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, and a chorus of voices began her song.

Kelton faded from the dream, but the song continued just above a whisper. He opened his eyes and to find Lilly sitting crossed legged on the mattress staring down at him. Her lips were whispering the song, adding to the chorus that was continuing beyond the door. She smiled when she saw his eyes.

"What are you doing here?" Kelton asked. He checked quickly to make sure he was still covered.

"Watching you," Lilly replied.

"Why?"

"Mother told me too."

"So closely?"

"It is easier. I am to get her when you wake."

"Why aren't you getting her?"

"Because I want to know things," Lilly replied. She folded her hands in her lap, making herself comfortable. Which, in turn, made Kelton uncomfortable. "Your scar, how did it happen?"

"I don't want to talk about it."

"So, a woman did it to you when you killed her baby," Lilly stated.

"Nay!" Kelton said. "I would never hurt a baby." He paused a moment then decided the truth was better than the lies. "It was a foolish thing. I did it to myself without thinking."

"An accident?"

"Nay, not like that," Kelton struggled with the explanation. "I thought...well it seemed like...I marked myself so the King's Own would know me. You see, I saw a boy who had been strangled to a pole because he looked like me. I...I didn't want it to happen again."

"It was not so foolish then," Lilly said. She reached out and touched the scar. "Mayhap, you won't go so deep if you do it again." Kelton smiled and nodded. It was nice to hear someone who didn't think it was stupidity. The singing outside the door stopped.

"I have heard that song before," Kelton said, pointing toward the closed door. He was sure it was the same song Serenity had sung before he proved himself a fool.

"It is our morning prayer to the Goddess. I know the words, but not their meaning. It is always done before we drink the Darny tea." Lilly stuck out her tongue, clearly displaying her opinion of the tea's taste. "It is a secret song that few have heard who don't wear the Wilted Rose." She raised her wrist to Kelton, displaying her mark.

"It is pleasant to the ears," Kelton said. He wondered how Serenity knew the song. He was sure she wasn't cursed. Maybe she had been, though he remembered no scar on her wrist.

"Are you Kushiel's Answer?"

"Nay," Kelton replied, shaking his head.

"The Whispering Way says you are."

"The what?"

"The Mothers share secrets by sending messengers between houses. Mother doesn't know I know, but I have eyes and can see it done." Lilly leaned closer. "They call it the Whispering Way. I sometimes listen when the messengers come." Kelton smiled at the explanation. Lilly was smarter than Tillyen realized, a future mother in the making.

"You're smart enough to see that I'm only a boy," Kelton said. There was no need to encourage the rumors. Dousing them seemed the best course, especially now that he had achieved Shunneer City. Joycelyn and her family were safe, probably planning a spring planting.

"Your hair is red enough, like fire I'd say," Lilly argued.

"It's just hair."

"Did not the first fall?"

"I snuck up on him," Kelton argued back. "I can't face one Brother head-on, much less three. Nay, I am not your Answer, no matter what the Whispering Way says."

"I guess you'd know it if you were," Lilly said. She looked disappointed.

"Would he?" Tillyen surprised them both, entering silently. Lilly's face blushed with concern as to how much was overheard.

"Would I not?" Kelton asked.

"The Goddess may desire you not to know." Tillyen paused a moment, placing her hands on her hips. "I desire Lilly to not know, and yet she defies me and gathers information she has no right too." Lilly's face tightened and her eyes closed. Kelton wondered what defying mother might mean. "Your tea awaits you, my dear." Lilly scampered out of the room, giving Tillyen wide berth.

"I listen at doors as well," Tillyen whispered after Lilly was out of earshot. Her smile told Kelton that Lilly wasn't in any serious trouble.

"I thank you for the warm night," Kelton said as he sat up, careful to keep parts of himself covered by the blankets. Some newly exposed skin felt the chill of the air, sending a shiver through his body. "I should leave before I share my troubles with all of you."

"You'll find more trouble out there than in here," Tillyen said. "And your body needs some time out of the cold." She chuckled. "Besides, you kept me warm through the night as well. I rather like a snuggle without the rutting." Kelton pulled the blankets closer as Tillyen sat down on the bed.

"There is food being prepared that will strengthen you." Tillyen placed the back of her hand on Kelton's forehead. "How you didn't catch your death, I'll never know."

"I have no coin," Kelton said. He lost everything with his pack and nights with the cursed were not free.

"And I haven't asked for any," Tillyen said. Her hand moved down his face, caressing his scarred cheek before it left. "Whether you desire it or not, you are hope. That is very valuable in this land and worth more than any coin could provide. We will do our part and see you fit before you leave." Kelton was about to interject but stalled when she raised her finger to his lips. "It pleases me to do so. Don't ruin what little I can offer."

"Food will be most welcome," Kelton said, deciding to accept her kindness without argument. If it made her happy, then who was he to alter her view. He could be hope for a day, as silly as the idea was. If Tillyen had seen him running from the two Brethren, she'd think him hopeless. Besides, his stomach would never forgive him if he passed on a meal.

"Good," Tillyen said with a growing smile. "The soldiers departed when the storm waned, but I'd prefer you stayed put. It's best if few see you." She stood. "I'll send Lilly in when the meal is ready."

"She's smarter than you know."

"Smarter than is good for her," Tillyen agreed. "But she's seen you already, and the young need hope more." Tillyen left as Kelton considered her words. Being born Unseen and surviving was a fluke. Sneaking up on the Brother was luck at best. Those were his curses to bear. If his actions brought out pleasant thoughts in others, maybe he shouldn't be so quick to belittle them. A source of happiness is not such a bad thing to be.

Kelton woke as Lilly entered. He had fallen back asleep moments after Tillyen left, his body and mind still recovering from his frozen trek. His nose was immediately aware of the two bowls Lilly carried. The steam coming off of them was filling the room with a meaty fragrance.

"Oat and meat porridge over yesterday's bread," Lilly announced. Kelton sat up, his stomach fully awake. She placed the warm bowl in his hands. "It's my favorite when there's enough meat for it." He had to move his legs to make enough room for Lilly to join him on the mattress. She sat cross-legged and wiggled to get comfortable. Kelton ignored her closeness, the porridge holding his full attention.

"This is good," Kelton said, his mouth full of porridge. Lilly smiled, nodded, and continued chewing. Kelton was pleased that she was patient as he ate. Her eyes forecasted a desire to talk, and there were times between bites that he could clearly see her holding back. He decided to reward her suffering with answers, as soon as his bowl was empty. It didn't take long.

"Who is Serenity?" Lilly asked.

"How do you know her?"

"You talk in your sleep." Lilly moved the empty bowls to the shelf and sat back down. "I think she has your heart, does she not?" Kelton laughed at the thought.

"When I first met her, I would have gladly cut it from the chest and handed it to her. Silly really," Kelton replied. "She probably would have stomped on it, then fed it to a dog."

"She did not like you?"

"I guess she thought me a fool at first. I had trouble speaking to her. Couldn't even walk without tangling my feet."

"Ahh, she is beautiful," Lilly said with knowing grin.

"At first sight," Kelton agreed. "I'm not so sure now. It's was a strange thing. When I heard her voice, I thought it was an angel. Then I saw her and was sure of it." He shook his head. "Now, I see I didn't look deep enough. She wasn't very kind."

"She did not like you fumbling about?"

"Nay, she did not like me seeing her bathe." Lilly covered her smile with her hand, holding back a laugh. "It was an accident. I thought her in trouble and...well there she was bathing in a stream." Kelton shrugged, and his eyes lowered. "I didn't look away as I should. Now the sight invades my dreams."

"Did you not say you were sorry?" Lilly asked. She was still struggling not to laugh.

"I think I did. Or mayhap not. I remember a lot of yelling. Her dislike of me was so thick, I could barely breathe." Kelton's eyes rose from the mattress. "It is not a fond memory." He took a deep breath and let it out. "Time is making it less so, but my dreams of her always brings it back."

"Your witness should have been there," Lilly said as a matter of fact.

"My witness? What do you know of that?"

"Only what I've heard," Lilly replied. "The Whispering Way speaks of her. Joycelyn I think they said. We are looking for her, or at least the mothers are."

"What?" Kelton insides lurched at the words.

"When the first fell, it was her duty to stay with you." Lilly's hands moved about, supporting how strongly she felt about the topic. "We will find her and remind her of her that."

"Nay," Kelton objected. "I am doing all of this to keep her and her family safe. You will ruin it if she's found."

"But, she is the.."

"She is a mother!" Kelton said, then dropped his voice. "I am not this Answer. All of this was to save Rebecca, and now you put her in peril."

"Not me," Lilly said, her eyes wide. "I only tell you what I've heard. I did not hear of a family. The cursed don't have families."

"That's why she needs to stay hidden. She burnt off her mark," Kelton said, wiping his hand along his wrist. "It is death for all of them if she is found."

"It is still her duty," Lilly said with less confidence.

"Duty this, duty that. All I hear is rules, most made up by people I'll never meet." If Kelton had been dressed, he would have stood up to make his point. "Can not happiness be one's duty? Can not Joycelyn's duty be to her family?"

"I...I," Lilly stuttered. Kelton realized he had put too much anger in his words. He took a deep breath and relaxed his tensed muscles. It was not Lilly's fault the world was not as Kelton envisioned it should be. Senseless rules upon rules. Death for this, cursed for that. He decided to try and change what he could, leaving the rest for others.

"I do not wish her to be found. If you truly believe me to be what I am not, then my words must hold some sway," Kelton said as calmly as he could.

"I will get mother," Lilly said. She gathered the empty bowls and ran off. Kelton wasn't sure if it was his argument or fear that sent her off so quickly.

Kelton closed his eyes and calmed himself further. If the Wilted Rose talked among themselves, even at a distance, then he had to be careful speaking to them. He had told Juno about Joycelyn. She must have told Floren. Betrayal? No, he thought not. They believed, as did Lilly, that he was the Answer. Rolic was right. It didn't matter what Kelton believed, only what everyone else believed.

Kelton touched his lips remembering Juno's kiss. There was nothing on her lips that spoke of betrayal. The memory forced his smile. He had no idea why such a small thing was so memorable. He wondered what she was doing and if she thought about him. She had no reason to think he would return. Perhaps he still held a small part of her mind as she did his. It was a pleasant thought.

"What is Lilly so upset about?" Tillyen asked as she entered.

"Where are my clothes?" Kelton asked, breaking out of his memories. He was tired of talking to everyone while hiding behind a blanket.

"By the fire," Tillyen replied. "They were washed and will be brought to you when they have dried. Unless you prefer them wet." Her hands found her hips, her eyes narrowed as she stared down at Kelton. He had again spoken with more strength than he intended.

"I thank you for that," Kelton said, again forcing himself to relax. He needed more sleep. "And for the meal. It was most welcome." Tillyen nodded, her sternness fading. "And for sharing your warmth last night." Tillyen dropped her hands off her hips and smiled.

"Lilly is flustered. Said she spoke out of turn and you're angry at her."

"Nay, not at her," Kelton said, waving away Tillyen's concern. "It is your Whispering Way that riled me." Tillyen's eyes widened at the mention of the name. "Lilly overheard the name Joycelyn and understood you are searching for her."

"Lilly has heard too much," Tillyen said, her hands finding her hips again.

"Mayhap, the Goddess wishes me to know," Kelton said, trying to squeeze his desires into Tillyen's beliefs. "Joycelyn must not be found. No one should look for her."

"She has a duty..."

"Even if I wish it not to be?" Kelton interrupted. He waited for Tillyen to digest his words, examining her eyes as they shifted with her thoughts. A sliver of guilt stabbed at Kelton's conscience, using the ancient tale for his ends. It was worth it if it ended the search. He could see Tillyen wavering and added, "Mayhap, it is too soon for her to do her duty. The Goddess will see to our reuniting when the time is right." He cringed at his lie. Most likely, he would never see Joycelyn again. Knowing how he fared against two Brethren, there was no way he would attempt three, with or without a witness. Kushiel's Answer was a fable. Nothing but a dream for those who had none. He was Unseen and hunted, nothing more.

"I can not stop what has begun," Tillyen sighed.

"You could send a message, could you not?"

"I could, but what's started is started. The Whispering Way travels slowly. It will take many days to make it across Aragonia."

"What if the witness dies? The Brethren will want nothing more. Can you vouch for the secrecy of all who are looking for her?"

"Nay," Tillyen admitted. "She should never have left you."

"I left her and am lucky to have made it this far. One, or both of us, would have perished if she had come with me." Kelton was uncomfortable at how easy it was to stretch the truth. Joycelyn had a strength about her, and more wisdom then he possessed. The trip probably would have been easier with her along. Not that the Hold Lord would have allowed it anyway. He felt it best to keep that from Tillyen and the Wilted Rose.

"I will send the message. Others may ignore it. They are only words, not orders."

"They are good words," Kelton said, adding a smile to show he appreciated her trying. It was the first time he had purposely molded someone's thoughts. There was power in pretending to be Kushiel's Answer. A beacon of hope in a dark world. His smile grew as he thought of his message traveling between nighthouses.

"Can you add something else to the message?" Kelton asked.

"What else?" Tillyen asked with an exaggerated sigh.

"Kelton remembers Juno," Kelton said. "Only those three words. It is a message of thanks for the healer who cared for me when I was hit with the pox." It was the kiss he remembered and hoped she remembered it as well. He wondered why it was important to him.

"It seems a silly thing to send."

"Mayhap, but I wish it sent if it can be done." Kelton was about to press his Kushiel's Answer persona when Tillyen nodded her agreement.

"You pretend well for one who doesn't believe," Tillyen said, adding a chuckle.

"I was told that it isn't what I believe, it's what everyone else believes." Kelton returned a warm smile with his words.

"Act the part and belief will become truth," Tillyen said, her eyes alive, teasing Kelton with the revelation.

"Aye, I hadn't thought of that. " At every step forward, Kelton learned something that made him step back. Life had been simpler as a thief. There was little to worry about and boredom the only enemy. He missed the boredom.

"While I do this task for you, you will set things right with Lilly." It wasn't a request. The cursed picked their mothers well. "I'll not have her thinking she offended you."

"Aye," Kelton agreed, though it was more an acknowledgment of the order. He had no intention of defying her. Strength didn't require muscle, only confidence peppered with a look that one feared to ignore.

"Good," Tillyen said, her superiority disappearing as quickly it had arrived. The word was wrapped in an honest smile. Praise for his agreement. Kelton found himself valuing it and the skill it took to produce it. He doubted there was little he wouldn't do if she asked. That was true power. He wondered if it could be learned.