Gossamer didn't like how the crowd was changing as the day wore on. Dipping bread in the sauce of his stew, he watched out of the corner of his eyes as men entered together, then separated as if to cover all directions. They didn't have the look of locals, lacking the ordinary smiles and acknowledgments to others. He should have forfeited the meal and left after the first incident with Valic. Kelton had raised the tide for all, and it was hard for a teller to keep his head above water in such a flood. Alas, the promise of a free, warm, and dry bed had made it difficult to leave.

A cloaked man entered, his eyes down as he moved to the counter and sat with his back to the crowd. Gossamer would normally disregard such a man. This one could not be ignored as the eyes of the other loners glanced toward the man, then snapped away-their leader or their prey. The uncomfortableness became stifling. Perhaps Gossamer had been found out. For a brief moment, he imagined his trust in Rolic was misplaced.

"It is time, teller," the owner called. There was cheer in his voice, most likely due to the growing numbers. Coin had a way of bringing pleasure in the worst of times.

"Aye," Gossamer said, louder than necessary. It did its job, moving attention to him as he pushed his stew aside and stood with his mug of ale. "Such fine ale deserves a fine tale." Best to keep the owner on his side.

"A tale of adventure will earn a night of refills," the owner said, thankfully stopping any requests that might lead to more trouble.

"Adventure it is," Gossamer said, then took a long sip of his mug. A pause to separate the story from the request.

"Kushiel's Answer, King's man!" Valic shouted, then rose from where he sat. He stumbled as he attempted to climb on the table. Gossamer shook his head, but it didn't stall the man who drunkenly ascended to the table's peak. "He has come, and...and I demand his story!" He pointed his finger at Gossamer as if it were a threatening blade.

The cloaked man made no move, but the other loner's eyes shifted from Gossamer to the drunk. Valic was a tiresome man, but not one Gossamer wished ended. Nor did he desire to be taken down with Valic.

"Owner," Gossamer called out. "The ale is too good for once such as he. Mayhap, a bed to sleep off his misguided words."

"Aye," the owner called back, the big man moving deftly around the tables to gather Valic. Gossamer felt the owner also sensed the oddness of those gathered.

"Nay!" Valic turned, his finger pointing as he continued. "I need no sleep." He almost tripped on his own feet, as his bouncing finger chastised the other patrons. "It is you cowards who need sleep. The Answer has come, and three have fallen."

"Blasphemy." The word echoed as a command, a loud booming voice from the cloaked one. It silenced the whisperings of agreement with Valic. The man rose and dropped his cloak, revealing robes of white. "The Goddess will hear only truth, and desires lies cut from her herd."

The loners stood as one and moved to encircle the now panicked Valic.

Gossamer dropped to his knee and bowed his head. "Your Eminence, he has had much to drink. It is not his normal mind that speaks."

"Captain, gather the blasphemer," the Brother ordered. The words sent a tremor through Gossamer. There was a finality to them as if judgment had been rendered, and Valid had no recourse. The tavern door opened, and five more of the Brethren entered. Many of the patrons were shifting out the way; terror shone brightly in their eyes.

The first Brother moved to the platform, Gossamer stood and shifted to give him room. Valic was crying for forgiveness as he was dragged from the tavern. Mercy did not seem to be present in the soldier's eyes, or their fists, as they struck Valic's sides until he was wordless in his gasping.

"The Goddess sees only truth," the Brother announced. The Brother's skill at telling was weak, yet the robes made the message clear enough. "Word of this imaginary demon or tales of fallen Brethren are false. This man," the Brother pointed to Valic as he was carried out of the tavern, "will be poled outside and left to rot for two moons. Mayhap, the smell of him will be the reminder you need."

"It was only the ale speaking," Gossamer whispered, his eyes downward as he pleaded for Valic. He had no idea what made him say the words. Questioning a Brother was not done.

"Are you a man of the Goddess, or not?" the Brother asked, his voice low and menacing. None could have heard the exchange, yet it was clear there was one.

There were only two responses that Gossamer could give to a Brother, especially when there were five more white cloaks at the door. Running wasn't an option, so that left contrition or death. "I am the Goddess' man, your Eminence," Gossamer said, inserting all the humbleness he could muster into the words.

"Do you know that tale of Dar' quid?"

"Aye, your Eminence." Gossamer winced inside. The tale of the first Brother and the fall of Kushiel was not to his liking. It was hated by most. A fable of battlefield rebirth at the hands of the Goddess and the creation of 2000 winters of horror that stills permeates the land. Of course, it could be told as the Brethren desired, darkness replaced by the light.

"Owner," the Brother called out. "Clear a table for my Brothers and I." He pointed to one near the exit, and the patrons sitting there dispersed to the back of the tavern.

"Aye, your Eminence," the owner said. He hustled forward with a cloth to wipe the table clean.

"The tale of Dar' quid shows the Goddess' mercy to all those who heed her words," the Brother said to the crowd. "All will remain to hear this fine teller remind us of our duty and it's rewards." Gossamer sighed as the Brother indicated him with a wave of his hand. There was no escaping it, nor the damage it would do to his reputation. He bowed his acceptance of the task.

Gossamer began the tale as the first of Valic's screams leaked into the tavern. Valic would die, but not before all in earshot learned the gruesome penalty of words deemed wrong.

It was nearing dark when Kelton returned to the tavern with Juno at his side. It had been a wondrous afternoon of finding where he belonged. It was not a place; it was a woman, unlike any other. Each moment he learned something new about her, a tidbit that, when added to the rest, continued to raise Juno higher. He saw the same growing in her, a bond of joy that promised to blossom unfettered by the world around them.

"Floren will be angry," Juno said.

"The world has been altered," Kelton said as he placed his arm about Juno's waist. There was a warm comfort in holding her close. "It is best if we are gentle in explaining what is. We need her and the nighthouses for what is to come." Thie idea that 'we' replaced 'I' was a warm comfort.

The tavern was loud when they entered. It became louder as cheers broke out at the return of the Answer. Kelton had not been between Juno's legs, yet the crowd thought as much. It infuriated him that they thought the act was more important than Juno herself. Juno squeezed his hand, reminding him his feelings were now shared, which settled his mind. A good thing, since Floren was approaching with haste, her eyes pools of concern.

"You were gone a long time," Floren said to Juno. The words were layered with muffled chastisement, almost as if she struggled for them not to be heard in such a way.

"Long?" Juno asked, and shared a knowing smile with Kelton. It wasn't long in their minds, nothing more than a moment. Perhaps it would feel longer after a lifetime.

"I must talk with you," Floren continued, her eyes struggling not to look directly at Kelton. Odd, since he had always thought her strong and not quelled by the presence of others.

"I hunger for a meal. Mayhap, you will join us," Kelton suggested. He looked around the crowded tavern. "I will ask the owner, Rani, for a room where we won't be jostled or need to shout."

"A fine idea, my love," Juno said. She released his hand as Floren mouthed 'my love' as if it were unexpected. Kelton leaned down to reinforce Juno's words, sharing a brief kiss with her. It seemed natural to do so as he parted from her. She had been expecting it as if it were an extension of the first kiss they shared so many winters ago. It was their private shared-wind.

Floren began a heated, yet whispered, conversation with Juno as Kelton drifted away. He felt Juno knew Floren best, and would bring her down to a simmer without the anger he may deploy. He received a few pats on the back from his men and shouts from others about his new manhood. Further proof the deed changed little in a man since he had yet to join with Juno, and none were the wiser. It was easier to ignore them and let them believe what they will.

"Rani," Kelton called when he spotted her rolling an empty barrel toward the back. She leaned it against the wall next to another and wiped her hands on a cloth hanging from her skirt.

"Was it all you dreamed?" Rani asked, her expression neutral.

Kelton gave her a shrug with half a smile, sensing a lie would do more harm than good. "I am still dreaming." He looked back at Juno, who was engaged patiently with Floren. "A beautiful dream, is she not?"

"She is cursed."

"Aye," Kelton said, his eyes returning to Rani. "As she was when I first met her winters ago. It was those memories that brought me back to this land, and the reason I claim to be the Answer. I now see no life without her."

"Then, she is truly beautiful," Rani said with a smile that traveled to her eyes.

"I desire a room, someplace we can eat and talk without the world listening," Kelton said.

"My rooms are simple things with only pallets," Rani said, then her eyes widened. "Mayhap, a few of these barrels and a plank would serve. Chairs can be brought in."

"After or days in the trees, it will be a luxury, my lady," Kelton said. "Mayhap, six of us."

"It will be tight, but I'll see to it." Rani turned away to find some help in the task.

Kelton turned, deciding to rescue Juno from Floren's wraith. He was surprised to find Floren a few steps away, moving with purpose toward him. Well behind Floren, Juno was now engaged with Lagneer and O'fan. It seemed all wished to know the status of things.

"You are too close to Juno," Floren warned, her face stiff with authority. Not even a greeting.

"It is not your choice," Kelton said, then smiled. "You are looking well. Last I saw, you were rising from the dirt after a soldier tried to claim you." He felt it was time she remembered that he was not the enemy.

"I will not see her hunted," Floren continued as if Kelton had said nothing. She raised her finger and pointed it at him, bouncing it as if it would enhance her words. "With what is to come, you will see her ended. She is not the last-of-the-line."

"You should pray she isn't ended," Kelton said. He tried to remain relaxed, as Tarvakian did during difficult negotiations. Juno respected Floren, herefore, he would as well. "For the only way it could occur is if the Answer is dead." Floren's finger fell, and her entire body seemed to sigh in surrender.

"Send her away," Floren said. "When it is over, you can both have what you desire."

"I tired," Kelton said. "Though I admit I did not push." He looked over Floren to see Juno. Her eyes caught his, and they shared a quick smile—such beauty. "I offered to take her from here myself, yet she desires me to change this land. Know that you wish to separate me from the only reason I am here."

"She...she will distract you," Floren said, after struggling to find another point.

"Aye," Kelton said, then laughed. He took Floren's hands in his. "Must everything be miserable? How am I to know what should be undone if there is no guide to what should be?"

"You are as stubborn as her," Floren said, her eyes moistening. "She took my lashes, and..."

"She feared the lashings would end you," Kelton interrupted. Juno had told him what had happened. "It is that love and caring that draws me to her."

"And what of the last-of-the-line?"

Kelton smiled. "I will not worry about one I have yet to meet. I will do my part, the last-of-the-line will have to do hers," he shrugged, "or his. Mayhap, it is best if I twist the words and make Juno last-of-the-line. It is a tale that incites, nothing more."

"It is more than you say, and I see the knowing of it in your eyes."

"It is how I desire it to be, and if you believe in the tale, then it must work within my desires."

Floren freed her hands and cupped his cheeks. "Juno smiles again, and for that, I am grateful. Protect her, or you will find King and Brethren simple foes compared to me."

"Of that, I am sure," Kelton said with a smile. Floren pulled his head down and kissed his forehead with a softness that mirrored Yanda's. There must be a secret group that travels the world and teaches women to sway others with their care. It is infuriatingly powerful.

"I have decided the next actions," Kelton said to those gathered. They had finished a meal of fish, the tenderness creating light happiness on the tongue. With the bread, it was filling enough. Rani was talented with the local fare. "Lagneer, your words were taken to heart, and I believe them sound. You are our captain of supplies, and it is key to what is to come."

"You will have what you need," Langeer said. The room was as tiny as Rani portrayed. Yet, it created a family feel with its closeness.

"Trust who you must," Kelton continued. "Some will falter, so be careful not to expose your compatriots to each other. The less each know, the less each can suffer."

"Aye," Langeer said with a nod.

"We will use your timing of this. What army we can gather must follow the food. The horror that will come will begin after the harvest."

"Horror?" Floren asked.

"Aye, my lady," Kelton replied. "None of us can be lulled into thinking an easy task is at hand. Many will die, and many more maimed. Victory, however desirable, is not a free thing. We do this for all those who follow after."

"For the little ones," Juno said. She lifted her mug. Kelton smiled at her resolve and raised his as well. The others followed. Juno repeated her words, and all present echoed it.

"Bynard, you are captain of training," Kelton said. "You will scatter your men to every village that wishes to see an end to things. They will impart what they know with the sword, then move to the next. Mayhap, circle back to retrain as time permits."

"I do not have swords for that," Bynard said.

"Use wood to train," Kelton replied. "It is my task to gather the arms. When it is time, each will have metal in their hands."

"Aye," Bynard said.

"Movement is important," Kelton continued. "The commands you were taught, the ones that move men, must be imparted to all who your men train. We move as one, or we will fail. You will stay with me and teach me those words as well. I mean to gather your knowledge of the King's ways. And, mayhap, find others who are trained and shun their King." Bynard nodded his acceptance of the duty.

"O'fan, you are my captain of secrets," Kelton said. "It is your duty to know what we approach before we arrive, decide the paths to take, and the count of any near. Find those like you, the ones who frequent the less-traveled ways, and have them surround us so that we know of a threat before it arrives. You will decide if a village is worthy of our coin or should be bypassed."

"Merchants can be of some help in this," O'fan said, nodding his head. "They travel far and hear more than many believe, and I have traded with most. It is odd; I feel as if I were born for this." Lagneer chuckled and lightly slapped O'fan's back as if they were brothers. A good sign to have captains who trusted each other.

"Floren, you and the other nighthouse mothers are key in this," Kelton said. "I wish you all to renounce the curse, yet I need your houses intact for a while longer."

"What is needed?" Floren asked. She straightened in her chair.

"Word must be passed to and fro. I plan to use the whispering way."

"What is..." O'fan began.

"You wish me to return to my house?" Floren interrupted. There was some anger buried in her question.

"Aye, at least until it begins in earnest," Kelton said. "Warn the mothers of my desires and see that my words, and those of my captains, pass unhindered. Mayhap, a few secret words would identify those who speak for me."

"I desire to stay with Juno," Floren said.

"And how would word pass that it is time to gather without my captain-of-words?" Kelton asked.

Floren sighed. "A title you give me, and you think it will sway me."

"Aye," Kelton said. "If you wish this land reshaped, then you must help me mold it."

"Captain-of-words," Juno whispered as she put her arm around Floren. Floren tried to hide her smile, but it leaked out anyway.

"The whispering way is yours, Answer," Floren said.

"What is this whispering way?" O'fan asked again. Kelton yielded to Floren, who took pleasure in explaining it to her fellow captains. Juno grasped Kelton's hand below the planks of the makeshift table and squeezed her pleasure of his handling of things.

"I will move north," Kelton said in response to a query. "There are those who can be of great help, and there is word I must send. Mayhap, I can acquire help from lands outside of Aragonia. And I intend to choose the ground on which we begin, so I must find it." He stood and looked at his captains. "It is time we trust each other with our lives. There is much that must go right, and we need to make it so." He was happy to hear unanimous agreement.

"This is Juno?" Taggert asked as he approached, his limp less pronounced. Kelton had returned to the main room of the tavern with Juno on his arm. The count of people seemed to have increased since they had left, and with them, the heat and smell of spilled ale had increased.

"Aye," Kelton replied. He glanced at Juno, sharing a smile. "My love, meet my witness, Taggert."

"Well met, sir," Juno said with a small bow of her head.

"Well met, my lady," Taggert returned with a more profound bow. "I have heard his memories of you, and I thank them for stirring his return."

"Memories?" Juno said, her smile turning devious. "I must hear these."

"Best if we create new ones," Kelton said, squeezing her hand. He couldn't remember all he said in passing. Some of it may be unworthy of repeating, unquenched desire being what it is.

"Sadly, you will not be here to shield her ears, sire," Taggert said. "I am to summon you to duty on the road." He smiled at Juno. "We can trade tales of his past, you and I."

"I have forgotten," Kelton said, preceding it with a grunt. "My love, I must leave you in Taggert's nefarious hands. I beg you to ignore half his words; they are surely littered with lies."

"Lies!" Taggert said with a storyteller's exaggerated exuberance. Other patrons who were near took notice. "I speak only truth, though I admit some small embellishments to enhance the tales." He turned about, gathering the eyes that were close, and the smiles that underlined them. "Do you wish to hear of the Answer's young days?"