"It is true; you breathe!" Filgot called from down the hall. Kelton turned to a welcoming face. It pleased him to see Filgot, someone he hadn't fully doubted, at least to his face as he had Tarvakian. "I thought you gone from this world, and yet here you stand - broader of shoulder if my eyes are not lying."

"It is good to see..." Kelton was surprised when Filgot embraced him in a bear hug. There had always been some distance between them, guard and property. That formality faded in an instant, replaced with a friendship and an intimacy he hadn't thought possible.

"These blades, they are upside down," Filgot said, turning Kelton around.

"It hides them when under a cloak," Kelton said as Filgot examined the leather catches that held the pommels tight to the sheaths. "I thought it best not to present them to the world."

"The Nagada trained you?"

"Aye," Kelton replied. "A trade for what I did for My'taa, the little one who the beast attacked. It is a long story."

"A story I would gladly hear," Filgot said. He placed his arm around Kelton's shoulders, as if they were brothers, and began walking down the hall. "I have thought of you often. I suffered leaving you there, but it could not be helped." He smiled. "I thought I had lost two, and by the All-Father's mercy, it's down to one again."

"I visited Taggert's grave on my return," Kelton said. "It is a solemn place for the Nagada and me. Know that it is well cared for."

"Aye," Filgot said. "And you will meet his mother and tell her so. It will lighten her grief."

"Mother?"

"Your old Master brought her into the house once we returned. Taggert cared for her, and Tarvakian made it his promise as well. He took his loss as hard as the rest of us."

"Twice I am shamed," Kelton said, shaking his head. Filgot stopped and squinted his eyes in confusion. "I thought you all had turned on the Tarvakian's vow." Kelton shrugged, and his face flushed. "I...I snuck over the wall and intended to threaten Tarvakian into compliance." Filgot laughed. Kelton didn't think it was humorous.

"Our tales convinced even you," Filgot said. "You have been gone too long, my friend." Kelton liked the sound of being called a friend. He was home again, and this time as an equal. "Come, all is forgiven." They began walking again. "Have you eaten?"

"A little," Kelton replied. He had lived on berries and a single rabbit he snared since he left the village market. Not starving, but missing a full belly.

"I am told the family is meeting," Filgot said. "I'll gather some of yesterday's bread for you to gnaw on before the kitchen fires up. I'll have it brought to the meeting. It should hold you until you've had a good meal."

"I thank you," Kelton said.

"You want me to take those swords to your room? You'll not need them behind these walls."

"I still have a room?"

"Aye," Filgot said, adding a chuckle. "A certain princess, not of this land, insisted it be kept waiting. She is not to be denied, nor is Glenda who sees to Yanda's will. Very profitable, those two."

"Profitable?"

"Another long story," Filgot said. "We will trade tales when the family is done with you." He held out his hands, and Kelton relieved himself of his sword filled sheathes. Filgot partially withdrew one sword and examined it. "Old, but well cared for," he commented.

"Aye, very old," Kelton said. "Last held by a Nagada who did not agree with their laws."

"Fitting," Filgot chuckled. "You dislike many laws as well."

"Kelton!" Alliette rose from the chair as Kelton entered the meeting room with apprehension. Yelvin, now moving well and of his own volition, latched onto her leg and used it as a shield by trying to hide behind. "We thought you lost."

"A delightful sight," Bellina said, rising herself and moving unhindered by a child. For the second time since Kelton's arrival, he was embraced as if he were cherished. They did not know they were adding to the guilt he felt for his covert entrance.

"I thank you, my lady," Kelton said. Alliette chuckled as she pulled Yelvin forward to embrace Kelton as well. "And thank you, your highness."

"It is Alliette here," she said. Yelvin tugged at her skirts, trying to move her backward.

"Well met, young sir," Kelton said. He dropped to his knee and leaned to the side to thwart Yelvin's attempt at hiding behind his mother. "You have grown much." Yelvin smiled, then hid further.

"Yelvin's bravery is limited to those he knows well," Alliette said. "In time, you will see his boldness."

Kelton stood with a smile. "Happiness is what I see. A good thing in a young one."

"Zello will be upset he isn't here to greet you," Alliette said.

"Aye," Bellina added. "He is in Mila overseeing the new wall. As Heralic is fond of saying, 'chaos must be managed.'"

"Chaos?"

"It is the way of things now," Bellina said. She turned to her silver, or silver of old, who was still sitting. Bellina held out her hand. "You remember Sara." Sara stood and took Bellina's hand.

"Welcome, Kelton," Sara said with an air of belonging, almost authority.

"I thank you, my lady," Kelton said with a small bow. It was odd that she would be present at a family gathering. His eyes caught the way Bellina's hand intertwined with hers, sealing themselves tighter yet with a softness that seemed more of a caress.

"I was told you did not come through the front gate," Bellina said.

"Aye," Kelton said, redness filling his face as he thought of what he had done.

Bellina smiled and held up Sara's hand to her lips and kissed the back of it with tenderness. Sara smiled at the gesture, and many things became clear. "The workings of my marriage are hidden from most. I felt you should know the other half of what you already fell upon."

Kelton chuckled. More at his ignorance, than at the ruse. "I thought many things, my lady. I fear I never imagined the union in such a way. I owe many sorrows for the ideas that found a home in my mind." He shook his head as he remembered the first tour he took Bellina on. "You baited me with questions that first day, yet it was Eveyin's words that interested you."

"A quick mind," Bellina said. Her eyes showed some pride in Kelton's summation.

"You and Heralic found your happiness," Kelton said, and his smile grew. "hidden chaos."

"Aye," Sara agreed. "Beautiful chaos."

"You have told him?" It was Heralic, entering with Eveyin at his side. Kelton was pleased they were fully dressed. Still, grief at the memory of having his sword at Tarvakian's throat wormed its way under his skin.

"Aye, my husband," Bellina said.

"Good," Eveyin said. "Sometimes, I tire of the lies."

"I, as well," Sara said. She motioned for Eveyin to sit by her - kindred spirits. It was a cue, and all found seats.

"It is good to have you back, Kelton," Tarvakian started. "Vasco has been lamenting the loss of your skills. It seems he no longer trusts his sums without your concurrence."

"Where is..."

"He and Zello are in Mila. They are creating the same privacy there that you see here." Tarvakian smiled. "Chaos must be managed." Bellina smirked, her earlier words proved right.

"I fear I added to the chaos, sir," Kelton said with remorse. "I have thought and done things to counter a truth that does not exist." He looked at the gathered family. "My mind saw many of you in darkness."

"Aye," Alliette said. "We should have him beaten mercilessly." There was a short pause before the laughter began. It was a healing thing to Kelton. Yelvin took the disturbance as a chance to leave his mother. He moved with purpose to his grandsire, who lifted him to his lap in a practiced move. The happiness in Heralic's eyes glowed as Yelvin got comfortable in a seat he must take often.

"Many here believe you are their savior," Bellina said. "Chaos or not, those no longer bound have found happiness in their freedom and profits, and tie most of it to you. You will be received with open arms; theirs and ours."

"Well said," Tarvakian agreed. Yelvin nodded on his lap as if he were an extension of his grandsire.

"I have done little," Kelton said with some confusion. "I have been gone for many months. It is your doing, is it not?"

"You stirred a stagnant pond, Kelton," Tarvakian explained. "House Tarvakian would be the smallest of houses had it not been for Vasco recognizing a picture-mind at the auction. Property would property, profits would be small, and princesses would have taken no note of us." Alliette smiled at the statement. "It is in your nature to mold your surroundings into something you find less offensive." He held up his hand when Kelton was about to disagree. "I know your feelings about property, even property well cared for." He smiled. "It is hard to admit, but I enjoy the chaos more than the control I once held, as does my purse."

"You have affected many outside of the walls as well," Bellina added. "Freetown and all those who breathe easier in the mines. Do you not see what you have done?"

"I almost ruined it all," Kelton said. "I believed what I was told and..." He thought of the Summerfields and the property at the market. "I may still have." Kelton looked at Tarvakian. "The Summerfields, they know most of what I do. And there was another who knows I live, though little of the rest. She is property, though she promised not to speak. The Summerfields made no such promise. I told them of your vow, sir."

"Alliette?" Tarvakian said.

"They are the rice growers who wished to meet with me?" Alliette asked. She was well informed.

"Aye," Tarvkian replied.

"I will see to it," Alliette said. She looked at Kelton. "It has fallen to me to use my lineage to handle such things. Few will deny the princess. You need not worry about the ruse." Kelton marveled at the workings that had been created in his absence. "Can these Summerfields be trusted?"

"Aye," Kelton said.

Heralic agreed with a nod. "And they desired wagons for rice shipping. Mayhap, we could rely on their discretion and seal it with profits." He stroked his chin. "It would take some work so the wagons don't deadhead on the way there." He shrugged. "The area must have some needs that are unmet, even with a light cargo, it would cover the travel."

"They think you are evil," Kelton warned.

Tarvakian sighed. "Evil and envy are mine to bear." Eveyin took his hand, and he smiled. "But, I don't suffer it behind these walls."

After knocking, a woman entered carrying a plate of bread and slices of cheese. Her eyes met Kelton's, and she smiled as if they were well known to each other. "It is true," She said and placed the tray on a small table. She looked at Tarvakian, "He has returned, sir."

"Aye, Dorrina. Kelton has returned."

"You are going to stay?" Dorrina asked Kelton.

"If I am welcome, my lady," Kelton replied. Dorrina's eyes snapped to Heralic.

"He is most welcome, Dorrina," Tarvakian said.

"I will tell everyone," Dorrina said and started for the door. Then stopped and turned back as if she had been too hasty. "May I, sir?"

"Aye, you may," Tarvakian replied with a smirk. Dorrina ran off with a new mission.

"Do you see?" Bellina said. "You are well-loved here."

"It seems too perfect," Kelton said. Nothing had ever been as good as it looked. He helped himself to some bread and cheese. At least his stomach thought things were perfect.

"Ha!" Tarvakian said. "It is a mess here, not perfect. We muddle through and somehow succeed at most things. Mistakes - we have made many. We offer freedom behind these walls, and whatever joy and profit you can find inside them. Oddly enough, chaos tends to grow coins in abundance."

"There is one thing I must do before I settle," Kelton said. His voice lowered. "There are things I must tell you, and I wish a place here for another, mayhap, more than one."

"Much was said when we thought you dead," Tarvakian said. "I know from whence you came." He chuckled. "And Yanda told me of Juno."

"I liked that part," Eveyin said, her eyes bright. "Do you still seek her?"

"Aye," Kelton said. "I wish to retrieve her. And...and...I need to ask for...no, beg for the coin necessary. I would work until death for this house if you'd grant me such a sum."

"Nay," Heralic replied. Eveyin slapped his shoulder, and he smiled. "You do not need my coin. You can use your own."

"My own? I have no coin."

"Coin from the kuzzles," Tarvakian said, counting off of Yelvin's fingers, who thought it a good game. "Coin from a lucrative deal done west of the Nagada, coins from the Sorinnia compact, a fund..."

"I do not understand?" Kelton said. "Sorinnia compact? Deals and funds?"

"Princess Yanda is a hard negotiator," Alliette said. "You warmed her bed and her heart. A portion of all trades is to be held in your name. It seems her mother is as insistent as her daughter." She smiled. "You are well-loved there as well."

"I have coin?" Kelton asked. The idea altered everything. If little had changed in Aragonia, he knew whose palms to fill to acquire return passage. Getting there, well, that would only take the retraction of a vow.

"Plenty," Heralic said. "It will take Vasco to tell you the sum, but it is enough. It is the law you need worry about, not coin. The risk you take is little different than fighting that beast that tore at your side."

"Less so," Kelton said. "I know where I step, and I will avoid the beasts."

"My birth father must never know," Alliette said. She looked across the room. "None outside of the family must know." Her eyes settled on Kelton. "There is much hidden from me, secrets that are protected above all else, and they circle the dark isle. Are you sure this Juno is worth the risk?"

"She is in my mind," Kelton replied. "Time has not dampened her, and memories are pulling at me, forcing my steps." He looked at the ground. "Mayhap, she has forgotten me or no longer walks this world. But I must know." His eyes watered as he looked up. "I see her in my dreams." And the last dream was filled with her terror.

"All-Father," Tarvakian said. "If your heart demands such a thing, I doubt the King himself could stop one such as you." He took a deep breath. "I do not relish you leaving for such a task. It is like the house is whole once again, and now it will break once more."

"I will return, sir," Kelton promised.

Another knock disturbed the discussion. Glenda entered clad in black leather, formed as armor for a woman. Overlapped layers of thick-cut leather strips, each lined with bronze stitching, forming a skirt that breathed as she walked. The stitching on her chest was that of a serpent poised to strike. She lacked the sinuous shape of a young warrior but held the same confidence in her eyes. Kelton wasn't sure if he should laugh, or kneel in respect.

"Forgive the intrusion, I had to see for myself," Glenda said. "I see it is as princess Yanda stated, Kelton lives and looks none the worse for his troubles."

"Sorinnia battle dress?" Kelton asked.

"Aye." Glenda had an air of superiority in her voice. "A gift from the Queen herself. It would seem I have friends in high places." Her haughty expression broke into a smile. "Yanda will be pleased to hear of your return. It vexed her to leave without knowing your disposition for certain. In truth, I am pleased as well."

Another embrace was forced on Kelton. This time, he was pressed with hardened leather.

"I do miss my sister. You must tell me of her and your visit to Sorinnia," Kelton said.

"First things first," Glenda said, wrinkling her nose. Bellina laughed, and when Kelton turned to look, the other women in the room were smirking as well. A jest he didn't gather.

"You smell worse than the stables. Bathe, then we will talk," Glenda ordered.

Being outnumbered, he did as requested. For some reason, women didn't like the real smell of a man perfumed by the clean winds of the open road. They preferred him to be itchy and smelling like flower petals.

Kelton and Filgot walked down the road, he cloaked and hooded against curious eyes, Filgot out of uniform. The streets were crowded since the weather was favorable. Four days had passed since Kelton had returned to house Tarvakian, four days longer than he had meant to stay. It was unavoidable since he had yet to secure transportation.

"That practice you do each morning," Filgot said. "Can it be taught?"

"Aye, in time," Kelton replied. "It is called shared-wind, and usually done with many standing side by side."

"Hah," Filgot said with some surprise. "How do you not lose an arm or leg?"

"It is a thing of trust among the Nagada. There are injuries from time to time, but mostly it is a dance of confidence. They...no, we move as one. A fearful thing for an opposing army to view."

"I do not think my left hand would listen as my right does. It looked as if both your swords worked equally well."

"Aye," Kelton said. "One of my teachers tied my strong hand to my waist and forced the use of my left. It was humorous at the start. After a few bruises, my mind began to insist my left work better. A thing of time and practice."

"Mayhap, when you return, I could learn some of it?"

"Aye. It would do my skill well to train another. It is hard to better myself when I only spar with the air."

"Then it is settled," Filgot said, pleased with the outcome. His expression changed, and he pointed to a squat building that lay between an open-air blacksmith tent and a storage house. The structure held shuttered windows that were placed lengthwise, high above the eyes of all but giants. "Wave Runner tavern. I still think it best I join you inside. The place does not boast the finest clientele."

"Nay," Kelton said, shaking his head. "If things go poorly, it is best if you are far away from it. I do not wish the house to suffer if the fools desire to test my blades."

"Yell, if you require me," Filgot said, and he drifted away. He moved toward the blacksmith as Kelton gathered himself before entering the tavern. Filgot had no trouble starting a conversation, something about the heat of the forge, and its effect on a sword. Kelton smiled at the man's ability to look like he belonged. Away from familiar surroundings, Kelton rarely felt as if he was meant to be where he stood.

Kelton entered the tavern and stood a moment to allow his eyes to adjust. The sun had been bright, and the building dark. Candles supplied the only light once the door closed behind him. They were mounted on the posts that held the roof above, and a few were scattered on top of the tables that littered the place. There was no plan in the placement of the furniture. Tables were grouped in odd configurations, leaving wasteful gaps here and there, probably done by patrons who wished to isolate in private groups.