Serenity rose from the water and smiled at Kelton. Her beauty drew him into the water. Ignoring the flood over the tops of his boots he pursued his desire. Her eyes sparkled, reflecting the soft morning sun as it danced across the surface of the pond. He heard his name from her lips, a song that dissolved into his soul. Her welcoming arms reached out to him, then he awoke.

It wasn't the repetitiveness of the dream that bothered Kelton, it was the waking before he could enter Serenity's embrace. Six nights since he had left her, and six times he had awoken at first light nearly in her arms. His body was reacting as strong as his mind, making it difficult to empty his bladder before he could clear his thoughts of her. It was only a dream. He knew that because she didn't hate him there.

Kelton sat up knowing it was hopeless returning to the dream. He tried the first few times, and it only doubled the frustration. He stood, teetering with a bout of dizziness, and tried to think of anything but her so he could relieve himself without a struggle.

"Up early again," Gossamer commented from under his blanket.

"She won't get out of my head."

"Must have been quite the view, that morning at the pond." Gossamer chuckled as he too climbed to his feet. Kelton put his hand on a tree to steady himself. His neck ached, which added to the darkness of his mood.

"Do you think if all this didn't happen, and we weren't being chased by King and Brethren, that mayhap she would have thought differently about me?"

"Take a bath, let that scar heal up a bit, and you'll have no trouble attracting girls." Gossamer shrugged. "Of course, running makes courting difficult."

Kelton ran his fingers along his cheek, following the scar from ear to chin. Gossamer had removed the stitching which, true to the healer's words, hurt less than going in. It left some marks, small spots along the gash, that bled for a short time. Gossamer swore they were disappearing, unlike the scar that would never go away.

"Not other girls. Serenity. Would she have thought differently?"

"Mayhap, though catching her bathing would have ruined your chances either way. She's a proud girl. Not one willing to forgive a slight such as that, no matter how accidental."

"I guess it matters little now." Kelton headed off into the trees to take care of his needs. Gossamer let him go without further words, though he wished he had insight that would lighten the boy's mood. Kelton had been less than himself since Serenity's rebuke. She may have been beautiful in Kelton's eyes, in Gossamer's she was a heartless hag.

They spent the morning on the King's road, shifting off when traffic appeared. Kelton followed behind Gossamer, struggling with his aches from the night before. There were few travelers which didn't speak well for commerce. It was going to be a long winter for some if goods weren't moving. By midday, they approached a good sized village with over a dozen wooden structures visible just off the road. A tavern was well marked by an oversized goblet carved into the wood above the door. It was one of the rare two stories buildings Kelton had seen. He slowed, and glad of it. His muscles had been struggling all morning.

"Risk a warm meal?" Gossamer whispered. Kelton nodded and pulled the hood of his cape over his head, tucking his hair away. Hopefully, the scar would go unnoticed in the shadow of the cloth. If they were lucky, they could fill their bellies before anyone recognized him. The way Kelton's legs felt, sitting for awhile would be a luxury.

The place was larger inside than Kelton had imagined. He had sensed the people, but they were gathered on two long tables in the center. Another four tables lay empty, probably due to the early hour. There was a long counter on the right, dividing the work area from the common room. Behind that, lay a door that likely led to the cooking area that was producing a pleasant odor. To the left of it was a steep staircase up along the back wall. Gossamer walked to the counter with Kelton slogging behind.

A woman, with a body that could encompass three, stood behind the counter. Her hair flowed at odd angles to her shoulders, giving her a more rounded look than her breadth had already presented. It would have been a fearful visage if it wasn't for the welcoming smile on her face.

"Help you, good sirs?"

"A warm meal and some ale," Gossamer returned. "For the two of us."

"And a bath," added Kelton. The idea of lying in warm water had a strong appeal to his exhausted muscles. There was also a chance, as small as it was, that he may run into Serenity again. It would be best if he were clean if it did happen. One less thing for her to hate.

"Would you be liking a room then?" the woman asked. Gossamer turned to Kelton. Kelton shrugged, then nodded. Didn't matter much if they stayed. Die here, die there. Might as well attempt a soft bed for the night.

"A room," Gossamer agreed. They followed the rotund woman up the flight of stairs. Kelton found the climb strenuous, which concerned him. He was surprised she didn't slow. She moved as if her weight was of no consequence.

"My name is Naddi if you wish something else. My boy will heat the water and seek you out when your bath is ready. We just acquired a large boar, so I hope pork steak and potatoes are to your liking." Naddi lifted her skirts slightly as she continued up the stairs.

"Pork sounds wonderful," Gossamer said. Kelton wasn't sure why his stomach rolled at the thought of food.

"It will be 5 coppers for the room and dinner. The bath comes with the room though my boy will expect something for his troubles." Naddi turned and smiled as she reached the top of the stairs and pointed to the first opening, covered only by a curtain.

"I'll give you a silver if you see to the boy and add some breakfast in the morning," Gossamer said as he peeked into the room.

"Done and done," Naddi replied. She held out her hand. Gossamer fished out a silver and placed it in her palm. Kelton stumbled past them into the room.

It was a small room, though strong walled with a large straw mattress wrapped in cloth on the floor. There were two blankets folded at the end. The other side of the room housed a small table with three chairs and a chest for storage. It was more home than Kelton was used too. He pulled back his hood and smiled weakly at the soft mattress that seemed to call to him.

"I'll have the bath started immediately, young sir," Naddi said. Kelton turned without thinking, and Naddi's eyes widened at his exposed face. He was about to plead with her not make them leave and lose a soft night he sorely needed. Instead, the world faded away, her face being the last thing in focus. His legs gave way, and he never felt the floor hitting him hard.

~~~~~

"Kelton," Gossamer called as he moved to the boy's side. Kelton dropped lifelessly, his head bounced on the wooden surface, and no sound came from his lips. Gossamer felt the pain for him.

"The boy is sick," Naddi said. Gossamer cradled Kelton's head and felt the heat coming off it. He cursed himself for not seeing it sooner. It was Kelton's foul mood that camouflaged the weakness. They should never have traveled with him ill.

"He's hot," Gossamer said. He began pulling the pack off Kelton, exposing the sword that lay underneath. "We may have to stay longer than one night."

"He's the one they are looking for," Naddi whispered.

"I have more coin," Gossamer pleaded as he pulled off Kelton's cloak. "We'll make no trouble and leave as soon as he's well enough to travel." He rolled Kelton onto his side to ease the disrobing. When he looked up again, Naddi was gone.

"That bitch," Gossamer thought. He didn't blame Naddi, it was Serenity who blinded him to Kelton's ailment. A mere girl had ruined them, and here they were worried about soldiers and Brethren.

Gossamer stood, removed his pack and laid it on the table. He stretched his back and loosened his shoulders before drawing his sword from the sheath. He twisted his neck about, letting the stiff bones crack and warm the muscles that surrounded them. Footsteps echoed from the stairs as Gossamer straddled Kelton's body on the floor. It was bound to happen. Death was always inevitable. It would have been nice to sample the pork steak though.

The first to enter was a bald man, as big around as Naddi. He slowed at the sight of Gossamer's sword. Gossamer lowered the weapon when the man exposed his empty palms. Naddi pushed past the man making room for her to enter.

"Put that away," Naddi demanded, pointing at the sword. "Someone sees that, and we all lose our arms." Gossamer lowered the sword further, not yet willing to let it go. It's hard to turn off the idea of fighting to the death, once committed.

"Davos will help you move the boy," Naddi said, indicating the bald man. "The rooms on the far end have doors, and privacy is what you need." Gossamer thought for a moment then stepped away from Kelton and replaced the sword back into its sheath. From certain death to trust. If it meant a night more of life, it was worth the risk.

Davos took Kelton's legs, and Gossamer lifted from under the arms. The boy groaned, but his eyes remained closed as Davos led the way backward down the hall. Naddi collected the packs and followed.

The room was larger than the first with a small shuttered window facing north. The door was oak with a wooden crossbar leaning next to it against the wall. An iron hook was mounted on the wall next to the door. Gossamer was sure that the iron was duplicated on the other side, behind the opened door. The crossbar could be used to secure the door closed so one could sleep peacefully without fear of being disturbed. The room was apparently more expensive than the last.

"I have more coin," Gossamer said as he and Davos lowered Kelton onto the bed. Kelton laid as he was placed, unmoving.

"The silver will cover tonight. We'll talk about tomorrow, tomorrow." Naddi smiled as she spoke. "He is the one. The one they are looking for, isn't he?" Gossamer nodded. Davos closed the door.

"We risk much," Davos said to Naddi.

"Bah, we claim we never saw his face." Naddi waved away his fears. Her voice changed to an innocent little girl's. "Hooded he was, your Eminence. The demon fooled me with his spells." Despite his concern for Kelton, Gossamer smiled. Davos rolled his eyes.

"Run and get the healer and say nothing of his appearance," Naddi instructed Davos. When Davos was halfway out the door, she added. "And don't doddle with that favorite filly of yours, you come right back." Davos's face reddened before he nodded and closed the door.

"You don't believe he's a demon?" Gossamer asked as he began to further undress Kelton. The boy was visibly sweating, and logic dictated that he had to be cooled down.

"The only demons I know wear white robes. My sister was cursed by them, marked with the Wilted Rose because her husband defied them. Now her husband is dead, I raise her boy with my own, and she spreads her legs for anyone with coin. No, it's no demon that riles the Brethren. That boy is blessed by the Goddess herself, no less."

"The Goddess is not blessing him today. He's burning up." Gossamer lightly slapped Kelton's face. "Kelton, wake up." Kelton didn't flinch, and his eyes remained closed, his muscles languid.

"I'm taking him down to his skin. You may not want to stay," Gossamer warned.

"It won't bother me, I'm used to naked boys. I'll get water and cloth." Naddi left, closing the door behind her.

"Don't you die on me," Gossamer whispered as he removed Kelton's boots. Gossamer's thoughts traveled back many winters when Kelton was small enough to be tucked in his arm. The boy caught a fever that had him coughing and crying all night. Gossamer had been sure he wouldn't survive the spasms. Now, fourteen winters later, the same fear cursed Gossamer. He had never seen Kelton so dead like.

Gossamer removed the boy's trousers. Welt-like spots speckled Kelton's thighs. His groin was angry with them. Gossamer removed Kelton's shirt. The red blotches traveled up his stomach and blossomed where the straps of his pack had laid on his shoulders.

"It is the pox," Naddi said, all her breath leaving her lungs. Gossamer saw the concern on her face. She closed the door.

"Isn't it a young one's disease?" Gossamer fished what he knew of the pox from his memory. "Not serious, I thought."

"For a babe, no. For him, it can be deadly." Naddi dropped to her knees at the side, placing a pot of water to her side and dipping in a cloth. "We must cool him, or he'll become simple if he survives at all."

"He'll survive."

"The healer will know more." Naddi started on his face, wiping away many days of grime with the sweat. "You have had this pox?"

"I don't know. I guess so. Hasn't everyone had it?"

"Obviously not." Naddi dipped the cloth again and began working on Kelton's neck and chest. Gossamer sighed. He had kept Kelton isolated during his youth. A strategy that may now be the death of the boy. He ran his hand through his hair, then pulled on it with a grimace.

"I have caused this. I sheltered him away from people and now, look at the boy."

"Blame is for fools." Naddi washed the boy's groin without a thought. A mother knows no discretion when a young life is on the line. "You will remain in this room until we know for sure you aren't sick as well. Can't have you running about spreading it to others who may be as unfortunate as the boy." Gossamer nodded agreement.

They rolled Kelton over, and Naddi repeated the washing on his backside. Naddi leaned back when it was complete, and they had rolled him back. The un-pocked parts of Kelton looked cleaner, though the whole image was frightening. At least it hadn't reached his face.

"I've heard many things about that scar," Naddi said, pointing to Kelton's face.

"What have you heard?"

"He ate a live dog as it clawed him. It was a dagger from a mother when he stole her baby. That he did it himself, an insanity that he will bring to us all."

"Well," Gossamer said, adding a chuckle despite his grim mood. "That last one is the closest. We came upon a boy the King's Own had garroted to a pole, red hair and of the same age as Kelton. Insanity did indeed come over him. Before I could stop him, he marked himself and demanded that they tell the King so all would know the difference between the one they seek and others."

"That was the other story I heard whispered. You know some believe he is Kushiel's Answer."

"He is just a boy." Gossamer looked down at his silent friend. He'd call him son if he could.

"A boy with a story. It may not take more than that."

"When he wakes, I would prefer you not fill his head with dreams of saving the world. Death does not sit well with him. He would not survive leading others to it."

"As you say." Naddi dropped the rag in the bucket and stood. "It is but a dream on any account. There are too many of them and only one of him." She smiled at the pock riddled body. "Anyone who would scar himself for those he doesn't know has too much heart for this land."

"Yes, too much heart. It's what started this mess."

"Lock the door behind me," Naddi said as she started to leave. "Don't open it for anyone but Davos or me. I'll bring up a meal and fresh water, the healer as well when she arrives."

"Thank you. We owe you more than you know."

"It is a selfish deed. The longer the boy lives, the more the Brethren suffer." Naddi and Gossamer shared a smile before she left. He placed the crossbar behind her, securing the door. He would have felt safer in the forest, away from unpredictable people. Then again, it is better being ill near a healer. He sighed and decided to wipe Kelton's head again.

~~~~~

"It is the pox, and a mighty case it be," the old woman said. The girl beside her nodded her agreement, though remained silent, allowing her elder to define the facts. Like Lena, the old woman was cursed with the Wilted Rose, same as the girl training beside her. She handed the girl a clean, dry cloth and told her to wipe the open pock marks lightly with it. Then she moved to the small table where Gossamer was dipping hard bread into pork juices.

"If the boy doesn't mind, I'll dirty the rag and take it to some newer born. It's best if they catch it early and not suffer like him later in life."

"He wouldn't argue. In fact, I believe he'd be pleased to help the little ones," Gossamer said. It was the first good to come of the illness, and he'd be damned if he wasted it.

"Juno here," the old woman began, pointing to the young girl, "will spend the night with the boy. I have an elixir made from the bark of the weeping tree that will calm his sweats. It must be given whenever they return to cool his insides. She is dutiful." Gossamer nodded and held back a smile. He wondered what Kelton would think, lying naked in front of a girl.

"He will survive this," Gossamer insisted. The old woman took it as a question.

"His eyes are clear and his muscles calm. He stands a good chance, and Juno knows the signs of fading well. She well fetch me if it gets worse, but I think he will live."

"And have his wits about him?"

"Most likely. Naddi was right in cooling his skin." She looked at Juno. "You will wash him down a few times tonight Juno, to help keep him cool."

"Yes, Mother," Juno replied.

"Mother?" Gossamer asked.

"Polite way of saying old." The woman laughed. "Even the cursed have rank. It is the way of the world. I'm known as Floran to those I don't teach."

"Should I wash his hair, Mother?"

"If you must, child." Floran rolled her eyes at Gossamer. Gossamer watched as Juno combed her fingers through Kelton's hair. Dirty as it was, she obviously admired the color. "He's the one they are looking for, is he not?"

"I would prefer they keep looking," Gossamer answered. Floran was about to speak when Naddi entered the room bearing two plates of food for the healers.

"I thought I told you to bar the door," Naddi scolded.

"Wasn't thinking. The flavor of the pork had me mesmerized."

"Bah, you sound like my boys. Always hiding their sins in compliments." Naddi added the plates to the table, each holding a pork steak, hard bread and a large piece of cheese.

"A fine meal as always, Naddi," Floran said, looking pleased.

"There is wine coming behind. Didn't think I'd make it up the stairs with the whole lot myself." True to her word, Davos entered with two cups of wine, adding it to the table.

"What of the boy?" Davos asked.

"No solids till he sits up," Floran said, pulling a plate in front of her. "Juno will keep water in him during the night. If all goes well, he'll be upright and itchy in a day or two. If not, well different decisions will have to be made." Gossamer didn't like the sound of that.

"I didn't know you could catch the pox in the woods," Gossamer said.

"Not likely," Floran said. "People with it, and the things they touch pass on the pox as best as I can tell. It takes a few days, five or so before it hits hard." She bit into the pork and smiled at Naddi. It was apparent she would enjoy her visit, pox or not.