow and knew she could not leave him.

 Part II, Destinies, Chapter 43. Our Girl

    Fand¡¯s eyes looked into his. Pyre¡¯s vision was blurred by his tears. He could not see her clearly, but he could feel her breath, her blessed breath brush his skin. She was awake and she was alive. He had prayed for this moment not believing it would come. It seemed some prayers were answered after all. His vision began to clear. He saw her scars, her shaved head, and her lack of eyelashes and eyebrows. Her hair would grow back, as would her eyelashes and eyebrows, but her scars, like his own, would remain. What would she think if she could see herself? Fand had always had a degree of vanity. She was never one to primp but she had always moved with grace and confidence. Had she lost those things in the explosion? Regardless, she would always be beautiful to him. Deep down he knew what mattered most was that she accept herself as she now was. Fighting to get back what could never be recovered was a pointless endeavor. It stole life and made one forget the blessing that one still possessed.


    Softly, Fand asked, ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°It is just so good to look into your eyes and hear your voice.¡±


    She struggled to speak, but only managed to say one word, ¡°Same.¡±


    The tears welled in his eyes again. What he most wanted to do was draw her into his arms and just hold her, but he dared not. In the past he had handled her poorly and selfishly, he would not do that now. Her hand had grown warm in his. Life was fighting inside of her for the first time, he felt it. He knew it. He knew something else too, no matter how hard he tried, he would never be able to stop loving Fand Geworden. For the rest of his days, inside the Council or outside of it, he would love her.


    From his robe pocket he grabbed his clean handkerchief and wiped her eyes. Until she had spoken his name he had believed he would never hear her voice or see the light in her eyes again. He had prayed so hard that she would be safe and that her life would be spared. Hours, days and weeks had passed as he knelt on the cold stone floor, numb with fear that she would die. There were times he had been unable to remember a single prayer.During those times he did not plead with her to live, because he didn¡¯t know what kind of life might lay before her. It would be unfair to ask her to stay if she wanted to go. He had thought she wanted to go, but here she was, staring up at him with her moon glow eyes, searching his face for what? He knew better than to question her. She was too weak to explain herself.


    Her eyes closed and her hand began to relax in his. He started to pull away from her, but weak though she was, she tightened her grip on his hand with unexpected fierceness. She said one word, ¡°Stay.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± He settle himself on the floor beside the cot with her hand still in his. How was he ever going to let her go again? He turned his mind away from such thoughts. He would not pollute this gift of time with fear or foreboding. Right now they were together. Right now he held her hand. Again her hand loosened its grip on his, but he did not let go. If only he could hold this hand until he was old, until the end of his life. If only she might let him.


    Pyre leaned his back against the wall and studied the seamless door in the wall. Dr. Kran had instructed him to find him, if there was any change for good or ill in Fand. Though Pyre knew he should fetch Dr. Kran, Loren and Uncle Wert. Fand had told him to stay and that was exactly what he was going to do. He turned his attention back to her. For a long while he just watched her breath. Fatigue took hold of him and he felt himself drifting¡­


    The smell of bacon was in the air. Sunlight filtered through the kitchen window. Pyre¡¯s mother, Zolla, stood at the hearth frying eggs and bacon. Pyre was so hungry. He was dressed in his shabbiest clothes. He and his father would be plowing this morning. It was spring, the time of hope. At time when seeds were planted and dreams were dreamed about the harvest that would be.


    Pyre heard steps descending the stairs. The kitchen door opened and Fand entered. She smiled at him. Her face was flawless and her hair was the color of a crows wing. She came to him and slipped her left hand into his. Her grip was strong and her hand was whole. She leaned her head on his shoulder. Contentment like Pyre had never known coursed through him. Just as he was going to turn to kiss her she disappeared.


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    A cold wind ripped around him. It was so dark, he couldn¡¯t see anything. He called out. The wind tossed his words away. Where was he? What was happening?


    In the distance he saw a blue dancing light. It swirled and came closer and closer to him. As it swirled it took the shape of a woman, a woman who looked like Fand¡­ The woman reached him. It was not Fand. She held out her hand to him. ¡°Come,¡± she said.


    ¡°Where to?¡±


    ¡°You will see.¡±


    ¡°Tell me.¡±


    The next instant Pyre was engulfed in blue light. It sparked around him. He felt himself being lifted up. Was he flying? It felt like he was flying and then like he was falling, falling fast. The landing was hard. Through his closed lids, he saw light. He felt warmth. He opened his eyes. He was at the Geworden farm in the pear orchard. On the front porch of the house was Uncle Wert, only he was much younger.


    Out in the yard were two boys around four or five. One had reddish hair and the other had black hair. Pyre¡¯s heart skipped inside of him. Was one of the boys Zog? Was the other, himself?


    The front door banged open. A little girl appeared. Her face was smeared with pear jam and she clung to a grubby doll. Her dark hair was pulled back in a sloppy pony tail. She took the steps running. On the last step she tripped. She hit the ground hard. A terrible howl rent the air.


    The dark haired boy went running. The other boy followed. Uncle Wert scooped the little girl into his arms and sat back down on the porch step.


    Frantic, the dark haired boy asked, ¡°Is she okay?¡±


    Over the little girl¡¯s wails, Uncle Wert said, ¡°Aye, this ¡®un has been blessed with a hard noggin¡¯.¡±


    The little girl was Fand and she did have a hard noggin. She was one of the most stubborn people Pyre had ever met.


    The dark haired boy, who had to be Zog, patted her hand while Uncle Wert held her. The red headed little boy stood to the side watching. He looked like he felt left out. Little Fand lifted her tear stained face from her uncle¡¯s shoulder. Her moon glow eyes were wet. Tears dripped down her tiny chin. She extended her little hand to the red headed boy and softly said, ¡°Pyre.¡±


    The little boy took that tiny hand in his own. Something shifted inside of Pyre. He felt the sticky hand in his. The voice of his childhood said, ¡°Fand.¡±


    Little Fand snuffled, ¡°I hurt my head. Fix it please.¡±


    The door sliding open pulled Pyre from the dream. He lifted his head and looked down at the sleeping face of Fand. If only he could fix her, but he couldn¡¯t. The door slid closed.


    A female voice asked, ¡°How is she?¡±


    Pyre turned and saw Renate. Worried he was about to be scolded for his selfishness, he confessed, ¡°She woke up and she knew me. I know I should have told someone.¡±


    A gentle light came to Renate¡¯s moonglow eyes. Warmly she said, ¡°No, what you did was the right thing. She awoke to you and that is exactly what you both needed. Being poked and prodded after living so long in pain and shadow would have been unsettling for her and you. Now, however, I think it is best you do go tell Dr. Kran.¡±


    Though he did not want to let Fand¡¯s hand go, he did. It felt more like a severing than a release. Honestly, he was afraid. Of what, he wasn¡¯t sure, but the fear was alive and active within him. He stood and made his way to the door. With on touch of his finger the door slid open again and then slid closed when he stepped inside Dr. Kran¡¯s office. As usual he the doctor wasn¡¯t in his office. Out in the hall there were guards and nurses. Within the rooms men groaned, and cursed. There was a lot of pain in this place. Pyre asked one of the nurses, ¡°Where is Dr. Kran?¡±


    The young male nurse said, ¡°He is with a patient at the end of the hall.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Pyre made his way down the hall. Through the open door he saw Dr. Kran. The patient on the bed had the sheet pulled over his head. Another death. Dr. Kran¡¯s shoulders were slumped. Lost in thought he did not hear Pyre enter.


    The eyes that Dr. Kran turn on him, were so weary. Pyre told him, ¡°Sir, Fand has awakened and she knew me.¡±


    The weariness in Dr. Kran¡¯s eyes faded a little. ¡°Ah, a bit of much needed good news. Go fetch her uncle. Hopefully, he has not been in his cups today. I will meet you in the room.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sir.¡± Pyre turned and went to Petran¡¯s Schon¡¯s room. Uncle Wert was with him and sober.


    Uncle Wert asked, ¡°Is it Fand?¡±


    ¡°Yes. She woke up, and she knew me.¡±


    ¡°Course she did. Who could forget you! Can I see her?¡±


    ¡°Yes, come with me.¡±


    ¡°Aye!¡± Light shone in Uncle Wert¡¯s eyes. He stood and gave Pyre a fierce hug. ¡°Our girl has come back to us.¡±


    The words, ¡°Our girl,¡± echoed inside of Pyre.

 Chapter 44. The Mirror Tells

    Fand felt Pyre¡¯s hand slip to of hers. He said he would stay. Where was he going? He must not go. If he left she might lose him forever. A fog hovered in her brain. She tried to push through it, but could not. The sound of the door opening and closing sent panic through her. Pyre was gone! He was gone.


    A cool hand touch Fand¡¯s forehead. It was a female hand and the woman smelled of lavender. Gently she said, ¡°It is all right. He will soon be back.¡±


    The voice was one Fand had heard before. This woman had been taking care of her. Who was she? A nurse?


    The door opened and closed. A man asked, ¡°How do you think she¡¯s doing?¡± Fand recognized his voice. It was the doctor who had been tending to her.


    The woman said, ¡°Her heart seems a little steadier. There has been a slight improvement in her color. Most of all the fact that she actually regained consciousness is a very good sign.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± said the doctor. ¡°It is a very good sign. As for you, you are looking a bit worn. You need rest. Now go get some, Doctor¡¯s orders.¡±


    ¡°I will.¡± When the woman walked away from Fand her petticoats rustled. The door slid open and then closed.


    While the doctor examined her, Fand tried to push through the fog that bound her. No matter how hard she tried she couldn¡¯t breech it. To her dismay she felt herself sinking. The door slid open. Someone stepped inside and the door closed. A familiar smell came to her. It was the scent of Uncle Wert. He smelled of earth, soap and salt. Her eyes shot open and she looked at her her uncle.


    Uncle Wert pushed passed the doctor and knelt down beside her. He kissed her cheek, which was something he never did. She felt his tears drip onto her face. In a hoarse voice he said, ¡°Thank you for coming back to me girl. You are all I have left.¡± His eyes looked deeply into hers. He had not loved her well over the years, but he had loved her as best as he could. He took her hand in his. ¡°Oh, my little one. Do you know me?¡±


    She nodded her head. This was a face she had not expected to see again. And here he was alive and well. It was a gift and a miracle. Behind him, Pyre stood. She could feel the focus of his eyes upon her. She could feel his heart reaching for her. The damned fatigue began to tug at her again. It pulled her down and down. Oblivion.


    *


    The sound of the door sliding open and closed, filtered into Fand¡¯s sleep and woke her. She struggled to open her eyes. They refused to cooperate. A male hand took her wrist and checked her pulse. Her eyes flickered open. She saw the blurry image of a young man. Beyond was the familiar form of Resen. Why was he still here?


    As the man examined her his features became clearer. There was something vaguely familiar about the face. Had she seen him before or did he just resemble someone? Who?


    The young man looked down at her and said, ¡°So, you awake.¡± His smile was genuine and warm. His kind blue eyes met hers. His eyes reminded her of Zog¡¯s. He had blonde hair pulled back in a braid. The robe he wore was cream colored with green stitching.


    Desperately Fand wanted to speak, but she couldn¡¯t get anything beyond her tongue. Who this man? The instant he took her left hand in his, she knew who he was. He was the gentle presence that had penetrated her pain. Snatches of his voice came back to her in memory. This man had been with her even more than Pyre. His name was, what was his name? She must have heard it.


    Aloud, he answered her silent question, ¡°I am Loren Uhr. Assistant to Dr. Kran. You and I have spent a lot of time together over the past two weeks.¡±


    Two weeks? Had she been here that long? She wondered, Where am I?


    Again he answered her, ¡°You are in the Infirmary in what is left of the Council City.¡±


    What remains? What he did he mean? He could read her thoughts. Was he member of the Council like Pyre? If he was reading her thoughts he didn¡¯t bother to answer any of those questions. Fand wondered, How much longer will I be her? Will I be able to go home?


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    Loren gave her a gentle smile and said, ¡°We don¡¯t know yet how long you will be here. You must get much stronger before you can go anywhere. For now, focus on getting better, all right?¡±


    When Loren finished his examination. Resen came to her cot and knelt down on the floor. He smiled at her, but there was something odd about his smile. As his eyes roved over her face, she felt a hint of revulsion in them. He completely avoided looking at her left side. For the first time she wondered about the extent of her injuries and what she must look like. A mirror, she needed a mirror, but she did not have the strength to speak much less ask for one. Her eyes sought out Loren¡¯s. He was watching Resen. There was hostility and even dislike in his gaze. Why would he dislike Resen?


    When Resen took her hand, Fand noticed they were covered in burn marks. Where had all the burn marks come from? His hand tightened over hers. In that instant she felt trapped. Why? He was too close, but he had been close before. Just as Resen was lowering his face to hers to give her a kiss she did not want, Loren said, ¡°That is enough. Fand is too weak to tell you if she wants to be kissed or not.¡±


    Angrily Resen said, ¡°Stop being such a bastard.¡± His hand hand tightened over Fand¡¯s with a possessiveness that sent alarms off in her head and in her heart. What was going on with him?


    In a calm and even voice, Loren said, ¡°A bastard will can never stop being a bastard. Now leave, or I will call the guards.¡±


    Resen like he was letting go of trash. His eyes briefly met Fand¡¯s. In them she saw full blow revulsion. Again, she felt so ugly. Was she now damaged goods? Yes. If so why was he insisting on his love for her? He stomped out of the room.


    A few minutes later door slid open and Pyre stepped into the room. He smiled at Fand. The warmth of his smile took away some of the sting of Resen¡¯s reaction to her, but only some of it.


    She held out her hand to him and he took it. He looked down at her and asked, ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Not really. What did Pyre see when he looked at her? Was she ugly in his eyes too. Tears welled up and slid down her cheeks.


    Pyre knelt down beside her and asked, ¡°What is wrong?¡±She couldn¡¯t tell him. Though her grip was weak she squeezed his hand. She was so thankful he was here with her now.


    Loren said, ¡°Say a prayer with her, then I need to give her, her medicine.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡± Pyre began the family prayer. It was a prayer of unity and love. Pyre was family, he had always been family. When he finished, he gave her hand another tender squeeze. ¡°I will see you in the morning. Good night.¡± He released her hand. She didn¡¯t want him to go, but he had other duties and he couldn¡¯t stay with her all the time. The doors slid open and he walked out.


    As soon as the doors closed, Fand silently asked Loren, Am I ugly?


    Anger flared in his eyes. It was anger he quickly tamped down. He said, ¡°No, Fand. With those eyes, you could never be ugly. Right now you look very different than you did. In time your hair, eyelashes and eyebrows will grow back.¡±


    Fand put her right hand on her head. She felt the stubble of her hair. It was gone, all gone. Her hand traced her eyebrows, they too were stubble. She touched her eyes lids. Tiny hair were growing along their rim. Her fingers moved over her face and she felt her scars. There were so many of them as many as Pyre had. When she first saw him in this room her eyes had seen him with love. She had not been repelled by his scars. He had not seemed repelled by hers. At the time it had been easy to dismiss them. Now that she was aware of her own scars, she couldn¡¯t dismiss his scars. He had suffered greatly, more than she knew. Tears began to slip from her eyes and slide down into her ears. Once again the old regret surfaced. She should have said yes when he asked her to marry him. They would have been spared so much¡­if only she had said yes.


    Loren came to her. He had a packet of powders in one hand and a cup in the other. ¡°It is time to take your medicine. He poured the powders into the cup and handed it to her. The medicine was bitter and it stung her throat.


    When the medicine had begun to take effect, Fand found the courage to silently say, I want to see my reflection.


    Loren pretended not to hear.


    Again she said, I want to see my reflection. He still feigned ignorance. The third time she repeated her words he finally said, ¡°It is too soon. You need to give the salves some time to work.¡±


    In her mind she asked, Was Pyre given those salves?


    Loren flinched. ¡°Unfortunately he did not have access to the medication you are receiving. If he had, the scars would be faded by now.¡±


    Anger surged through her. You don¡¯t know that?


    Firmly he said, ¡°I don¡¯t know but I believe.¡±


    Belief was a tricky thing. Believing in something didn¡¯t make it true. She managed to say, ¡°Mirror.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it is a good idea.¡±


    If she was now a monster she wanted to know, NOW! She said again, ¡°Mirror.¡±


    Reluctantly, Loren pulled a small pocked mirror from his robe and handed it to her. The silver of the mirror was cold in her hand. The mirror was only slightly larger than the disc. The DISC! What had become of the disc? She couldn¡¯t remember. What else had she forgotten?


    With fingers that trembled she raised the mirror. The eyes that met her were sunken with dark shadows. Her hair was barely visible. Her denuded face had small cuts on it and burn marks. She was ugly. Ugly. She dropped the mirror onto the blanket and closed her eyes. What did the rest of her body look like? Her hand? It felt like it was still there. What had happened to it? Why couldn¡¯t she remember anything? Why?


    Loren said, ¡°Slow down your thoughts. Your memories will return.¡±


    Fand asked herself, do I want my memories to return?

 Chapter 45. Amid the Ashes

    The next morning Pyre was eating breakfast in the make shift Dining Hall/ dormitory when Uncle Wert came to visit him. The old man looked glum. He sat down across the table from Pyre and asked, ¡°What do you think of that pathfinder?¡±


    A spark of joy ignited in Pyre. Uncle Wert didn¡¯t like Resen either. Honestly he said, ¡°I am very thankful for the work he did to save Fand and us, but I don¡¯t think he is fit for her.¡±


    Uncle Wert rubbed his stubbled chin. ¡°Nor do I, but he¡¯s asked for her hand.¡±


    All the air left Pyre¡¯s lungs. What he had feared had happened. It took him a moment before he could ask, ¡°What did you say?¡±


    With a glint in his eye, Uncle Wert said, ¡°Told him that was up to Fand. Seemed pretty confident she would agree. We both know she¡¯s not so easily won.¡±


    Indeed they did. Did Fand have feelings for Resen? Pyre was always so agitated when Resen was with her, he couldn¡¯t think properly. Also, he was afraid that Fand might see Resen as her true love. He just couldn¡¯t be her true love. Pyre was worried about how Fand would manage being married to a man who was just a step above a mercenary? He didn¡¯t like it. No, it was more than that, he hated it.


    Uncle Wert let out a slow sigh. He shook his head. ¡°I just hope she chooses better this time. She was fool for refusing you.¡±


    Pyre protested, ¡°No, I was the fool. I over stepped my boundaries, didn¡¯t respect her wishes and was impatient. Fand does not like to be rushed.¡±


    A slow smile spread across Uncle Wert¡¯s face. ¡°No she doesn¡¯t and that Pathfinder is in a real hurry.¡±


    After breakfast Uncle Wert went visit Fand and Pyre went for a walk. Disheartened, he made his way down the streets. Classes had not yet resumed. He hoped they did soon, he needed something to occupy his mind. As he walked his eyes took in what remained of the Council City. It was a mess, a burned out ruined mess. The fire had raged two days. Despite the number of work crews, many of the buildings were still filled with charred rubbish. Tired of wandering around, Pyre headed for what was remained of the Dormitory. The stone structure stood like blackened bones against the morning sky. So ugly. Still it had been his home. He entered and went to his burned out cubicle. Everything was gone. All that remained were the ashes of what had been. He slid down to the floor and covered his face with his hands. Deep inside in a place he had not even admitted to himself, he had harbored a hope that when Fand recovered they would go back to the farm and live the life he had always dreamed of. It had been a fragile hope, is was even weaker now. Really, the biggest obstacle to a life with Fand was not the pathfinder, but the Council.


    Jerue had stripped him of his robes and his position. All Jerue¡¯s decrees had been nullified by Appocca, so Pyre was once again bound by the Council¡¯s edicts. One did not leave the Council. In all Pyre¡¯s history lessons of Council law, there had only been a hand full of men who had left and of they had been stripped of their reputations, their standing in their community¡¯s and their dignity. They had brought great shame to their families. So far, no one had been discharged honorably. It was hopeless.


    Despair covered Pyre like a blanket. He sat down in the ashes, his mind still reeling. Only some great miracle would free him to marry Fand. Abruptly, Pyre stopped his errant thoughts. One great miracle had already occurred. Fand was alive. In a few hours his shift with Fand would start. He would share the same space with her again. He must focus on that. Honestly, she had a long way to go before she would be strong enough to leave. She would be with him for a while longer. Though he knew it would be best to focus on that, all he wanted to do was break something, hurt some one, do anything but feel the violence of his emotions. Why couldn¡¯t he go back, he just wanted to go back and make better choices.


    There was a strange ringing in his head. The sensation was unfamiliar. Was someone reading his thoughts? He forced his mind into submission. Beyond his door he heard rubble scatter. Rube Johan called out, ¡°Pyre are you in here?¡±


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    Pyre stood and said, ¡°Yes.¡±


    Rube poked his head in the door and said, ¡°Appocca wants to see you.¡±


    The next important moment of his life had arrived. How would he meet it? ¡°Thanks for letting me know, I will head over there.¡±


    ¡±I¡¯m going that direction too. I¡¯ll walk you over.¡± Rube paused and asked, ¡°Did you hear about Wilm?¡±


    Fear tightened in Pyre¡¯s chest. ¡°No.¡±


    Rube¡¯s voice cracked when he said, ¡±He passed away early this morning. At least I got to be with him.¡±


    Rube and Wilm had been best friends since childhood, just like he and Zog had been. Pyre said, ¡±I am so sorry to hear that. I thought he was doing better.¡±


    ¡±So did Dr. Kran. Wilm got an infection and it spread rapidly. I wrote to his family this morning. His folks are going to take it hard. They were so proud of him.¡±


    They fell into silence and walked outside. The mid day sun shone bright upon the street. Pyre couldn¡¯t help but notice the dark blood stains on the cobbles. Images of that awful night flashed through his mind, the clash of swords, the groans of men and the smell of fear. He heard the weeping of women. His mind raced to all the graves that had been added to the Council Cemetery, tomorrow Wilm¡¯s grave would be among them. Near cemetery was a large grave that contained the ashes of everyone who had been in the Inner Sanctum that dreadful night. Only Fand had escaped. All that remained of those who had served Jerue were a group of renegade Guards that fled to the mountains. All other that were aligned with Jerue had been executed for treason. The Purge had been thorough and swift. Too swift really. How had it succeeded so completely? Victory was seldom quick. The Purge would go down in the history books as a great success, but Pyre wondered at history. He had read the names and the dates of other conflicts and not given them much thought. Never, would he do that again.


    When they reached the Infirmary, Rube said, ¡°Appocca is in the dispensary. Good day.¡± He bowed to Pyre and took his leave.


    Pyre made his way to the dispensary. The door was open.


    Appocca sat on a low stool rolling bandages with three women. He stood. ¡°Excuse me ladies.¡± To Pyre he said, ¡°Come, I have something that belongs to you.¡± Appocca went into the medicine closet. On a shelf was a bundle. Appocca picked it up and handed it to Pyre. ¡°For you.¡±


    This was an odd time to receive a gift. Pyre undid the string and pulled away the cheesecloth. It contained a blue cowl. Without words, he had just received his official reinstatement. If Appocca had spoken, perhaps he cold have questioned this reinstatement, as it was, he could not. He stared down at the cowl in his hands. Not only had he been reinstated, according to the cowl, he had also jumped two places in rank, He looked at Appooca and asked, ¡°Blue?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Blue.¡± He smiled. ¡°Put it on Apprentice. You belong here. Jerue thought you would be his tool, instead you found your own strength and in part were responsible for saving the lives of many.¡±


    Pyre thought, So many lives have been lost. He did not think he deserved any honor.


    Appocca patted his shoulder. ¡°You have no idea what you have done. You harbored secrets that protected those you loved and those who sponsored The Purge and you did not betray anyone. Angs is dead, the Council is cleansed and a new day awaits us.¡± Appocca slipped the cowl over Pyre''a head.


    His fate was sealed. There was no going back. He said, ¡°Thank you Sir.¡±


    Appocca patted his shoulder and said, ¡°You are welcome. Your shift is about to start. Give my regards to Fand and remember, things are not always how they seem.¡±


    What an odd thing to say. Pyre bowed and said, ¡°Yes Sir.¡± He turned away from Appocca and walked down the hall to Dr. Kran¡¯s office. As usual, the doctor was out.


    Inside his chest, Pyre¡¯s heart began to race. The anticipation of seeing Fand always did this to him. He touched the wall and the panel slid open.


    Uncle Wert got up from the stool and stretched his tired back. With one hand he rubbed his belly and whispered, ¡°I could do with a bit of grub.¡± He glanced at Fand. ¡°She has been asking for you.¡± He gave Pyre a wink and shuffled out of the room. The door slid closed behind him.


    Pyre sat down in the stool. His eyes traveled over every inch of Fand''s sleeping body. As always he winced when he saw her hand. Had Dr. Kran told her yet that she was missing all her left fingers and part of her palm? As far as he knew he hadn¡¯t. How would she react when she found out? His eyes went to her sleeping relaxed face. The scabs and cuts were beginning to heal. His gaze traveled from her forehead and lingered on her lips, lips that would never kiss his. Her lips moved and she whispered, "Pyre?"


    "Yes, I''m here." He would never tire of hearing her speak his name. He leaned forward and looked into her now open eyes. They were filled with tears. Her love for him reached out and wrapped around his heart. It might not be the kind of love he wanted, but perhaps it was the kind he most needed.


    With great effort she said, ¡°You, Uncle all I have now.¡±


    He couldn''t help but notice she didn¡¯t include Resen. Did that mean something? It had to mean something. He wanted it to mean something. He wiped her eyes with his sleeve.

 Chapter 46. A Blossoming Flower

    As one day and then another passed Fand could feel her strength returning and her memories. The first was good, the second was hard. The memories of that awful night could have stayed buried forever, only they hadn¡¯t. If she never saw the moon again, she would not miss it. The moon had betrayed her and she would never love it again.


    Pyre was in the tiny stone room with her. In her mind she had begun to call this place the prison. Once again she was locked away and hidden. How long would this go on. She said, ¡°Please ask Appocca to let me out today.¡±


    The look on Pyre¡¯s face was grim. He said, ¡°He already said no. I¡¯m afraid we have had a report of a band of renegade Sonpur near the Ruhe Mountains.¡±


    This was bad news, still she asked, ¡°What does he think? Does he think they will magically appear and kidnap me? Why would they have need of me, Angs is dead?¡±


    Pyre looked her in the eyes. His eyes that had once been so timid were now bold. ¡°You know very well they could. The walls of this room are covered in a special protective stone. They won¡¯t be able to detect you in here. Beside, they may know you are alive.¡± He took her good hand and her bandaged hand in his and lowered his voice, ¡°They may seek revenge.¡±


    This possibility chilled Fand to her core. She asked, ¡°Will this never end?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Pyre said. ¡°For now, you are safe.¡±


    Fand pulled her hands free from his and turned her face to the wall. Would she ever be safe? Would she spend the rest of her life hidden away? What kind of life was that? If only she could get away from this place.


    Pyre reached for her left hand. ¡°I need to remove the bandages so Loren can redress it.¡±


    Reluctantly, she gave her to him. Though she now knew its condition she hadn¡¯t looked at it. With a small sharp knife, Pyre cut away the cloth. The bandage fell away. She closed her eyes. Pyre said, ¡°It¡¯s healing well.¡±


    Bitterly she replied, ¡°You mean what¡¯s left of it.¡± The door slid open. Noiselessly someone entered. It had to be Resen. Fand wanted to hide her hand, but Pyre held it.


    A small gasp escaped from Resen. He had seen her hand, she was certain of it. He cleared his throat and said, ¡°Petran wants to see Fand.¡±


    Gently Pyre released Fand¡¯s hand. She felt the tension between these two men. When she opened her eyes she saw Resen¡¯s scowl. Pyre had his back to her and she couldn¡¯t see his expression. Pyre asked, ¡°When?¡±


    ¡°Now.¡±


    ¡°You know she isn¡¯t allowed to leave this space, and Petran is still too weak to come here. What are you up to Pathfinder?¡±


    Resen smiled. ¡°Just delivering a message. Petran wants to see his kin.¡±


    Pyre told him, ¡°I don¡¯t believe you. Besides Fand can¡¯t go anywhere until Loren redresses her hand. Also, I don¡¯t have the authority to release her to go anywhere. You will have to take this up with Loren.¡±


    Resen¡¯s eyes narrowed and Fand saw anger spark in them. With one swift motion Resen knocked Pyre away from the cot. His arms wrapped around her and he hoisted her against his chest. His strength and determination frightened her. She whispered, ¡°Please, wait.¡±


    Resen did not wait. He pressed the stone and the door slid open. Pyre shouted, ¡°Put her back in bed!¡±


    As Resen strode out of the room his lips brushed against her hair. Revolted, Fand turned her head away from him. His swift pace was making her nauseous.


    Behind them, Pyre shouted, ¡°Guards!¡± No one came.


    Furious Pyre asked, ¡°Where are the Guards, what have you done with the Guards, Pathfinder?¡±


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    A defiant chuckle rumbled in Resen¡¯s throat. What was he doing? What did he intend? No man but Gregor Zwart had ever held her against her will like this. She demanded, ¡°Take me back to my room.¡±


    He smiled down at her. ¡°It will be all right.¡±


    She did not believe him. A terrible sense of foreboding filled her. She struggled in his arms, but she was still too weak to break free. Pyre ran behind them cursing. Fand knew he wouldn¡¯t strike Resen for fear of hurting her. Images rose in her memory. She felt the huge hairy hands of Trug upon her. Resen had captured her, just like that Sonpur had. In that instant she knew, Resen would inflict his will upon her. He had no regard for her wishes. What was wrong with him? For the past three days she had rehearsed in her head what she would say to him, how she would tell him she did not love him, but she had lacked the courage to do so. She tried to speak, but he shushed her. ¡°It is all right Fand. Petran will take care of your wounds. He has a great gift.¡±


    With her right hand, Fand hit Resen¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I said take me back to my room.¡±


    Fresh anger flushed Resen¡¯s face. ¡°You are being foolish. Trust me. All will be well.¡±


    The problem was she did not trust him. All those weeks on the run she had trusted him, but this, this felt very wrong. It was as if he were possessed. Resen stopped in front of a door. He called out, ¡°Open the door please.¡±


    The door opened. Uncle Wert stood in the door frame. Alarm registered on his face when he saw Fand in the Pathfinder¡¯s arms. Resen pushed passed him. There was a roaring in Fand¡¯s ears. She felt like she was about to be tossed in a great tide she could not stop. Uncle Wert asked, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    The creeping fog of fatigue began to drift into Fand¡¯s mind. No, not now. She needed her strength to fight. As hard as she could, she jabbed Resen with her elbow. He grunted, but did not let go. A voice she had never heard said, ¡°You are spirited Little One.¡± The voice was so like Zog¡¯s. Fand twisted her head to see its owner. The old man in the bed looked like a decaying version of her cousin. She felt her mind go blank and then a strange fog obliterated the room.


    From somewhere in the fog, Pyre yelled, ¡°Stop this now!¡±


    Resen hissed, ¡°Shut up Apprentice.¡±


    ¡°Bring her here,¡± said the voice.


    Fand felt herself placed upon the hard mattress. She tried to focus but the fog would not clear. Boney fingers grabbed her left wrist. A strange tingling sensation swirled inside her blood. The fog in her head began to clear. The face, the old face like Zog¡¯s wavered before her. His eyes, were the same color that Zog¡¯s had been. Grief for Zog tore through her. She tried to pull away from Petran, but the old man would not let go. Fand¡¯s eyes traveled from his face, to his hands, and then to her left hand. Most of her hand had been blown off. Where fingers and palm had been there were now neat stitches. It looked worse than she imagined. She felt sick. Suddenly, the butchered stub of her hand began to emanate white light. The stitches disintegrated. Before her astonished eyes, her palm regenerated and buds appeared. From these buds four fingers and a thumb unfurled like a blossoming flower. Her hand was whole. How could this be?


    Petran asked, ¡°Can you move it?¡±


    Fand flexed her hand. It didn¡¯t even hurt and her fatigue had completely left her.


    Petran sank back into his pillows.


    The door burst open. Loren, looked from Fand to Petran. Her eyes followed his gaze. Petran looked terrible. All his color was gone.


    In a sharp voice Loren said, ¡°I told you not to do this Pathfinder.¡±


    Resen didn¡¯t respond.


    Loren¡¯s eyes softened when he turned back to Fand. He said, ¡°Petran has given you a great gift.¡±


    Fearfully she asked, ¡°I haven¡¯t killed him have I?¡±


    Though Loren said, ¡°No,¡± he was not convincing. He shouted, ¡°Guards!¡± Two guards stumbled into the room, rubbing the backs of their necks. Loren said, ¡°Arrest him for trespassing.¡± With one vicious look at Resen Loren said, ¡°Go with them quietly Pathfinder.¡± The guards latched onto him and lead him out of the room. To Pyre, Loren said, ¡°Take her back to her room. I must tend to Petran and then I will stop by to check her hand.¡±


    Pyre helped Fand off the bed and lead her to the door.


    Fand looked back at the sick old man in the bed. His eyes were closed and his breathing was ragged. It looked like he had fainted. Was he going to die? She asked Loren, ¡°Why did Petran do this for me? He can¡¯t even walk and he gave his power to me. I can¡¯t bear for one more person to die because of me.¡±


    Gently Loren said, ¡°Dr. Kran and I will take care of him. Go now. Please.¡±


    Pyre took hold of her arm and asked, ¡°Do you want me to carry you?¡±


    For the first time in weeks, her legs felt sturdy. ¡°No, I think I can walk.¡± Strength coursed through her body. Her entire being felt strange. She had not felt this strange since she had been in Angs presence and under Angs control. Pyre and Uncle Wert each slid and arm around her and led her into the hall. The nearness of them steadied her. Silent tears streamed down her face. A heaviness settled in her chest. She asked, ¡°Do you think Petran will be okay?¡±


    Uncle Wert said, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    She whispered, ¡°But Uncle, he not must die because of me.¡±


    Uncle Wert¡¯s voice grew firm, ¡°You did not seek this. It was Resen and Petran, not you, child. Not you. No matter what happens you must not blame yourself.¡±


    If Petran died, she would blame herself, she always would. He must not die. He must not! No one else should die because of her. Her life was not of more value than another¡¯s

 Chapter 47. What Remains

    When Renate came for her shift with Fand, Pyre headed for the prison. Resen was most likely being detained there. Fury churned inside of Pyre. He was not a violent person but right now he just wanted to whip that Pathfinder¡¯s ass. Not that he could, but he sure wanted a go at it. When he reached the Prison, he asked where the Pathfinder was being held. The guard on duty jabbed a finger in the direction of the holding room. Pyre made his way to the door. A single guard stood there. It would be so easy for Resen to escape. The only reason he was still captive was because he chose to be. The guard opened the door.


    In the room, Loren was inches from Resen¡¯s face. His voice was low as he said, ¡°Because of you, Petran has sunk into a coma again. We don¡¯t know how much longer he has. And Fand is very upset. Do you honestly think you have done good this day?¡±


    Pyre noticed that though there was concern in Resen¡¯s eyes, there was not any remorse.


    Loren continued, ¡°Fand could have managed with only one hand. Petran¡¯s life is not worth one hand. But no, your future wife must be whole. A Pathfinder can not have a blemished bride.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Pyre asked. No one answered him. Had the marriage been settled? Surely Fand had not agreed to marry this man.


    Furious but silent, Resen turned away from Loren. His eyes met Pyre¡¯s. No, there was no remorse in those eyes. In fact there was an odd kind of satisfaction. Pyre was confused. He had honestly thought Resen cared a great deal for Petran.


    Loren saw Pyre and said, ¡°Don¡¯t waste your time with this one. It¡¯s pointless.¡±


    With all the courage that Pyre possessed he asked, ¡°Did Fand agree to marry you?¡±


    Resen just smirked.


    The impulse to slug the man tingled in Pyre¡¯s fist. In his mind, Loren said, Don¡¯t. Fand can¡¯t have you injured right now. This comment stung. Silently, Pyre agreed. Aloud Loren said, ¡°We won¡¯t waste any more of our time here. Come Pyre.¡± Pyre followed. Out in the hall, Loren said, ¡°Damn him. He never listens to anyone unless it suits him. No good will come of this. None what so ever. The arrogant fool, does he really think Fand will agree to be his wife after what he did today?¡±


    This was a truth to latch onto. Pyre said, ¡°No.¡±


    Loren smiled at him and said, ¡°Exactly. He made a fatal error in judgment today, I just pray Petran death is not the consequence.¡± He laid a hand on Pyre¡¯s shoulder and asked, ¡°Could you sit with Petran and pray? I don¡¯t know if he will recover. I also don¡¯t know how much longer he has. Pray for peace, not healing. If Petran survives it will be because he has chosen to.¡±


    This was not good news, but Pyre would do as he was asked. He bowed to Loren and headed for the infirmary. Inside he made his way to Petran¡¯s room. The old man was so pale and his breathing was irregular. Dr. Kran had his hands over Petran¡¯s heart. He glanced over at Pyre and asked, ¡°Have you come to pray?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Pyre began the first prayer of peace. As he prayed, Dr. Kran gently massaged Petran¡¯s chest and from time to time, he blew air into his mouth. For over an hour they remained at it until finally Dr Kran asked, ¡°Does it look like some of his color is coming back?¡±


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    Pyre stood and went to Petran¡¯s bedside. There was a slight tinge of pink in his sallow face. ¡°Yes,¡± he said, ¡°he looks a bit better.¡± Petran¡¯s chest was also rising and falling in a more rhythmic motion.


    ¡°Thanks for verifying that. I have been staring at him so long I wasn¡¯t sure if my eyes were tricking me. Now if he will only regain consciousness.¡± He paused then said, ¡°I need you to go sit with Fand. Wert is worried about her. She¡¯s very upset. Please reassure her. Say whatever you must. It will not do her any good to fret over Petran.¡±


    Pyre confessed, ¡°I am not a good liar.¡±


    Dr. Kran smiled at him and said, ¡°With any luck or should I say grace, you will not be lying. Petran is not so easy to get rid of. We must both put some faith in that.¡±


    His words brought a shred of hope to Pyre. ¡°Yes Sir, I will.¡± He bowed to Dr. Kran and went out into the hall. When he rounded the corner Uncle Wert was standing outside of Dr. Kran¡¯s office.


    When he saw Pyre, he asked, ¡°How is Petran?¡±


    ¡°Weak, but still breathing.¡±


    ¡°Blast that Pathfinder! It seems he can do as much good as harm.¡±


    Pyre nodded and asked, ¡°Is Fand going to marry him?¡±


    ¡°She hasn¡¯t said a word to me. My gut says no.¡±


    Pyre prayed Uncle Wert¡¯s gut was right.


    Uncle Wert said, ¡°Please sit with Fand. See if you can soothe her. She¡¯s so upset, I¡¯m worried she will lose the strength she has gained.¡±


    ¡°Of course I will sit with her.¡±


    Uncle Wert put a hand on Pyre¡¯s shoulder and said, ¡°Thank you son.¡±


    ¡°You are welcome.¡±


    Uncle Wert told him. ¡°Renate is with her now. Ask Renate to come fetch me when she leaves. I will be in Petran¡¯s room.¡±


    Pyre said, ¡°All right I will see you then.¡± Uncle Wert headed down the hall and Pyre went into the office. He touched the back wall. The door slid open. Renate was seated on the stool beside the cot. She turned and looked at Pyre. He could tell she was worried. Face down on the bed, crumpled and weeping, lay Fand. Silently, Renate got up from the stool and motioned for him to sit down. He did so. For several long moment he sat helplessly watching Fand. He had no idea of what to do or say. Finally, he lay his hand on her shoulder. At his touch she turned and looked up at him. She pushed herself into a sitting position and wrapped her arms tightly around him. How many times had he held her when she cried? How many more times would he have the opportunity to do so?


    She pressed her wet face against his cowl. Her tears stained it a deeper shade of blue. She whispered, ¡°I know about the young Apprentices who were killed in the Inner Sanctum.¡±


    "So you remembered that night?"


    Fand looked up at him. "Not all of it. I heard many things as I traveled in and out of consciousness. Some one, I don''t know who, said that Guards tried to open the doors to the Inner Sanctum, but they would not open. Everyone was trapped inside. Why?"


    Knowing evasion would not work with Fand, he said, ¡°No one knows. It was as if the doors had been sealed shut.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯ t know."


    Huge tears filled Fand''s eyes. "Why was I the only one to survive? Why do I keep surviving when others perish?¡±


    Gently Pyre said, "Some think it was because your work is not finished, others think it was a fluke and some think it was a miracle.¡±


    With large fear filled eyes, she whispered, ¡°What do you think?¡±


    ¡°I know I am grateful you are alive. I don¡¯t have to know the reason, I just accept it. Try to do the same.¡± He stroked her hair and said,"Be grateful you are alive Fand, leave the mystery of it to the Keeper."


    She pressed closer against him. In a shaky voice she said, ¡°I don''t know if I can.¡±


    His arms tightened around her. He could feel the wild beating of her heart.


    She asked, ¡°How is Petran?¡±


    ¡°His color is returning and his breathing is steadier. Dr. Kran and Uncle Wert are with him.¡±


    With a violent thrust Fand pushed away from him and jabbed her left hand into the air. ¡°I will cut off this hand if Petran dies. It is only my left hand, and I am right handed. I could have lived without this!¡±Pyre took hold of her arm and pulled it down. ¡°And if you do that Petran¡¯s last miracle will have been wasted. He will be better served by your prayers than by your violence or guilt.¡±


    Her eyes met his. Her lashes were crusted with the salt of her tears. She said, ¡°Let us pray then,¡± and slid off the bed onto her knees.


    Pyre knelt down beside her. Fand grabbed his left hand and squeezed it. A strange sensation stole into the room, it was as if they had been joined by another. Pyre peeked through his lashes. Fand¡¯s left hand lay slightly open on the bed. It seemed to be holding an invisible hand. Whose? Zog¡¯s?

 Chapter 48. Misdirection

    Since Zog¡¯s death, Fand had an every growing awareness that he was watching over her. He had come to her in the dream that had called her back to earth. He was with her now, she knew it, felt it. The line between heaven and earth seemed to be a very thin thread and not the void she had imagined. Though she could not see him, she would have moments like these where he seemed so near, she could reach out her hand and touch him. On the cot her left hand lay partially open. Though it appeared empty it was not. At times like this she didn¡¯t jus image his hand in hers, she actually felt it.


    Like a gently flowing stream Pyre¡¯s prayers washed over and around her. She felt the power of them moving through the air. Would the Keeper take heed of them? Was Zog praying too? She should be praying. Petran needed her prayers. She gripped Pyre¡¯s hand tighter and focused. He was in the third round of the prayer of peace


    Suddenly, Fand felt the faintest squeeze of her left hand, and then it was empty. Zog was gone. Why had he left? Had he gone to Petran to welcome him to the life beyond? She pleaded, Please don¡¯t let that be it.


    A strange sensation radiated through out her body. It was at first warm and then very cold. Beneath the surface of her shoulder blades she felt two large knots form on either side. Quickly they increased in size. A tremor of pain radiated from them. She felt her muscles and skin stretch to conform to them. Panic took hold of her. Something bad was happening. Something very bad. Her head and eyes stung like they had been whipped by a strong wing. Little needles of pain spiked on her face and head.


    Pyre stopped praying and turned to her. His eyes filled with alarm when he saw her. ¡°What the hell?¡±


    Before she could answer she felt her skin rip, warm blood oozed down her back. What ever was inside of her had just burst out. Another more intense spasm of pain rocked her. The things shot out further. They pressed against the back of her gown. She could feel the warmth of her own blood spilling from the things. Another sensation rocked her. Her hair suddenly grew and was trailing down her back like a snake. Her eyes had sprouted lashes. She could see the fringes of them. The surface of her skin began to burn and tightened. She cried out.


    Pyre gasped. His eyes were wide and terrified.


    Another jolt of pain took her breath away. The things on her back tore through her gown and jerked out at an angle.  In Pyre¡¯s eyes she could see her reflection. Two small bloody wings were growing out of her back. Pyre¡¯s grip tightened on her hand. He pulled her to her feet. ¡°I must get you to Loren.¡±


    At that instant the door slid open. It was Loren. When he saw Fand, His eyes too grew wide, but not with fright, with anger. His entire face flushed.


    Pyre asked, ¡°What is happening to her?¡±


    Choking back his anger, Loren said,  ¡°Petran was too weak to control his power of regeneration. Some of it must have broken off and gone to her wing buds.¡±


    Pyre asked,  ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    Fand did not pose any such question. She understood what Loren meant, only she did not understand what this would mean for her.


    Loren said, ¡°Move aside.¡± Pyre did. He stepped in front of Fand and took her face in his hands.  Deeply, he looked into her eyes. His very soul invaded her body. He said, ¡°Fand is from the tribe of Kedir, the children of Nephilim. Her wings were clipped at birth by your mother. They should never have grown back.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Pyre asked.


    Terrified, but still focused on Loren¡¯s eyes, Fand said, ¡°Get rid of them.¡±


    His eyes clouded. ¡°I can¡¯t. Once the process has begun, it cannot be reversed.¡±


    ¡°Am I to be stuck with these forever?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know Fand. I must get you to my m-, to Renate.¡± To Pyre he said, ¡°Get the sheets from her bed. We must cover her. No one can see her wings.¡±


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    Trembling Pyre stripped the cot. He and Loren bundled her in the sheets. Her growing wings pressed against the confines of sheets.  Before Loren placed the pillowcase over her head, he held her gaze. He was trying to give her a share of his strength but she was too frightened to receive it. Once the pillow case went over her head,she could feel the heat of her breath. Another wave of pain rocked her. The wings were getting bigger. How big would they get? Suddenly she knew. They would get big enough to carry her. Images of birds'' wings filled her mind. The length of a swans¡¯ wing span, the distance of a goose from wing tip to wing tip. So much longer than their bodies. She had seen pictures of angels and she had always thought flight would be a marvelous thing, but not now, not now. She gritted her teeth against the ever intensifying pain. In that instant she remembered Jerim¡¯s Relic exploding in her hand.


    ¡°Up,¡± Loren said as he hoisted her onto his shoulders. The door opened and closed. Another door opened and closed. The next thing Fand knew Loren was running through the hall. Each foot fall send a fresh and devastating spike of pain through out her body. The steady step of Pyre followed behind. They made a sharp right turn and then they descended a stairwell. Around and around it spun, making her feel sick and dizzy. Pyre had begun to pant behind them. In the distance she heard the sound of water rushing. It grew louder. An underground river?


    Loren stopped, he whistled three long notes. Fand heard a door open. Loren carried her to the sound of the door. Dirt crunched beneath his boots, or was it sand. She couldn¡¯t tell. Through the pillowcase she saw light. Loren took a step up and the stairs swayed a little as he ascended. He pulled the pillowcase off her head. She was in some kind of cart. Herbs hung from the ceiling. There was a small narrow bed against the right side and on the left was a table littered with powders and bottles. Renate was behind her, beyond her vision. This was her Gypsy cart. This was the place where Zog had conceived his child. How was it that it was here? Where was here?


    Renate moved in front of her.  Her face was pale and she was clutching her pregnant belly.  Meeting her eyes, Renate quickly regained her composure. To Loren she said, ¡°Unwind them gently. We don¡¯t want to damage her wings.¡± With skill and care, Loren removed the sheets. The instant they were free, Fand¡¯s wings sprang open. They had grown to a magnificent size. Her feathers were drying. The weight of the wings lessened. Blood no longer slid down her back, but her gown was stained with the stuff.


    Fand asked, ¡°Can you take these off?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any experience with such a procedure. If I tried, the blood loss could kill you.¡±


    Loren asked, ¡°What are we going to do?¡±


    For a moment Renate was silent. When she spoke, she asked, ¡°How did this happen?¡±


    Loren told her.


    Renate shook her head. ¡°Resen, will he ever learn?¡±


    Loren said,  ¡°Not so far. What now, Mother?¡±


    Mother? Renate was his mother! Fand¡¯s eyes traveled from Loren, to Renate. Though their coloring was different their eyes were the same and so were their jaw lines.


    ¡°I must take her to a place I know. It is an outpost of the people of Kedir. Usually, I can reach one of the tribe from there. They will know what needs to be done next.¡±


    Renate¡¯s word sunk deep into Fand¡¯s mind. She protested, ¡°No! I am supposed to go home!¡±


    Renate said, ¡°You can¡¯t go home Fand. Not with those.¡±


    Anger and fear flared up inside of Fand. Resen, this was Resen¡¯s fault. If she still just had one hand she could have gone home. She could have had a normal life. Now, now what lay before her?


    Renate said, ¡°I am sorry Fand. This is not entirely Resen¡¯s fault. It is partially mine. I made a choice long ago and the consequences of that choice keeps hurting people. If I had never approached Zog, you would not be here.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± It was Pyre who asked this.


    Fand understood now. Renate had taught Zog the sacred arts. If not for her¡ªThe fire inside of Fand became a consuming blaze. ¡°Yes, you. You have cost my family so much. So very much.¡±


    ¡°I have, but we don¡¯t have time for this. We have got to get you out of here, before anyone knows you are gone. You must trust me, and if not me, trust Loren.¡±


    Fand did not want to trust anyone. She wanted to go home. That was all she had wanted. It was such a simple thing. Why was she being denied this? She took a step away from Renate. She heard the rustle of her feathers. She felt the air move among them. This was not real. This was a dream and she would wake up. She would. In dreams sometimes if she screamed really loudly she would wake herself up. She opened her mouth. Loren clamped his hand over it. In a gentle voice he said, ¡°No, this is not a dream. Please, listen to my mother. Please, your life depends on it.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Renate said, ¡°Come, we must go.¡±


    Pyre asked, ¡°All of us?¡±


    At last, Fand turned to him. His face was white and his eyes were wide. The weight of the moment hit her like a heavy stone. She might never see him again. She might never see Uncle Wert again! Her eyes swung back to Renate. The woman touched her and began to speak. The next thing Fand knew she was hurling though the darkness of Transferrance. Bitter curses passed through Fand¡¯s lips, but they did not stop her descent. She could feel her wings open and tremble. They caught the air and held it. The sensation was strange and frightening. She wanted to wrench herself free of Renate but she dared not.  A voice, Zog¡¯s voice filled her mind, Trust Little One, trust.


    Angrily she spat back, ¡°Trust who, what?¡±


    Zog did not answer.

 Chapter 49. Gone

    Before he could touch Fand, grab her or even open his mouth, Fand and Renate were gone! A cloud of ochre smoke engulfed them. The air reeked of sulfur. Within the cloud Loren shrieked, ¡°MOTHER!¡± Never had Pyre heard such desperation in a son¡¯s voice. As quickly as it had come, the cloud evaporated. Pyre looked at Loren. Tears stood in Loren¡¯s eyes and fear resided in them.


    Pyre asked, ¡°What just happened?¡±


    With the back of his hand, Loren smeared his unshed tears away and said, ¡°My mother has whisked Fand away to a place I don¡¯t know and can¡¯t reach. I fear her decision was colored by her guilt. Blast her, must she cling to her regrets? She was young, she was stupid. I am so worried for her. A woman her age in her condition should NOT do a Transferrance. It is not good for her or the baby she carries. What on earth did Resen say to Petran to convince him to try Regeneration in his condition?¡±


    Pyre didn¡¯t have any answer for these questions. All he knew was that Fand had vanished again. Would she ever return? Ever? He asked, ¡°What happens now?¡±


    For a moment there was only silence. In that moment  Pyre saw panic in Loren¡¯s eyes. He had never seen panic in his eyes before. In a low voice, that he struggled to control Loren said, ¡°Best case, they arrive safely wherever that outpost is. Worst case, the pressure of Transferrance forces my mother into early labor, leaving all of them vulnerable.¡±


    ¡°Vulnerable to what?¡±


    Squinting his eyes, Loren said, ¡°Anything. There are forces beyond the Council Wall that we cannot even imagine. Some deep darkness has taken root, and change is coming. For good or ill, I don¡¯t know.¡± Loren swore, then said, ¡°I should have taken Fand to Dr. Kran, not my mother. When will I ever learn not to trust my mother?¡±


    Uncertain how to answer this question, uncertain of everything, Pyre remained silent. He thought of Renate. Innately he had trusted her. Something inside of him, trusted her still. His eyes traveled over the cart¡¯s interior. Renate spent her life helping others. How could she be a bad person? He said, "You don''t mean that. I know you don''t. Your mother wouldn''t hurt Fand, she wouldn''t I just know it. I''ve watched her care for Fand and for Petran. Her skill as a healer and her compassion are unequaled. Whatever she has done she acted from her compassion, not her guilt."


    All Loren said was, "Mabye." He didn''t sound convinced. He picked up the bloody sheets that Fand had been wrapped in and shoved them into a box. "We have to burn these." Suddenly the cart lurched sideways. Loren snapped the lid shut and shoved the box under the bed.


    The door of the cart burst open. With nostril''s flared and eyes wide Resen entered. So, he had broken out of the holding room. His eyes traveled from Pyre to Loren. He asked, ¡°Where is Fand?¡±


    An unusual hardness came into Loren¡¯s voice when he answered, ¡°With my mother.¡±


    Through gritted teeth, Resen asked, ¡°Where is your mother?¡±


    Loren¡¯s voice grew hard as well. ¡°With Fand.¡±


    Resen grabbed hold of the front of Loren¡¯s robe and said, ¡°You know what I mean.¡±


    With a hard tug, Loren pulled himself free. ¡°Yes, I do, and I am not at liberty to tell you where either of them are.¡±


    Resen turned to Pyre. ¡°Do you know where they are?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Swiftly, Resen¡¯s eyes went back to Loren. ¡°So you and your mother have acted independently again. Will you ever learn?¡±


    Hot anger colored Loren¡¯s face. He asked, ¡°Will you?¡±


    To Pyre, Resen said, ¡°Tell me what happened.¡± It was a command Pyre would not answer. He met Resen¡¯s angry gaze. A fresh fire of rage sparked in the Pathfinders eyes. He spat on the floor and said, ¡°You will not tell me either Pyre. Is it appropriate for a vowed Apprentice to be in love with a woman? What is the penalty for that?¡±


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    Still silent, Pyre did not drop his eyes before Resen. There was something hateful in the Pathfinder. It had not been there when Pyre first met him, or even when he rescued them out of prison. It had come during the time Fand had been broken, scarred and unconscious.


    Resen continued, ¡°You realize Pyre that you could be in a great deal of trouble. Do you really want to risk prison again?¡±


    Finally Pyre spoke, ¡°Of course not.¡±


    Loren said, ¡°Go on Resen. Tell on us.¡±


    The animosity between these two men filled the tiny cart. Pyre was certain there would be blood shed, he only hoped none of it was his.


    With the swiftness of a ferret upon its prey, Resen leapt at Loren. The two men tumbled backwards. The table crashed behind them. Vials, herbs, and containers shot into the air. The entire cart swayed. Cabinet doors sprung open expelling medicines and tonics. The air became thick with pollen and colored dust. Locked in each other''s arms the two men were swinging punches high and wide. Some landed with a sickening crunch. They looked intent on killing each other.


    Over the years Pyre had witnessed many fights. Fights between cocks, rams, bulls and men. This was going to end badly if he didn''t do something. He threw himself into the melee, arms flying and pushed the two apart. Though he did get hit, their fury rendered their blows inaccurate. He shouted, ¡°Enough. This stupidity will not bring Fand or Renate back. They will most likely need both of you to get out of whatever they have disappeared  into. Now, put your differences aside and think of something besides your own stupid rage.¡± Much to his relief the two men both dropped back. Like two circling dogs, Resen and Loren eyed each other. Pyre saw hatred in both of them. They had a past, an old grievance. What was it?


    Loren had a bleeding cut above his right eye and on Resen¡¯s jaw was the deep red of a bruise in its infancy.


    Backing toward the door, Resen said, ¡°If anything happens to Fand it will be on your head, Loren!¡±


    Pyre saw Loren choke back words his response. What had he wanted to say? In Pyre¡¯s mind, the blame did rest with Resen, at least part of it.


    Resen strode out of the cart. In the darkness, his step was silent. How did he do that?


    Under his breath Loren said, ¡°The bastard.¡±


    ¡°What do you think he will do?¡±


    ¡°I have no idea, but whatever it is, it won¡¯t bode well for my mother or Fand.¡±


    Pyre had the same feeling. ¡°What do we do now?¡±


    ¡°We wait for word from my mother. She will contact me, she always does. But she can be very slow about it when she chooses.¡±


    ¡°Do you know where that outpost is that she mentioned?¡±


    With his left hand Loren wiped the blood from his forehead. ¡°No, until she mentioned it, I had never heard of it. My mother does not misspeak. She wanted me to know about the place, she just didn¡¯t want me to know where.¡± Loren wiped his hand on his robe. The blood smeared across his chest. ¡°If only my mother had been born male. So much has gone amiss because she is female and gifted. Gifts that have cost her much. Now Fand is paying too. I am so sorry Pyre. If there is anyway to get to Fand, I will do so. I fear my mother in her rashness has set another unfortunate chain of events into motion.¡±


    Pyre said, ¡°I am not so sure she has.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    A strange faint light began to glow inside Pyre¡¯s mind. He should be panicked, he should be hopeless only he wasn¡¯t. The thing he had learned when he was recovering from his burns came to him. There was more to this life than what was visible. So. Much. More. Hope beyond his own capabilities took hold of him and steadied him. Slowly he said, ¡°In my spiritual lessons I was taught that we can believe we are born to a purpose. It is a purpose that we must uncover as we live. Your mother continues to live out her purpose. If not for her, Resen and I would not have been able to return to the city and find Fand. Without your mother¡¯s medicinal skill, Fand would have died.¡±


    Bitterly, Loren said, ¡°She still might die. They both might.¡±


    ¡°True, but I just have this feeling that I can¡¯t explain, that all of us are moving toward something larger than ourselves. I don¡¯t know what it is, but I have faith that good will come.¡±


    Carefully, Loren considered his words before he spoke. ¡°I pray that you are correct. It gives me some hope, and I am in need of that right now.¡± The pain in Loren¡¯s eyes was obvious. His mother was all that he had. Pyre thought of his wealth of family. He had a mother, father, siblings, a home. He doubted Loren had ever had a home, or a father.


    In the midst of the wreckage of Renate¡¯s cart Pyre located a clean cloth and some cleansing herbs. He motioned to the Renate¡¯s bed and told Loren, ¡°Sit, let me clean your wounds.¡± He was not sure would Loren agree, but to his relief, he did.


    Neither spoke once the wound was dressed. They both knew they needed to tell Appocca what had happened, if Resen hadn¡¯t done it already. They left the  cart and walked along the under ground river. Loren lit the area with an orb of light. Until today, Pyre had no idea there was a river down here. It wasn¡¯t just a river it was a network of streams that broke in other directions. The air smelled of minerals and water.

 Chapter 50. The Cave

    A brilliant light extinguished the darkness. A sharp icy wind tore at Fand¡¯s blood soaked gown. Her feather¡¯s rustled. The light was so bright she could not see. She shouted, ¡°Where am I? Where?¡± Someone groaned beside her, a vague shadow registered in the brilliance. The smell of lavender filled Fand¡¯s nostrils. It was Renate. She turned to confront her captor because that is what Renate was. Hunkered over and in obvious pain, Renate clutched her belly and gasped for air. Instead of the tirade Fand intended she asked, ¡°Are you all right?¡±


    The ¡°No,¡± Renate managed was barely audible.


    Fand''s eyes began to adjust to the light. They were in a range of mountains covered in ice. The range seemed to stretch all the way to the edge of the too bright sky. Through clenched teeth, she heard Renate say, ¡°There is a key in my pocket and a door directly behind you. We must get inside quickly.¡±


    When Fand reached into the pocket she felt the spasm of Renate''s belly. ¡°Are you in labor?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. Please get us inside. Every second we are out here, could give us away.¡± Fand pulled the key from Renate''s pocket. She turned to face the rock wall. There was absolutely no sign of any door. "I don''t see anything."


    "Just hold the key out and touch the mountain."


    Fand did as she was instructed. A stone door immediately appeared. It sucked the key from Fand''s fingers and pulled it into the key hole. The door swung open. Another spasm rocked Renate''s body. She could not move. Her hair had fallen over her face. Fand grasped Renate¡¯s shoulders. ¡°I will help you. Lean on me, I can drag you inside.¡± Leaning forward was all that Renate could do. With difficulty, Fand maneuvered Renate to the door. At the door Fand¡¯s wings instinctively collapsed against her sides so they could fit through the doorway. The instant they were inside the door slammed shut. Fand had expected to be hurled into a new darkness, but that was not the case.


    A stone in the center of the room glowed with yellow light and warmth. The stone was suspended from the low cave ceiling. There were two cots. Very strange cots designed to account for wings. They had hollows in them where the wings would lie. Fand helped Renate to the nearest one and covered her with a quilt. Another spasm trembled through Renate¡¯s body. Alarmed Fand pushed the older woman¡¯s hair from her face. She was deathly pale and sweating. Fand asked, ¡°What do you need me to do?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, this will pass. I just need to catch my breath.¡± Renate closed her eyes and stroked her belly. Her worried expression did not encourage Fand.


    Regardless of what Renate said, Fand was pretty sure she was in labor. Why had this woman risked her life and the life of her child to whisk her to this mountain? A low moan came from Renate. Panic shot through Fand. She did not have any experience in birthing. All birthings on the farm had been left to Zog and Uncle Wert. The blood of the procedure always upset her, and then there was the knowledge that her birth had led to her own mother¡¯s death. Another fear took root in Fand. What if Renate died? What if this baby killed her? Renate was old! Too old to have a baby!


    Frantically Fand looked around the small round cave. There were a few books propped on a shelf. Beside the other cot there was a huge urn. Behind the urn was a wooden cupboard. Fand prayed the urn contained water or at least some consumable liquid. She went to the urn and removed the lid. The fresh scent of water filled her nostrils. Good. Next she opened the cupboard. It contained linens, wooden bowls and utensils, three glass jars of dried fruits and meats, and what looked like a healer''s medicine bag. She pulled out the bag and asked, ¡°Is there anything in here that might help you?¡±


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    For a brief second Renate glanced up. "Look for a vial of red liquid."


    Fand opened the bag. Her fingers brushed against various packets, bits of herbs and what felt like a few frog skins. Finally she felt the coolness of glass. She pulled out the vial. "This?" Renate nodded. Fand took the vial to her. With trembling fingers Renate uncorked the vial and took a small sip. She grimaced. Fand took the vial from her shaking hands. Renate closed her eyes and said, ¡°That should calm my body.¡±


    Silently, desperately Fand prayed, Please let it be so! She corked the bottle


    Renate covered her nose with her hand. She said to Fand, "I can¡¯t bear the sight or smell of your blood. Get cleaned up, but don''t use too much water. There should be some gowns among the linens."


    There were gowns in the cupboard. They were made of a fabric that Fand had never felt before. Soft, silky, yet bulky and warm. At the shoulders were slits to accommodate...WINGS! In her worry over Renate she had momentarily forgotten her wings. She realized they were no longer heavy. They moved with her body, as if they had always been part of her body, and yet, they felt so alien. Fand reached back into the cupboard and pulled out a wooden basin and some cloths. Her bloody gown had adhered itself to her body where the blood had dried. Most likely, ripping it off would cause her to start bleeding again.


    From the cot Renate told her, "Just dampen the gown where the blood is. Once the blood is wet, it won''t be so hard to get the fabric free from your skin. There may be a little bleeding, but not much."


    Fand did as she was told. Despite her best efforts, lifting the wet fabric from her bloodied skin was painful. The sensation of her wings made her feel like she had fallen into some bizarre dream. How was all this happening. She was just girl from Tashe. When she finally got her bloody gown off, she wiped herself down with lavender water. Her wings beat ever so slightly, causing her feathers to flutter.


    Renatesaid, "It looks like your wings are fully in. Turn around." Fand did so. "Your shoulders are already beginning to heal. Put your gown on." Fand slipped into the gown. It slid over her wings easily. Renate continued, "That is better. Place your soiled gown beneath the stone."


    The stone pulsed with what looked like sunlight. Fand placed the gown beneath it. In the warm yellow light, her bloody shredded gown was made pure white. It was not mended, but now the cloth could be used again. She reached out to touch it. It was warm. Before her the stone pulsed with a peach glow like the color of dawn. What was this thing? She reached out her hand to touch it, but Renate said, "Don''t ever do that. It can restore but it can also destroy. You have had enough of both for one day. Would you like to know where you are?"


    "Yes."


    "We are in the Tabin Range." It was a range Fand had never heard of. All at once she knew she was probably farther from home than she had ever been. Gently, Renate said, ¡°You are right. I am sorry.¡±


    ¡°Why can''t I go home?¡±


    ¡°Your wings. There are bounty hunters that seek the wings of angels. They are said to possess many magical and miraculous properties, You would never be safe within the Council Walls. The Council is misguided in its belief in the wall. There are more holes in that wall than there are holes in a sieve. Things, people, creatures are forever passing in and out. You must go where you will be safe.¡±


    ¡°And where is that?¡±


    ¡°There is someone who is coming. She will teach you to use your wings. The place she resides can only be reached by flight. No one without wings has ever seen it or knows where it is.¡± Wearily Renate closed her eyes.


    In the light of the stone, Fand caught sight of the shadow of her wings upon the wall. It chilled her. Angrily she grasped one wing and pulled it forward so she could look at it. It was made up of long white feathers, like swan feathers. She let it go and touched the feathers on her shoulders, they were soft as goose down. Fear of an uncharted future filled her. She wanted no part of this. ¡°I want to go home!¡±


    Renate opened her eyes. There was compassion in them and also sadness. She said, ¡°You have endured much Fand. Think of what you have survived so far. Trust the Keeper to guide us through the conflict of now.¡±


    ¡°All, I want is to be a girl from Tashe, a simple farmer¡¯s girl like I used to be.¡±


    ¡°You were never just a farmer¡¯s girl Fand. You have always been what you are now. You just didn¡¯t know it.¡±

 Chapter 51. Questions

    With eyes on the stone flag floor of Appocca¡¯s office, Pyre stood silent, listening to the shrill rising voice of the new Head Councilman. He had never heard, nor seen Appocca in such a fury of emotion. His eyes sparked with anger and his voice trembled as he demanded, ¡°Tell me now where your mother is!¡±


    Beside Pyre, Loren stood completely composed. In his peripheral vision Pyre could see that Loren¡¯s head was up and he was looking straight at Appocca. It was a feat Pyre could not manage. Calmly Loren said, ¡°I have told you I do not know where my mother is.¡±


    Appocca¡¯s fist struck the top of his mahogany desk with a hard thud. Startled Pyre looked up at the Head Councilman and then quickly looked down. He so wanted out of this room!  To Loren Appocca said, ¡°If you won¡¯t tell me where, tell me why she has taken Fand with her?¡±


    The sound of Pyre¡¯s heart was like a great metal drum. He was certain Appocca¡¯s entire office was vibrating with the sound of it. He waited for Loren¡¯s response. Loren lied, ¡°I do not know.¡±


    ¡°Blast you Loren! Your mother has taught you too well. I fear for your folly. I can¡¯t even read Pyre¡¯s simpering thoughts, much less get a lock on yours.¡± He paused a moment then cursed, ¡°Damn you, answer me or I will put you and your terrified friend in prison.¡±


    Loren was nonplussed. ¡°You have need of both of us in the Infirmary. You especially need my skill. My mother does what she does you know that. You also know that she is brilliant and careful. What ever she has done is to some purpose.¡±


    Thoughtfully, Appocca stroked his long white beard. ¡°Your mother will be the death of me yet.¡±


    ¡°And without you,¡± Loren said, ¡°my mother would have been dead long ago. Don¡¯t think I have forgotten how much we both owe you. I am not doing this to be contrary. I have to trust my mother. Pyre thinks so, don¡¯t you Pyre.¡±


    For the first time Pyre raised his eyes to Appocca¡¯s. The anger he expected to see in those had been quenched. He stammered, ¡°I-I believe she can be trusted.¡±


    Appocca furrowed his eyebrows. ¡°What do you base this belief on?¡±


    Pyre stuttered, ¡°Her-her um humility and her selflessness. She is the most selfless person I have ever met. I think where ever she is, is the safest place for Fand to be.¡± Pyre noticed a strange gleam come to Appoca¡¯s eyes and abruptly stopped talking. Had he said too much?


    Appocca asked, ¡°So Fand is in some sort of danger, a danger so great it is beyond my ability to protect her?¡± At this question, Pyre dropped his gaze. He could not meet the anger that had reignited in the Appocca¡¯s eyes. He didn¡¯t like anger, he never had. It frightened him. With another crashing blow of his fist on his desk top, Appocca said, ¡°Answer me!¡± Loren started to speak, but Appocca waved him quiet. ¡°Pyre will answer me. You may cover his mind, but you cannot cover his mouth. Speak Apprentice!¡±


    It took a moment for Pyre to gather his wits. The silence that filled the room was suffocating. Finally with eyes still cast down, he managed to say, ¡°You know the answer to your own question sir.¡±


    In a hard voice Appocca replied, ¡°I do. I don¡¯t have the power to protect her for some reason you dim wits won¡¯t share. Still, I don¡¯t like, but I will trust Renate. I pray my trust is not misguided. You two will be questioned again and you will be watched. Do not mention Fand¡¯s disappearance to anyone. Especially not her uncle. He will be told she is in quarantine until her hand has been properly scrutinized. Does anyone else know she is missing?¡±


    Loren said, ¡°The Pathfinder.¡±


    ¡°Merciful heavens. Blast it all! There will be trouble of some sort. At least I am certain he doesn¡¯t know anymore than I do. Does he?¡±


    In unison Pyre and Loren said, ¡°No sir.¡±


    Appocca let out a sigh of frustration. ¡°If I had any guards to spare I would put four on each of you, but I don¡¯t have that many to spare. Wait, there is Rufus. He will join you Pyre. Loren is too slippery and I don¡¯t want any harm coming to my Guards. Now go. Rufus will be sent to you in the Infirmary Pyre.¡±


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    ¡°Yes sir.¡±


    ¡°You are both dismissed.¡±


    Without ever looking up, Pyre turned and followed Loren outside. They made their way onto the street. The afternoon sun was casting shallow shadows on the pavement. In the distance they heard the clattering of hooves. Pyre recognized those hooves. It was Resen, on Donner. The horse was galloping down the littered street as if it were a cleared fairway. When Resen reached Pyre and Loren he reined in the horse and said, ¡°I am going to find Fand.¡±


    The color in Loren¡¯s face quickly changed to bright angry red. He looked up at Resen and said, ¡°You won¡¯t find her.¡±


    ¡°I always find what I am looking for.¡±


    ¡°No, not always.¡±


    Loren¡¯s words seemed to touched some deep sore memory in Resen. He flinched, and then tightened his hold on Donner¡¯s reins. The big horse snorted with impatience. Without another word, Resen loosened the reins and dug his boots into Donner¡¯s sides. The horse shrieked and leapt forward.


    Loren shouted, ¡°Go and meet the desert of your pride!¡±


    Donner was racing toward the closed gates. Resen shouted, ¡°Open the gate for me.¡±


    ¡°No Sir!¡± shouted the Guard. ¡°No one comes or goes without the proper papers. Do you have your exit papers?¡±


    Resen did not even slow down. Keeper was he going to try to get Donner to leap the gate? It was too high. The horse would die in the attempt. The Pathfinder was crazy! Loren lifted his left hand. An orb of blue light encircled Resen and Donner halting them in mid air. Enraged Resen turned and glared back at Loren. He shouted something, but his voice did not penetrate the orb. Pyre had never seen magic like this before. Ever. He hadn¡¯t even read about it. Slowly, Loren lowered his hand. He shouted to the four Guards of the Gate, ¡°I am about to release him. Be ready.¡±


    Once the Guards were assembled around the orb, Loren dissolved it. The largest Guard grabbed Donner¡¯s head. The other two pulled Resen off the horse. Fighting mad, Resen struck out at the Guard nearest him. His fist hit the Guard¡¯s jaw with a sickening crunch. Before he could throw another punch he was quickly and deftly knocked down by the another guard. Like a calf, his hands and legs were quickly tied up. When the Guards were finished they asked Loren, ¡°What now?¡±


    ¡°Take him to Appocca. Appocca will tell you what to do with him.¡±


    Resen shouted obscenities at them all. Pyre was shocked. How was it that the man he had first met, had become such an angry lunatic? What was driving his madness?


    ¡°Come,¡± Loren said. ¡°Resen will hate us even more if we gape at him in his humiliation. Damn it, I didn¡¯t want to humiliate him, but he left me no choice. This does not bode well for us my friend.¡±


    Did anything bode well for them? It didn¡¯t seem so to Pyre. He asked, ¡°What will Appocca do with him?¡±


    ¡°I have no idea.¡±


    *


    The roof had been mended on the dining hall. It offered shelter for many of those whose homes had been burned. Tables were shoved up against the walls. Children and women had set up house in the center of the floor. The picture of Jerue was gone. No one knew what had become of it. Pyre suspected it had been burned. Only the High table remained in its usual spot. Appocca and the Elder Councilmen were seated and eating.


    Pyre and Loren sat against the west wall. Both were wiped out after a day of tending patients. Two had died from burns, but a midwife had delivered living twins an hour ago. Life had a strange way of balancing itself.


    Across the table from Pyre sat Rufus. Rufus was a large young man with a thatch of white blonde hair. His eyes were sharp and black. He was dressed in Council Guard Blue.


    Cook Grayson¡¯s stew, foul as ever, was at least warm. Pyre held the bowl and breathed in the steam of it. A cold front had blown through that evening bringing rain and a frightful storm. Outside the thunder still boomed. The dining hall doors opened and a soaked Guard rushed to the head table where Appocca sat slowly eating his diced chicken. Pyre watched the old man¡¯s face. Loren was watching too. Rufus craned around to see what everyone else was looking at. As Appocca listened his expression did not change, but there was something about the nod of his head that made Pyre uneasy.


    When the Guard left. Appocca continued eating as if nothing had happened. All eyes turned back to their bowls of stew. Loren sat silent for several moments and then swore under his breath.


    Pyre asked, ¡°What is it?¡±


    Loren glanced at Rufus and shook his head. In his mind he told Pyre, Appocca put Resen in solitary confinement but the damned Pathfinder has escaped.


    Aloud Pyre blurted out, ¡°What does this mean?¡±


    ¡°Trouble. My friend.¡±


    ¡°Will it¡ª¡°


    Loren waved his hand to silence Pyre. ¡°Not if I can help it.¡±


    Rufus asked, ¡°Help what?¡±


    For a moment Loren studied Rufus, then he said, ¡°Questions can be asked, but they do not have to be answered.¡±


    ¡°Aye,¡± nodded Rufus. ¡°Tis true, but answers has a way of coming. And I has a way of finding ¡®um.¡±


    At this remark, Loren smiled at Rufus. ¡°You are a wise one. Appocca chose well, when he chose you.¡±


    Returning the smile, Rufus said, ¡°Aye, he did.¡±

 Chapter 52. Flight

    When Fand sat down on the bed, her wings collapsed against her. They were the strangest things. They behaved as if they had always been part of her. For the first time she wondered, Would flight come easily? A shiver ran through her. Flight, to fly to go up into the clouds. It was the stuff of dreams not anything she ever thought she would do. And yet, she just might.


    What ever had been in the red vial, had relaxed Renate completely. She lay with her mouth partially open snoring. The shadows under her eyes where softer. Once she had been incredibly beautiful. Now, swollen with pregnancy and battered by time, her beauty had faded, but it was still there. How many men had she loved? How many children had she birthed? How many had lived and how many had died? Fand¡¯s mind quickly darted away from that question. Zog¡¯s babe must live. This was not the time to think a single negative thought. Renate stirred in her sleep and rolled toward the wall. Fand could no longer see her face.


    From somewhere a cold breeze brushed passed Fand. The door they had entered was completely sealed. Again, she felt cold air. It seemed to be coming from the cupboard. Curiosity pricked at Fand, but she did not explore. Renate must not be disturbed. She needed sleep. Fand too was weary. Not weary like she had been last night. Was it only last night that she had been in bed weak and listless with only one hand. Ever since Petran had touched her, energy like she had never known flowed through her. How was Petran? He must still be among the living! Oh, he must! His face so clear in her memory, so very like Zog¡¯s... If only Zog had been the man Petran was, things would have turned out differently.


    Fand¡¯s mind began to travel backward. Soon she was at home in her old loft bedroom. In her hands were her father¡¯s letters. She had read them so many times she had them memorized. In the past they always comforted her. Slowly from memory she repeated each line. When she reached the part that said, Stella means star, and that is truly what you will be for me. The guiding force of my life¡­ Fand stopped there. Her father had killed himself when he lost his Stella. He had killed himself and left her. Unlce Wert for all his faults had carried on. Poor Uncle Wert. He must be frantic with worry over her. Why couldn¡¯t her father and Zog have been more like Uncle Wert. They had been romantic fools, her father thought her mother was the only one who could give him life, and Zog thought his happiness depended upon the Council. Stupid, stupid. But was she so different? She was certain her happiness depended on getting back home. What if she never got back home? Would she too become self destructive? Desperately she prayed, Keeper, please, no.


    Tears began to slip silently down Fand¡¯s cheeks. The wings on her back were caught by another stray breeze. They whispered to her, but she did could not understand what they said.


    *


    At some point during the night Fand had drifted into fitful dreams. Images confused and frightening flitted through her mind. Sonpur marched in her dreams. Pyre kept screaming her name. Loren and Resen fought one another with butcher knives. Resen lunged forward and just as the blade of his knife was about to pierce Loren, a voice called to Fand. In her dream Fand turned toward the voice and began to run. The voice, a female voice grew louder. She opened her eyes. For a moment she thought she was in her infirmary room. A young woman with dark hair and moon glow eyes stood over her. She was wearing a tan leather shirt and britches behind her were a pair of magnificent white wings. She said, ¡°My, you are a tough one to rouse. Are you hungry?¡±


    Fand could only stare. She had never seen an angel before. The woman shrugged her shoulders. Her feathers rustled. ¡°My name is Audra. And after I feed you, we shall have your first flying lesson.¡±


    "What?"


    "You are going to learn to use your wings." Audra''s eyes, squinted and asked, "Surely you have seen wings in use. I was sure Angs flew when you were with him."


    "How could he? He didn''t have wings."


    "No wings?"


    Fand shook her head.


    "I wonder what Folgen bartered him to get him to give up his wings?" Audra raised her eyebrows at Fand. "Well, that is a puzzle we shall not solve this morning. Get washed up and I will fix you some breakfast."


    Beneath the glowing stone, Audra sat a pan of water. At the foot of Fand''s bed was a basin of water. She got up, washed herself, and combed through her tangled hair. The instant she finished Audra handed her a steaming bowl of something, Fand did not even taste whatever Audra had put in her bowl. Her mind was too preoccupied as she ate. Had Angs bartered away his wings? She tried to remember the mural in Kammin Spire. Had Angs had wings in the mural? There had been a man with wings. Had that man been Angs or his father? She had always assumed it had been his father. Maybe it wasn''t. Renate''s voice broke into her thoughts, "No, that is enough."


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    "You must eat more Renate. Your strength is low and you are going to need every bit you have to get your child into the world."


    Fand glanced at Renate. She was propped in bed. Fand did not like here color. She seemed too pale and her hands kept restlessly straying to her belly. After a few more spoonfuls, Renate whispered, "Please, no more." Audra sighed but did not try to force her to eat.


    "All right. Rest then. Fand and I have a lot to do today." Audra took the bowl and walked to the cupboard. To Fand she said, "Are you about done?"


    "Yes."


    "Good." The next thing Audra did was shove her shoulder against the cupboard. There was a loud screeching noise as the thing moved on some sort of hinges. Audra shoved the cupboard to the side. She placed her hand on the bare stone. A tiny slit opened and then a door appeared.


    Fand said, ¡°I felt a breeze yesterday, I wondered where it was coming from.¡±


    Audra whipped around and looked at her. The movement sent all her feathers to dancing. ¡°You felt a breeze?¡±


    Fand nodded.


    ¡°You should not have. Let me go in first. Perhaps the mountain has only shifted. There may be a crack I need to repair.¡± Audra stepped into the complete darkness beyond the door. Without light she moved further and further away until her footsteps could not even be heard. Fand glanced back at Renate. Her eyes had closed and she seemed to have fallen asleep. After what seemed a very long time, Audra returned to the opening. ¡°Come, I didn¡¯t find anything suspicious.¡±


    Fand was not entirely reassured, but she went in any way. The instant she stepped beyond the door she realized she was in a huge dome, much like the one where Resen¡¯s family lived. The air was icy. All at once a brilliant white light filled the dome. The walls were covered in dripping water. Strange things hung from the ceiling and others grew from the floor. There were places where the floor things met the ceiling things. Fand turned to look at Audra. The light was coming from her. Her face, her hands, her wings all glowed. Not with sickly yellow glow that Fand had acquired in Kammin Spire, nor the rainbow glow of Angs. This was a pure, white light. A light, like the light she imagined heaven possessed. It was light, like the light in the dream she had had when Zog called her back to life. Fand felt her own skin begin to tingle. A warm wave of air swirled around her capturing her in its heat. The air pushed into her head, flowed down her shoulders and lit up her wings, her body, her entire self. The sense of energy she had felt since yesterday became a sense of power and it frightened her. This was not strong magic, this was a miracle. No human had conjured this, she knew deep down, this was an act of divine design. Why had Keeper poured this gift into her?


    ¡°Come,¡± Audra said. She was standing on a large rock about Fand¡¯s height. Puzzled and afraid, Fand went to the rock.


    ¡°What now? Do I try to fly up?¡±


    ¡°No, flying up is harder than flying down. You have to feel lift before you can create lift. Climb up. I know you can climb. We all can.¡± Audra held an arm out to her. Fand grasped hold of it and was surprised by her own strength. What was going on inside her body? When she scaled the rock, Audra let go of her arm. ¡°I want you to envision a dove leaping from a limb and flapping her wings. When you have that image firmly in your mind, jump, flap your wings and fly to the ground.¡±


    The ground suddenly looked really far away. Sweat pooled in Fand¡¯s palms and her mouth went dry. To just jump? This was the stupid. It really was not that far. She closed her eyes. In her mind she saw a pure white dove in one of the pear trees at home. It propelled its little body off the branch and spread its wings. It gave them one vigorous flap then floated softly to the ground.


    Audra said, ¡°Now, trust your wings.¡±


    Tentatively Fand focused her mind on her wings. In that instant her conscious thought caused them to flutter. She twitched her shoulder blades and the wings flapped! Again she tried it. An incredible rush of joy shot through her. She had not expected this. The next thing she knew she was hovering above the stone. She pressed her wings into action and went even higher.


    From below Audra scolded, ¡°I told you to start with down, but you have started with up. I was warned that you are a contrary girl. Now do be careful! Its not a good idea to become cocky on one¡¯s first flight.¡±


    Inside her chest Fand¡¯s heart was thumping hard. This was magnificent. The most splendid thing she had ever felt. The instant she glanced down at Audra, she felt dizzy. She hadn''t realized just how high up she was. She was almost to the ceiling. Fand spread her wings into glide position. Her wings just seemed to know what to do. She felt herself slowly descending. The sensation was not unlike that of Transferrance. When she touched down, Audra flew to the ground and embraced her. ¡°Oh Fand, that was so good. Tomorrow I will teach you maneuvers and begin your endurance training.¡±


    "Endurance training?"


    "Yes, the flight to your new home is far, and it will take great strength to get there."


    Puzzled Fand asked, "Why can''t you just Transfer us there? It would be so much quicker."


    "Transferrance can not penetrate the world in which we inhabit."


    Fand started to ask another question, but Audra held up her hand. "That is enough for one day. I have some scouting I must do before night falls. Go, and tend to Renate."

 Chapter 53. Milk

    In the Council barn, the black goat looked up at Pyre with liquid intelligent eyes. Over the last two days, the goat and Pyre had spent a good bit of time together. Petran was conscious and alert. Eating was a problem though. His weak stomach could not tolerate food yet. Only goat¡¯s milk stayed down and he seemed to be gaining strength. Uncle Wert had been so focused on Petran¡¯s recovery he had not worried much over Fand. This was fortunate. But, soon, he would have to be told his niece was not in quarantine but missing. Poor Uncle Wert. Pyre prayed he would not be the one who had to deliver the news.


    Leaned against the stall wall, was Rufus, Pyre¡¯s personal guard. His mission was to make sure Pyre did not get into any mischief and that Pyre would also no cause any more mischief. Rufus was a great bulk of a man, with a thatch of red hair. With his smooth skinned face he couldn¡¯t be much older than Pyre. Impatiently he asked, ¡°Are ye gonna get on with it, or just make goo goo eyes at the goat?¡±


    Pyre didn¡¯t respond. Never had he had the inconvenience of being under constant surveillance. It was truly annoying. He placed the bucket beneath the goat and gave her teats a quick tug. The sound of warm milk hitting the bucket reminded him of home. Plus, each cup of milk Petran consumed brought him one step closer to restoration. And Petran must be restored. Uncle Wert could not loose Petran and Fand at the same time. If he did, Pyre was sure, he would spend the rest of his days in a drunken stupor. When the goat¡¯s udder was empty, Pyre picked up the half full bucket. He slipped his arm through the handle and cupped the goat¡¯s face with both hands. He said, ¡°Thanks old girl.¡±


    There was a puff of steam and then he felt the tug of darkness. Frightened the goat leapt into his arms bobbling the bucket. Warm milk sloshed onto Pyre¡¯s robe. A sudden wind blew into the barn and swirled around him. The sensation hat came over him was very familiar. Someone was trying to Transfer him and the goat. Rufus made a lunge for him. The blasted Guard latched onto him so tightly Pyre couldn''t breath. The goat was crushed against his chest bleating in terror. The darkness of Transferrance pulled them in and they were falling. The goat went limp in his arms. Had it fainted or died? Rufus screamed like a girl. Pyre maintained his grip on the bucket and the goat. He closed his eyes and began to pray. Who had them? Was it for good or evil? Keeper, Rufus was going to cut him in half if he held on any tighter. Finally they stopped falling and landed with a soft thud.


    Pyre opened his eyes. They were high up on a stone ledge. All around them the sky was pure unclouded blue. Beneath the sky was a mountain range. It was unfamiliar. These were not the gentle peaks of the Ruhe Mountains. They were like dark stone daggers thrust into sky. These were not mountains he had ever seen or studied about before. An icy wind was blowing. The air was thin. How high up were they? Where were they? Rufus still clung to him.The goat regained consciousness and began to squirm in his arms. By some miracle, there was still milk in the bucket. He told Rufus, ¡°Let go of me you sod!¡± Rufus let go. He was trembling. His face had lost all color. Pyre put the goat down. A door opened in the side of the mountain. The goat went inside. The faint scent of lavender was caught by the wind. Renate? He passed through the doorway followed by Rufus. The instant they were inside the door slid closed. Pyre expected to be plunged into darkness, only he wasn¡¯t. He found himself in a clean well lit small cave. His eyes scanned the room. Fand was not there. He turned his attention to Renate.


    Hunched on the edge of wooden chair, Renate sat grasping her stomach. Her face was bloodless and her eyes were dull. On the floor, at her feet , was a candle. In her condition how had she had the strength to transport two men and a goat? In a low voice she said, ¡°It is good you brought a goat. I fear, I need your help.¡±


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    Alarmed Pyre asked, ¡°Have your contractions started?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you have sent for Loren?¡±


    ¡°No. He is not fit for this task, but you are.¡±


    Pyre stepped closer and took a good look at her. He picked up her wrist and felt her pulse. It was racing, but steady. Sweat covered her forehead and he skin was clammy. He told her, ¡°We must get you back in bed.¡± She did not speak, she only nodded. Rufus went to her and gently scooped her up. With care, he put her in one of the strange beds and covered her with a blanket. Pyre asked Rufus, ¡°Have you ever assisted in a birth?¡±


    The big man turned green. ¡°Nay, not ever.¡± He looked like he was about to keel over.


    Though he knew he could birth this child alone, he was not so sure, he could save the mother alone. He asked


    Renate, ¡°Where is Fand?¡±


    Though it was an effort for he to speak, Renate answered, ¡°She¡¯s gone through that cupboard to a cavern. She will be back shortly.¡±


    Though he wanted more information, Pyre didn¡¯t ask anymore questions. Renate needed to conserve all the strength she had. He placed the bucket of milk on the floor and went to Renate and asked, ¡°How far apart are your contractions?¡±


    ¡°I am not sure. The pain makes me loose count.¡± She reached out her hand for Pyre¡¯s. Firmly, he took it. Her fingers were cold. She looked him in the eyes and said, ¡°You can do this. You have helped in the birthing of many animals, a woman is little different from a cow.¡±


    Pyre did not argue, though he was certain a woman was very different from a cow.


    Renate continued, ¡°When the baby comes if it has wing buds, you will give the baby to Fand, to take it to the land where wings are not a danger. If it does not have wings, you will take it to Loren. Promise me.¡±


    If? If! What was this land she spoke of? Was Fand going away forever. Fear registered in Renate¡¯s eyes. Gently he asked, ¡°But what of you?¡±


    Renate said, ¡°I do not expect to survive this birth. I am too old. My heart is unsteady inside me. You know what you have to do to pull a living calf from a dead cow don¡¯t you?¡±


    Pyre nodded.


    ¡°Promise me that you will do the same for me.¡±


    It was a grisly promise. Something that he never wanted to do to a cow much less a woman. Oh Keeper this was bad.


    Renate closed her eyes. In that instant Pyre suspected she had not called Loren because she did not want her son to see her die or be forced to rip life from her. He whispered, ¡°I promise.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Zog¡¯s child must live.¡±


    Zog''s child? This was Zog''s child. He managed to stammer, ¡°Y-yes, indeed and perhaps you too will live.¡±


    Renate did not respond. She opened her eyes and pointed at the table beside the bed. It was laid out with everything necessary to birth a baby. A spasm seized Renate¡¯s body.


    Rufus swore under his breath.


    Gently Pyre said, ¡°Breath slow like this.¡± He took in a slow breath and then slowly released it. Renate struggled to do the same. He said, ¡°Stay in the moment and ride out the wave.¡± Once his father had told him, ¡°A creature knows how to go about a birthing. Accepts the process and stays focused on the moment. Not like a frightened woman breathing all fast and wild, fearing the next pain. Fear can be an enemy. It can rob us of life. Your mother has always born her birthing¡¯s well. She is a rare one.¡± Was Renate a rare one? Pyre prayed so.


    The contraction passed and Renate¡¯s body relaxed. She said, ¡°You are a good midwife Pyre.¡±


    Though he did not say so aloud, he prayed he was. He had to be. He refused to accept that Renate was right about her own passing.


    A screeching sound rent the air. Rufus drew his sword. The cupboard slid sideways revealing a doorway. Fand came through the door. Pyre was not prepared for the sight of her. His mouth dropped opened. Her wings had grown to magnificent proportions. They looked exactly like the angel wings he had seen in his Origin of Faith text. Her eyes met his. He felt the pull of her. She ran to him. He didn¡¯t know how to hug her with her huge wings. She buried her face in his shoulder and said, ¡°I am so thankful you are here.¡±


    Awkwardly Pyre slipped his arms around her neck. She was so close, so very close. She smelled different. It was her feathers. They tickled his nose and danced around his face.


    She pulled away from him and asked, ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Her eyes strayed from Pyre to Renate, then back to Pyre.  She knew.

 Chapter 54. Birthing

    The solidness of Pyre was a comfort. His arms drew her into safe place. He had always been her haven. She looked up at him and asked, ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Her eyes strayed from Pyre to Renate, then back to Pyre. She didn¡¯t ask any more questions. She knew.


    Pyre said, ¡°I am needed here to help a life into the world.¡±


    The truth of Pyre¡¯s words stung. Fand could not pretend any longer. Renate was in certain danger and so was her child. This might end badly. It could. At that moment, Fand could not help but think of her own mother. This child, if it lived would grow up without at mother or father just like she had. Poor babe, if it lived. Oh it must live. She turned frightened eyes to Pyre. He said, ¡°I will do everything I can, I promise.¡± He looked at Rufus. ¡°Bring that table closer. Fand light some candles. We need to get Renate situated. Her contractions are getting very close.¡±


    When the table was placed beside the bed and fresh candles had been put on it, Fand saw the instruments of birth, a large sharp knife, a bag of herbs, several lengths of string, a knotted towel, a strange bladder sort of thing and a stack of folded cloths. Renate lay propped up in bed. Her face had a ghostly pallor. Listlessly she stroked her swollen belly. Her weary eyes sought out Fand¡¯s face. Then another contraction began. The spasm rocked her body. Through clenched teeth Renate said, ¡°It has begun.¡±


    Though pale and obviously frightened, Pyre propped up Renate¡¯s knees and stuck his hand gently between her legs. He said, ¡°Yes, the baby has started to crown. Fand take her hand. She is going to need your strength.¡±


    Fand did as she was told. She was vaguely aware of Rufus and the goat huddled near the cupboard. Taking Renate¡¯s hand in her own, she felt the tension of the other woman, she felt her out right pain. It hurt to bring life into the world, it hurt so much. Renate¡¯s grip increased as her body contracted.


    Pyre said, ¡°The baby is moving. Push Renate, push!¡±


    A terrible grunt came from Renate as she bore down. Through her hand Fand was instantly aware that Renate¡¯s heart beat was unsteady. It was racing like a wild thing by jumps and skips. Energy, white cold energy flowed from Fand¡¯s arm into her hand and into Renate. The power was not her own. It was something else, something she had only experienced when she had held Jerim''s relic. How could this power come to her now? Her arm felt like ice, burning cold. She had to bite her lip to keep from crying out in pain. She hoped the surge of energy would steady Renate¡¯s heart, she prayed it had come to give her what she needed to survive this ordeal.


    The contraction stopped. Renate lay back, limp and breathless. Her hand still gripped Fand¡¯s. She did not speak, did not seem to notice the cold that Fand was so very aware of.


    From what seemed like a long way away, Pyre said, ¡°The next one for sure.¡±


    Fand turned from Renate to Pyre. Their eyes met. She did not like what she read in them. He was worried. The blood of birth was on him. So much blood. It took all the resolve Fand had to give Pyre a smile of encouragement. He did not return her smile, but he did nod.


    They waited. The goat bleated softly. Fand glanced at Rufus. The young man clung to the goat. His eyes were closed and he was green. Keeper she hoped he wouldn¡¯t be sick. She couldn¡¯t deal with that right now.


    All at once Renate¡¯s finger¡¯s stiffened in hers. She groaned and pushed. The veins in her forehead popped up, purple tinged and throbbing.


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    Pyre said, ¡°The baby is coming.¡±


    A sound like Fand had never heard before squelched. Into Pyre¡¯s waiting hands, a baby came. Softly he said, ¡°A girl.¡±


    Zog had a girl. She was covered in slime, but healthy and kicking. Pyre grabbed the bladder thing and sucked the mucus out of the baby''s nose and mouth. A sharp angry cry exploded from the tiny baby. Carefully Pyre checked her shoulders.


    Renate whispered, "Wing buds?"


    "No."


    This answer seemed to please Renate. A weak smile played upon her lips. Pyre put the baby on Renate''s chest.


    Renate let go of Fand¡¯s hand and wrapped her arms around her child.


    With deft fingers, Pyre tied off the umbilical cord, then sliced through it. More blood. So much blood. Fand eyes went back to Renate''s face. Her lips brushed against the baby¡¯s forehead. She whispered, ¡°Bye little one, your brother will take good care of you.¡± Her eyes rolled back in her head and she stopped breathing. Pyre whisked the baby off of Renate and shoved her into Fand¡¯s arms. Angry at the rough removal from her mother, the baby began to wail.


    Though covered in sticky birth fluid, Fand held the child up to her cheek and murmured in her ear. Pyre frantically felt Renate¡¯s wrist and then her jugular vein. He laid his head on her chest. He was trying to hear a heart beat. By his expression Fand knew he was not finding one. No, no this must not be happening! It must not! But it was. This precious child would never remember the sound of her mother¡¯s voice. Never again feel the touch of her hand, never know the love only a mother could give. It was wrong!


    Pyre stood up. ¡°She¡¯s gone. Rufus, there is a basin in the cupboard. Get it out and put some warm water in it. Fand, clean up the baby while I attend to Renate.¡±


    They all began to move, even the goat. Fand tried to keep her focus on the baby and not on what Pyre was doing. While she gently washed the wiggling newborn, she was amazed that something so tiny could be so strong and so fragile at the same time. Clean and pink, Fand wrapped the baby in a blanket. Her tiny eyes opened. They were dark and murky, not blue. She had heard that sometimes babies¡¯ eyes changed color. She prayed this child¡¯s eyes would not. The downy hair on the baby¡¯s head was black. It glistened in the candlelight. She felt Pyre¡¯s hand upon her arm. She looked into his eyes. They were gentle with wonder. He whispered, ¡°She is beautiful. I think she has Zog¡¯s chin.¡±


    Fand stared at the tiny chin. It was indeed a miniature replica of Zog¡¯s. This baby was bone of her bone. To Pyre she said, ¡°When you take her to Uncle Wert, tell him, that she is Zog¡¯s child. It will help ease the loss of me.¡± In that moment Fand realized that because of her damn wings, she would never get to see this child grow up. Never! Could the things be removed without killing her? A tear slid down her cheek.


    Pyre squeezed her arm and then let go. ¡°I will relay your message to Uncle Wert. Do not give up hope just yet. Perhaps another miracle will occur and you will be able to go home.¡±


    Silently, Fand shook her head. ¡°I think my miracles are all used up.That this child is alive is truly all the miracle I need at the moment.¡± It had to be enough for now.


    Pyre gave her a quick hug and said, ¡°Rufus and I need to move Renate into the cavern. We will make a cairn for her. The baby needs to be fed. Good thing I brought milk.¡± He looked at Fand with such tenderness, it made her want to cry. He said, ¡°Renate has some teat bags in the cupboard. Do you know how to fill one?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Fand had fed many a newborn creature on the farm.


    ¡°Good then.¡± He turned from her and went back to Renate¡¯s body. Fand could not bear to look at it. She turned to the cupboard and realized, she could not make a teat and hold a baby at the same time. To put the baby down meant turning toward her bed, which meant she would see Pyre and Rufus carrying Renate out. She closed her eyes and held the baby close. The child¡¯s sweet breath brushed against her skin. Her tiny heart beat strongly beneath her skin. When Pyre and Rufus were in the cavern, Fand took the baby to the bed and lay her down. The child did not like being separated from her and began to wail. Crying was supposed to be good for babies, at least that was what Zolla said, and Zolla would know. She was one of the few women in Tashe who managed to keep all her babies alive. Still the wee thing was hungry. Swiftly Fand heated milk, made a teat and poured goat milk into it.


    When she took the teat to the baby and placed it upon her lips, the child needed no instruction. She grabbed on hard, and sucked even harder. Life was in this child. Glorious determined life!

 Chapter 55. Breaking Through

    Inside the cavern, Pyre and Rufus placed Renate¡¯s shrouded body on the stone floor. One by one, they picked up stones of different sizes to place over the body. It was strange, Pyre had never buried a body above ground, nor had he buried a body without earth. It chilled him to place cold stones over Renate¡¯s body. Rufus, who had been absolutely useless at the birth, was totally focused on this task. He placed stones as if they were pieces of a puzzle. It was a peculiar talent, but it comforted Pyre. The tighter the stones were, the less likely it would be that rats, if there were any rats, would desecrate Renate¡¯s remains. When Rufus place the last stone, Pyre could not help but say, ¡°This is a sad and lonely grave.¡± Renate¡¯s grave like her life was destined for solitude. He went to fetch Fand.


    Inside the room, Fand held the baby. She was silently crying. He could guess what she was thinking, this child like herself was destined to grow up without parents. It was a cruel fate. If only Zog could have known his child. If only¡­there were too many if only¡¯s in this life. He told Fand, ¡°It is time.¡±


    Silently she nodded and stood. The baby made a soft snuffling sound. Everything in Pyre wanted to take Fand in his arms, but he dare not. He feared if he took hold of her he would never be able to let go. Was that so wrong? Why had he been destined to love her so fiercely? It was a curse, but it was not a curse he wanted to be freed from.


    In the cavern, they stood before the pile of stones. Rufus held a small torch. The baby made gurgling sounds in her throat. The sound of new life, in this place of death was unsettling. Pyre said, ¡°Let us pray.¡± They bowed their heads and he began the recitation of the Burial Chant. The chant began low and rose and fell like waves. It swept through him. As he spoke in Ancient Tongue he could hear the sound of Fand softly crying and the baby squirming. Only Rufus was completely silent and still. When Pyre completed this chant, the plan, according to Fand, was that he would take the baby and Rufus back to the Council City. The baby needed a wet nurse. Fand planned to remain in the cavern until a woman named Audra came to get her. She was expected to arrive the next morning. Pyre¡¯s plan was to wait for Audra to come, but Fand had refused to even consider this. According to her, the baby needed human milk. Did Fand really think he would leave her here all alone? It was not happening. A terrible argument was going to break out. For once his will MUST be stronger than hers. It was not going to be an easy battle but he was determined to win this one time.


    Just before Pyre finished the last verse, a sudden breeze swirled around them. The air was frigid cold. It seemed to be coming from above. He looked up. A thin slice of sky appeared in the cavern roof. Small stones fell and scattered. The silhouette of a man was descending on a rope. Pyre faltered. It could not be!


    Noiselessly Resen landed beside them. He smiled. It was a smile of triumph. This was not triumphant. This was lunacy. Pyre asked, ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°I came to fetch my bride.¡± Resen turned away from Pyre and looked at Fand. Though Pyre could not see Resen¡¯s face, his body language spoke for him. His shoulders and spine flinched as if he had been struck.


    Resen asked Fand, ¡°What, what happened to you?¡±


    Pyre could see Fand¡¯s expression. Her eyes were hard and angry. Her voice, though low was filled with venom. ¡°You are what happened. The trick you pulled restoring my hand, well, some of the magic went from my hand to where my wing buds used to be and these,¡± she shrugged her wings, ¡°appeared. Lovely aren¡¯t they?¡±


    Stunned Resen did not answer.


    She continued, ¡°Even if I wanted to, which I don¡¯t, I couldn¡¯t marry you now. I have to go to a land where those such as myself reside. You made me a freak. I can never go home because of you. I could have lived with one hand. It was you, who could not have lived with me only having one hand. Now you will have NONE of me.¡± Fand spun around so fast her feathers rustled. Her strides were that of a march as she passed through the open door.


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    Amazed at himself, Pyre actually felt sorry for Resen. At least when Fand had refused to marry him, she had been kind. Resen turned to him and asked, ¡°Did I really do that?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    In a hoarse whisper, Resen said, ¡°Damn me.¡±


    All at once a roar rent the air. The slice of sky in the ceiling became larger as huge clods of dirt and rock tumbled down. They jumped back. Rufus exclaimed, ¡°What the hell!¡±


    Pyre looked up. Huge beast creatures were sliding down vines into the cavern. Keeper! It was the Sonpur! There were so many of them. Rufus grabbed Pyre and headed for the room. Resen followed behind. Once they were inside, Resen slammed the stone door shut. The cupboard slid back into place


    Fand asked, ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Sonpur,¡± said Rufus.


    Fand¡¯s eyes became large with fear. ¡°No.¡± She looked at Resen and said, ¡°They followed you.¡±


    Red faced and shamed Resen said, ¡°I think so. Damn me! I should have listened to Loren.¡± He asked, ¡°Fand, do those wings work?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Then you must use them. It won¡¯t take the Sonpur long to break through. Gather what you can quickly, wrap the baby and yourself as warmly as possible.¡±


    Confused, Fand said, ¡°Why can¡¯t Pyre just transfer us out of here?¡±


    Pyre said, ¡°This stone is in penetrable. It must be opened and I am willing to wager more Sonpur are outside waiting at the other door. I can attempt a Transferrence, but it might fail. You have to be prepared to fly.¡±


    Quickly Fand gathered and filled the teats, while Pyre filled a pack with blankets, nappies, dried meat and fruit. He placed the pack over Fand¡¯s shoulder and gave her a quick hug. Hopefully they would survive this experiment. The door behind the cupboard shook. The sound of the Sonpur¡¯s axes rang. Soon they would be inside.


    Rufus put the candle down on the floor. Fand faced the door. Resen and Rufus each held a wing. The goat was harnessed to Rufus¡¯s belt. In Fand¡¯s arms was Zog¡¯s child. Resen touched the panel with a stick and the door slid open. Pyre began the incantation, but he was not fast enough. The cupboard crashed to the floor and Sonpur poured into the room. Swirling wind extinguished the candle.


    Resen shouted, ¡°Flap your wings!¡±


    Fand set her wings in motion. Huge gusts of wind pushed against them all. The Sonpur fell back. In that instant Fand rushed out the door and threw herself into the air. Her wings beat hard and she began to fly. Pyre had never seen anything like it. It was beautiful and terrifying at the same time. All at once everything was obliterated. Blinded and suffocating Pyre felt himself slide into the cold void of Transference. Who had them now? He tugged at his face. It was the hood. Who had sent the hood? What about Fand and the baby? His heart thudded hard in his chest.


    Finally, Pyre¡¯s feet touch solid ground. He ripped the hood from his face. They were in Dr. Kran¡¯s office. Loren stood rigid glaring at them. He was clearly angry, no enraged would be more accurate. His voice held not a single trace of its usual kindness or compassion. ¡°So Pathfinder, did you find what you were looking for?¡±


    Resen did not speak, but the goat bleated.


    Silence hung heavy in the room.


    Pyre had no time for this. He blurted out, ¡°Where is Fand? Can you get a fix on her and bring her here?¡±


    The anger drained from Loren¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Pyre. I don¡¯t know where she is.¡±


    ¡°Why not? Your powers are far greater than mine.¡±


    ¡°I can not detect the where about of winged angels.¡±


    Fear twisted inside of Pyre. This was bad. ¡°What are you talking about? Fand is flesh and blood.¡±


    Loren¡¯s eyes grew somber. He said, ¡°And she now has wings. Those wings possess powers that we know very little about and one of them conceals their owner.¡±


    This was not what Pyre wanted to hear. ¡°Isn¡¯t there anything you can do? What about the baby? Can¡¯t you get a read on the baby?¡±


    ¡°No, she is in Fand¡¯s arms and besides that she is too new. Her thoughts are not things I can read yet. We must go to Appocca. He may know what to do. I am out of my depth here.¡± His voice faltered as he asked, ¡°Where is my mother? Did she go with Fand?¡±


    How could she go with Fand? Pyre tried to form the words, but he found himself suddenly choked by his own tears. It was Rufus who said, ¡°Sir, she did not survive the birthing.¡±


    ¡°I feared as much. At least,¡± Loren¡¯s voice broke, ¡°she finally knows peace. Come we must hurry.¡±

 Chapter 56. Birds

    Fand had leapt and in the leaping had jumped into pure sky for the first time in her life. It was a strange and glorious feeling as her wings moved and held her in the nothingness of air. Behind her she heard an angry roar but she dared not turn back though the temptation was strong. Pyre, was he dead? Was Resen dead? If not they soon would be. How had this happened? How? And why? Now was not the time for this. All her energy must be focused on finding shelter for herself and the baby. It was so very cold. The wind blasted her with pinpricks of ice. Her uncovered face ached with pain. Her arms held the baby as tightly as she could. Deep down she feared dropping the child. She must not drop Zog¡¯s child.


    It was all wrong. All of it. Audra was supposed to come, and she was supposed to never see this baby she held again. And Pyre was supposed to go back to the Council City take the baby to Loren. Only that was never going to happen now. What was going to happen now? She could not let herself speculate. She must keep her focus. Her eyes scanned the sheer faces of the mountains. How was it that Resen found her so quickly? If only he had not found her this time. Now, once again, everything had gone amiss. Everything!


    The sunlight was so bright on the snow Fand¡¯s eyes watered. Tiny icicles formed on her lashes.  She flew toward the sun it was the only guide she had. Where it would lead her she did not know. She was traveling northwest. The mountains were beginning to thin out some. A few were smaller than others. In the distance she saw a vast snowy plane. Instinctively she knew, that out there was the place where Audra resided. Audra! For the first time Fand remembered her power of thought. She called out to Audra! Nothing. She called out to Pyre. Nothing. Then she tried Loren. Nothing. Had she lost the power? She must have.


    As the sun began to near the horizon, the baby, hungry and tired of her confinement began to wail. All she needed was a sheltered ledge. Finally, just before the sun set, Fand found one. She landed hard. It jarred her spine. From her pouch she pulled a teat. The baby did not waste a second latching onto nourishment. She was so strong. It gave Fand heart to see the determination of this child. As soon as she finished, Fand burped her and in the shelter of her wings, changed the baby¡¯s napkin and soiled clothes. When the child was changed and swaddled, she pulled the baby inside her robe. Her wings wrapped around her. They fluffed out creating a pocket of air around them. So this was how birds stayed warm in winter.


    *


    A strange sound awakened Fand. At first she thought it was the baby and then she felt her soul ripping from her dematerializing body.  She was being pulled through solid stone. There was a soft pop as her body and wings regenerated inside a cave. Terrified the baby had not made it through too, Fand opened her robe. The child still slept. Quickly, she cradled the baby in her arms and raised her eyes to face whatever she was about to face.


    In the shadows, a small man hovered behind a lantern. He held the lantern to his face and smiled. It was Folgen!


    Fand stammered, ¡°I-I thought you were dead.¡±


    Folgen smiled and said, ¡°No, I am very much alive.¡±


    Two Sonpur emerged from a dark passage behind Folgen. Each held a long double-edged sword. Fand was certain, they meant to kill her. She stepped back against the wall. Was there anyway to pass back through it? She pressed herself against it. It did not give.


    Folgen''s eyes took in the span of her wings. An expression of delight twisted his features. He motioned toward the passage and said, ¡°Come.¡±


    Fand asked, ¡°Do I have a choice?¡±


    ¡°You will be amazed by the number of choices you do have if you will just come with me.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡±


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    The Sonpur turned their swords. Lantern light flashed on the blades. They moved toward her. Fand batted her wings at them and they stepped back. Dust swirled around her. The ceiling was too low for her to hover. Panic set her heart to racing. They would kill her and this child.


    The beating of her wings seemed to frighten the beasts. They would not come near her.


    Folgen said, ¡°Stop, you are wasting your strength and my time. We are not going to harm you. Now, please, follow me.¡±


    There was no reason to trust this evil man, but perhaps the place he wanted to take her would have an exit. There was no way out of this tiny cave except to go through the Sonpur, and she didn¡¯t want to risk the baby¡¯s life. Fand stilled her wings. She took one step and then another toward the old man. He moved aside so she could pass. The corridor walls were roughly hewn. Fand noticed that the stone was the same stuff that covered the walls of the room behind Dr. Kran¡¯s office where she had convalesced. As they descended, a strange glow began to pulsate at the base of the passage. The nearer they came to it, the brighter the light shown. Finally they entered a large cavern. At the center of the cavern a huge translucent stone hung from large ropes. It was like the small one in Renate''s cave. Beneath the huge stone was a pot of fire. The stone caught the light and spat it all over the cavern. It was more fantastical than even Kammin Spire had been. All around Fand, were doorways. In these doorways were Sonpur families.


    Out of the nearest door stepped Gruin with Trug.  Gruin carried her baby. He had grown a lot since Fand had last seen him. The little beast squirmed and Gruin put him down. On tottering legs he rushed up to Fand, stopped and studied her wings. Delighted by them he said, "Bird." Shocked Fand stared down at him.  Surely she was mistaken. Sonpur could not speak human language. Gruin scooped up her son and shook her head. The child  bit his lip and buried his face in his mother''s shoulder.


    Trug took his place beside Gruin. The smell of him reminded Fand of the night he had kidnapped her.  It had been terrifying, as this was terrifying.  All the sudden, Trug threw back his head and howled. The other Sonpur in the cavern responded in kind. The sound was like thunder, deep and booming. In Fand¡¯s arms the baby stirred. She looked down into the child''s sleepy eyes. This was bad, so bad. Worse than the kidnapping, because this time she was not alone.


    Folgen strode forward in his rusty black robes. He raised his hands. Silence immediately descended. Fand felt all eyes on her. Something was happening, but what? In the guttural language of the Sonpur Folgen spoke. Fand had no idea what he was saying. When he finished every Sonpur in the place bowed to her.


    The Sonpur all rose. Their eyes were fixed on Fand. Scanning the crowd, she saw them, truly saw them for the first time. In Kammin Spire she had only seen Gruin, her baby and the guards, but here in this great cavern was a horde of creatures looking back at her with expectant and intelligent eyes. A strange sensation passed through her. She had hoped they were all dead, killed when Kammin Spire exploded and she had been grateful. But now, looking at them  she saw a race of...people, People? Not creatures or monsters? How could this be? They must be monsters, that is what Zog had called. In her peripheral vision she could see Gruin. In Kammin Spire, Gruin had always been kind to her. Even now Fand could feel her compassion radiating from her.  Gruin was not a monster, neither was her child. She asked, "What is happening?"


    Folgen whispered, ¡°Their prophets foretold the coming of a new angel, and you are their Angel. Their new ruler. You were Angs last concubine and you have been transformed."


    This was too much. She protested, "I am not an angel or their ruler. It was not a miracle that made me like this. It was a mistake."


    Folgen hissed, "Sometimes mistakes are miracles in disguise. This is your destiny. Do what I say or the babe dies. She has no wings and is of no use to me." His words were like white fire in Fand''s chest. She was trapped, completely trapped. She was not a ruler or an Angel and Folgen knew it. But the beasts who had their eyes fixed on her did not. Desperate Fand send up a prayer for help. The Keeper had saved her twice, would He do so a third time? He must. He must!


    Folgen told her, ¡°Now, curtsey to them and accept the honor they wish to bestow upon you.¡±


    This was crazy. The very thing she had escaped had come upon her again,  only worse. Time is what she needed. Time to sort out what to do. For now, she must obey Folgen. With legs that did not want to obey, and a heart that knew that she must. Fand clutched the baby close and curtsied.  She rose from her curtsey. A roar  filled the cavern and echoed against the walls.  Fand stared at the cheering Sonpur. Did they think she was their savior? Was she? She didn''t know who she was or what would happen next, but she was sure of one thing, no harm would come to Zog''s child. It would not happen. Somehow she would protect his baby.


    Folgen raised his hands and the roaring stopped. To Fand he said, "Gruin will take you to your chambers. Go along now." Reluctantly, Fand followed after the Sonpur.

 Chapter 57. Vanishing

    Rufus, who had been fumbling with the straps that tethered the goat to him said, "Get this goat off of me," Instantly the goat disappeared. He gasped. His face went completely white. His voice trembled as he asked, "Did I do that?¡±


    Had he? Pyre had once thought he understood the rules of Transferrance, but now he wondered how stable were those rules and who were they truly limited to?


    Resen growled, "Of course not. Maybe Fand did.¡±


    Was that possible? Along with her wings, had Fand gained the power of Transferrance?


    Loren snapped, ¡°If it was Fand why in the hell would she Transfer a goat to her instead of Transferring herself here? You are grasping at straws!¡±


    Resen said nothing. The tension between the two men was heavy and it filled Dr. Kran¡¯s small office.


    Pyre told them both, ¡°You are wasting precious time. We need to find Appocca.¡±


    ¡±Indeed we are,¡± said Resen. He spun around and opened the door. He took off at a run down the hall. Rufus and Loren followed. All out distanced Pyre. Since his accident, his normal stamina had not returned. A stitch formed in his side. Far ahead of them all was Resen. The man could run! He reached the Council doors first and disappeared inside. Pyre saw Rufus, then Loren enter. When Pyre reached the new double doors a ray of sun glanced off the latch bolt.  It was blinding. The brightness reminded him of sunlight on ice. In memory he saw  Fand. Those huge white wings stretched out, her feathers dancing and her hair caught in the wind. What a beautiful and terrifying spectacle she had made. He would never forget it. He wonder if her wings been strong enough to carry her and the baby to safety? Was she safe now? Had the Sonpur caught her? If so, was she  alive? If she were dead, wouldn¡¯t he know? If she was alive they be able to find her? She must be alive, they must find her. Desperately he prayed, Please, please. He pulled open the door and went inside. Out of breath, Pyre limped to Appocca¡¯s office. Through the open door he heard Appocca speaking. His voice was harsh, ¡°What? You did what?¡±


    Pyre entered the room. Resen stood with his head bowed. He said, ¡°Sir, I am sorry. Due to my arrogance a world of chaos has erupted.¡±


    Fury rose in the Head Councilman¡¯s eyes.  ¡°Now tell me slowly, what have you done.¡±


    Resen¡¯s shoulders slumped. Still, he raised his eyes to meet Appocca¡¯s. I went after Fand and inadvertently lead the Sonpur starlight to her.¡±


    Slamming his hand down on his desk, Appocca shouted, ¡°You fool! I told you to go home. Why did you not go home? Fand was safe with Renate.¡±


    Resen dropped his gaze.


    Loren said, ¡°Sir, we must hurry. Fand is in danger. We need to do something now. No telling how long her wings will hold out.¡±


    The color of Appocca¡¯s face changed. It flushed an angry red and his eyes shot out a fearsome light. He rose and shouted, ¡°Fand has wings and you failed to tell me because?¡±


    Loren dropped his voice to a whisper, ¡°My mother said not to.¡±


    Again he struck the surface of his desk. He glared at Loren and asked, ¡°Are you a boy or a man?¡±


    Loren faced Appocca. He held himself erect. ¡°It was wrong, it will not happen again. My mother is dead.¡±


    The anger in Appocca¡¯s face drained away and was replaced by concern. ¡°She did not survive the birth?¡±


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    ¡°No sir.¡±


    ¡°I am truly sorry. You said Fand was flying. Flying where?¡±


    Resen answered, ¡°She is in the Tangor Mountains, near the Fields of Ice.¡±


    ¡°Keeper in heaven!¡± Appocca gasped. ¡°This is bad. It has been decades since the Sonpur have been in those mountains. A troop must be dispatched immediately.¡±


    Loren asked, ¡°Would that be wise? Fand is beyond your jurisdiction. The powers that be would not appreciate your intervention. It would put her in even more danger.¡±


    The Head Councilman, glared at Loren and said,  ¡°The powers that be have never appreciated my intervention, but sometimes it is necessary and now is one of those times.¡±


    Resen said, ¡°This is not one of those time. I agree with Loren.¡±


    ¡±Well, this is a first. The two of you in agreement. What do you suggest?¡±


    The gist of this conversation struck Pyre as very odd, while he loved Fand and wanted her safe, the intensity of Appocca confused him. What about her would make Appocca risk hostility from Beyond?


    Appocca asked, ¡°if the Sonpur have her where do you think they took her?¡±


    Resen responded, ¡°The old quarry most likely. That is why we have not detected a trace of them.¡±


    Appocca moved from behind his desk. He came very close Resen, ¡°Who do you propose I send to rescue the Pathfinder?¡±


    ¡°Me.¡±


    ¡°How could I trust you? Why would I trust you?¡±


    ¡±Fool that I am, I am still the best Pathfinder in the field. I will not make another mistake, I promise.¡±


    Appocca¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Can you keep such a promise?¡±


    ¡±Yes Sir.¡±


    ¡±If I send you, you will need supervision and help.¡±


    Resen shook his head. ¡°No, I work better alone.¡±


    Appocca cast his gaze down at Resen and asked, ¡°Oh, do you?¡±


    At this question Resen colored and hung his head. He bit his lip and said, ¡°You are correct. I am not objective where Fand is concerned and that has cost her too much already. Who do you propose?¡±


    Slowly, Appocca met each of their eyes. He said, ¡°This lot will do.¡±


    Though he was willing to go, Pyre had not expected to be included in this mission.


    Before he spoke, Resen took in a slow breath. ¡°Yes, Sir.¡±


    ¡°Good. Now, go pick good horses, you will find Donner in the stables where you left him. Rufus, go gather supplies. Loren send in my secretary, I will have him make preparations made for a fire in the Common. Also go pack you medicine bag. Pyre, you will remain here with me until it is time to leave. I need your assistance in prayer for the Keeper''s guidance and protection.¡±


    Though prayer was an activity, it at times felt like nothing. To sit quietly and focus when inside all Pyre wanted was to DO something. Prayer was such a hard discipline.


    After the others left, Appocca said, ¡°Pyre, this will be hardest for you. I do not know what you will find when you do discover Fand. While you will not be able to catch her thoughts, she may be able to catch yours. You must use your heart in this. Trust your instincts. No one knows Fand like you. No one can anticipate her actions like you. If you think Loren or Resen are being carried away by their old grudge, or their own arrogance, you must speak up. Can you do that?¡±


    ¡°Yes sir. But could you tell me what their grudge is?¡±


    ¡°It is not my story to tell Pyre. And it will not help you to know it. Now, let us pray. Prayer travels farther and faster than man, beast or angel.¡±


    Though he did not want to Pyre knelt down on the kneeler in Appocca¡¯s office. He closed his eyes and began to pray the prayer of protection. The words poured out of his mind but he had no idea if they reached the Keeper¡¯s ears.


    *


    It had been months since Pyre last sat on a horse. His palomino mare was nervous so near the fire. Her hooves clicked uneasily on the stone street. Resen¡¯s horse, Donner was calm, but Resen was not. Poor Rufus on his roan was a pitiful sight. His face was red and huge drops of sweat dripped down his jaw line. Impatiens to be off Resen asked, ¡°What are we waiting for? Let¡¯s get on with it.¡±


    From his white horse Loren said, ¡°Brace yourselves.¡± Instantly, Pyre¡¯s body and that of the mare plunged into the cold darkness of Transferrence. The horse did not flinch beneath him. She must have been Transferred before. When they landed they were in a snow covered valley. Immediately Rufus threw up.


    Disgusted and angry, Resen exclaimed, ¡°Bloody Hell! Now you¡¯ve left scent. The Sonpur will sniff us out for sure.¡±


    Rufus mumbled, ¡°Sorry sir. The fall makes me feel squeamish. Twice in one day was more than I could do.¡± He took in a deep gulp of cold air.


    Resen dismounted Donner and kicked snow over the vomit. He turned toward the mountains. Pointing at the tallest one he said, ¡°There, that is where I think they are. According to Legend the Sonpur quarried the stone that formed Kammin Spire from that mountain. Some say it is completely hollow. The problem has always been access. No one has been able to figure out how to enter, but we must.¡±


    A cold wind swirled around Pyre. Another miracle was necessary. Would they receive another miracle? Keeper let it be so.

 Chapter 58. Of Words

    Frightened and angry Fand followed Gruin. As they made their way to one of the stone arched doorways, Fand noticed that all the stone inside this cavern was like the stone in her room behind Dr. Kran¡¯s office. That made meant it was impenetrable. No one would be able to sense where she was, and no one would be able to find her. The only way she would get out of here is if she found a way out herself. This was just getting worse and worse. In her arms the baby wiggled. Fand pulled her closer.


    When Gruin slid open the door, Fand saw that it was made of the same stone. This was her prison. It seemed she kept ending up in prisons, but then she also kept getting out of them. The door slid shut behind her. They were in a well furnished room. Gruin put Fels down. He toddled off toward a box filled with his toys.


    With quick eyes, Fand took in her surroundings, this was not some hastily made fortress, this was an abode. There worn rugs on the floor, there was a large bed with a intricately sew quilt and there was an angel bed. How often did the Sonpur capture angels? Fand shuddered as her eyes traveled across the room. Everything in the space looked like it had been there for a while. Apparently, the Sonpur hadn¡¯t just lived in Kammin Spire, they also resided here. Where there other caverns in other mountains that hid the Sonpur away? How many Sonpur were there in the world. Fand wished there were none.


    Near the fire place was a large masculine looking chair. Was it Trug¡¯s? How often did he come here? Did he sleep here? Again Fand shuddered. Trug. His dark ugly face and muscular body still haunted her dreams and now he had returned to her present. How much would she have to interact with him here? She could only pray that their contact would be minimal. From Trug, Fand¡¯s mind darted to Angs. The memory of him caused her to flinch. She could still see him approaching her bright with pulsing light and desire. If not for Jerim¡¯s relic, he would have raped her in front of the entire Inner Sanctum. A strange sensation shot through left hand as if it too were remembering that awful night. Fand had survived that night because of Jerim¡¯s Relic. What if anything would save her and the baby this time?


    Fand took the baby to the angel bed and laid her down. Memories bad and painful kept running through her mind. As she took the soiled napkin off the baby, the image of Kerzee swirled in her mind. Where was Kerzee? The old woman had given her tainted tea and began the process of turning her into what she was now. Behind her, her feathers flared out. What was she now? An angel, a ruler of the Sonpur? She was neither. Folgen ruled the Sonpur he always had. Angs powerful as he was had just been the symbolic ruler, a necessary tool in Folgen¡¯s dominion. What was this creature, Folgen? Loren would know or maybe even Pyre. If Pyre still lived. She stretched out her heart and her mind. If Pyre were dead, wouldn''t she feel it, know it? He was such a part of her. Silently she prayed, Please let him be alive.


    The babe, scrunched up her legs and grunted. The baby. Fand forced herself to focus on the baby. Would this child live long enough to receive a name? Babies were not named for the first two weeks of their life because so many died. This baby looked strong, seemed strong, but what kind of future would she have? Carefully Fand examined her to make sure every inch of her was all right. All her fingers and all her toes were fine. Her breathing was strong. Her tiny body perfect. The cleft in her chin brought Zog close. If only he could see his child, his bastard child.


    Gruin handed Fand a tiny gown and a fresh blanket. With deft fingers Fand dressed and swaddled the baby. Such a fete would have been harder with one hand. She was at this moment very thankful for two hands. But her wings, she would never be thankful for them. If not for them, Renate could have had the baby in the Council City. The child would be safe with Loren, and not here. NOT HERE!! She snuggled the baby close and placed her hand on her back. Steady and sure, her tiny heart beat. Weary Fand sat down on the angel bed, drawing her wings around her and the baby. The wings did not fully encompass her, but they did create a sense of security.


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    Gruin picked up the soiled clothes and washed them in a basin. Fels crawled behind his bed with a doll of some kind clenched in his tiny teeth. He was growling and the sound was menacing. For the first time Fand saw his resemblance to Trug, and it unsettled her. What would this little creature become?


    After Gruin finished, she sat down beside Fand on the angel bed. Of their own accord, Fand¡¯s wing fanned back. They seemed to completely independent of her thought. The Sonpur¡¯s gaze went to the baby. Fand wondered if she had ever seen a human child. She also wondered just how much the beast understood. In the past Kerzee had spoken to her and she had always responded as if she understood. She thought of how Folgen had addressed the crowd in their own language. Was Gruin the only Sonpur who could understand human language? For the first time Fand spoke to the beast, ¡°How many of you understand human?¡±


    Gruin pointed to herself and at the bed where Fels was hiding. Then she said, "Trug."


    "That is all?"


    The beast nodded.


    Fand asked, "Is Kerzee here?"


    Gruin''s eyes filled with tears. She shook her head.


    "I am sorry. How many were killed that night?"


    With trembling fingers, Gruin held up her hands. Over and over she opened and closed them. If Fand''s calculations were correct over a hundred adults and children had been killed the night Kammin Spire fell. Pity for the creatures washed over Fand. It was unexpected, and just as swift and strong as it had been when she had stood before the horde in the cavern. Hate for these creatures would be so much easier and yet for some strange reason compassion kept springing up in her instead.


    There was a loud and angry baa from behind the bed. Fels popped up and cried, "Goat! Goat!" He grabbed hold of something and hoisted it up. It was indeed a goat, not just any goat though, it was the goat Pyre had brought with him! How had it gotten here? Fels was strangling the poor thing and her was udder swollen with milk.


    Gruin grunted something to her son.


    Anger flashed in his eyes. He shouted, ¡°Mine!¡±


    Swift and decisively Gruin sprung from the bed and went to her son. She scolded him with a low growl. The little creature frowned, but he did put the goat down. Under his breath he said, ¡°Mine.¡±


    Grateful to be free the goat quickly scampered away from Fels. She leapt onto the bed beside Fand and hid behind her wings. Fand turned to the goat and stroked her silky head. "Poor thing. But oh I am thankful for you. You once again have brought my baby milk." In her mind the thought took root, if the goat survived, perhaps the others did too. Where they here too? She asked Gruin, "Were there any other prisoners besides me?"


    Gruin shrugged. She did not know.


    *


    Though there was not way to tell, it was night. Fels was tucked in bed with his mother. The goat was also asleep in a basket beside Fand''s bed. Even the baby slept. As weary as she was Fand could not sleep. The day had been too full and too awful. Her worry would not shut off. She closed her eyes and tried to pray, but was unable to do so. All the sudden a prayer drifted into her mind. She locked onto the words. The words were thoughts, Pyre¡¯s thoughts. He was praying, praying for her and the baby. His words filled her heart, ¡°May you cover those in need with your light and with your love. May you give hope to the lost and frightened. Send comfort to the lonely¡­¡± How was it that his thoughts were coming to her? They should not be able to pass through this mountain¡¯s and yet they were. Was this just some trick engineered by Folgen? Perhaps. She dare not call out to Pyre, if it was a trick. But if it was Pyre, it meant that he was very much alive.


    A strange warmth tingled in her brain. What was happening to her, more angel mischief? All at once she had a vision of Pyre in moonlight riding a horse. He was not alone, but she could not make out the others. As quickly as it came, the vision vanished. There was something very familiar about the way the image had come to her. It had come like the images she had once seen on Jerim¡¯s Relic. What did this mean?

 Chapter 59. Out of the Sky

    Pyre clung to the reigns of his horse with gloved, numb hands. The incline was steep as they followed Resen¡¯s lead down into the valley. Pyre prayed they would find shelter soon. His entire being ached with exhaustion and cold. Above the stars were out. The moon had yet to rise. Due to the harsh winds, they had made slow progress down the side of the valley. Slipping was always an issue. If only Appocca had seen fit to give them mules. A mule was a far better transport than a horse in the mountains.  In the distance the dark forms of the mountains loomed large. Pyre shivered as the cold grew more intense. Frost bite nipped at his nose. He covered his nose with his gloved hand. Something was pricking at his mind. He did not know what it was, but he felt someone or something tugging at his thoughts, pulling them somewhere he could not quite reach.


    From the east a light began to shine. It looked like the moon only it was too small. Closer and closer the light came. Resen reigned in his horse and motioned for the others to do the same. As the light came nearer Pyre¡¯s heart leapt into his throat. The shape of the light looked like a woman! A winged woman! Was it Fand? Keeper let it be!


    The female form lit upon the snow. Her entire being was glowing. The glow obscured her features and any recognizable details. Suddenly, she went dark. It was if she had not been there at all. No one moved. The only sound was that of the wind. They waited, nothing happened. What was this apparition?


    Loren was the first to speak. He asked, ¡°Is there any one there?¡°


    Foot steps crunched in the snow toward them. The steps halted just beyond their field of vision. A female voice asked, ¡°Why are you here?


    It was not Fand. Desolation filled Pyre. She was not all right. She was not here. Where was she? Keeper where was she?


    Resen asked, ¡°Audra, is that you?¡°


    The women¡¯s tone was harsh when she said, ¡°Yes, Pathfinder it is. And you have loosed hell this time. When will you learn?¡°


    In a penitent voice Resen said, ¡°I fear I have once again learned too late.¡±


    Audra said, ¡°At least you are learning. There is some hope in that. According to my best intel Fand is indeed in the mountain. You are on the right path. I have been seeking an entrance. Down at the base of this valley you will find what remains of a road. Follow it to its end. If I can get inside the mountain, and that is a huge if, I will bring Fand and the baby to you there. I will give Loren the child and take Fand with me. Understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± said Resen.


    The sound of beating wings filled the darkness. A dim shadow hovered over them before it zoomed toward the mountain.


    In a shaky voice Rufus said, ¡°I¡¯ll be damned.¡±


    Bitterly Resen said, ¡°We all may be before this is over. We best camp here for the night. Its getting too cold to travel on and the horses need to rest.¡± He goaded Donner¡¯s sides and lead the horse to a thicket of cedars. The others followed him. They dismounted and blanketed the horses. It was going to be a tough night.


    Lighting a fire would attract attention they did not need or want. So Resen said, ¡°We will have to share our heat with each other tonight. We best get used to getting cozy.¡± Though Pyre didn¡¯t protest, he was not fond of being squashed beside people. They piled up cedar boughs and then laid their bedrolls over the boughs. Resen fixed a second tarp to three stakes. It would shelter them from snow. First Resen, then Pyre, then Loren climbed into their bedrolls. Rufus had first watch. Being wedged between Resen and Loren was more than uncomfortable for Pyre, it was terrifying. The tension between these two men was like sparks of fire just waiting to catch. They huddled together praying their shared heat would keep them all alive during the night. The trees offered some shelter but not much. At least they reduced the wind. Rufus was wrapped in his bedroll with his back against a tree. His eyes scanned the surrounding area. Pyre prayed for their safety.


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    *


    Clouds obscured the moon. It was Pyre¡¯s watch. He had taken Rufus place, but unlike Rufus, he kept dropping off. This was not good for anyone.He shook his head hard. He must stay awake. Beneath the tarp, Resen and Rufus snored. Restless and unable to sleep Loren tossed back and forth. Finally he gave up and joined Pyre.


    Pyre asked, ¡°Can¡¯t sleep?¡±


    ¡°No. I can¡¯t stop thinking about Audra and my mother. I wish we could have gotten a look at Audra, but the winged folk shun human eyes. My mother had some contact with them, though I don¡¯t know why or how. There is so much I don¡¯t know about my mother. She never said where she came from, never told me whom my father was, though I have long known.¡±


    Curiosity pricked at Pyre. He wanted to ask who, but he knew it was not polite or any of his business.


    To his surprise, Loren asked, ¡°Can you guess who my father was?¡±


    Though he did not want to guess out of fear of offending Loren, he turned and met his eyes. Fortunately it was too dark to see what ever was in them. Then, Loren smiled. Even in the dark, Pyre could see his even white teeth. He noticed the line of his brows and he knew who Loren¡¯s father was. His mind raced backwards to that night before the Purge when everyone was wearing their hoods and a single figure had strode before them. Pyre had thought the person beneath the hood was Jerue, but it wasn¡¯t. It had been Loren. Was Loren, Jerue¡¯s son? If he was it explained much. It explained Loren¡¯s powers and the way Jerue had always treated him. Pyre found he could not say the name.


    Quietly Loren spoke, ¡°You don¡¯t have to say speak that name. I know you know. And honestly, with all I have so recently lost I am thankful you know, my friend. Together we will get my sister and Fand to safety.¡±


    Pyre nodded. His hope was fragile at this late hour. He didn¡¯t know what to say. Silence passed between them.Clouds broke away from the moon. The light turned Loren¡¯s face and hair to silver. He looked other worldly.


    Loren returned to the topic of his mother. ¡°If only Mother had sent for me, instead of you.¡± This was not a statement that hurt Pyre. He understood Loren¡¯s reasoning. He continued, ¡°I was so distracted by patients I didn¡¯t even notice you were missing, until Rube asked me where you were. Then I knew Mother had gotten you. If only she had stayed in the city. I could have helped her if she had stayed¡­¡± His voice trailed off.


    Both men knew that because of Fand¡¯s condition, Renate had chosen the only course there was. Pyre felt his bitterness toward reason begin to rise. He was certain, Loren was struggling with his own bitterness.


    ¡°I know you did well delivering the baby, Pyre, but I can¡¯t help thinking that if I had been there, perhaps I could have saved her.¡±


    Gently Pyre said, ¡°Perhaps. We will never know. What is done is done. I think she knew she wasn¡¯t going to survive the birth and that is why she called on me.¡±


    Loren¡¯s voice caught as he said, ¡°I am sure that is why she did what she did. She had the gift of knowing. She had so many gifts. If she had been born where angels reside, or if she had been born a man in our world, she would have exceeded even Appocca¡¯s power. But she was not born among or born a man. She was cursed with being born female.¡±


    Pyre asked, ¡°Was the curse being born female? Or was the curse men¡¯s fear of women who have power?¡°


    The clouds once again covered the moon. Loren became a shadow again. In the darkness he stood and said, ¡°Pyre, you have just spoken a truth I have not considered. He clamped his hand on Pyre¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I best let you get back to your watch and I will try to get some sleep.¡± Loren left him.


    Pyre walked along the line of cedars. His eyes focused on the mountain. Fand was there. Audra, was on her way to her. He could watch and he could pray. It was all he could do for Fand right now. Time passed slowly. The eastern sky began to grow light. It was the sun, not Audra. He went to the sleeping men and roused them. It was time to find that road, and by the Keeper''s grace it would lead them to Fand. He would see her one last time before she flew out of his life forever. The thought of never seeing her again, was one he could not bear, nor entertain. He pushed it away from him. What mattered most was that she was alive, that she was alive somewhere even if it was never where he was.

 Chapter 60. Bad or Worse

    Soft light flooded the room. Fand¡¯s first reaction was to make sure the baby was still with her. She was. Fand¡¯s second reaction was to check on Fels and Gruin. They were not in their beds. Where were they and what was making the light? Fand rolled over. She had not been able to roll over since she got her wings. Wings? Her wings were GONE! Her hand went to her back. There was nothing on either shoulder blade. What had happened to them? Folgen, had he taken them in her sleep? Fand sat up. Her heart was racing hard. Something was happening to her again. Was this a bad something or a worse something?


    A familiar voice said, ¡°We do have a problem.¡±


    Fand turned to the door, Audra was the source of the light. Her magnificent wings glowed behind her. She came to Fand¡¯s bed and sat down. Her cool blue eyes met Fand¡¯s. ¡°The plan was to fly you out of here. Folgen took care of that.¡± She paused and asked, ¡°Was it awful?¡±


    Confused Fand asked, ¡°Was what awful?¡±


    For several seconds, Audra studied her and then said, ¡°Having your wings removed. I have heard it is excruciatingly painful.¡±


    Fand had no memory of losing her wings. Nothing. She said, ¡°I don¡¯t honestly know. I had wings last night when I went to bed.¡±


    ¡°You what?¡± Before Fand could answer her, Audra pulled Fand¡¯s gown down around her shoulders. Her cold fingers traced the place where Fand¡¯s scars and wings had been. Stunned Audra said, ¡°Its as if you never had wings. There are no scars. I have never seen anything like this. What magic has Folgen wrought this time?¡±


    Fand ran her hand along her shoulders. Nothing remained of her scars and her wings. Frightened Fand said, ¡°He must have come in here last night when I was sleeping. I have absolutely no memory of anything.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps he did. I can¡¯t say for sure though.¡± Audra frowned. She ran her hand inches away from Fand¡¯s shoulders.¡± She shook her head. ¡°There isn¡¯t any evidence of evil on you. How could Folgen touch you without leaving a trace?¡± Before Fand could respond Audra said, ¡°I don¡¯t expect you to know, but we have a real problem now. Without wings you can not pass through the stone of this mountain.¡±


    There had to be a way out for her. Fand said, ¡°When I was brought here, Folgen pulled the baby through.¡±


    Again, Audra shook her head. ¡°How the baby passed through I don''t know. It is not supposed to be possible." A lot of things that were not supposed to be possible had happened. Agitated Audra began to pace. "Blast it all I don''t know what to do. I am not strong enough to carry you, the baby and the goat. I am going to have to leave you here for now. I must consult my superiors. Nothing like this has ever happened before. I will be back.¡± In that instant, before Fand even had time to form a protest Audra walked straight through the wall and disappeared.


    The front door opened. Gruin and Fels came inside. Gruin was carrying a basket of leaves and fish. She stopped when she saw Fand. Alarm flickered in her green eyes. Quickly she slammed the door closed. She motioned to Fand¡¯s back.


    Fand asked, ¡°Did I have them when you left?¡±


    The beast nodded.


    Fels said, ¡°Bird, not bird.¡±


    The baby woke up and began to cry. Fand reached for her. Her shoulders felt so light. She had not realized how heavy her wings had been. She pulled the baby close and patted her back. Gruin went to the cupboard and set down her basket. She filled a teat with warm goat¡¯s milk and handed it to Fand.


    The baby had just begun to suck the milk, when the front door flew opened. It was Folgen. Two beasts were with him, one was Trug. Fels squealed when he saw his father and ran into his arms. Angrily Folgen told Trug, ¡°Put him down!¡±


    Trug did as he was told. Fels scurried to his mother and hid behind her skirts. Huge tears trickled down his chin. Instinctively, Fand drew the baby closer. She did not like the look on Folgen¡¯s face. He was a hideous man to begin with and his rage only added to it. he shrieked at her, ¡°Who has taken your wings?¡±


    What the hell? Fand asked, ¡°You didn¡¯t take them?¡±


    An ugly laugh came from Folgen¡¯s wrinkled mouth. ¡°Don¡¯t play the fool, girl! So, you want to play games? Let¡¯s play games. How bout we start with how long does it take to roast a baby?¡±


    Fear tried to grab hold of Fand, but something blocked it. All at once she realized that Folgen¡¯s anger was second to his fear. He did not know what happened to her. He did not know what magic had changed her. If he didn¡¯t know and Audra didn¡¯t know, who did? In a bold voice Fand said. ¡°It is as if I never had wings, look. Gruin, show him my shoulders.


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    The foul little man came close. Gruin pulled down the back of Fand¡¯s gown. Folgen¡¯s hot breath warmed Fand¡¯s skin. He ran wrinkled fingers across her shoulders. She felt his fingers tremble. He snatched his hand away as if he had been burned. He stepped back from her. In his eyes the anger had vanished and only the fear shown. What ever had happened was beyond his power.


    A voice inside Fand¡¯s shead shouted, BEIDENUNG!


    With the baby clutched close still sucking the teat Fand felt her body levitate off the bed. A huge cloud of dust and light formed around her. She felt the same cold sensation she had felt when the disc of Jerim''s Relic had touched her skin. It radiated through out her body. She whispered, ¡°Kavos.¡±


    Everything went dark. Completely dark. She had never been in such blackness before. It was heavy and pressed against her. The baby was still in her arms, she could hear her still sucking her teat. Light appeared below her. She was entering into another realm. When she popped into the light she was on a field of snow. In the distance, a shadow was moving away from her. She shouted, ¡°Can you help me?¡±


    The shadow disappeared. A goat bleated. On the ground beside Fand¡¯s feet were winter boots, a heavy cloak and the GOAT. The goat looked up at her with her great liquid eyes and surveyed her calmly. This was no ordinary goat. Nothing here was ORDINARY!


    It was so cold and strong wing was blowing. Hastily Fand put on the boots. She wrapped the baby beneath her cloak. The baby was not happy. Her meal had been interrupted and she was still hungry. Fand needed to get to shelter before she fed her more. She looked all around her. Far in the distance were mountains. Is that where she had come from or was it where she supposed to go now?


    The goat looked over her shoulder and bleated at Fand. She struck out across the feild. The creature seemed to know where she was going. Fand followed. The goat was food and warmth. It has not been an accident that Renate had transferred this goat with Pyre when she had brought him to the cave. It was not an accident that the goat had appeared in Gruin¡¯s cave as well. Now was not an accident either. Once again Fand was at the mercy of power beyond her control. And once again provision had been made.


    The baby roared beneath her cloak. She was hungry. Fand was hungry. Was the goat hungry? If it was it showed no sign. The creature was headed straight into the wind.


    All around the snow glittered. Fand had to keep her eyes on the ground. The goat¡¯s hooves left a track for her that the wind quickly erased. The baby finally cried herself out and fell asleep. All around there was nothing but whiteness. Fand glanced back, the mountains had disappeared. Everything seemed to have the potential to disappear here, where ever here was.


    Hours passed. The sun arced overhead and began its descent. Fand was so tired she could barely walk, but the little goat continued forward. Just as the sun was nearing the rim of the horizon, a thicket of oak and pine trees appeared. They were stunted by the fierce wind. Tucked within them was a small house. A candle glowed in the window. The goat went to the door and nudged it open. She bleated and went inside.


    Cautiously Fand approached the door and peeked inside. Who or what lived here? The goat bleated again. Fand went inside. A fire flickered in the fireplace on the eastern wall. Potatoes were roasting in the ashes of the fire and a fresh teat of milk was warming in a pan. A cradle and a pallet were near the fire. Across the room was a table, a cupboard, and some pots.


    Fand unwound her cloak and untied the baby from her chest. The poor thing was dirty and her tiny face was streaked with tears. The goat hopped on the pallet and nudged something on it. Fresh gowns, napkins and empty teats were laid out on it. Beside the pallet was a basin and a cloth. Fand laid the baby down and removed her soiled clothes. The child opened her eyes and sniffed. She had that look, the one she got right before she started to wail. As fast as she could Fand cleaned the child. The wailing started. The goat went to a far corner and hunkered down. She did not like it when the baby cried. And oh how this child could cry! The will of this child needed to be strong. Though she was flopping and angry, Fand managed to get the baby dressed. While Fand filled a teat with milk the baby really started to howl. It took her several moments before the child realized the teat was in her mouth. As soon as she did she latched down hard and began to suck hard.


    Softly, Fand said, ¡°Not so fast little one. You will give yourself a tummy ache.¡± Fand pulled the teat from the tiny mouth. The anger in the small eyes shot out at her like fire. Goodness, this child had spirit. Fand burped her and gave her the rest of her supper.


    Dry, warm and with a full tummy the baby fell asleep. Fand laid her down in her cradle and then sank onto the pallet. She was so tired. Too tired to eat. She pulled off her boots and was about to lay down when the goat rolled a potato out of the ashes toward her. Fand asked it, ¡°So you want me to eat?¡± Of course the goat did not answer, but at this point in time, in this place, where ever this place was, it would not have surprised Fand at all if the goat had said, ¡°Yes of course.¡± The goat rolled a second potato out of the ashes. She settled herself down beside it as she waited for it to cool.


    Fand stuck a wary finger at her potato. It was hot but not too hot to hold. She broke it open. Warm steam rose upward. The smell of it reminded her of home. In fact this cabin in an odd way reminded her of home. The table, the bucket of water were made of oak just like their table and bucket at home. There was even something familiar about the quilt that covered the pallet. Had she seen its pattern some where before? She was too tired to remember.


    Slowly, automatically Fand ate her potato. From the bucket she took a long drink. Sleep tugged at her. She crawled beneath the quilt. The wind shrieked outside, but it could not reach her. She sensed that nothing could reach her. For the first time in months she felt completely safe. Her mind and body drifted toward sleep, a sleep undisturbed by nightmares or dreams.

 Chapter 61. The Mountain Road

    The search party from the Council City were camped in a cleft of rock. They were according to Resen, beyond sniffing distance of the Sonpur. The road Audra had told them about was to the west of camp. It had been hard to follow but Resen¡¯s keen eye had seen traces of tracks and rocks tossed aside. His eyes seemed to miss nothing, nor his ears. He heard things, not even Loren could hear. It seemed a Pathfinder was born a Pathfinder or he could not be one at all.


    On a ledge, flat on their bellies, Pyre and Resen stared down at the side of the mountain to where the road ended. By the tension of Resen¡¯s body, Pyre knew he heard or sensed something. He whispered, ¡°What?¡°


    Resen jerked his head toward the east. ¡°Sonpur, a mile or more away. We will soon find out how to get into this mountain.¡±


    Pyre protested, ¡°Get into it? Audra said nothing about getting into it.¡±


    Silent and unresponsive, Resen looked to the road. The sky above was beginning to grow light. Along the horizon rim the sun began its ascent. A strange sound, like water falling came from the mountain. Was there a storm approaching. Pyre saw nothing in the sky. He turned his attention back to the mountain. At the end of the road large oval portal opened up. It was shimmering and liquid. The face of the rising sun refracted off the portal. In that instant Pyre was aware of Fand. How could this be? Since she had wings, he shouldn¡¯t be able to read her thoughts, but he could. She was distressed and confused. He tried to call out to her, but he felt like he had just slammed into a wall.


    From the east came the sound of thundering of hooves. In unison Pyre and Resen turned. Huge horses with Sonpurs astride them galloped up the road. Behind the horses, all traces of their tracks disappeared. On several mules were the carcasses of deer and goats. Blood fell on the white snow and then it too disappeared. What kind of magic was this? The beasts passed through the portal into mountain. There were at least ten Sonpur. It was a hunting party, come home. The portal shimmered briefly after they entered and then it vanished. Pyre turned his attention back to Resen only Resen was gone.


    Frantically, he looked all around him. Below the ledge he saw the footprints in the snow. Those prints were headed for the road. Blast it all! Where was that fool Resen? Should he follow? No. He knew the answer was no. He was very likely to be detected. It was too great a risk. Pyre strained his eyes looking for Resen but he saw no one. How did Resen do it? It was as if he was noiseless or invisible. Was he invisible? Angry and alarmed Pyre leapt to his feet and went running back to camp. Rufus was seated on a fallen tree was eating bread with butter. He saw Pyre¡¯s face and asked, ¡°Has somethin¡¯ happened?¡°


    ¡°Yes.¡± Pyre took in a gulp of cold air. He could not catch his breath.


    Loren emerged from the cleft and asked, ¡°Where is Resen?¡±


    Aware Loren was not going to like his answer, Pyre told them, ¡°Resen has disappeared. I think he attempted to enter the mountain. He may have succeeded but I don¡¯t know..¡±


    Loren swore. Unable to check his anger he growled, ¡°That Pathfinder will lead us all to ruin. Every time he gets a whim it costs somebody something. Wonder what will be paid this time? The babe¡¯s life, our lives, Fand¡¯s life?¡±These were words Pyre did not want to hear.


    Thoughtfully Rufus said, ¡°He told Appocca, he works best alone. Seems the three of us might be more of a hindrance than help. And he did agree to our comin¡¯ right quick. Maybe ditchin¡¯ us was his plan all along. Maybe he knows what¡¯s best. He ain¡¯t the best Pathfinder for nothing.¡± Rufus paused before he asked, ¡°How do you think he got in?¡°


    ¡°In the side of the mountain a portal opened up at the end of the road. It looked and sounded like falling water. The Sonpur passed right through it. I didn¡¯t see Resen. I don¡¯t know how he could have gotten down there fast enough to enter.¡±


    Still choked by his anger, Loren muttered, ¡°If it could be done, then he did it. The imbecile!¡±


    Not sure of anything, Pyre said, ¡°Maybe, I don¡¯t know. He was with me one second and he disappeared the next. Do Pathfinder¡¯s know magic?¡±


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    Loren shook his head. ¡°They are wise and skilled, but not magic. Take us to the place where you saw the Sonpur enter. Perhaps stone may still be weak enough for us to penetrate.¡± Loren headed over the ledge and through the trees. His step was so swift, Rufus and Pyre had trouble keeping up with him. Once they reached the side of the mountain, Loren stopped and looked around. He held a hand up and closed his eyes. He told them, ¡°There is magic here. Folgen¡¯s magic. I had prayed that creature was dead, but he¡¯s not dead. Blast it all! He should be dead! But that explains much. Sonpur are not magic and they never have been. Only Folgen could get them inside this mountain, and I bet Resen knew that all along. What he knew and what he shared are different things. Audra said she would meet us. I pray she comes soon. I don¡¯t think Pyre and I together have the power to get us inside. Even if we did it would be a fool¡¯s errand since we don¡¯t even know if Fand is still alive.¡±


    Pyre said, ¡°I touched Fand¡¯s mind when the portal opened. I thought I was not supposed to be able to do that.¡±


    Loren frowned, ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have been able to. Something has happened but what?¡± He didn¡¯t expect or wait for an answer. His eyes traveled over the surface of the stone. He placed his palms flat against the mountain¡¯s side. After several minutes of doing this he finally said, ¡°There is not any weakness here. I can¡¯t read a damn thing. We can¡¯t get in. Blast it all! We can¡¯t get in! It¡¯s not safe for us here out in the open. We best get back to camp and wait for Audra.¡± His eyes shot to the sky as if he thought he could make her materialize. She did not. He looked back down at Pyre and said, ¡°If Audra doesn¡¯t show soon, we will ask for Appocca¡¯s guidance. If Resen fails we could all die.¡± Grimly Loren headed back to camp. His shoulder¡¯s sagged. He was more than angry he was dispirited. Living in the real world and in the supernatural one was taxing at best, on days like today it was damnable. To have power, but not enough, to know things, but not enough, was worse than being utterly helpless. Natural helplessness meant the end of one¡¯s capabilities had been reached. A person with supernatural power could never be sure when they reached the end of themselves. One could burn oneself up trying and end up being of no use at all.


    To their dismay, Audra was not at the camp, nor did she appear. Loren tried to contact Appocca but there was some weird interference caused by the brightness of the sun. He told them, ¡°Let¡¯s go watch the road. Maybe we can get in too.¡± They took the horses to the look out and tethered them to a stunted spruce. The men lay on their bellies watching the road. As the sun made its way across the sky, Loren¡¯s frustration grew to a dark rage. He hissed, ¡°If Resen comes out of that mountain alone I swear I will kill him myself.¡±


    Rufus said, ¡°You¡¯re wastin'' your energy sir. We may have need of it before this day is done.¡±


    Silent, Pyre prayed. His mind kept wondering from his prayers. This trouble between Loren and Resen was something he felt he needed to know. It might be to his folly but the waiting was getting to him too. Where was Audra? She said she would meet them. Against his better judgement he asked Loren, ¡°Why do you and Resen dislike each other so much?¡±


    The glare that Loren gave him could have singed the hair right off Pyre¡¯s scalp. He was instantly sorry he had asked. Loren answered him, ¡°It is a long bitter story, and I will spare you the details. His wife¡¯s mother is my mother¡¯s cousin. A year ago there was a fever raging in the Kal village. Resen had a woman with whom he had had a bastard child before his marriage four years ago. He spent as much time with them as he did his wife, which wasn¡¯t much. Mother said he was not unfaithful he only went for the child. I will not refute my mother¡¯s word. At any rate the woman caught the fever. Word reached Resen. His wife, Leben, begged him not to go. But he went anyway. When he returned he brought his son with him. The woman had died. And while he nor the boy caught the fever, Leben did and she too died. In one brief month he had lost the mother of his son and his wife. He blamed himself for both deaths. I fear his guilt has made him careless. He could not save his wife and mistress, he thinks, hopes he can save Fand, and that may be the death of us all.¡±


    Rufus shook his head. ¡°Grim you are. Full of blame, beg your pardon sir. I for one have heard stories of Resen, and though he may have failed in life, he has yet to fail in duty.¡±


    These words sank deep inside of Pyre. Once again, he must choose between fear and trust. In that instant there was the sound of a crashing river. The portal opened, only this time it was not small, it was as wide as half the mountain. An army of Sonpur poured out of it. There were so many! In their ranks was a tiny shriveled man dressed all in fur. He was seated in front of a large dark beast. He shouted something and the portal closed. Off the army raced. What were they after and where were they going?


    Behind Pyre, Donner whinnied and then Pyre saw Resen. Below them Resen was darting from tree to tree making his way toward them. His movement was so fast it wasnt¡¯ human. When he reached them he said, We must get a move on. Fand is not in the mountain. I don''t know where she is, but I think,¡± his gaze went to the disappearing Sonpur, "they do. Follow me if you can keep up!" Resen leapt onto Donner. The magnificent horse shot off in the direction the Sonpur had gone. Rufus, Loren and Pyre scrambled to their horses.

 Chapter 62. Cabin Secrets

    A thump, thump, thumping noise woke Fand from her sleep. The goat had lifted the bar of the door and was headed outside. Panicked, Fand leapt from her pallet and rushed to the door. The absolute cold struck her hard in the face. Tears stung her eyes. The snow was covered with the pink light of dawn. Not far from her she heard the sound of running water, and then a soft grunt. The goat rounded the corner of the house and went back inside. Fand slammed the door closed and bolted it. The goat went to a box by the fire and thumped her head against it. Fand went to it and opened it. There was fodder in it. Goat food. She asked the goat, ¡°Have you been here before or did you just smell the food? Why didn¡¯t you want to eat last night?  The goat cast a yellow eye in Fand¡¯s direction and then turned her attention to the fodder. With her lips she picked up a bite of food and began to munch. The goat seemed utterly at home.


    Fand went back to the cradle where the baby slept. Her tiny chest was moving up and down with steady breaths. It was a miracle this child still lived, that they both still lived. Gently Fand pulled the little blankets up around the baby¡¯s shoulders. The stitches on the baby¡¯s gown looked like they were sewn by the same hand that had stitched the blankets. Renate had sewn the baby¡¯s gown, had she also sewn the blankets? If she had was this Renate¡¯s home? Fand breathed in the air. It smelled of lavender just like Renate. Slowly Fand took in the room. Like the gypsy cart, like the cave, this place reflected Renate¡¯s taste. The placement of the spare furnishings, the lay out of the pots and pans, the quilt and towels were the same. This had to be Renate¡¯s home. Would this have been the place she would have raised the baby if she had lived? Had Loren grown up here too? There were so many questions!


    A loud growl echoed in Fand¡¯s stomach. It was so loud the baby stirred in her sleep. Fand didn¡¯t want to wake the baby. The child tended to roar to life in the morning. Quietly she crept away from the cradle. Breakfast was what she needed.  In the cupboard she found grain, potatoes, dried meat, clover tea and a crock of honey. She washed two potatoes and placed them in the hot ashes of the fire. It would be awhile before they were ready. On a hook by the hearth was a bright copper kettle. She filled it with water. Soon it would boil and she would have some clover tea. While she waited for the water to boils she examined the room. In the back of the cupboard she found a box with clothes of a small boy. Had they belonged to Loren¡¯s? Reverently she placed them back int their box. Her eyes scanned the cabin. On the mantle was an intricately carved cedar box. Inside it Fand found two sealed letters. In a clear and precise hand were the words, For my son, Loren Uhr. On the second letter were the words, For my babe, Zel.


    Zel. That was what Renate had intended to name the baby. But she had left the last name blank. Suddenly, Fand realized she didn¡¯t know Renate¡¯s last name. Was it Uhr like Loren¡¯s? Fand knew one thing for sure, this baby¡¯s last name would be Geworden. She was bone of her bone and flesh of her flesh. Wait. Everything inside her stopped. She didn¡¯t have the right to name this child. Only Loren had the right. The baby should be Uhr, as he was Uhr. Zog had no legal claim on the child. And though Fand believed deep in her heart this was indeed Zog¡¯ss child, she truly had no way of ever knowing for sure. Fand turned her eyes from the letters to the baby. She was just beginning to stir.


    The baby opened her mouth and let out a squeak. Fand put the letters back into the box. Quickly, she went to Zel, and scooped her up. Zel opened her eyes, eyes so like her mother¡¯s. They were no longer dark, over night they had changed to the color of the sky. Fear filled Fand, she rubbed her hands across the baby¡¯s tiny shoulders. She felt the bumps of wing buds. She placed her hands over the buds and prayed, ¡°Please, no, not this!¡± To her amazement the buds disappeared. Frightened Fand almost dropped the baby. What had she just done, or what had she just imagined? Nothing was normal here.


    Zel lost all patience with Fand and began to howl for her breakfast. Fand had tough work cleaning the child, fixing the teat and dressing the baby in her frantic state. By the time Zel was sucking on her teat, Fand was exhausted. Once again, thoughts of Uncle Wert came to her mind. He had done all these things for her. By now, he knew she was missing again. It hurt to know he was worried. Somehow she must get back to him. She must get back and introduce him to Zog''s child.


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    A small grunt came from the sucking child. Fand looked down at the baby. She was such a strong one, greedy and hungry for life. Who would this child be? Would she get a chance to be? What came next? Fand did not have a single answer and life just kept getting stranger and stranger. Her one hope was Audra. Surely Audra would come to her. She stretched out her thoughts to the woman, but sensed nothing. Nothing.


    Once Zel was pacified and quiet, Fand laid her down in the cradle. While the baby slept, Fand continued her exploration of the cabin. The goat¡¯s hooves clicked across the floor boards. Near the edge of her pallet a board squeaked and sounded hollow. The goat walked across it again. It did sound different. Fand went to the board and gripped it with her fingernails. It came loose easily. Inside the secret compartment were two books. Fand pulled them out. They were written in the same hand, that had addressed the letters. Both were barely wider than her palm. One contained a list of medicinal plants with small detailed illustrations. The second book was for thenailments of Sonpur. Treatments for skin irritation, paw fungus, snout sickness were listed in Renate¡¯s fine hand. How much contact had this woman had with the Sonpur? More blasted questions. With frightened yet curious eyes, Fand studied the drawings of the Sonpur. They did not look so scary in the illustrations. Among her other talents it seemed, Renate was also quite an accomplished artist.


    The baby let out a small sigh. Fand turned her attention from the book to the baby. What had Zel inherited from her mother? Would these gifts cause her more grief than comfort? Only time would tell, if they had any time. The only time they had was now. If they had a future Zel would need some token of her mother.  An orphan needed something tangible to hold onto when her parents were spirited beyond her vision. Fand wished for her father¡¯s letters. She wished for the dove pendant her mother had given her but she had lost those dear possessions. Did she even have a token of Zog? No. Jerim¡¯s relic had been the last thing she had received from him. It like everything else was gone.


    The baby sighed. In that moment Fand realized, Zog had left her something, had left her some one. He had given her a niece. Fand wanted so badly to be able to care for this child. If they got out of their current circumstances alive, she knew she would not get to keep Zel.  Loren would want to look after his sister. It was right and good that he should. A pang shot through Fand. She was quickly becoming very, very attached to this scrap of humanity.


    *


    Three days passed without incident. The normalness of the days and nights were a balm. Fand, the goat and Zel were able to eat and sleep at regular intervals. With each day that passed Fand felt her strength and her reason begin to return to her.


    Just before dawn on the fourth day Fand looked out the window and saw a strange cloud appear on the horizon. It did not look like any normal cloud Fand had ever seen. But then what was normal here? Quickly it raced across the surface of the snow. Closer and closer it came. A second cloud was racing behind it. A sharp wind shot around the cabin and set the trees to groaning.


    Alert, but not yet afraid, Fand thought it best to prepare herself and Zel. She fixed warm teats and put them in a lined leather pouch. She took three hot potatoes from the ashes and stuffed them in the bag as well. In a second bag she stuffed clean baby things and the books and letters that Renate had written. Next she pulled the baby close and put her in the sling she had fashioned for her. It rested securely against Fand¡¯s body. Last of all she put on her cloak. When she was completely ready, she went to the window to watch and wait. Something was about to happen, she could feel it coming.


    Through the window she saw a troop of Sonpur on their horses. The looked like tiny toy soldiers from this distance. Not far behind them was a militia of men. Men? What were men doing here? How many men were there? Fand tried to count but they were moving too fast. Both groups passed the cabin. On lone rider was trailing them. The rider veered toward the cabin. He had seen it. Keeper No! Fear took hold of Fand. What now? WHAT NOW! Frozen in place, unable to even breathe Fand watched the rider coming closer and closer. The horse was black. She recognized Donner''s gait. Resen? Yes it was Resen. He had come for her again.

 Chapter 63. The Cloud

    Wrapped in tight blankets Pyre blinked his eyes. He was on watch and struggling to stay awake. By the alignment of the stars dawn was not far away. What would the new day hold? Would they find Fand? His head nodded again. He jerked it back up. Slowly he scanned the surrounding area. Nothing moved. Sleep tugged on him hard and pulled him under.


    The first ray of the sun hit Pyre full in the face. He woke up with a start. Blast it all, after all his effort to stay awake he had fallen asleep! Quickly his eyes darted to the three sleeping forms beneath the tarp. There were only two. TWO! Resen was missing! Of course he was missing. It was too much to hope he had gone off to relieve himself. Pyre turned his attention to the horses. Donner was also gone and he had slept through the entire thing. Angry with himself for falling asleep, he muttered, ¡°I am such an idiot!¡± It would be easy to blame Resen, because it was possible he would have been able to leave unnoticed even if Pyre had been awake. Regardless, he was gone! Again! Blast that Pathfinder!


    Behind him, Pyre heard an unfamiliar male voice say, ¡°Morning Apprentice. Enjoy your nap?¡±


    He spun around. He had not heard this man¡¯s approach. Not only had he lost Resen, now he had let someone enter their camp! What a fool! Before him a man stood still as a statue dressed in some sort of white fur coat, leggings and boots. He was a very tall man with a thatch of blonde hair. A sword gleamed in his left hand. Panic leapt into Pyre mind and heart. His heart, his stupid heart started beating like it was trying to race itself to death, and maybe it was. Why had he fallen asleep?!


    Rufus was instantly on his feet with his own sword drawn. He demanded, ¡°Who you be?¡±


    The man said, ¡°Ah, a member of the Council Guard, only one, what was Appocca thinking?¡±


    Rufus face flushed red with anger. He took a step forward.


    Loren, now awake said, ¡°Put down your sword Rufus. His name is Eken. I know him.¡±


    Reluctantly Rufus lowered his sword. The man, Eken, nodded to him and then turned his attention to Loren. He asked, ¡°And how is your mother?¡±


    Loren¡¯s eyes narrowed. His voice caught a little when he said, ¡°She has passed.¡±


    ¡°What? That is sad news indeed.¡± Eken¡¯s eyes darkened. ¡°By whose hand did she die?¡±


    So Renate had had other enemies.


    With a shake of his head, Loren said, ¡°No one killed her.¡± He didn¡¯t say how she died, nor did she give Eken the opportunity to ask. Instead he asked, ¡°What are you doing out here?¡±


    Eken¡¯s face became stern. His voice was harsh when he said, ¡°Come to take the likes of you into custody. You have crossed the border without permission. Its not safe here and you know it. So does Appocca. We can¡¯t have you mucking up the works when we are about to have a row with the Dark Devils.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Loren¡¯s voice became hard as he said, ¡°You are starting another war. How many times will you try to annihilate the Sonpur?¡±


    Eken gave a harsh laugh. ¡°With any luck a battle today will do.¡±


    Silently Loren looked out across the ice plain. Pyre followed his gaze, he saw hoof prints in the snow, Donner¡¯s hoof prints. A swirling dark cloud that didn¡¯t quite look like smoke formed in the morning sky. Pyre did not like the look of that cloud. Further more Donner¡¯s hoof prints were headed in the direction of that cloud.


    Catching the gaze of both Loren and Pyre, Eken asked, ¡°So, who deserted you?¡±


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    At this question, Pyre¡¯s heart stopped its stupid racing. If Resen had gone off, then Fand must be near. Near? Near to that cloud? His heart took off again.


    Loren did not answer the question.


    Angrily, Eken called out, ¡°Men!¡±


    Seeming to materialize from the snow itself, twelve men on horse back appeared around them.


    Pyre¡¯s mind began to move very fast. Resen had most likely heard and been aware of the approaching militia. He had most likely known they would be captured or detained. And he had acted, alone, gone alone, not bothered with consulting any one. The man functioned on instinct like an animal and he had known when to leave. This brought some comfort to Pyre.


    Loren asked, ¡°What do you plan to do with us?¡± He paused an instant and added, ¡°If you can.¡±


    Eken cocked a blonde eyebrow. ¡°No Magic, Loren. None. IT is important do you understand?¡±


    Mutely Loren nodded.


    ¡°Now,¡± Eken said, ¡°Gather your gear. We are escorting you back to base camp.¡±


    Rufus brandished his sword and growled, ¡°I¡¯d like to see you try!¡±


    Three of Eken¡¯s men leapt forward. One knocked the sword out of Rufu¡¯s hand, the other pushed him down and the third tied him up. Eken said, ¡°You know, we could have done this civil.¡±


    Two of the men, jerked Rufus to his feet. Rufus struggled in their grasp.


    Eken said, ¡°Guard, you are out numbered and responsible for these two young men. Getting yourself killed will not serve any of our purposes. Did you consider that having a Council Guard delivered hog tied into camp will create quite a sensation? Oh, I can just hear the boys laughing now.¡±


    Furious, Rufus tried to lunge forward. Loren said, ¡°Rufus calm down. They are not the enemy. It is best we do as they say.¡±


    Rufus said, ¡°Sir, I don¡¯t trust them.¡±


    ¡°You are wise not to.¡± Loren turned to Pyre, ¡°Let¡¯s gather our things.¡±


    By the time they gotten their bedrolls and travel packs together the distant cloud had grown. Pyre wanted to know what it was, but he didn¡¯t ask. Loren wouldn¡¯t tell him anyway. Whatever it was, it was bad and he was now sure it it had something to do with Fand. They mounted their horses. Still tied up, Rufus was thrust onto his horse. The militia headed in the same direction Resen had gone.


    A wind as sharp as needles began to blow. It was impervious to the heavy wool coat Pyre wore. He had never felt such cold in all his life and the air reeked. What was that smell? He had smelled it before. Then he remembered, the exploded flesh of Angs on Fand¡¯s body had stunk like this. Poison. It had been burning poison.


    The militia guards veered from the path Resen had taken and headed south east. As Pyre turned his horse he was instantly aware of Fand. Her thoughts traveled in the wind. Though he could not get a read on Resen, Fand was indeed with him and she was afraid. His mind touched hers. All at once her voice came to him, Pyre are you safe?


    Silently, he responded, For now, and you?


    She responded, I don¡¯t know.


    As soon as her thoughts had come to him they vanished. Had something happened? He goaded his horse and rode up beside Loren. ¡°I just had a word from Fand.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t read her thoughts anymore.¡±


    Loren frowned. ¡°Nor can I. I don¡¯t know if Fand can veil her own thoughts or not. My hope is that she is with Resen.¡±


    Fand was near, but where?


    Loren looked at Pyre, and said, ¡°We must hope and pray Resen keeps her safe.¡±


    Trust, hope, prayer, Keeper was that the answer to EVERYTHING? Fand was alone with Resen. He had done her great harm to her in the past. Had Loren already forgotten?


    Reading his thoughts Loren said, ¡°Now is not the time to get all muddled and angry Pyre. Fand would be better served if you do not dwell on her. Folgen has a sensitive and powerful mind. He is looking for her and Resen has done and will do what is best.¡±


    Frightened, angry and frustrated Pyre asked, ¡°What makes you so sure?¡±¡°A knowing in my gut. I trust it, I trust him. He has the luck of a pathfinder, and things will open for him that would never open for a normal man.¡±


    Pyre¡¯s first thought was, Like Fand¡¯s heart? If Loren had forgiven Resen, did that mean Fand might as well? And what if she did?


    Low in his throat Loren growled, ¡°You must stop thinking such thoughts Apprentice! They are just the sort of thoughts Folgen will read and use to his advantage. Do you want that?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± In that moment Pyre felt something or someone pulling at his mind. Something or someone was hovering on the edges of his thoughts, guiding his mind to go where he knew it must not go. A chill ran through him. This was great evil. It must be Folgen. With all the mental strength he could gather he forced his mind into prayer. Memorized prayer had its uses, and even though he was scarcely aware of what he silently recited, it diverted his thoughts as they rode.


    Ahead, a gathering of snow tents appeared. The sounds of men and horses were whipped into the wind. When they reached the tents, they were ordered to dismount. Pyre looked around him. The army that camped here was vast. Surely, the Sonpur were greatly outnumbered.

 Chapter 64. A Circle in the Snow

    Fand looked up at Resen. His eyes met hers. They were different. The possessiveness and anger in them was gone. He held out his hand to her without a word. Fand took his hand. Effortlessly he swung her up onto the saddle behind him. In the house the goat bleated, but there was no way to take her. Resen goaded Donner and the horse shot out away from the cabin. His sure hooves carried them quickly across the unblemished surface of the snow. With arms wrapped tightly around Resen, Fand had her back arched to make room for Zel. She hoped the baby could breathe beneath the cloak.


    A sudden wind blasted them in the face. Resen muttered something she could not hear. Then, all at once, she felt something she had not felt since her blood had been tainted. The call of Angs. But Angs was dead! Something inside her began to claw at her mind. She wanted to be united. United? Where was this coming from? Instantly she knew. It was Folgen. He was near. He was calling her.


    A second sensation shot through her. Intense cold, like the cold of Jerim¡¯s Relic. Keeper what was happening? The past was trying to snatch her back wards. She would not go back wards! The pull was strong, stronger than anything she had experienced before. It entered her body. The next thing she knew she was weightless and rising. Her arms lost their grip on Resen. In the sling, Zel gave out a startled cry. Resen turned to her. His face was now below her. His eyes were wide and fear filled. He reined in Donner.


    A jolt of energy rushed through Fand. It hurled her around and sent her flying straight to the distant dark cloud. The sensation was not like flying with wings, it was not like falling through Transferrance. The speed was terrifying. The snow blurred beneath her. The sky above was a streak of blue. The sun was a line of blinding light. All at once she entered the cloud. The stench of it made her gag. A strange ringing sound filled the air. The Sonpur were beneath her reined in their horses. Abruptly Fand¡¯s body stopped and floated gently to the ground.


    Folgen¡¯s voice cut through the air. He shouted, ¡°See, she can still fly. Her wings are just invisible. She has come to save us, haven¡¯t you Fand?¡± Phrased as a question, this was no question but a command. Seated on an enormous black horse, he glared down at her. He was so tiny, even wrapped in his cloaks.


    Fand looked from Folgen to the huge riders on their huge horses behind him. Their eyes were tired and frightened. Folgen had been driving them too hard. Poor beasts. She saw Trug. His jaw was set. His eyes, held a peculiar light. She was not sure what it meant, but somehow she suspected he alone knew Folgen was lying.


    Beneath her cloak Zel moved. Fand sent up a desperate prayer that the baby would not cry. Now was not the time to cry. Gently, she placed her hand on the bulge that was Zel. The feel of the baby steadied her. What ever she did next was for both of them, she must not loose her control. In a hard even voice, she said, ¡°You know I can¡¯t fly. You know I don¡¯t have wings, but you don¡¯t know why I don¡¯t have them. You called me here. What do you want?¡±


    ¡°You, my girl. I want you. The power I seek is in you!¡±


    A numbing cold more fierce than ice itself trickled from Fand¡¯s brain to her feet. Folgen''s horse took a step closer to her. The stench grew more intense. The darkness above them thickened. The sound of the Sonpur breathing seemed to fill the air. Fand looked away from Folgen and back to Trug. Oddly, she found encouragement in his eyes. Encouragement for what? Her former kidnapper was an intelligent creature. For an instant he let go of his reins with his left hand and held it up. The motion seemed familiar. Then, Fand remembered.


    All at once the past was crashing in her mind. Angs was before her. Once again she felt the coldness slip from the nape of her neck and travel to her left hand. She raised her hand up, just as she had that night.


    Folgen¡¯s mocking eyes turned black. Fear rushed into them. In a low voice he said, ¡°No.¡±


    Fand screamed, ¡°KAVOS!¡±


    A single beam of cold blue light shot from her hand and thrust itself through Folgen¡¯s chest. His horse reared up knocking him to the ground. When he reached the snow he shrieked. It was the most horrific sound Fand had ever heard. Then, all at once, his body turned pale gray. The cloud above them dissipated. The wind whisked around Folgen¡¯s fallen body and disintegrated it into dust. The wind scattered him across the snow. All that evil was now just an ashy smudge on the snow.


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    A horn sounded. Trug rode up beside Fand and offered her his hand. It was not a claw like she had remembered, but a great hairy hand. Instinct told her to take it and she did. He pulled her up behind him in much the same way Resen had. He growled and waved the troop to follow him. The horse lurched forward. It did not have Donner¡¯s easy gate. Fand felt as if she were being slammed in a boat on tempestuous waters. She clung to Trug¡¯s vest. There was no way to get her arms around his great body.


    As they rode Fand could feel the Sonpurs'' desperation. Their leaders were dead. All they had was her, a ruler Folgen had proclaimed. And she could not lead them. She pressed her cheek against Trug¡¯s broad back. It was some shelter from the merciless wind. Through his vest, she could hear the pounding of his huge heart. It thumped hard and steady. This creature was Gruin¡¯s mate and Fels¡¯ father, if anything happened to him they would grieve. Something would happen to him. Without the protection of Folgen¡¯s power these creatures were doomed. Did she have magic to save them or at least help them? She didn¡¯t know. What ever had killed Folgen was beyond her comprehension but within her too. What was within her? it was a frightening thought.


    The horses made their way across the virgin snow. Thoughts and memories began to click together in Fand¡¯s mind, everything, from the night she was first captured by the Sonpur to the moment she had held up Jerim¡¯s Relic in the Inner Sanctum. She recalled the sensation she felt, the power that had passed through this day had been exactly like what she had experienced when Jerim¡¯s Relic had been in her possession. Was it in her possession now, or was it possible that she was its possession? The latter seemed the most likely to her. How, she had no idea, but the magic that now resided in her was not by birth or object, it emanated from her. Had her body some how absorbed the stone of Jerim¡¯s relic? Bits of it had surly been blown into her when it exploded. How many bits, how much power laid beneath her skin?


    As they crested a low rise archers emerged from beneath the snow holding long yew blows. In the bows metal tipped arrows caught the light of the sun and glittered. Trug pulled in the reins of his horse and barked an order. The entire troop came to a crashing halt. Low grunts were exchanged. The horses were circled outwards facing the enemy. They were completely SURROUNDED! Fand still clinging to Trug¡¯s back felt his muscles ripple beneath his vest and she heard the thump of his heart begin to race. He shouted something out to the men who now surrounded them.


    A voice called back to him. ¡°Let the girl go.¡±


    Trug turned to Fand and grunted. She looked up into the beast¡¯s face. His dark eyes held hers for a moment. He was not afraid, he was thinking, trying to figure out a way to escape. He nodded to her and pointed. He wanted her to go. She protested, ¡°If I go, they will kill you.¡±


    Again, he nodded, then shrugged. He pointed to the bulge beneath her cloak that was Zel. He was reminding her of the burden she carried. He jerked his head, indicating that she should leave for the child¡¯s sake.


    Fand asked, ¡°But what about your child?¡±


    His eyes clouded. He laid one hand over his heart. He was telling her she must go for Fels sake as well. If he was killed this day, at least his son and mate were safe in the mountain. Gently, he took hold of her and set her down in the snow. He pointed to her eyes and then to the archers. His gesture told her to keep her eyes focused straight ahead. He grunted to her and nudged her forward.


    On cramped and wobbly legs, Fand struggled through the snow. Behind her she heard the snort of the horses and the heavy breathing of the Sonpur. Under Fand¡¯s cloak Zel became restless. Soon she would begin to howl. Slowly, carefully Fand walked forwards. The archers were dressed all in white fur. They were large men with thick rough beards. Their eyes held a hard and triumphant light. She walked passed them and kept walking. Beyond the ring of archers was another ring of riders. The horses¡¯s breath was white in the cold air, and they were winded from chasing the Sonpur.


    With her back to the Sonpur and the men, Fand did not see the first arrow that flew, but she heard it zinging though the air. A horse screamed, or was it a beast? She did not know. She started to turn to look, to go back, but something greater than herself prevented her from doing so. If she could not turn around, could she escape? Clutching the bulge that was Zel, she took off running. The terrible sound of battled rose behind her was worse than any nightmare sound she had ever heard. Cries, grunts and shrieks filled the air. All at once there was silence. It had been a massacre and death had quickly won. Fand¡¯s thoughts immediately turned to Gruin and Fels.


    Some man called out to her, but she did not turn or stop running. She had to get away from this. The swirling wind carried the smell of blood to her nostrils. The next thing she knew she was pulled into strong arms. She started to fight against the man who had her and then she realized it was Resen. Resen. She burst into tears. Silently Resen held her. ¡°Come,¡± he said. ¡°I will take you back to camp. Promise to keep your eyes closed until I tell you to open them.¡±

 Chapter 65. Coming and Going

    They were being led to a large tent in the center of camp. Dirty snow was churned all around it. Eken opened the flap and waved them inside. At an oak desk, a man was standing. He resembled Jerue so closely, it took everything Pyre had not to gasp. How was it that in the land of Beyond, there were so many who looked like someone inside the Council Wall¡¯s protection? We¡¯re those within the Wall really so different from those beyond it?The man¡¯s cool blue eyes surveyed the group. In a low voice he said, ¡°Hello Loren. Did your mother finally teach you how to cross over?¡±


    Tersely, Loren bowed and said, ¡°Hello Commander Rhys. No Sir she did not. I was sent.¡±


    Commander Rhys looked Loren over up and down. ¡°Who sent you,then?¡±


    Loren stiffened. A struggle seemed to be going on inside of him. Finally he said, ¡°Head Councilman Appocca.¡±


    ¡°Ah yes, I had heard about Appocca. Quite a change from that bastard Jerue.¡± He shook his head. ¡°Despite being new at the job, Appocca knows he should have cleared your entrance with me.¡± The man smiled. It was not a pleasant smile. It had the same chilling effect as Jerue¡¯s. The smile faded from his lips and he asked, ¡°So tell me, where are the beasts hiding?¡±


    ¡°The Sonpur, sir, I could not tell you that.¡±


    With and edge in his voice Commander Rhys asked, ¡°Really?¡± I think you can. How much will it take to get you to talk?¡± His eyes scanned Rufus and Pyre. ¡°Or shall I ask one of them? I imagine a Guard can hold his tongue until it is cut out, but you, Apprentice?¡± His eyes raked across the burn scars on Pyre¡¯s face. ¡°Bumbled a Transferrance I see. Probably bumbled a few other things. What will it take to get you to tell me, where the Sonpur are hiding?¡±


    A trace of anger crept into Loren''s voice when he said, ¡°I know he does not look like much, but he is often underestimated. Desist in this line of questioning, Sir.¡±


    The commander''s eyes narrowed. ¡°Loren Uhr. You are no longer within the safe confines of your precious city. You should watch your tongue.¡±


    A strange smile turned Loren''s lips. ¡°Sir, I do watch my tongue. Always. My mother taught me how. She took many secrets to her grave and one of them is the location of the Sonpur''s hiding place.¡±


    The man¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°You talk so clever. But have you considered this, why is it that Appocca sent such a small party out. Is not a small party expendable. If you failed to return, who would miss you? And no one will blame him if you don¡¯t return.¡±


    Angered by this insinuation against Appocca¡¯s character, Pyre lunged forward but was immediately grasped by Eken. He growled, ¡°There now Apprentice, calm yourself.¡±


    In a firm voice that dared to be defied, Loren said, ¡°If you will excuse us, we have nothing more to say Sir. If you have any questions contact Appocca. By the way could you direct us to the mess tent? I am hungery.¡±


    The man¡¯s eyes crackled with anger, and then something odd happened, he started to laugh. ¡°You have always called my bluff Loren. Even as a child. You knew when my hands were tied. Still I can hold you prisoner until I decide to let you go. So what will it be, talk or stay?¡±


    ¡°Stay.¡±


    Pyre could not believe his ears. Stay! For how long?


    Commander Rhys said, ¡°Very well then. Eken could you please escort these vagabonds to the mess tent and make some arrangement for their sleeping quarters.¡±


    Inside Pyre was screaming, What? What! They were so near to Fand. Why was Loren doing this? As soon as they had food and were at table, Pyre whispered to Loren, ¡°What is your game?¡±


    ¡°Commander Rhys is here for Sonpur. I believe they have her or had her. Resen is with her or close to getting her. I have a feeling he will bring her here.¡±


    Through clenched teeth, Pyre hissed, ¡°What if you are wrong?¡±


    Loren shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m not wrong. I can feel it.¡±


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    Making full eye contact, Pyre said, ¡°You better be.¡±


    *


    A warm breath blew into Pyre¡¯s face waking him from sleep. He opened his eyes and stared into the great liquid eyes of the GOAT! Keeper, how had it gotten here?


    The goat bleated at him. From across the tent, a groggy Loren asked, ¡°Sassafras is that you?¡±


    Goat hooves tripped across the earth floor. With delight in his voice, Loren said, ¡°Ah, old friend it is good to see you? How did you get here?¡±


    Sassafras rubbed her head again Loren¡¯s cheek and bleated.


    Pyre asked, ¡°You know this goat?¡±


    ¡°Yes, she belongs, belonged to my mother. How do you know this goat?¡±


    ¡°She was transferred with me to your mother¡¯s mountain hide out.¡±


    Loren caught his breath. ¡°What? That means knew, she knew all along she would not survive to feed her child. That is why she brought Sassafras. I wish¡­¡± his voice trailed off and he did not finish his sentence. Instead he said, ¡°Since Sassafras has turned up, Fand must be on her way here.¡±


    Excitement and wild hope raced through Pyre¡¯s mind. ¡°Truly?¡±


    Loren nodded. ¡°I think so.¡± He was silent a moment before he said, ¡°I still can¡¯t get a read on her though. You try.¡±


    Pyre stretched out his mind. Nothing. He tried again, nothing. Discouraged he said, ¡°I¡¯m not getting anything.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t give up hope. I think Sassafras was sent here for a reason. Who sent her I don¡¯t know. All we can do right now is wait and see what it is. We need to get our rest while we can. Try to go back to sleep.¡±


    Impossible, Pyre thought. However he was wrong. Within ten short minutes his weary cold body fell back into fitful dreams.


    A hand closed over Pyre¡¯s mouth. He was immediately awake and staring into the shadowed face of¡­could it be? Resen. The face nodded. Resen put a finger to his lips. Behind him, Rufus was already awake and on his feet, so was Loren. Then Pyre saw her. Cradled in Rufus¡¯ huge arms was Fand! Resen jerked Pyre soundlessly to his feet, and nodded to Loren who held Sassafras. A single burst of flame sprung up from a candle on the floor. The next thing Pyre knew his body was being sucked into Transferrance. The fall as usual was cold and terrifying, but Fand was with them and that was all that mattered. When they landed they were in Dr. Kran¡¯s office.


    The good doctor said, ¡°Hurry get into the room. Commander Rhys will soon discover you are missing.¡±


    All of them rushed into the room. Dr. Kran closed the door.


    Gently Rufus, put Fand on the cot. The goat wriggled out of Loren¡¯s arms. Dr. Kran told Loren, ¡°Get Fand out of that cloak.¡± On the table beside the cot were vials of medicines, pestles, bowls, a pot of tea and an empty teat.


    Elated and dismayed Pyre watched them go to work on Fand. He wanted to touch her so badly, hold her. She looked so small on the cot and so cold. Frost bite, most likely. Beneath the cloak, the baby emerged. She was all pink and immediately began to wail. Dr. Kran said, ¡°Loren tend to your sister. I will see to Fand.¡±


    Loren grabbed a bowl from the table and handed it to Pyre. ¡°Milk Sassafras while I clean the baby.¡± Pyre took the bowl and crouched down beside the goat. Sassafras udder was quite full. She seemed eager to have some of her milk removed. As the milk zinged into the bowl, Pyre listened anxiously for some sound that Fand had regained consciousness. So far, the only thing he heard was the sound of her breathing.


    There was a clink of glass and the pop of a cork. Dr. Kran said, ¡°This should bring her around.¡± An acrid aroma filled the room. Pyre turned toward the cot. He saw Dr. Kran place the vial under Fand¡¯s nose. At first there was no response and then her nose wrinkled. She coughed and coughed again. Finally her eyes opened. She squinted and looked around the group. It seemed she could not make out their faces. In a small voice she asked, ¡°Where is Zel?¡±


    Instantly, Loren thrust the now clean child into Fand¡¯s arms. Zel, still hungry let out an angry roar. Loren took the bowl of milk from Pyre and poured some in the teat. The shrill cry of Zel filled the room and bounced off the walls. It was deafening. Dr. Kran laughed and said, ¡°Well this child has strength and spirit. What an adventure she has had since her birth!¡±


    Loren said, ¡°I am just thankful she is here. I didn¡¯t know if I would ever see her again.¡± He handed Fand the teat.


    With absorbed concentration Fand began to feed the baby. In that instant, Fand went from being the girl Pyre loved, to the woman who he would always cherish. She was no longer a child. In the days since he had last seen her, she had become a mother. She glanced up over the top of Zel¡¯s face and smiled at him. The smile was weary, but it was so full of love and gratitude. Much to their surprise she had managed once again to make it back. ¡°Where is Resen?¡±


    The question brought an immediate chill to Pyre¡¯s heart. Loren told her, ¡°He did not come with us.¡±


    ¡°But he is in danger!¡°


    Her obvious concern sent a new spate of jealousy through Pyre.


    Softly Loren said, ¡°The man is uncanny, always turns up at the right moment and leaves at the right moment too. He knows what he is about. Do not worry. He would not want you to. " Though his smile was reassuring, Pyre was not convinced. Fand was too weary to notice. He continued, "Now I think someone should go fetch Uncle Wert.¡±


    At the mention of her uncle¡¯s name, light filled Fand¡¯s eyes. She whispered, ¡°Yes,please hurry. I want Uncle Wert to know to know I am safe. I want him to see his grandchild.¡±


    Dr. Kran said, ¡°I will go fetch him.¡± He bowed to Fand and left the room.


    Pyre''s watched the door close and then his gaze returned to Fand. She was alive, she was here. Once again his prayers had been answered. He closed his eyes and offered up a brief but heart felt prayer of thanks. Praise the Keeper!

 Chapter 66. The Power Within

    Fand was in shock. She did not know it. There was a dull ringing in her head. It had been there since the moment power and light had exploded from her. When she had faced Angs, she had left that confrontation badly injured. What happened with Folgen had not left her physically damaged, but it had cut through her mind, soul and emotions in a way she could not yet grasp. She felt like she could not breathe. The room was too full. Glad as she was for all of them, she wanted them all someplace else.


    The men could not leave, they were stuck there until Appocca could smooth things over with someone named Commander Rhys. It seemed some treaties had been broken when Pyre, Loren and Rufus trespassed beyond the Wall. Seated in the chair beside her, Uncle Wert held Zel. He was beaming and talking the most ridiculous baby talk Fand had ever heard. Surely he had not spoken to her and Zog like that when they were babies. And Pyre, Keeper, she wished he would stop looking at her with his concerned eyes. Only Loren and Rufus sat silent lost in their own thoughts. The goat was asleep at the foot of the bed. Crowed, too crowded. Fand felt the urge to scream rising in her throat. Would Appocca never come?


    As her irritation mounted something else was rising inside of her. It seemed the correct response to being rescued should be gratitude, but she was not grateful. This moment in time was leading her to something she did not want to face. The moment Loren laid claim to his sister. What would she do, what would she say? Before Zel entered her life all she wanted was to be safe and at home. Only home was no longer Tashe. Home was wherever Zel was. Would Loren let her be part of Zel¡¯s life? And if so in what capacity? She closed her eyes and tried to shut out the sight and sounds of the others.


    The door opened and closed. Appocca greeted her and she opened her eyes. He looked around the room and said, ¡°All of you can go to the dining hall for Supper. Commander Rhys required a stiff fine, but he has waved punishment. We are all very fortunate. Now, I need to speak to Fand. Wert give her the baby and take the boys with you.¡±


    Reluctantly Uncle Wert gave Fand the wiggling baby. He kissed the child and then he kissed Fand. This gesture was so infrequent Fand felt tears come to her eyes as he left the room. Zel looked up at her. Her eyes had faded to an even paler shade of blue. Soon they would be the color of Fand¡¯s own eyes. Beyond her gaze she could feel the tug of Pyre . She glanced up at him. His eyes were seeking reassurance, a reassurance she was almost too weary to give, but some how, she managed to pull genuine smile to her lips. Reassured, he smiled. His entire face lit up. Loren pushed him forward through the door. Last was Rufus, he bowed to Appocca and then closed the door behind him.


    Appocca took the chair beside Fand and asked, ¡°How are you?¡±


    ¡°Tired.¡±


    Appocca leaned a bit closer and asked, ¡°Do you feel up to telling me what happened? I couldn¡¯t get a straight answer out of Commander Rhys.¡±


    The memory of the smell of blood filled Fand¡¯s nostrils. She said, ¡°I would rather not.¡±


    ¡°I think it best you do Fand. Things have happened to you that you don¡¯t understand, and perhaps if I know more I could help you sort it out. At least some of it.¡±


    For several moments Fand remained silent. To say the words out loud frightened her. They might unleash some darkness within her she would rather not know about or have confirmed. ¡°I really don¡¯t want to.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t force you but I must tell you I think I need to know. I can not protect you and Zel properly if I don¡¯t know what happened.¡±


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    A slow sigh came from deep within Fand. For Zel, she would speak, but only because of Zel. She drew the sleepy baby closer to her. The baby¡¯s soft sweet breathe brushed against Fand¡¯s neck. ¡°Where do you want me to begin?¡±


    Appocca leaned back in the chair. ¡°Start with the absence of your wings.¡±


    Her wings! That seemed like such a long time ago. And what of Petran? She had not even thought of Petran since she arrived. She looked up at Appocca and asked, ¡°How is Petran?¡°


    Appocca smiled. ¡°He is on the mend. It seems healing you sent him into some sort of restorative cocoon, at least that is what he calls it. We thought he was in a coma, and so he seemed for days, then one morning, he opened his eyes and told Dr. Kran he was hungry. He has even put on a little weight. Now, tell me about the loss of your wings.¡±


    Thankful for Petran¡¯s improved health, Fand felt better able to tell her story now. She said, ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened to my wings. I woke up on the morning Audra was supposed to take me to where ever the winged people live. I don¡¯t know what happened to the wings. They disappeared during the time Gruin left our cave and came back with some food for our breakfast. Audra arrived. Since I was unable to fly, she left me to go seek help. Only she never brought help. Why hadn¡¯t she brought help? Had something happened to her? She asked, ¡°Did that Commander make any mention about a winged woman named Audra?¡±


    Appocca shook his head. ¡°No, he was not at all generous with his information.¡±


    ¡°I hope she is okay.¡±


    ¡°I do too. I will see if I can uncover anything.¡±


    The look Appocca gave her bid he to continue. From there Fand recounted her strange exit out of the mountain and finding Sassafras at the rim of the Field of Ice. The rest she rushed through. Especially the part about Folgen and what the Militia had done to the Sonpur. Even so, the sounds and the smells of the awful morning made her feel so sick, sick to her very core. She rushed to the part where Resen arrived and took her away from the terrible slaughter, for a slaughter it had been. The beasts had never had a chance. Fand said, ¡°They should have taken them prisoner, they should not have killed them like that.¡±


    The Head Councilman¡¯s face looked grim. ¡°Commander Rhys told me nothing about that.¡± Appocca shook his head. ¡°Under Folgen¡¯s command the Sonpur have long terrorized the land Beyond. The people there have zero sympathy for Beasts. I fear they want them all dead.¡±


    ¡°All?¡±


    The question hung between them. Fand saw Fels and Gruin in her mind. She did not want them dead. ¡°Someone must stop them!¡°


    Appocca¡¯s eyes narrowed. He asked, ¡°Why are you so sympathetic to creatures who captured you twice?¡±


    ¡°Because, I saw what Folgen was to them. He lied to them and controlled them. They were like dogs with a bad master. Gruin was very good to me both times I was with her.¡± For some reason Fand did not tell Appocca about Fels being able to speak. She did not know why she held on to the information, but something deep inside her bid her to remain silent.


    Appocca¡¯s voice broke into her thoughts, he said, ¡°Fand I think I can tell you why your wings disappeared, why such strange things have happened to you. According to legend the person who uses the power of Jerim¡¯s Relic is pierced by it when it explodes. The stone invades the body and exerts itself whenever there is a need. You needed wings for a while and when you didn¡¯t need them and they no longer served a purpose it took them. While Resen was part of the process, I don¡¯t think what happened was his fault. I think it was the will of Jerim¡¯s Relic.


    This was not what Fand wanted to hear. Having wings had been bad enough. But this! She had suspected some mischief from the relic, but not this! Keeper it must not be true! Frightened Fand asked, ¡°Will it always be with me?¡±


    Aware of her fear, Appocca said, ¡°From what I have read, the stone will not destroy you. It can do you some harm in its mission, like the way it took your fingers when it killed Angs. It hurt you and it saved you. It was the force that threw you out of the burning building. I believe it was the force that revived Petran when he laid his hand on you to heal you. The relic is good. Remember it is good and it has the power of protection.¡± He paused and then added, ¡°I must tell you though that it has never inhabited a woman before. All stories are of men. I am not sure what this will mean for you. Men and women are such different creatures.¡±


    Completely shaken, Fand turned her face away from Appocca. She tried to focus on the up and down movement of Zel¡¯s tender soft spot on the top of her head. The word protection began to echo in her mind. The relic had saved her twice, how many more times would it put her in harms path and then jerk her out of it?

 Chapter 67. A Parent for Zel

    Stretched out on a cot in Loren¡¯s room, Pyre tried to sleep, but his mind was so full he couldn¡¯t sleep. Had it been a just a bit more than two weeks ago that he had been whisked to Beyond, delivered a baby, seen an Angel, tracked Sonpur and been captured by a Militia? At the center of this had been Fand, and she was now safe inside the Council City''s walls. She had scarcely been aware of him she was so absorbed in baby Zel. That was only natural for a mother. Pyre recalled his own mother after the birth of each of his sisters. He also thought of the farm animals after they had become mothers. It was a natural thing. Though Fand had not given birth to Zel she had taken her straight into her heart. She would never be the same again. Still, there was one potential problem, Loren. Would he claim custody of the child? Pyre opened his eyes and looked at his friend.


    Flat on his back, Loren lay rigid staring at the ceiling. His fists were clenched. He leapt from his bed and began to pace the length of his small room. His steps were silent, but his breathing was agitated. The window in his room let in the silver moon light. Pyre watched him go to his book shelf and selected a volume. Loren went to the window and thumbed through it as if he were looking for something. His brows were furrowed.


    Pyre asked, ¡°Can¡¯t sleep?¡±


    His voice startled Loren. Dazed he looked up from his book and said, ¡°No.¡± He sighed, thrust the book back into the shelf.


    Pyre asked, ¡°What¡¯s the trouble?¡±


    ¡°Nothing I¡¯m ready to share at the moment. Go back to sleep. I will get it sorted.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I think I might take a walk.¡±


    Before Loren could leave the room there was a knock at the door. Who would be calling at this hours? Loren answered the door. It was Rufus. He held a lantern and two books. ¡°Sorry to bother ya, sir.¡± He passed small handmade books over to Loren. ¡°Fand asked me to bring these to you. She apologizes for the lateness of the hour.¡±


    So something was keeping Fand awake too.


    Silently, Loren the books. He studied them for a moment. nodded his thanks and shut the door in Rufus¡¯ face. He went to his desk and lit his candle. Pyre noticed, Loren¡¯s hands were shaking. The color left his face. He looked like he was about to faint. Instantly Pyre was by his side. ¡°Come sit down friend.¡± He helped Loren to his bed.


    Slow large tears dripped onto Loren¡¯s tunic. In his hands were the books and a letter with Loren¡¯s name on it. His voice dropped low and almost broke when he said, ¡°This is from my mother. Would you read it, I can¡¯t see very well right now.¡±


    Pyre took the letter and asked, ¡°Are you sure you want me to break the seal?¡± Mutely, Loren nodded. The light was too dim, so Pyre got up and went to the desk. With careful fingers he broke the seal on the letter. He felt the intensity of Loren¡¯s eyes upon him. Empathy filled his heart. These were the last words Loren would ever have from his mother. Pyre tilted the letter toward the candle light and began to read:


    Dear Loren,


    You have been such a good son to me. I know my time is quickly passing for my energy is low. There is an issue with my heart, my foolish heart. How much it has cost us both. I do not want this child to pay for my poor choices the way you have. It is best that I go, though it hurts so much to know I will never know her and she will never know me. If she is born with wingbuds let her keep them. A woman named Audra will come for her. If she does not have wingbuds you keep her if that is what you wish. If it is not, then give her to Wert and Geworden.  They are her family too. Zog Geworden is her father. Please take her to see Zog¡¯s father. He needs to know a bit of Zog still lives.


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    The books are to be shared with your sister. If she stays with you or goes with Fand, please pass the letter and books to your sister on her sixteenth birthday. If she goes with Audra she will not need the books. I have already given a copy of this letter to Audra.


    My heart is breaking. I will miss you my son. My prayer is that you and your sister will find a contentment that has eluded me. Know that my love is always with you.


    I love you.


    Mother


    Pyre looked up at Loren. A single tear slid down his face. In a soft voice he said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to raise my sister. I don¡¯t want to be a parent. I feel a calling on my life that frightens me at times. I fear because of it I will not be any more reliable than my own mother was. That may just be an excuse, still I really want Fand to take Zel. I pray she wants her. Does that make me selfish?¡±


    Loren¡¯s words eased the fear in Pyre¡¯s heart. He said, ¡°You aren¡¯t selfish, only honest. You have seen the way Fand and Uncle Wert love the child. They will take good care of her. A girl needs a mother, just ask Fand.¡±


    With a catch in his voice, Loren said, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t I want Zel, she is my sister? Truth is I don¡¯t want her at all.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps, you are just feeling this way because of grief. You are human Loren, and a part of you may blame this child for the loss of your mother. Give it time, I am sure you will grow to love her.¡±


    Loren looked directly at Pyre and asked, ¡°Do you think?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡±


    "So you really think Fand will take her and raise her?¡±


    Pyre smiled at his troubled friend. ¡°Yes, I do. I believe she has already claimed Zel in her heart. She knows you have legal rights to Zel and she will not contest whatever you decide.¡±


    ¡°I still feel selfish.¡±


    Pyre placed a hand on Loren¡¯s shoulder and said, ¡°In time, I believe this feeling will pass because it is not selfish to give a child to someone who already loves her, to someone who has risked her life to save her and care for her. Giving her to Fand is one of the most loving things you will do in this life. Don¡¯t let your self loathing rob you of this generosity.¡±


    Loren stood up and began to pace. He said, ¡°I fear I have jealous streak in me.¡±


    Pyre protested, ¡°You don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do. My mother named Zel¡¯s father in writing. She never named mine, not even verbally.¡± Loren sighed and said, ¡°I had hoped my mother would confirm the identity of my father at some point in my life, but she never did. When I was thirteen and she had was deathly sick with a fever, she cried and cried and kept saying over and over, ¡®I am so sorry Petran. It was him, not you. Him with his robes and power.¡¯ I didn¡¯t know what she was talking about and had no idea who Petran was. When I was fourteen I got sent to the Council City. My mother had been very troubled for awhile. She never shared her troubles with me. At the time she told me, ¡®You have gift Loren and I have a friend named Dr. Kran. I think he can train you to become a worthy doctor. I didn¡¯t want to leave her, but I also didn¡¯t want to miss the opportunity to learn, to perhaps become a doctor. One evening shortly after my arrival in the Council City, Jerue took me to Kammin Spire and showed me the murals on the wall. I will never forget how sick I felt when I saw that pregnant girl. I knew she was my mother and I was the child in her womb. In that moment I felt Jerue¡¯s mind touch mine. It was then that I knew he was my father. I have NEVER wanted Jerue to be my father. Never.¡±


    Sadness filled Pyre. He was not sure what to say. His own mother was as solid as the earth. Never had he wondered about who he was. Heaven had gifted him with a good father. What was it like to hate the man who had given you life? What was it like to know the evil your father had sewn? Loren was nothing like Jerue. He was brave, noble, intelligent and conscientious. Some how he had become these things largely on his own. Softly Pyre said, ¡°Regardless of who your father is or was you must realize that what truly matters is the man you have become. You are a fine and decent person who serves the good in this world.¡±


    Loren did not respond. He got up from the bed and put on his robe. At the door he said, ¡°I need some air. Go to sleep friend. I will try not to wake you when I return.¡±


    Pyre started to ask if he wanted company, but he didn¡¯t. Sometimes solitude was the only comfort a body could stand. The door closed behind Loren. Pyre sighed and then sent up a silent prayer. Must love and life be so difficult? it seemed so. He blew out the candle and lay back down on the cot.

 Chapter 68. The Gift of Home

    A thump, thump, thump woke Fand from sleep. Curled up beside her was Zel. Her tiny lips were sucking at nothing. She was dreaming. Again, thump! Careful not to wake the baby, Fand turned to the sound. It was Sassafras, at the door. She wanted to be let out. The door was opened by Rufus. The goat trotted passed him. Rufus closed the door. Sleep took hold of Fand once again and she drifted into the land of dreams. She did not linger there long, a hungry Zel pulled her from sleep.


    The door opened and Loren came in with a tray. On it was a bowl of gruel, a spoon and a fresh teat. He set the tray down on the chair and reached for the squirming, screaming Zel. Jealousy and hurt shot through Fand. She did not like him being so familiar with her baby. Her baby? No, not hers.


    Once Loren had gotten Zel quieted with the teat he said, ¡°You need to eat.¡±


    Unable to speak to him, Fand took the bowl and began to methodically spoon the gruel into her mouth. She could not taste it. As it slid down her throat it seemed to be making a stone block in her stomach. She did not want to eat more, but eating meant she did not have to talk and she did not want to talk. Talking meant reaching a terrifying conclusion. She was so sure Loren would want to keep his sister. Slowly, dutifully she so she kept the spoon coming to her mouth. When the bowl was empty she broke into a panic.


    Expertly, Loren burped Zel. He had quite a way with the child. Fand could feel tears welling up inside of her. He looked at her and smiled. It was a timid smile. He said, ¡°I need to talk to you and I fear you will think ill of me.¡±


    This was the moment she had been dreading. Fand braced herself.


    ¡°In my mother¡¯s letter she gave me three options for this child¡¯s guardian. I chose you Fand. You will be her mother. Is that all right?¡±


    Seriously? He was asking her if it was all right! The tears she had been holding back spilled out in abundance. ¡°Yes, it is all right. Thank you so very much. I did not expect this.¡±


    Without making eye contact, Loren said, ¡°Though I do think not wanting her reflects badly on me, I know it is the right thing to do. If she is born with any of my mother¡¯s gifts the worst place she could grow up is here in this city, where only men are allowed to practice the sacred arts. I think she may be a heap of trouble to you. Don¡¯t smile, I am being serious. You must never forget who her parents were. Both had wild streaks, both engaged in destructive behavior. I feel guilty, very guilty when I think about the challenges you are going to face. Do you think you are up to them?¡°


    Fand grabbed his chin and forced his eyes to meet hers. She told him, ¡°I don¡¯t know if I am up to the challenge, but what parent does. I will take things as they come. If I have learned anything over the past months it is that what I expect and what happens are often not the same. This baby has other relations, like you, like me, perhaps we will all be lucky and she will not inherit a wild streak.¡±


    ¡°I hope you are right.¡±


    Before Fand released his chin, she gave it a gentle squeeze. ¡°I hope I am right too.¡±


    He handed Zel back to her and said, ¡°Would you like to take her home?¡±


    Not sure she had heard correctly, Fand asked, ¡°What?¡±


    Loren smiled at her. ¡°I spoke to Dr. Kran this morning. He told me that once he is satisfied that you both are fit for travel he will be sending you home.¡±


    This was incredible! It was better than she even imagined. To go home, with Zel, to live her life as she had lived it before, was a gift beyond measure.


    Loren continued, ¡°You will have to stay with the Holz family. Preparations are being made to secure their property.¡±


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    Her complete bubble of inner happiness quivered. Fand asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°We have had word that loyalists of Jerue are on the loose. There have also been sightings of Sonpur on this side of the wall. Appocca means to keep you safe. Rehn Holz¡¯s property is fenced and well cared for¡­¡±His voice trailed off.


    Fand thought what he did not say, their property was in sorry shape and every fence needed to be mended. She asked, ¡°Did Zolla agree to this? She hates me.¡±


    ¡°She has agreed. I have heard Mrs. Holz is a passionate woman.¡±


    Agreed. Zolla? Most likely she had done so at Rehn¡¯s insistence. A woman always had to answer to her husbands whims.


    Loren said, ¡°Perhaps she does not hate you, perhaps she only blames you.There is a difference.¡±


    Fand knew all too well what Zolla blamed her for. What mother wouldn¡¯t be upset with a girl who refused her best loved son, and by her refusal had forced him into a dangerous life. Fand¡¯s eyes rested on Zel. She would murder anyone who broke Zel¡¯s heart. ¡°She only agreed because she had to. I will not be welcome there.¡±


    An amused but suppressed smile flickered on Loren¡¯s lips. ¡°From what Pyre has shared with me, his mother loves babies. Perhaps, little Zel will win her over.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps.¡± Fand had no faith in Zolla changing her mind or her attitude. As far as Zolla was concerned Fand had committed two unforgivable sins.


    *


    The days slipped by quickly. With rest, regular food and walks around the city Fand felt her strength and her hope return. Pyre¡¯s presence and friendship were a balm to her. He was a steady rock, and such a good listener. Leaving him, was the only thing she was sorry about.


    Finally one golden evening, when a cold wind was brewing, the time for leaving had come. They were in the Common. A fire had been lit in its center. Fand watched the flames dance. Soon she, Zel, Uncle Wert, Rufus and Sassafras would enter the cold vacuum of Transferrance. Zel wiggled in her arms. Sassafras bleated in Rufus¡¯s arms. She glanced at him. There was sweat on his forehead, and he had gone rather pale. Rufus hated Transferrance.


    A small crowd gathered around the fire. Rube Johan was standing with Pyre and Loren. Appocca stood beside Uncle Wert. Petran was not there. In that instant Fand realized she had never seen Petran, not even once during her entire stay. Until this moment she had been so absorbed in the baby and her own recovery, she had not even asked to visit him. This troubled her. Perhaps Loren¡¯s assurance that the old man was getting stronger had just been a ruse, to ease her guilt until she was strong enough to know the truth. What was the truth? Loren spoke to her but she did not hear him. She turned to him and asked, ¡°Why have I not seen Petran?¡±


    The smile that was on Loren¡¯s face evaporated. Dr. Kran thought it best.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡°


    ¡°Petran is very sensitive right now. His body and mind are still mending. I promise he is doing better, not yet well enough to travel or receive visitors, but as soon as he is able, he will be joining you in Tashe.¡±


    Fand was not certain she wanted him in Tashe, still, she said, ¡°All right.¡±


    Loren kissed her forehead and then he kissed his sister. From his pocket he pulled a pouch. He slipped into Fand¡¯s cloak pocket. ¡°For you and my sister. I don¡¯t want you to have to go begging.¡±


    Insulted Pyre said, ¡°My parents would never let such a thing happen.¡±


    Loren smiled. ¡°I know. Still, I want to provide for my family.¡±


    He stepped back from Fand. It was then that Pyre came close.


    The scars on the left side of Pyre¡¯s face were clearly visible in the evening light. His eyes held their usual warmth, but they looked tired. In his hand was a letter. He said, ¡°Please, give this to my parents.¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course.¡± He slipped it into her pocket.


    Appocca said, ¡°It is time.¡±


    Time, time seemed to be slipping too fast. Pyre, was still in front of her. She longed to throw her arms around him, but his eyes told her she must not. He had to let her go and she must let him.


    Appocca said, ¡°Wert put your arms around Fand and Rufus.Uncle Wert stepped between them.¡± He was muttering under his breath. He did not like Transferrance either, but he was eager to get home.


    Appocca said the Ancient Words. A cloud of steam rose. Fand felt herself being sucked into darkness and then she felt like she was flying again. Flying in pitch, she could not see anything, not Zel not her own body. The darkness began to give way to light. They landed. The setting sun was glancing over the trees beyond the harvested fields. The air smelled fresh and clean. It was the air of home. They were in the Holz¡¯s back yard. The door banged open. Zolla came running toward her, followed by her family. The instant she reached Fand she flung her arms around her and the baby. She whispered, ¡°I have missed you my girl.¡±


    This greeting was unexpected. Fand pressed her cheek against Zolla¡¯s and said, ¡°I have missed you so very much.¡± Zolla¡¯s arms tightened around her. It was good to be in them again, good to know she was still loved.

 Chapter 69. The Value of Life

    All that remained was the fire. Fand was gone. Gone. Gone home. Gone to his home. That night she would sleep in Pyre¡¯s parent¡¯s house. Where would she sleep? A toxic mixture of emotions rose up inside of him. He pushed them away. Her feelings toward him had not changed, would never change. There had been moments over the past few weeks when he tried to convince himself she was looking at him with more than friendly affection. But, he deep down he was sure it was just wishful thinking on his own part. She was no longer the headstrong girl he had loved. She had become a mother and a woman. A woman that he did not know and might never really know. Baby Zel motivated Fand and changed her in a thousand ways. The baby also pulled her thoughts and her affection even farther away from him.


    Behind Pyre, Rube Johan cleared his throat. Pyre turned to him. Everyone else had left the Common. Only Rube remained. He said, ¡°I think its best we head to the Dining Hall to get whatever is left of Grayson¡¯s literal mess.¡±


    Pyre nodded. He followed Rube through the streets. A cold wind laced with winter was beginning to blow. The Council City was still battle stained, but roofs had been replaced, and the streets had been cleaned. Most people were back in their homes, and last night he and Rube had returned to the repaired Dormitory. He had not slept much. All he could think about was that Fand was leaving. Now she had left, would he sleep tonight?


    They reached the Dining hall and went inside. The acrid smell of Cook Grayson¡¯s infamous stew filled the air. Pyre so hated that stew. He had had it the first night he came to this City. It had only been a little over a year since that night, but it seemed like an eon.


    *


    Seated on a table in the examining room Pyre held out his ankle to Loren. It had been such a clumsy stupid accident. Three weeks ago unable to sleep, he had gone wandering through the Council City streets. It had been a miserable, moonless night. He had felt so restless. Something was gnawing at him, but he did not know what it was. A stupid stray cat had darted in front of him. Frightened he had jumped and wrenched his ankle. Since then he had been slow help in the Infirmary. Loren cut away the cloth that held the braces around his ankle. He removed the braces and flexed the ankle. Loren asked, ¡°Still hurt?¡±


    Pyre shook his head.


    ¡°Good, but we best put a light wrap around it for stabilities sake.¡± With deft fingers Loren wrapped the ankle in strips of an old sheet. When he finished he extended his hand. Pyre took hold of it. Slowly he stood and put his weight on his ankle. Loren said, ¡°Slowly put your weight on it, then take a step.¡±


    Pyre did as he was instructed. To his relief the ankle bore his weight well. He took a step forward. There was not any pain. Relieved he said, ¡°It feels good.¡±


    Loren said, ¡°Excellent. Its still not completely sound so favor it a bit, and mind where you step.¡±


    The door to the examining room suddenly swung open. Resen, who they had not seen since he had rescued them, strode into the room. He didn¡¯t waste any time. He said, ¡°Good, you are both here. Listen and listen fast, I don¡¯t have much time. Word is Folgen sealed the mountain and the Sonpur are trapped. I have no love for those creatures, but Commander Rhys wants them all dead, females and children too. Supplies cant get in, and they can¡¯t get out. Its a hell of a way to die. I know your mother had a relationship with those creatures. What would she want you to do?¡±


    Loren stood, stunned and silent.


    Resen grabbed hold of his shoulders and said, ¡°I need your help Loren. I have found an old entrance, but only magic will unseal it, and magic is one thing I don¡¯t have.¡±


    The color in Loren¡¯s face completely drained a way. He looked directly at Resen. Softly he said, ¡°My mother would want me to help them, but even she did not have the power to break one of Folgen¡¯s dark spells.¡±


    Resen said, ¡°You must at least try.¡±


    Confused, Pyre stared at the two men. They were enemies and yet they were trying to figure out how to save those nasty beasts that kidnapped Fand and most likely killed Zog. This did not make any sense!


    Anxious and upset, Loren looked around the room and then out the small window. He asked, "Have you got provisions for them if I do succeed?¡±


    Resen nodded.


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    ¡°Let us go then.¡± Loren grabbed his medicinal bag from the examining table.


    Resen turned to Pyre, and said, ¡°You must cover for Loren. Lie, I know you are not good at it, but what the Militia is doing to the Sonpur is heinous. They have killed every creature they have found.¡±


    Loren exploded, ¡°What?¡±


    Resen¡¯s eyes flashed at Loren ¡°You didn¡¯t know?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    With a shake of his head, Resen said, ¡°Surely Appocca knows. Regardless, we need to go.¡±


    Loren gripped his medicinal bag and placed his hand on Resen¡¯s shoulder. There was an explosion of white light and then there was a great sucking sound as if the floor were about to pull them under. Blackness descended. Pyre felt the cold darkness of Transference. What the hell! He wasn¡¯t supposed to be going too!


    The darkness faded and they were at the snow line of a mountain. It was the Sonpur¡¯s mountain. The one Pyre had seen from their look out camp weeks ago. He took in a breath of the icy air and coughed.


    Resen spun around and saw him. ¡°What the hell are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    Loren said, ¡°He must have been standing too close to me.¡±


    Agitated Resen growled, ¡°Right, like you would make such a mistake.¡±


    ¡°I swear I didn¡¯t bring him.¡± The old anger reignited between the two men.


    Pyre wondered, who did bring me?


    For a long moment, Resen studied Loren. He shook his head. ¡°All right, whatever. You two follow me and stay close.¡± They did as they were told. Up they climbed to a shelf. On the shelf, sheltered by some rocks were Donner and two mules. On the mules were four dead deer. Donner had two large baskets of loaves on his back and a huge cask. A young man stood waiting with the animals. He looked a lot like Resen. A brother, perhaps a cousin?


    Resen walked to a flat stone and said, ¡°Stand here.¡± He stepped away from the stone, and Loren took his place.


    For a moment or two Loren closed his eyes in prayer, then he told Pyre, ¡°Sing the Song of Morning.¡±


    Pyre began to softly sing:


    Fair light come and light our way


    show us what we can not see.


    Bear us to the place of sight


    cast all shadows into light.


    Loren scolded, ¡°Put your lungs into it man!¡±


    Not a good singer, Pyre raised his voice. He actually saw Resen wince. A strange sensation rushed through him. As his voice grew louder a power he did not know he possessed seemed to also grow in the depth of his being. It got caught in the cold air and swirled around Loren. Loren stomped on the stone three times and shouted unintelligible words. To his left, a door slid open in the mountainside. Light poured into a tunnel. In the shadows waiting for them, was a female Sonpur. She stepped into the light. Her face was gaunt, but her eyes were exquisitely green. In her arms was a limp Sonpur child.


    Loren took the little Sonpur from her. The beast¡¯s breathing was very shallow. From his bag, Loren pulled a powder pot. Pyre opened it for him. With trembling fingers, He sprinkled the dust into the small Sonpur¡¯s mouth. It¡¯s breathing became weaker. Loren said, ¡°On your knees Pyre and pray.¡±


    ¡°For a beast?¡±


    Loren hissed at him, ¡°For a life. Do you assume you are of more value to the Keeper simply because you are human? He made the Sonpur too.¡±


    Pyre had never considered this. He sank to the ground. The female knelt beside him. Was it possible that Sonpur prayed as well? Pyre bowed his head. The female began to make soft noises in her throat, noises that sounded like words. Pyre glanced at her. She was crying. He didn¡¯t know beasts had tears.


    Slow and gently, Loren rocked the child. He asked Resen for some wine wine and dribbled it into the child¡¯s mouth. The little beast smacked his lips.


    An odd image sprung into Pyre¡¯s brain. He saw this child, grown and with a young woman. It shook Pyre to his soul. A vision, had he just had his first vision? Keeper, if so, what did it mean? Would this little beast live to grow up?¡±


    A tiny voice spoke, ¡°More pweese.¡±


    Pyre¡¯s eyes darted to the creature. Had it just spoken?


    Carefully, Loren dribbled more wine into the creature¡¯s mouth. Again the little beast smacked his lips. His eyes popped open and he called out, ¡°Mama?¡±


    The Sonpur had spoken! Pyre could not believe his ears. He watched the mother go to her child. She took him from Loren and held him close. In words Pyre could not understand Loren spoke to the mother and then said something to Resen. Immediately Resen sprang into action. He, Donner and the man with the donkeys entered the tunnel. The female beast followed after them.


    Loren looked from the cave entrance to Pyre. Pyre did not want to go in that cave. He steeled himself to face whatever came next. Loren said, ¡°You are going back, my friend.¡±


    Pyre protested, ¡°What? No!¡± If Loren stayed he would loose another best friend! Hurt and angry he said, ¡°I thought I was brought here to help you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why you were brought here but you did help me. I needed your prayers, and I will continue to need them. So do not forget me friend.¡± All at once Pyre felt the great sucking sensation again. Blast it all! He surrendered to the Transferrance. There was nothing else he could do.


    Light appeared. He was in the examining room again. Standing by the window was Appocca. He asked, ¡°Where is Loren?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Pyre could feel Appocca¡¯s gaze penetrate his mind.


    Kindly, Appocca said, ¡°Pyre, you are not in trouble. I know you did not take part in Loren''s scheme willingly." Before he could open his mouth to respond, Appocca said, "You are dismissed.¡± He turned and stared out the window.


    Pyre bowed to the Head Councilman. Surely he had just read his thoughts. Would he send someone after Loren?As Pyre walked back to Loren¡¯s room he tested his mind. No one was currently reading his thoughts. Still he must be on his guard. Most likely Head Councilman Appocca had read all his thoughts and knew exactly where Loren was and what he was doing. His mind turned to Loren. He had broken one of Folgen¡¯s spells. How much power did he possess and what would he do with it in the future?

 Chapter 70. The Haunting Past

    Fand awoke in the pre-dawn light. For the third night in a row Zel had slept through. It was a long prayed for miracle. In the crib beside the bed, Zel still slept. Her mouth formed a perfect O. When awake, her eyes were her father¡¯s. There was a bit of a tease about her. She delighted in making her Grandpa Wert laugh. Laughter that had long lay dormant in Uncle Wert seemed to spill out all the time now. He was not the same man he had been a year ago. None of them were the same. Some were no longer even alive. Quickly Fand pushed the thought of Zog and Renate away. It hurt too much to think of them. One day, Zel would learn as she had learned the truth about her parents. Today, however that day was not here. Still, this day had its roots in the past. Petran Schon was coming to live with them. He was finally strong enough to travel. He might arrive today.


    Birds began to chatter outside her window. Spring had come. Fand glanced at the pale blue rectangle of glass. She and Zel lived in Pyre¡¯s old room. Baby paraphernalia littered the room obliterating all signs that Pyre had once occupied it. The only thing that remained of him, besides the chest of drawers, was the bed where Fand slept. That first night in the house she had instinctively chosen his bed. She could have just as easily gone to Wendon¡¯s but she hadn¡¯t. Wrapped in quilts that had once hugged his body, with her head upon the pillow that had once cradled his head, Fand had known a sense of peace. It was as if Pyre and his goodness still held her. Even on this morning, they held her. He was the constant behind all her thoughts in a place, not even Zel could reach. She missed him terribly. Every six weeks a letter would come from him. He wrote to his father about the city, his duties, his studies, but he never said anything about himself really. The letters satisfied Zolla. He was well, he was alive that was what mattered. Fand always wondered though if he was happy. She could not ask him, she could not write him. He was an Apprentice and contact of any kind from females was forbidden. She still longed for the hug Council protocol had not allowed her to give him when she left the Council City. To be safe in his arms again, to feel his breath upon her skin¡­ She must not think like this. Anxious to escape such thoughts, Fand got up, quietly washed and put on a fresh blue gown the color of the sky.


    From her pallet on the floor, Sassafras watched her. The only reason the goat was allowed to stay in the house was because Rehn had convinced Zolla that Sassafras was a very rare breed of goat. He hadn¡¯t mentioned anything about the fact she was also magic. Perhaps he didn¡¯t know, but Fand had a suspicion that he did. In fact she suspected Rehn Holz, like Pyre, was a much deeper river than anyone gave him credit for. The goat got up and went to the door. Fand opened it and led her down the kitchen stairs. Zolla was already busily preparing breakfast. The oven smelled of fresh baking scones. On the counter two geese lay plucked and stuffed ready to be slow roasted for dinner. Humming to herself, Zolla glanced up. A loving smile creased her face. It was smile Fand once thought she would never receive again. Zolla stopped her humming and said, ¡°Our Zel slept through again.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Good. I pray it becomes a habit.¡±


    ¡°Me too.¡± Fand gave her a quick hug and went out the back door. The goat scampered down the steps in front of her. She disappeared in the bushes. Fand looked from the bushes to the trees. The first rays of sun peeked through them. A haze of tiny green leaves covered their branches. Winter was behind them. So much was behind them.


    From the horse barn, Rufus emerged. Two of the stalls had been converted into a dormitory with bunk beds, three beds high, for the twelve guards who patrolled the property. They were a constant reminder that life was not safe. With all her heart Fand wanted them to go away. She wanted to live and move freely as she had before all hell had broken out around her. The past swirled in her mind like a suffocating blanket. She turned away from the barn. She reminded herself, ¡°The future is coming, I must set my face toward it.¡± What did the future hold? Peace, please let there be peace.


    Sassafras had finished her business and was ready to be milked. Rufus called to Fand, ¡°I¡¯ll do it. You go on. I think I hear a wee cry that will soon be a rage.¡±


    His ears were so good. Though she could not hear Zel, he could. She said, ¡°Thanks Rufus! I appreciate your ears.¡± He blushed and smiled. Fand feared he had a bit of a crush on her. Swiftly, she made her way back to the house.


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    *


    It was late afternoon Fand heard the sound of a wagon. Panic took hold of her. She scooped Zel from her crib and peeked through the window. An entire troop of Guards were behind two wagons. Two guards were in one. Rube Johan drove the other. Beside him sat Petran Schon. He had put on weight, but his face was still sallow. His eyes looked up at the window. Fand retreated from his sight. She feared him. He was a ghost come back to life. A deep voice called out, ¡°Halt.¡± They had arrive. Petran was here. The time had come. Rube called out something Fand could not quite distinguish. Her heart began to race.


    Within moments Fand heard the back door open. Zolla said, ¡°I have a room ready for him off the kitchen.¡± The Guards¡¯ boots clattered on the wood floor. Another door opened. There was more muffled noises.


    Finally, the voice Fand had not heard since the moment before she received her wings said, ¡°Thank you Zolla for remembering how much I treasure a view.¡±


    Zolla, with a strange catch in her voice replied, ¡°Thank you for gracing my house with your presence.¡±


    There were the sounds of boxes being brought in and the door slamming and opening. Fand remained rooted where she was. With hard tugs, Zel was pulling Fand¡¯s hair.


    After what seemed forever, Zolla called out, ¡°Fand, bring Zel down to meet her Great-uncle Petran.¡±


    No. She did not want to. The desire to run was strong in her. Petran made the past real. He was the past. He was at the heart of all that had gone wrong in her own life. She glanced down at Zel. The baby¡¯s large blue eyes were watching her.


    Zolla shouted, ¡°FAND!¡°


    This was a voice Fand had never been able to disobey. Quickly, with Zel in tow, she went downstairs to the kitchen. Four huge Guards filled the place. She eased past them and went into the room she and Zolla had prepared for Petran. It held a bed, a shelf and a chair. Resting in the bed, was Petran. He smiled at her, his smile was so like Zog¡¯s that she felt like she had been physically struck. He held out his large bony hands. Zel reached for Petran. The two came together. The oldest and the youngest. Zel¡¯s chubby fingers grabbed for Petran¡¯s white hair. Deftly, Petran ducked. He turned his eyes to Fand and said, ¡°She is beautiful. Her spirit is strong. She will do much good.¡±


    The panic that had been in Fand and her reluctance swirled together. It took all she had not to pluck the baby from Petran¡¯s arms. His words were not just words they were a prophecy that chilled her soul. She wanted her daughter to have a normal life.


    Petran continued, ¡°She is and will be a blessing.¡± These words were harsh in Fand¡¯s ears. Being a blessing could be a treacherous thing. Zel burped and smiled. Petran laughed at her expression. The laugh sent another chill through Fand. It sounded so like Zog¡¯s laugh, only older. The room felt too small. Petran lift the child up to Fand and said, ¡°I am grateful that you survived my misguided good deed.¡± Her wings, he knew about her wings. Unsure of what to say, Fand took Zel from him. Petran leaned back on the pillows and said, ¡°If you will excuse me, I find that I am suddenly quite tired.¡± Still, not speaking, Fand dropped a curtsey and fled the room. Her heart was racing in her throat.


    The house was too full of Petran. Restless and uneasy, Fand took Zel outside. Beyond the barn five large canvas tents were being set up. Fand had thought the troop had been sent to escort Petran, had they come to stay? Rube brushed passed her with two buckets of water. She asked him, ¡°Why are they staying?¡±


    Rube spun around so fast water sloshed out of the buckets. His eyes were angry. There was a vindictive edge in his voice when he asked, ¡°Have you had word of Loren?¡±


    ¡°No. Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°Loren has become a renegade. He left the Council and no one knows where he is.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± In his last letter Pyre had not mentioned Loren missing. In fact he had never mentioned Loren at all.


    Rube let out a disgusted snort and said, ¡°Loren is gone. The world has become a very dangerous place. And you and that bastard child are at the heart of it all.¡± The venom in Rube¡¯s voice stung. They had never been friends, but this, this, she felt like he saw her as his enemy.


    Very upset, she asked, ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    His face turned angry red. His eyes became hard. ¡°I have said too much.¡±


    ¡°You have not said enough, tell me what you mean.¡±


    Rube¡¯s eyes raked across the house. In a low voice he told her, ¡°Pyre may be in some kind of danger. He won¡¯t speak of it. He knows something. Gossip is that both the Jerue loyalists, renegade Sonpur and maybe even Commander Rhys are looking for you. Do you know why they would be doing that?¡±


    It could be so many things. She dropped her eyes. The slaughter. She and Zel were not safe, had never really been safe. In that moment she knew that Petran had not come to recuperate, he had come to shelter her and Zel with what magic and strength he possessed.


    Rube turned away from her and headed for the tents.

 Chapter 71. Gone Missing

    Cook Grayson was in a snit. His face, flushed with anger, he had lost his ability to speak and was sputtering what could only be garbled curse words. He stood in the middle of the kitchen holding an empty burlap bag with the bottom cut out. Something had been stolen again. Things had gone missing lately. Last month it had been a dozen laying hens. Two weeks ago, bandages and medicines had disappeared from inventory in the Infirmary. Pyre had his suspicions about the thefts. If it was Loren, it hurt that he had not contacted him. If it was not, it made him uneasy. Who was the thief?


    Taking in a huge breath Cook Grayson quieted himself. He glared at Pyre and said, ¡°Dam it all, I had taters in here. Fine taters for me stew. Now, every last one is gone, Don¡¯t know when they went to missin¡¯ cause it was stuffed with this rubbish.¡± Through the pantry door, Pyre saw the small pile of branches and dirt that had filled the bag. I couldn¡¯t have been Loren, he would never be so careless. Pyre went into the pantry and rubbed his fingers across the dirt. It was not local dirt. There were too many pebbles in it and it was slightly darker than the local dirt. The branches were pine. Had it come from the mountains? Which mountains?


    When Pyre cleaned up the debris, he shoved a twig and a dirt clod into his pocket. At the hearth, Cook Grayson grunted and cursed. Water was boiling and a thick garlicky smoke filled the kitchen. Pyre took the cut sack and its contents out to the garden trash pile and tossed it. His mind was spinning with unpleasant scenarios. He didn''t know what to do, should he go to Dr. Kran or Appocca? Both or neither? Should he risk contacting Loren. No, that seemed like the very worst idea. Back inside he told Cook Grayson, "I''ll go search the cellar. Surely there is another sack of potatoes down there."


    "Aye, there may be, but they won''t be as good as what I had."


    It was most likely true. Pyre went through the pantry to the cellar door. He opened it and climbed down into the mousy smelly darkness. In a dank corner he found a bag. Cautiously he reached inside, determined it did indeed contain potatoes and took the bag up into the light of the panty. Seeing the bag Cook Grayson said, "Well, I ain''t got time to peel and scrub um now."


    "I''ll do it." There were other things Pyre should be doing, like studying for his Ancient Language test, but he would never be able to focus. If only Petran were still there, but he was in Tashe. As Pyre cleaned and peeled the shriveled potatoes he prayed for discernment. About half way through the job, Rube Johan appeared. So he had successfully delivered Petran to Tashe. That was a blessing.Pyre¡¯s mind and heart could rest a bit easier knowing Petran was with his family and Fand.


    From his pack, Rube pulled out a letter. He extended it to Pyre and said, ¡°Your father sent you this letter.


    Pyre brushed off his hands and took the sealed letter. His families crest was an H with two Doves. It hit him like a bolt. Why had he never connected the doves in the crest with himself? He touched the dove pin on his own cowl. Another dove, a silver one, was hidden in his prayer book It was Fand¡¯s dove, when it mysteriously appeared in his room, he should have sent it to his father to give to Fand, but he hadn¡¯t. He could have even given it to Petran before he left, only he hadn¡¯t. It didn¡¯t feel like it was time to yet. At least that is what he told himself. Rube¡¯s voice broke into his thoughts, ¡°Are you all right?¡±


    Startled Pyre looked up and nodded.


    His friend eyed him narrowly. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to ask me any questions about your F-family?¡± The stutter was deliberate. He was taunting him and trying to trap him into some bumble about Fand.


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    Pyre did not take the step into his trap. He asked, ¡°How was Petran when you left him?¡±


    Obvious disappointment flickered in Rube¡¯s eyes. He said, ¡°Your mother¡¯s cooking is helping. His color is returning. We¡¯d all be much healthier if we had a cook like your mother. I do hope Cook Grayson retires soon.¡± The gleam in Rube¡¯s eyes returned. From his breast pocket he pulled a small packet. For an instant Pyre¡¯s heart leapt inside of him. Could it be something from Fand? Quickly he checked his expression. Fand would not risk sending him anything, especially not through Rube. Perhaps it was something from his sisters. Pyre slipped the letter in his pocket and reached for the packet. It smelled of ginger. The paper crinkled beneath his fingers. It was solid. A bottle of his mother¡¯s ginger elixir no doubt. It smelled of home. How many times had his mother dosed him with this medicine over the years?


    Rube said, ¡°You mother told me it would help your tummy. So have you been having tummy trouble?¡° His tone was sarcastic and demeaning.


    Talking with Rube was dangerous. Pyre¡¯s fingers itched to read the letter in his pocket. Perhaps there would be some hint of Fand. He must get rid of him. Pyre pocked the elixir and said, ¡°If there is nothing else I really must get done with these potatoes. I have a bit of studying I need to attend to after I finish.¡±


    The gleam in Rube¡¯s eyes burst into a flame of contention. He smirked and asked, ¡°Can you guess who is sleeping in your bed?¡±


    Pyre suddenly felt sick. Fand slept in his bed. How many times had he imagined sharing that bed with him? Too many, not enough¡­Keeper what an image to be stuck with. He knew the color in his face was rising. His mind was a solid blank. How was he supposed to respond to this.


    Rube burst out laughing. ¡°I didn¡¯t think you were over her. Not sure you ever will be, you poor sod.¡± He shook his head. ¡°I will be off.¡±


    Still dumb, Pyre watched him walk out of the kitchen. He reached in his pocket for the letter. At that moment, Cook Grayson returned from the garden. The letter would have to wait.


    *


    After a particularly nasty supper, Pyre went to his cubicle. The first thing he did was unload his pockets. The clod had crumbled a bit, the twig had stained the letter and the branch of pine had made his whole pocket sticky with resin. He sniffed the dirt clod, it smelled of sulfur.Really, he should take this to Appocca, but something was holding him back. Was it for good or for evil? He didn¡¯t know. Turing it in now just felt wrong. All he could do was hope his instinct was not wrong.


    After lighting a single candle Pyre sat down at his desk to read the letter. Gently, he pulled the letter¡¯s seal careful not to break the surface emblem. The letter was a single page of his father¡¯s cramped script. It was a bit hard to read. He held it to the candlelight.


    Dear Pyre,


    I hope this finds you well. We are all well. Your mother sends her love. She is quite happy with a baby in the house, though the baby, though as you know Grandpa Wert is not one of your mother¡¯s favorite people. By some miracle they have maintained their civility. I fear though that this is not a state that can be sustained indefinitely. As soon as we have the crops planted your brother, and our current help are going to begin construction of a cottage on our property for Wert and his family. Pray for your mother and her tongue. Pray for the peace of our household.


    We appreciate your letters. They are a so important to your mother. You know how she worries. My own prayer is that you are not in any danger. Be careful and alert Pyre. I am uneasy with this latest addition of Guards. There are so many now. Still all things do come to an end and it is my hope that in time, our lives may resume a more normal state. For now, we will carry on as I know you carry on. I am so very proud of you.


    Your dutiful Father, Rehn Holz


    With his finger tip Pyre traced his father¡¯s signature. His father was worried, as was Pyre. How long would it be before life did return to normal? Would it ever return to normal? Honestly Pyre couldn¡¯t see how it ever could. The world was not the same place it had been a year ago. Though he was thankfulAppocca sent an entire troop to Tashe, it brought no comfort to Pyre. If Fand needed that much protection, she was in real danger. Pyre didn¡¯t want her living in a cottage away from the house, away from his father¡¯s protection. Uncle Wert and Mother were going to have to find away to just get along dispute their conflicting personalities.


    A loud gurgle from his unhappy stomach bubbled up. He reached for the ginger elixir. Perhaps it would calm his unsettled stomach and mind. He uncorked it. His cubicle filled with scent of boiled ginger. It smelled of home. Home, he closed his eyes. A sudden vision of Fand flashed through his mind. She was standing on the front porch, her eyes fixed on the sky. What was she looking for? He heard her call his name. His mind traveled out toward Tashe. It raced at a great speed and then hit solid resistance. He could not reach her. Someone or something was stopping him from communicating with her. The vision disappeared.

 Chapter 72. Bait

    It had been Autumn when Fand first arrived at the Holz farm. Then, she had been so happy just to be home. At the time Zel was tiny and required her full attention. Now it was Spring and Zel was older. She held out her chubby arms to others. Zolla took the baby from Fand and said, "I will put her to bed. Why don''t you go sit by the fire?" Fand did not want to sit by the kitchen fire. In the last few weeks a restlessness had taken hold of her. It sent her scurrying away inside herself. She so wanted to run, run like she used to across the fields beneath the stars.


    As soon as Zolla went upstairs, Fand slipped out the back door with Sassafras. The dark silhouettes of the Guards'' tents marred the view. Along the horizon she saw the first faint glimmers of the moon''s light. Her skin crawled. The moon was no longer her friend. Every time she saw its full face memories surfaced, memories she could not shut off once they began. The goat leapt from the porch and landed in the yard. She glanced back at Fand. Unwilling to go back inside, Fand followed the goat. A crisp wind blew from the east. It swirled around Fand causing the desire to run to throb through her entire being. She wanted to get away, just for a while, away from the Guards, the house, the people. She wanted to feel again the singularity of being her self alone. From the shadow of the barn but Rufus asked, ¡°Miss, where do you think you''re going?¡±


    ¡°Just following Sassafras.¡± The goat bleated.


    Rufus said, "She can go where she likes, but you know you don''t go anywhere without me."


    Did she ever know that! Blast it all why did he have to be so good at his stinking job? She headed toward the front porch. Angrily she plopped down on the top step. Sassafras joined her. Rufus remained where he was. A dim, but ever present form. He was always with her now. Several times she had asked him why he had to stay so close to her. All he ever said was, ¡°Orders is orders. I don¡¯t ask questions and neither should you.¡±


    Irritated by his presence Fand asked, ¡°Rufus, tell me why you don¡¯t ask questions.¡±


    Uneasily, Rufus shifted his feet. Though she could not see his face she knew he was frowning. He spat words at her, ¡°Keeper Miss, not that again! You wear me to a nub. Good thing they trained me so hard. Never did I have such need to know how to keep my wits about me as I do with you. Just let it be.¡±


    ¡°I will ask Petran.¡±


    ¡°Be my guest. If you can¡¯t move me with my dim wits, what makes you think you will move him?¡±


    Insulted Fand didn¡¯t respond. Her threat to question Petran was an idle one and Rufus knew it. She avoided Petran as much as possible. Every time she got near him she felt uneasy. As far as she knew he never trespassed in her mind, but she couldn¡¯t help but be wary. She had thoughts she didn¡¯t want to share with anyone. The constant confines of her life only left her with mental freedom and she didn¡¯t want anyone to violate that, especially not Petran. The front door opened and Petran stepped into the night. Fand felt her heart contract.


    Petran called out to Rufus, ¡°Fand and I will go for a little walk alone.¡±


    Rufus replied, ¡°Sorry Sir, orders is orders. I got to stay with her.¡±


    ¡°Very well then. Fand will you join me in my room?¡±


    Though she did not want to, she got up. The fear she always felt when in Petran¡¯s presence grew. Rufus followed them into the house. Sassafras did not. Rehn, Uncle Wert, the girls and Wendon were all in the kitchen when they passed through. Fand felt all their eyes follow them as she went into Petran¡¯s room. He closed the door behind them and locked it. Rufus called through the door, ¡°No funny business, or I break the door down.¡±


    Was Rufus seriously worried Petran might whisk her away? In truth, Fand was worried about the same thing.


    A smile twitched on Petran¡¯s lips. ¡°He certainly is dedicated. I don¡¯t have the strength to whisk you any where.¡±


    Had he heard her thoughts? Was he reading her mind? He better not be.


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    Petran said, ¡°It is good that he is so dedicated.¡±


    Fand frowned and said, ¡°He¡¯s too dedicated if you ask me.¡±


    The smile left Petran. ¡°No, he can not be careful enough. I just received word from Appocca. He fears the leaders of The Militia may want to kidnap Zel for bait.¡±


    Alarmed Fand asked, ¡°Bait for what?¡±


    ¡°Loren.¡±


    Fear raced inside of Fand. She exclaimed, ¡°Why?!¡±


    Petran¡¯s voice dropped low, so low Fand could barely hear him. He said, ¡°The Militia have set their sights on Sonpur genocide. They believe Loren has the power and the will to save what creatures remain. If it were just Loren alone, it would be one thing, but word it that Resen and his kind have joined forces with Loren. Loren and


    Resen have high bounties on their heads.¡±


    This was terrible news! It was also confusing. After years of working against the Sonpur, why were Pathfinders suddenly joining forces to save them?


    Appocca shook his head. ¡°I am worried. Grief can make men reckless. Not only is Renate dead, it is rumored that Resen¡¯s mother-in-law and son are as well.¡±


    The image of Tug and Elise flashed in Fand¡¯s mind. This must not be true!


    ¡°If the rumors are true, the only person left in Loren¡¯s family is Zel. They all know she exists. Kidnapping her could call Loren out.¡± Appocca met Fand¡¯s eyes and continued. "Loren has not contacted me and I haven¡¯t been able to get a read on him. I think this is purposeful. He knows any contact with me could endanger you and his sister. You must be wary Fand. These are dangerous times.¡±


    Anger surged through Fand. She shouted, ¡°When will these not be dangerous times?¡±


    Sadly Petran shook his head. ¡°That is a question I can¡¯t answer.¡±


    Another question had haunted Fand since she had been captured by Folgen. It was a question she tried to avoid. Regardless the question rose from her lips and she asked, ¡°If Angs were still alive would any of this be happening?¡±


    ¡°No. His death shifted the balance of power.¡±


    These words shot through Fand like a well aimed dagger. Had she expected him to say something different? Not really, but she had hoped.


    Petran laid a hand on her shoulder. ¡°You must not forget Ang¡¯s death ended an ugly history. The Age of the Nephilim is over. A channel of evil has been cut off. But as evil always does, new expressions will be found and directed. Many daughters disappeared over the years, many died trying to save them. Who stole the girls, who killed their rescuers? Though Angs or Folgen gave the orders, it was the Sonpur, their henchmen, who carried out those orders. The people of the West want to be vindicated. It is only natural. According to my informant the Militia has not found the Sonpur¡¯s hiding place...yet.¡±


    In memory Fand was inside the mountain. She saw again the sea of furry faces as she had stood before them with Folgen at her side. Compassion for them had been born in her then. She thought of Gruin and Fels. She thought of Trug¡¯s last kindness to her. There was goodness in Sonpur but there was also a blind and dangerous loyalty. They were looking for a leader, had they found that leader in Loren? Could he reform them?


    Though she had not spoken the question aloud, Petran said, ¡°I believe if Loren is left to his own discretion the Sonpur could be reformed, but only if they are willing. They are intelligent creatures. I think there is hope.¡±


    Keeping her voice low she hissed, "Hope at the risk of Zel! Nothing must happen to Zel because of the Sonpur! How can Loren risk his sister¡¯s life like this? What claim do they have on him?"


    "There have been rumors that Renate had some association with them."


    Instantly, Fand remembered the book Renate had written and illustrated about Sonpur illnesses. She had contact with the Sonpur. Had Loren? Had he lived in that strange cabin in the middle of the Field of Ice with his mother when he was small? It was possible.


    Petran removed his hand from her shoulder and sat down on his bed. He looked so weary.


    ¡°I will be going Sir.¡±


    ¡°Not yet. I want to talk to you about something, that I know you don¡¯t want to talk about. Have you given any thought to the development of your power? It could save you and your child if it is directed.¡±


    In a flat even voice she said, ¡°No. I have never pursued power, it has only come to me when I have needed it and I trust that it will come to me if I need it again. I have no desire to dabble in anything beyond that. Power is a dangerous temptation and one I do not intend to struggle with. Your power gave me wings, it caused much trouble in your life. Power destroyed my cousin, cost Renate any chance at happiness and has exiled Loren and may get him killed. No thank you. I do not want to develop my power.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Petran said, ¡°I won¡¯t press you. I also won¡¯t mention it again. If you ever change your mind however, you will let me know.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t change my mind.¡± Through Petran''s window Fand saw the moon rise. All at once she was in the past on that long ago night when she had denied Pyre her life and her love. She asked Petran, "Is Pyre safe? Rube implied he was not.¡±


    ¡°For now, yes.¡±


    "What does that mean?"


    "Now he is safe. He is not in any danger."


    She did not believe him. She asked, ¡°None?"


    "As far as I know. Don''t let your thoughts chase shadows and fears. Stay here, stay now. It is all we have."


    "I will try." She doubted she would succeed. She turned away from the window, unlocked the door, brushed passed Rufus and went upstairs to hold her child.

 Chapter 73. The Good Doctor

    It was late and once again, Pyre found falling asleep difficult. His mind was too full. He got out of bed and went to his desk. He whispered, ¡°Loren, where are you?¡± Though he stretched out his mind and his heart he once again detected nothing. Nothing. Still nothing. He sat down at his desk and touched the twig. There was a knock at his door. It was so late, too late for visitors. He got up and asked, ¡°Who is it?¡±


    ¡°Dr. Kran.¡±


    Pyre swung the door open. The good doctor looked terrible. Pyre gripped Dr. Kran¡¯s elbow and drew him inside. ¡°Are you all right?¡±


    ¡°No. Someone has confiscated half my medical supplies. It looks like Loren did that, but he would never be so greedy. Have you heard the rumors about him?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Pyre went to his desk and picked up the dirt clod and the twig. "Someone stole some potatoes from Cook Grayson. They filled the bag with clods and branches. Who ever did these things does not know Loren.¡±


    Dr. Kran nodded. ¡°I agree. I wonder what Appocca may know. Keeper, I wish Loren had not gotten himself involved in this mess! Why has he thrown his life and his future away for those vile beasts?¡± Dr. Kran waved his hand when he saw Pyre was about to speak. ¡°Don¡¯t say he did it out of compassion. It may well be compassion, but just compassion would not have pulled him away. It was his mother¡¯s damned blood. He lived a very adventurous life until his mother dropped him on my doorstep. He was the son I never had, and will most likely never see again, alive.¡± The older man¡¯s voice trailed off.


    Not knowing what to say, Pyre just stood there. What should they do? In his heart he knew they must tell Appocca. Keeping this secret might only further compound the appearance of Loren¡¯s guilt. Finally he said, ¡°I think we must tell Appocca what we know.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I agree. Let us get it over with.¡± Wearily, Dr. Kran added, ¡°I had such hope for him. I had such faith in the cures he would discover and the good he would do.¡±


    Though Pyre did not say so, he still had hope. Something inside of him would not let go of Loren¡¯s potential or his faith in the path he had chosen. He followed Dr. Kran into the stillness of the night. The moon was just beginning to rise. As soon as he saw the face of the moon his mind turned back to the two worst nights of his life. Beneath a full moon he had declared his lifelong love to Fand and she had refused him. Beneath a full moon he had found Fand body bloodied and broken after the Inner Sanctum had exploded. Tonight, tonight, what would this full moon witness?


    When they reached Appocca¡¯s residence, Dr. Kran knocked on the door. It took several minutes before the door swung open. A bleary eyed Appocca greeted them. He asked, ¡°What has you two out so late this evening?¡±


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    Dr. Kran said, ¡°We need to speak to you Sir.¡±


    Appocca opened the door and let them inside. The apartment had been stripped of the luxuries Jerue had furnished it with. All that remained was simple wooden furniture and a rag rug. Dr. Kran took the chair closest to the fireplace. Pyre sat down opposite him. Appocca did not sit down. His brow creased and the concern in his eyes mounted. A bit impatiently he said, ¡°So, tell me why you are here.¡±


    After Dr. Kran told him about the missing medicine and Pyre told him about the potatoes, Appocca shook his head. ¡°It is as I feared. They can¡¯t find him, so they are trying to frame him and draw him into their trap. According to the Treaty I signed with the West if anyone is aiding and abetting any high profile criminal in their jurisdiction with goods or supplies, I must hand that person or persons over.¡±


    Dr. Kran asked, ¡°What will happen to Loren if you do?¡±


    ¡°He will be executed.¡±


    Alarmed Dr. Kran said, ¡°But surely there must be another way.¡±


    ¡°No, the Treaty is binding. The wall was first built because people on our side believe that powers must be used for good and not evil. Jerue crossed that line, as did Renate in her youth. Unless I want to unleash all the powers of darkness on this side of the wall, I must keep to the letter of the Treaty. And I must trust the West to keep their word though I may be proved a fool for doing so. If Loren shows up I must hand him over. Either of you, if you do not do likewise will be killed. Don¡¯t gamble with your lives. Loren chose this knowing full well what he was risking. As for you two, you have made a commitment to this City, to our land. Neither of you can protect Loren. Only the grace of the Keeper can keep him safe. Speak to no one of this.¡±


    Pyre asked, ¡°What about Cook Grayson? He knows about the food thefts.¡±


    A slow sigh escaped Appocca. ¡°I must speak with him. Both of you get to bed and be careful.¡±


    There was the faintest feeling of release in Pyre¡¯s mind. So Appocca had cloaked their conversation. Who might be listening?


    Appocca said, ¡°It is best to not ask so many questions They could lead you to more trouble than any lack of curiosity ever would. Go in peace.¡±


    Outside the night was turning cold. The first snow might be early this year. Dr. Kran staggered a bit as they made their way down the dark street. Pyre did not leave him at the Infirmary door, he took him inside and made sure he made it to his quarters. With a heavy sigh, Dr. Kran sank onto his bed. He covered his face with his hands and started to weep.


    Pyre had never seen the doctor like this. Finally in a choked voice Dr. Kran said, ¡°I apologize for my lack of control.¡± He took in a deep breath and wiped his tears away with the sleeve of his robe. ¡°I miss him. I fear for him. And,¡± and he paused, his eyes met Pyre¡¯s eyes. ¡°I also fear for you.¡±


    ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you Pyre. You have continuously accepted the life that has been forced upon you. You do what is hard, what needs to be done without question. If Loren asked you to join him, I fear you would. Don¡¯t. Don¡¯t get yourself entangled in the life beyond our borders. Promise me that.¡±


    For a long moment Pyre just stared at Dr. Kran. Surely the doctor knew this was a promise he could not make. If he had learned anything since he left Tashe it was that he was part of a greater good and he must go wherever it lead him. He cleared his throat and said, ¡°Dr. Kran I must go where my life takes me. I will say, I have no plans of joining Loren, I have my family to think of, my commitment to the Council.¡±


    A vague light came to Dr. Kran¡¯s eyes. ¡°And there is Fand. You love her still. May that love keep you rooted where a promise to me would fail. Go on now. I can get myself to bed.¡±


    The doctor''s words sliced through Pyre. He bowed. Swiftly he walked out of the room. As he made his way down the long hall to the exit, Dr. Kran''s words reverberated in his mind, in his heart, in his entire being. When he stepped into the night he entered a world aglow with silver moonlight, light the color of Fand''s eyes.

 Chapter 74. Night Visitor

    Though she had closed the shutters and the curtains, the moonlight still sent a thin line across her bed. Soon, soon, the moon would begin its decent and another day would begin. It could not come soon enough. Being completely still had not worked, counting sheep had not worked. Praying had only made her more anxious. The restlessness inside of her would not be still. Petran¡¯s words ran through her mind and heart. Loren was with the Sonpur. What did that mean, really mean for her and especially for Zel? Would they ever really be safe? Would Rufus be with them until the day he died?


    In an effort to shut off her stream of thought, she turned away from the window and faced the wall. An pillow was beside her. The pillow once cradled Pyre head in sleep. If she had married him, would they have had a child of their flesh and blood by now? Pyre¡¯s blood would have had a steadying effect upon the turbulent Geworden blood. His presence, his love would have given a child the male stability Fand had never known. Longing for Pyre like she had never felt before overwhelmed her.


    Zel sighed in her sleep. If she had accepted Pyre, Zel would not be with her now. If she had accepted Pyre, Zog would not be dead, Renate would not be dead.Tears stung her eyes. She must not do this to herself. Not now, not again. If only thoughts were just as destructive as what if thoughts. The choices she had made could not be revoked. She was not the only one who had chosen. Zog, Pyre and Renate had also made choices. It was arrogant of her to think she had so much control over the forces of life. Consequences must be born and would continue to be born.


    Again, Zel sighed in her sleep. Fand turned back to the babe in the crib beside the bed. Despite all her regrets, Fand¡¯s heart could not imagine a world without Zel. Hard sobs rocked out of her. She could barely breath as she shoved her face into the pillow in an effort to hide the sound of her weeping. There was a tap at the door. Beyond it Rufus asked, ¡°Are you all right Miss?¡±


    ¡°Yes, just having a bit of a cry.¡±


    ¡°Do you need anything Miss?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Let me know if you do. I¡¯m right here.¡±


    ¡°I know. Thank you.¡± Fand to in slow breaths.Dear Rufus. He was her angel. He protected her and Zel. She was thankful for him. She forced herself to breathe slow and count blessing instead of problems. It was a tough exercise but she stuck with it until shallow sleep immersed her.


    Later she was awakened by a familiar scent. There was a man in the room. He smelled of mountain pine. It was Loren. He stood beside the crib looking down at Zel. Without breaking his gaze, he placed his finger on his lips. In her mind he said, Only think, don¡¯t speak. We don¡¯t want to wake the ever vigilant Rufus.


    What are you doing here?


    His face was so gentle as he studied his little sister. He touched a curl of her dark hair. In his mind he said, I have come to say goodbye to you and my sister. Chances are we will not meet again in this world. The wall will be completely repaired today. The magic of it will be restored and getting in and out will be near impossible.


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    Never see him again? He had filled a bit of the void Zog had left inside of her. She would miss him so much. Still, the risk of his presence was too great for all of them. She told him, You shouldn¡¯t be here. Its too dangerous.


    His eyes left his sleeping sister¡¯s face. Yes, I know. But I never got to say goodbye to my mother and I will be damned if I don¡¯t get to say goodbye to my sister. Silent tears slid down his cheeks. It dropped onto the bed. Hewhispered, ¡°She is beautiful. Oh that I could have watched her grow to become a woman.¡±


    Beyond the door Rufus burped. Fand got up from the bed and went to Loren. She took him into her arms. In his ear she whispered, ¡°We do not know what the future holds, perhaps our paths will cross again.¡±


    He nodded against her shoulder and released her. His gaze went back to the baby. In Fand¡¯s mind he said, With you for a mother I am sure she will do well.


    Fand smiled at his confidence. She was not so sure. Zel was already exhibiting a stony stubbornness. Gently Loren kissed his sister on the forehead. Fand sensed that he was about to disappear.Silently she asked, Please, tell me is Resen safe?


    For now.


    Elise and Tug? Petran said they are missing.


    We have them.


    What of Audra?


    For a moment Loren hesitated then he told her, She is well.


    What happened to her?


    There was a problem. She was detained. Fand, I must be going. He shoved a packet into her hands, blew her a kiss and without so much as a flame or a hiss of steam he vanished. He was gone. It was as if he had never been there. Had Loren been real or just some trick of her imagination?


    The first light of dawn sliced though the shutters. Fand unwrapped the package. It contained the two books Renate had made.A chill ran through her. One of the books was the book of Sonpur. Her hands felt the power of the book. Her head knew the danger of it. Out of kindness she had told Loren their paths might cross again. It was not something she believed. It occurred to her that Loren had not denied their paths would cross again. He had not even acknowledged her words. Going forwardhis life would be dedicated to the Sonpur. Was Zel destined to one day join him? Everything inside Fand screamed NO! It must not be. If there had been a fire in the grate she would have burned the book that instant. Zel would NEVER see this book. Fand gripped the covers of it determined to rip it to shreds, but it refused to be ripped asunder. Of its own accord, the book fell open in her hands. On the page was the face of small Sonpur child, a child that looked like Fels. Another shiver ran through her. The future was lurking, lurking ever so close at this moment. She could feel it. But this future was not her own, it was her child¡¯s. What had Zel been made for? She had survived so much in her very short life, what more lay ahead?


    Deep inside, despite her fear, Fand knew her vocation as Zel¡¯s mother must not be driven by fear. Fear was a dangerous taskmaster, especially in a mother. Some how, she must pray for and use discernment. She closed the book. Where to put it?


    A while back Uncle Wert had brought her, her keep sake box. She found it beneath her bed and opened it. Renate¡¯s letter to Zel was on top. Fand¡¯s finger¡¯s itched to open the letter and read what the it contained. Temptation strong and powerful took hold of her mind. She put the book down and picked up the letter. IT was not HER letter. It was Zel¡¯s. Renate had left specific instructions about this letter for some purpose and Fand must honor that purpose. She put the letter down and placed the book on top of it. She would not try to hide it. If it were found it needed to be obvious. It needed to look like a keepsake and not a key to some future that had yet to transpire. Fand closed the box, shoved it under the bed and knelt to pray. Her mind swirled from past to future. She felt like she was drowning in a sea of uncontrollable odds.


    From her pallet, Sassafras rose. She clip clopped over to Fand and rested her head against her shoulder. ¡°What do you want you silly goat? Ready to go outside?¡±


    The goat shook her head. She gazed up at Fand. Her great liquid eyes caught the morning light. In that instant Fand knew Sassafras was not just with them to feed Zel. She was Zel¡¯s Guardian. She had been all along. Fand cupped Sassafras¡¯ face and kissed her forehead. ¡°You are a good goat.¡±


    Sassafras winked.

 Chapter 75. Of Dreams

    The relentless moon shown down. Unable to sleep Pyre went for a walk. He was so preoccupied with his own thoughts, he wasn¡¯t aware that he was outside the infirmary until he heard Dr. Kran ask, ¡°Trouble sleeping. I¡¯ve got an elixir that might help.¡±


    Pyre looked at the good doctor standing on the infirmary steps. He honestly looked more weary than Pyre felt. Surely, the man was worried about Loren. Perhaps he needed to talk, or just have the company of someone that knew Loren well. Though Pyre had never been fond of medicine, he said, ¡°I would appreciate that Sir.¡± He followed Dr. Kran to his office. Of their own accord his eyes went to the secret panel in the back of the room. It was the place that had held Fand while she twice healed. Images of Fand filled Pyre¡¯s brain. She was also was so close in his thoughts. The sound of Dr. Kran opening his medicine cabinet brought Pyre back to the present.


    Dr. Kran opened a drawer and pulled out a bottle of whisky. He asked,¡°Would you like to share a drink?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sir.¡±


    ¡°Take a seat.¡±


    Pyre sat down in the chair in front of Dr. Kran¡¯s desk. Carefully, the doctor poured to shot of whisky. For a few moments they sat in silence before they downed their whisky. Pyre was not much of a drinker and the stuff burned all the way down his throat and into his stomach. His eyes watered a bit.


    Dr. Kran put his glass down and said, ¡°Pyre, you have continuously accepted the life that has been forced upon you. You do what is hard, what needs to be done without question. Have you ever wondered why?¡±


    Unsure of how to answer this question, Pyre asked himself, Why have I accepted everything with such obedience! Was such obedience a virtue or was it blindness? Pyre said nothing, in hopes that Dr. Kran would answer the question for him. He didn¡¯t. Instead he asked Pyre another question, ¡°Do you love Fand Geworden?¡±


    Everyone knew he did, still it was hard to get the word, ¡°Yes,¡± out of his mouth.


    The good doctor leveled his gaze to Pyre¡¯s and asked, ¡°Then why are you still here?¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t want me.¡±


    Dr. Kran tilted his head to the side. ¡°How do you know? Have you asked her?¡±


    Pyre¡¯s thoughts began to swim. He was utterly out of his depth. ¡°I did ask her and she refused.¡±


    ¡°That was a while ago. Her heart may have changed.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Dr. Kran poured himself another shot of whisky. ¡°You think, but you don¡¯t know. Do you not love her enough to risk another rejection?¡±


    There was truth in this question. Pyre did not want to ever hurt the way he had hurt the night she rejected him.


    ¡°If fear is the only thing that is holding you back, well frankly I am disappointed in you.¡± Dr. Kran placed the bottle of whisky back inside his desk drawer.¡°If she¡¯s not worth the risk, then you don¡¯t love her as much as you think you do.¡± He rose from his desk and said, ¡°You best get back to the dormitory before they find you missing.¡±


    Pyre stood up. He felt like a whipped dog. He bowed the the doctor and headed swiftly down the hall. Outside the moon cast its light upon the world turning it to silver. He looked up at it. Fand suddenly felt very near. So near, as if they were breathing the same air.


    *


    The potato field had been plowed. Pyre loved the smell of a freshly tilled earth. He stooped down and grabbed a fist full of it. All life depended upon the soil. Slowly he sifted it through his fingers. Behind him, he heard the soft footfall of someone approaching. He turned and was surprised to see Zog. Zog nodded his head in greeting. In his arms was a small girl. She had long dark hair and blue eyes. She looked to be about three. Pyre stood. When Zog reached him, he smiled. His eyes held incredible light.


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    Pyre asked, "What are you doing here?"


    "I came to see you."


    "Me."


    "Of Course."


    Pyre looked at the child. She seemed so familiar. "Who is this?"


    ¡°This is Zel. Don¡¯t you recognize her?¡±


    ¡°No it isn''t. Zel is only a baby.¡±


    "Not here." Briefly Zog placed a gentle hand on Pyre''s shoulder. He gave it a squeeze before he said. ¡°We are and live in all times here.¡±


    Pyre did not understand. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Our spirits are not confined by time here.¡±


    Confused Pyre asked, ¡°In the potato field?¡±


    Zog laughed. It was that beautiful laugh Pyre had not heard in so long.


    Blinking back tears, Pyre said, ¡°I have missed you.¡±


    ¡°I know. I can¡¯t stay long,but I wanted you to know I appreciate all you have done for Zel and all you will do for her. Without you, she won¡¯t survive.¡±


    This seemed like an overstatement to Pyre.


    ¡°No, my dear old friend. It is true, and you will see how true as time unfolds.¡±


    In the distance Pyre heard a woman¡¯s voice calling. He turned to the sound. The voice was Fand¡¯s. He turned back to Zog, Zog was gone. Alone stood Zel. She looked up at him with blue, blue eyes. The little girl said, ¡°Come, Mama Fand is calling. That baby is probably screaming again. Only you can make her shut up.¡± She held out her hand to him.


    He did not move. "What baby?"


    She rolled her eyes at him and said, ¡°Pym.¡± Impatiently she took his hand and tugged on it. It was soft and warm and fit in his palm perfectly. She said, "Come on Papa."


    "Papa? Where is your papa?"


    Zel laughed. It sounded like bells. It was so sweet, Pyre¡¯s heart hurt. The little girl grinned at him and said, ¡°You are so funny Papa."


    A great clanging pulled Pyre away from the child. Her hand was jerked out of his. The potato field dissolved. A bell was ringing, the Council City Bell. He awoke with a jerk. Was that eight or nine bells. Blast it all he would be late for his exam or had he missed it? Quickly got out of bed, pulled off his nightshirt and jerked on his robe. He made a mad dash across the Common and went into the recently repaired Languages Building. The place was empty. It must have only been eight bells. Praise the Keeper! He slid into his seat and pulled out his text. He had an hour to study. Though it probably wouldn¡¯t do him any good he would use it well. The door to the room opened. Appocca walked inside. He said, ¡°I need to talk to you.¡±


    There was something about his tone that made Pyre uneasy. he asked, ¡°Has something happened, Sir?¡±


    Appocca shook his head. ¡°No, but something is about to. I can be rather slow witted upon occasion, but last night it occurred to me that you do not look well, nor have you looked well in a long while.I am sure your mother¡¯s cooking will put some meat on you. It is doing wonders for Petran.¡±


    Joy and confusion collided inside of Pyre. He asked, ¡°What about my classes?¡±


    ¡°Take your books with you. We will sort it out later.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    Appocca cocked an eyebrow at him. The decision had been made. It would not be reversed.


    Pyre bowed and said, ¡°Thank you Sir.¡±


    ¡°You are welcome, now go pack.¡±


    Not sure he heard right, Pyre asked, ¡°Now?¡± Again, Appocca¡¯s eye brow cocked. ¡°Sorry Sir. I will.¡±


    Appocca gave him a rare smile. He clamped his hand on Pyre¡¯s shoulder and said, ¡°No need to apologize now off with you.¡± He patted his shoulder and gave him a little push toward the door.


    Pyre felt like he flew out the door. His feet carried him quickly down the hall and out into the night. The moon was still shining. The beautiful moon. Soon he would look into those moon glow eyes, the eyes that would hold him until the day he died. All thoughts of caution were pushed aside. He refused to let worry or fear rob him of the joy that was now singing in his heart. Home, he was going home!


    *


    The familiar fields of his home stretched before Pyre. Light from the evening sun cut across the fields casting them in gold. The air was so sweet. He breathed in the scents freshly tilled earth and new life. Birds sang madly in the trees. All nature stirred and soared around him. In the City, Spring was contained, out here in the country it ran riot. The perfection of the evening was marred by the small guard house that stood outside the gate of his father¡¯s land. Six Guards in their dark blue uniforms stood stone face and staring. They were armed with spears and long thick bladed knives. The six of them were fierce and so BIG! He looked down the fence line. Spaced thirty or so feet a part were more Guards. They seemed to surround the entire property line! This much protection was necessary to keep Fand and Zel safe? It was a fortress, not a farm! A Guard with deep set dark eyes stepped forward and commanded, ¡°State your name and your business.¡±


    Startled by the volume and force to of the man¡¯s voice Pyre jumped backwards. His own voice became suddenly thin and squeaky, ¡°Pyre Holz, Apprentice of the Council. I have been granted a visit home.¡±


    The Guardheld out his huge meaty hand and said, ¡°Me name¡¯s Pomme. Show me yer papers.¡±


    Pyre pulled his identification and Appocca approved permission slip from his bag and handed them over. Pomme looked over the papers then were passed down the line as each of the six guards read them. The last Guardbrought them back to Pomme.


    With a slight bow of his head, Pomme said, ¡°Permission granted, but keep these on you at all times.¡±


    ¡°Yes Sir.¡± The gate swung open, it paused a moment and then began to swing back. Pyre rushed through before it closed with a bang.


    Pomme whistled. The Guard at the nearest post left his position and joined Pyre. Pomme said, ¡°Fritt, Take him to the house.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sir.¡± Fritt was young and several inches taller than Pyre. His long legs moved swiftly down the road. Pyre no longer possessed the stamina of a farmer¡¯s son, and he was soon gasping for air. When they rounded the road the house appeared. The sight of the large tents jutting from behind it shocked Pyre. Blue clad Guards stood at the front door. Some were at work in his mother¡¯s garden. Keeper, this was a prison, not home. Something, someone touched his mind. All at once Pyre became suspicious. He closed his mind to the intruder. He must be wary, something about this whole trip home troubled him. Why had he really been sent here? All questions evaporated the instant he saw a shadow in his sisters'' upstairs window. It looked like FAND! Was it? His heart beat began to thrum in his ears.


    *Next Week the FINAL Chapter of FAND II

 Chapter 76. The Return (Final Chapter)

    In the girls¡¯s room, Fand heard the screech of the property gate as it opened. She hated the noise of the thing. It was a constant reminder that she lived in a fortress. On the bed between Pyre¡¯s sisters, Eftje and Perdy, Zel squealed with delight. The girls were tickling her with their braids. An odd sensation rippled across the surface of Fand¡¯s mind. Someone was trying to penetrate her thoughts. Who? Would this someone try to read her child¡¯s thoughts as well?Fand focused on her child. The baby suddenly had a preoccupied look on her face. Was someone trying to get a read on her? This was not good. This was something she needed to be able to protect Zel from. Was this one of the reasons why Petran had asked her if she wanted to develop her powers? Perhaps. Most likely. It was something she was going to have reconsider and soon. The preoccupation in Zel¡¯s eyes intensified and she became very still. Frightened, Fand picked up the baby and held her close. She pressed her forehead to Zel¡¯s. In her mind she shouted, ¡°Be gone!¡± The presence withdrew itself. This thing was after her child. She must talk to Petran.


    Suddenly aware she had been removed from her playmates, Zel¡¯s pale blue eyes opened wide. She threw her head back and let out an angry howl. Fand patted her back and murmured, ¡°There, there. You¡¯re okay.¡± Zel was not pacified. Here little arms flailed. She wanted Eftje and Perdy to play with her. Her temper began to roar louder. Fand took her to the window and parted the curtain. She pointed at the sky. ¡°Look Zel, look at the clouds.¡±


    Zel¡¯s tear streaked face turned and looked up. The child loved the sky and clouds in particular. She let out a hiccup and became very quiet. A few moments of peace passed. These moments were rare in Zel¡¯s life.


    A breeze blew through the open window. Fand heard the crunch of gravel. She looked down the drive. A man was approaching. He stopped, looked up. Keeper no! A wave of strange nausea surged in Fand¡¯s stomach. She took a step away from the window. It could not be. Pyre had not written that he was visiting, surely he would have written that he was coming.


    From the bed Perdy asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Fand did not answer or move. Both girls bounded from the bed and pulled the curtain wide open. Eftje saw the man and squealed, ¡°It¡¯s is Pyre!¡± In tandem the girls turned and went flying out of the room. Fand heard the thump, thump of their feet racing down the wooden stairs.


    From the kitchen Zolla exclaimed, ¡°Are you sure?!¡±


    The front door banged open. Rooted where she was, with Zel in her arms, Fand could not breathe or move. What was wrong with her? Below, she saw Pyre engulfed in his mother¡¯s arms. Zolla sobbed, ¡°I can¡¯t believe you are home!¡± She pulled away from Pyre and studied him. ¡°You are wasted away.¡± She turned to Perdy and said, ¡°Go fetch your father and Wendon!¡±


    Quick to obey Perdy headed off toward the fields. Soon Rehn, Wendon, and Uncle Wert would be there. Zolla clutched Pyre¡¯s hand and pulled him toward the porch. ¡°Come, come inside, Son! Oh if I knew you were coming I would have prepared a feast! Why didn¡¯t you tell me? Come, come, oh, at least I made a pear pies. The pears weren¡¯t fresh. I hope you don¡¯t mind. Do you?¡± Without giving Pyre a chance to answer a single question Zolla continued to talk nonstop as she guided Pyre into the house. Eftje was running around in circles clapping her hands. She looked so very happy.


    Fand asked herself, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t I be happy?¡± Fear was rising inside of her. Fear of what she wasn¡¯t sure, she just felt so unsettled.


    Zel took a swipe at the curtains. With success she managed to snag one panel with her chubby fingers. She gave it a jerk and gurgled with delight. Like everything else she managed to get in her hands, Zel stuffed the curtain into her mouth. Wearily, Fand pried the curtain corner out of Zel¡¯s mouth. In the distance she saw, Perdy and Wendon racing toward the house. Behind them going at a much slower pace were Uncle Wert and Rehn.


    The clip clop of goat hooves sounded on the wooden floor. Sassafras came to Fand. She placed her cool nose against Fand¡¯s finger tips. The gesture steadied Fand. She sucked in a big breath of air.


    From the kitchen, Zolla voice rang up the stair well, ¡°Fand, where are you? Come down, and show Pyre our beautiful Zel.¡±


    Though Fand bade her body to move, it remained very still. Her throat seemed to be closing up. This was ridiculous. IT was just Pyre!


    In Zolla¡¯s obey me now or risk the consequences voice called out, ¡°Fand, do come down!¡±


    As a child and since she had arrived back, Fand had not been able to disobey Zolla when she used that tone. For the first time, it did not affect her.


    The kitchen door banged open. Fand heard Perdy¡¯s voice and then Rehn¡¯s. Everyone seemed to be speaking at once. Such a tumult of words and questions flowed. Impatient to be where the action was, Zel released the curtain and began to lean toward the open door.


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    Red faced and excited Perdy raced into the room. ¡°Mama told me to come get you. Don¡¯t you want to see Pyre?¡±


    Without waiting for an answer to her question, Perdy raced back down stairs.


    ¡°Don¡¯t I want to see Pyre?¡± This feeling was so strange. She was terrified. Never had she been terrified of Pyre. What was wrong with her? With great effort, she forced herself to leave the room.


    Rufus met her in the hall. He asked, ¡°Are you alright Miss?¡±


    Though she nodded yes it was not true. Slowly she went down the stairs followed by Rufus. With each step her heart pounded harder. In fact she began to feel quite dizzy. At least Rufus was with her, he could catch her if she fainted. When she arrived in the kitchen, all chatter abruptly stopped. The world itself seemed to stop for a single instant. Pyre looked at her and she looked at him. He said, ¡°It is good to see you Fand.¡± His heart was in his eyes and his heart had not changed.


    Fand managed to nod, but she couldn¡¯t speak. Her eyes darted to the floor.


    Eftje and Perdy giggled.


    Zolla said, ¡°Petran take Zel. You men go get cleaned up. Pyre take your things to the girl¡¯s room.¡± She turned to the Fand and the girls and said, ¡°Ladies, lets get started, we have a welcome home celebration to prepare.¡±


    The men went outside to wash up. Pyre picked up his two bags. How long was he staying? The girls went to the pantry. Zolla said something to Fand that she did not hear. Petran removed Zel from Fand arms. He was smiling. To Pyre he said, ¡°Zel and I will be on the porch, come join us once you get settled.¡±


    Of course.¡± Pyre passed by Fand. The nearness of him confused her. She could not raise her eyes to him. Her face felt hot and it must be red. His steps went up the stairs.


    At the top of the stairs, she heard Pyre exclaim, ¡°Why Sassafras, how are you old girl?¡±


    The goat let out a cheerful bleat.


    Zolla shook her head. ¡°That goat! I thought I put her outside.¡± To Fand she said, ¡°Go to the cellar and get the elderberry wine, it is Pyre¡¯s favorite. Rufus try to stay out of the way.¡± From that moment forward food preparation began. Zolla barked orders and worked her magic. Up to the attic, down to the cellar, Fand, Rufus and the girls traveled. Everything became a blur. When the food was all ready and everyone was seated at the table, Fand found herself once again struggling to breathe. Everyone began to eat and talk, except Fand. Dutifully she fed Zel. Her own food she did not touch. Pyre¡¯s voice as he explained his unexpected visit home ripped through her. She dropped her spoon. It clattered to the floor.


    Zolla asked, ¡°Fand dear, are you all right?¡±


    ¡°I just need some air. Uncle Wert could you take Zel?¡±


    Uncle Wert eyed her when she handed him the baby. She dashed out the back door. Sassafras¡¯s and Rufus followed her. The temptation to run was in her. She rushed down the steps and would have launched out into the field but Rufus voice tethered her. ¡°Where do you think you be goin¡¯?¡±


    Her mind was spinning. She stopped and took in a breath of the cool evening air. The stars were beginning to prick through the sky. Soon, all too soon the moon would rise. She closed her eyes. Was it an accident that Pyre should show up on the very day, that Loren had visited her?


    The back door opened and closed. Pyre asked, ¡°Rufus, where is Fand. I¡¯d like to have a word with her.¡±


    Rufus gave Fand a warning look. To Pyre he said, ¡°She¡¯s right there. Have all the words you want.¡±


    Sassafras¡¯s nose pushed up under Fand¡¯s left hand. Once again the touch of the goat steadied her. She could hear Pyre footsteps approaching. He stopped just behind her. She could feel the warmth of him, even though he was not touching her. In a low voice he asked, ¡°Fand, will you marry me?¡±


    Fand spun around so fast she almost fell into his arms. ¡°What?¡±


    Quietly he said, ¡°I¡¯ve tried so hard not to love you, but I can¡¯t stop.¡± He paused and said, ¡°I believe and have always believed we were meant to be.¡±


    Fand¡¯s heart broke inside of her. She felt tears welling in her eyes. Was this what she was afraid of? Could she be so foolish as to reject him again? She was no longer a foolish girl, nor was he a foolish boy. She said, ¡°Keeper knows I¡¯m nothing but trouble.¡±


    He smiled at her and said, ¡°That you are.¡± His smile touched all that was cold and dark within her. ¡°Pyre, your reputation will be ruined. Leaving the Council for a woman is considered an act of adultery.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is. But, truth be told, the moment I agreed to join the Council I was first unfaithful to you and to myself.¡±


    Fand stared up at him. In the dim light she could see the burn scars on his face. She could also she the love in his eyes. It hurt. ¡°Look around you. Look what the presence and of Zel and I have done to the farm, to your family, do you really want this for yourself?¡±


    He took a step closer. In a low voice he said, ¡°Yes. I want to every moment I still posses with you.¡± He was so close. So close. He still loved her. Still. After everything he had been through his love for her had remained. She didn¡¯t understand such love and maybe she never would. His hand touched her hair. She closed her eyes. There was no way she could refuse him or herself. His lips came down on hers. How hungry she was for him. His arms wrapped around her. He held her so close, so close. He pulled his lips away from hers and whispered, ¡°I am taking your response as a yes to my question.¡±


    Unable to speak she nodded.


    Sudden applause broke out. The entire family, including Zel was on the porch clapping. Fand blushed. Pyre tightened his grip on her. She turned her attention back to him. His eyes were filled with light, so much light. She had never seen him so very happy. For a moment her heart caught, the path ahead of them would not be easy. She whispered, ¡°Are you sure about me, there are things you don¡¯t know. When I tell you, you may not want me.¡±


    He cut her off. ¡°Nothing can make me not want you.¡±


    From the porch Zolla called out, ¡°We still got pie to eat! Pear pie! Everybody inside!¡±


    The whole group went inside, except for Rufus. Pyre called out to him. ¡°Could we have a little privacy?¡±


    Rufus shook his head. ¡°Orders is orders! You can smooch all you want, but I can¡¯t leave her, so might as well get used to me. I¡¯m bound and pledged to keep her alive.¡±


    Against Fand''s ear, Pyre whispered, "Is he always like this?"


    "Yes he is."


    "Rufus!" Pyre called out. "You are a diligent man."


    ¡°I am indeed and don''t you forget it." He smiled a smile so big all his teeth showed.


    Fand laughed. It was the first time she had laughed in a long time. A fresh breeze swirled around her. It smelled of life, good, sweet, new life. She raised her face to Pyre''s.