Blackness faded, giving way to soft gray and muted sounds that were unheard only a moment ago. Kelton, his body in a euphoric state of relaxation, did not fight the growing awareness. He heard deep breathing, bordering on a snore, rising and falling next to him. He smiled as the memories of the previous night filled the dreamless void that had existed only a moment ago.

Kelton opened his eyes and rolled to his left, wondering when in the night Juno had escaped his arms. The world was wide awake if the sounds surrounding the tent were any clue, yet here the direct light of the day had not invaded. Juno lay still on her back with her head turned toward him. Her hair was a nest of wild tangles, and her mouth slightly ajar with a spot of drool on the corner that was attempting to puddle and fall. Kelton had never seen anything so beautiful in his life.

Carefully, he pulled down the blanket just enough to expose what was once too dark to see. Juno's breast was as asleep as she was, though as fascinating as ever. He traced the rise of it with the caress of a single finger, lightly enough to cause the cutest goosebumps to appear. He circled the peak, waking it to its proud height. Juno's breath changed, and he looked into a welcome smile.

"I did not mean to wake you," Kelton whispered.

"Liar," Juno accused, pulling his lips to hers. She was, as he remembered, fiercely soft and with a passion that drew him like a moth to a flame. The night had been a bliss of learning, laughter, and love. Nothing had prepared him for the power of it, the internal explosions ignited by hers bringing with them an unimagined joy. There was so much delight in the warmth of her skin and the depths he sought as they became one. It mattered not that he fumbled at first, for his guide was filled with equal desire. His world took on a new and wonderful definition that began and ended with Juno.

"Now I will drown that dream of yours," Juno said, laughing as she rolled Kelton onto his back. He almost playfully fought back, yet her words took root in his mind, and he slowed. "What is wrong?" she asked as she straddled his stomach.

Kelton smiled. "There was no dream."

"Nothing?"

"Nothing," Kelton repeated, the word joining with his smile. "Mayhap you exhausted it from me."

Juno's hands moved down his body, finding his excitement. "You do not feel exhausted." The glint in her eye was almost devious.

Kelton laughed. "Not with you atop and clothless. There is only one dream for me now." Juno shifted her hips, and her hand guided him into passion. A wondrous new way, especially since it left his hands free to explore.

Serenity sat at the edge of the sleeping pallet with a glow in her heart. Audria lay calm, sleep still holding her firm. Never did Serenity ever envision the night that had transpired. She thought her heart would burst from the joy of it. The day now held so much promise, whereas before, it was cloaked in anticipated misery.

A hum, butterfly-like, floated from Serenity's lips, the song her mother had taught her. She caressed Audria's cheek, following the line of a scar that had healed poorly. Always she would be marked, and Serenity cared not. Best if the world kept their distance from Audria because Serenity decided she did not want to share. They were marks of love now, furthering the failure of the Brethren.

"What a wonderful song," Audria said, her eyes opening after she spoke. "Is it not the one that Yanda knows?"

"Aye," Serenity said, laying back down face to face. "Good morn, my beauty."

"A fine day, is it not?" Audria said, her smile spanning the land. She reached out and laid her hand softly on Serenity's neck and played with the hair that had gathered there. The boundaries had been erased between them.

"A fine day," Serenity agreed. "A war wants to rage about us, and yet I find nothing wrong with the world. It is as if you have brought spring to end my winter." Audria shifted like a breeze and kissed her with lips of gentle passion. Serenity's insides swirled with joy.

"If we could but stay here forever," Audria whispered.

Serenity closed her eyes and sighed. "I fear my duty will not let it be so," she said.

"We could leave this place," Audria said. She caressed Serenity's neck in a delicious way. "Find a life, you and I, away from this war."

"I can not," Serenity said. She smiled and scooted closer, wrapping her arm around Audria's waist. "My mother is in my head. I know not what the tale holds for me, but I will not run from it." She chuckled. "I once feared my demise, and now I only fear leaving you."

"Stay or leave; I am at your side," Audria declared. There was no uncertainty in her eyes, no room for discussion or rejection - so much power in her.

"I think I am meant to die in this," Serenity warned.

"Hand in hand," Audria countered. "My heart beats as long as yours does, not a moment longer."

A tear escaped Serenity's eye. "I can not ask it of you."

"My sweet love," Audria said, her voice smooth as a calm sea. Her finger traced the outline of Serenity's ear. "Last night chased the last of the horrors of the temple from my mind. For that alone, I would breathe my last. My life is now tied to yours, and I am glad of it. A moment with you is worth more than a lifetime without."

"I am stronger with you," Serenity admitted. She smiled. "How they must have suffered trying to break you. Mayhap it is as it should be, the last-of-the-line and the unbreakable..." Her throat tightened.

"I am unbreakable," Audria whispered. There was both astonishment and pride in her eyes. "You and I are meant to spark the end of the brethren." She smiled again. "Love and purpose - never did I imagine such a thing while I rotted in that temple."

"Goddess!" Serenity said, sitting up. "If you are unbreakable, then... there is another."

Juno watched as Kelton donned his pants. She had little desire to leave the sleeping pallet though she knew that coming events would not allow such laziness. There was still wonder at the ecstasy swimming in her head, feelings she did not anticipate. Her past told her what to expect, and it was wrong - well altered by a shared love. That, and the way Kelton would lie face to face afterward, their eyes embracing in a comfort she never thought possible. Her insides were a lethargic mess, swirled to weakness by waves of pleasure she did not know existed.

"A wonderful day, is it not," Kelton said.

"Cloudy, I suspect," Juno said with her head propped on her hand by way of a cocked elbow. There was no direct sun in any of the tent's cracks, just a muted glare. She smiled when Kelton gave her a roll of his eyes. "I know your meaning, and aye, it is a glorious day."

Kelton sat at the edge of the pallet and began pulling on his boots. "It pains me that there are many who do not know the joy we have shared, and now I must send them into a risky war." He reached over and caressed Juno's cheek. "It is as if I send them to a cold death before they have tasted the sun's warmth."

"They know the reasons and are with you," Juno said. She took his hand and held it to her cheek. "It is the Brethren the blame of this war falls upon, not you."

"Aye," Kelton agreed. "Still, it is I who has brought it to the fore." He retracted his hand and returned to his boots. "We have not the numbers, and many lack the skills to face any army, much less Knowing Brethren." He struggled his last foot into a boot. "Mayhap there is another way. One with far less risk."

Juno sat up, sensing a change in his mind - one caused by her. "Another way?"

Kelton chuckled as his eyes took in what the blanket once covered. "It is hard to think when your beauty is displayed. My mind fills with us and has little room for other things." He embraced her, his kiss seeming to suggest that the night was not over.

"I must not," Kelton said, pulling apart. He smiled in a way only Juno would ever see. "We will likely die on this pallet if we do not seek food soon." He sighed. "And there is a duty that is twice the drudgery it once was."

"You are the Answer," Juno said in the way of encouragement. Something had changed as if some of the warrior had fled from Kelton. She wondered if their love had weakened him.

"Many think so," Kelton said with a nod and stood. "Mayhap this Magna'est believes it as well. It is an advantage in a way." His eyes traveled far away. "What if they fear us as we fear them? I would hold strength in a meeting. Mayhap there is a way not to kill so many and secure an adequate outcome." He smiled at the sky. "Heralic Tarvakian has taught me much about negotiations. It is time I used that skill."

"You mean to meet with the Brethren?" Juno asked with unhidden surprise. The evil was to be ended and not become a partner.

"Aye," he replied, then waved away what he thought was her concern. "It will be in the open, just Magna'est and I, and far from others. My blades will see that nothing occurs but talk."

"What of the cursed, and what of the daughters they claim?" Juno said. She wrapped the blanket around her and stood to gather his attention fully.

"That is the coin we bargain with," Kelton replied, his eyes now alive with new possibilities. "A trade of no war for the end of such things. A battle would cost them much, even if they were to win. I am thinking Hold Lord Brandish has the right of it, and less death is a victory. Magna'est does sums the same as us."

"At best, they will lie," Juno said, pulling Kelton's face to hers.

"It is worth a try," Kelton said, his smile confident with new purpose. He cradled her face and kissed her deeply. "None should cease to breathe before they have found their heart as I have. Of that, I am sure."

Juno could see that Kelton's mind was set. Perhaps it was fear of the coming death, though she suspected that peace would allow him to spend more nights with her. His thoughts were shrinking from the many to the two.

"You must speak to your father about this," Juno said. Time was needed, distance from between her legs, so his mind returned to where it was meant to be.

"Aye," Kelton agreed. "First, I must splash some fresh water on my skin. Your scent is upon me, and pleasant though it is, I do not wish to share it with others." He smiled and gave her a peck on the cheek." Then I will seek the counsel of others. There is more strength if I speak for all."

Kelton started leaving, then stalled and returned for his sheath and swords. "Best if I remember the war I am trying to avoid." Juno nodded, pleased that at least some of the fight had not left him.

Heralic Tarvakian rode in the new carriage; a fancy acquisition acquired more for comfort than show. Profit was growing and showed no signs of slowing, allowing for such extravagances. His house was now known to be a favorite of the crown; the Princess marrying his son put them there, and the King and Queen made sure all knew of it. The secret of being a free house had also led to profits not envisioned before. Free men had many ideas, and once the good ones floated to the top, wealth followed in abundance. The concept of property had only held the house back. Now, they were a snowball rolling down the mountain, gaining size and speed as it traveled. Chaos, properly channeled, was surprisingly profitable.

"I slept well last night," Tarvakian said to Vasco as a way of conversation. "Lately, it seems age fights with a good slumber, but not last night. Odd how sleep does much for the disposition. I am actually looking forward to the council meeting - something I usually grimace at."

"I also slept well, master," Vasco said with a bit of curiosity. He had donned the silver and the words to go with it since they were outside the walls of House Tarvakian. "Something in the air? There is... happiness about this day, or is it comfort. Was not everyone smiling when we left?"

"Aye," Tarvakian replied, nodding. "Mayhap it is the smiles and sleep that have put a crispness to the day." He chuckled. "A disease most likely, a welcome plague that needs to spread far and wide."

"A good day to resolve trade disputes," Vasco said. "Mayhap the King also slept well, and we can avoid a prolonged battle with the Karpinians. Friends are usually more profitable than enemies."

"In truth, the King is a stubborn one and not likely to overlook their new port fees," Tarvakian said. "Granted, we are a much larger kingdom, but are not our fees as high?" He shook his head. "A treaty is needed, lower rates for their flags as well as ours. A simple trade, but I fear Victalica will see it as an insult to our power. Greed in stature is as powerful as greed in coin."

Vasco smiled and looked out the window of the carriage. "A lovely day to argue it, though."

"Aye," Tarvakian agreed. He glanced out the window, the sky a light gray yet full of promise. A smile curled on his lips. There was something in the air, and it lightened his heart in a most delicious way. The coming problems seemed so trivial, and hope so very large.

Lin'cy moved through the trees feeling light on his feet as if the days had run backward and he was young again. He wanted to run, to feel the wind gracing his face as his muscles warmed. The great gathering of the tribes had brought forward issues of acquiring food and such, yet this morning none of it seemed of extreme importance.

Laughter had greeted him when he woke with the sun. Perhaps that is why he was so gleeful. When the tribe smiled, so did its warriors. As he walked, the sun would intermittently burst through the clouds and spear a ray through the trees. The greens were so vivid then, pleasing to the eyes and tempting the skin with promised warmth. Maybe it was only the break in the rain that made the day feel so marvelous.

Lin'cy came upon an ancient tree, one that had seen better days. Half its limbs were bare, and the others weakened by vines, three of which grew wrist-thick in front of him. Lin'cy unsheathed his twin-tails and attacked the vines, moving with his newfound energy. An imagined battle, three against one - the heroic dreams of his youth returning with the hope of the day. The first vine was severed, accompanied by a warcry. The second was spared when a startled body rose about twenty paces away. Farni lowered her blades at the sight of Lin'cy, her eyes red and shoulders becoming lethargic.

"You are alone," Lin'cy said.

"As are you," Farni replied, though it was said with no respect for the day. Lin'cy neared as she sat back down, her back to a tree.

"Are you ill?" Lin'cy asked. It was rare to see Farni despondent, much less hiding away from the tribe. She shook her head, though her eyes lacked energy. He sheathed his blades and raised his arms wide. "It is a wonderful day, is it not?"

Farni looked at the ground, shaking her head again. "He has found her."

"Who has found who?"

Farni looked up. "Firehead has found her. Can you not feel it?" She stood with an anger that seemed better suited to her than the previous despair. "It is his joy that flows in the air - happiness that was to be mine."

"This is Kelton?" Lin'cy asked. He looked about the land and dug into his own emotions, trying to pin down the source. Had he not previously moved with Kelton's need, he would have denied it outright.

"It is the treewalker," Farni said. "My bond tells me so." There was a certainty in her words.

"Then - is this the end of it?"

She shook her head. "It is the warm eddy in the pool before the dam breaks." Farni spat on the ground. "She is the one - not I."

Lin'cy held out his hand. "Come, warrior," he said, reminding her of their purpose. She took his hand. "We must tell the others."

"For the tribe," Farni said, her eyes sharpening.

"For the tribe," Lin'cy echoed.

Magna'est walked through the camp pleased with what he saw. The Brethren were in good cheer, most trading well-natured insults as they trained. There was a good feeling to it, memories of long ago when battle held more risk - the man at your side was your dearest friend, be he rude or unbathed. It sparked some humor in him as he remembered the sisters in the tribe. They were once his dearest friends as well - fellow warriors in the field were genderless in the tribe. The camaraderie was a delicious feast, and he had almost forgotten about it.

He acknowledged a nod of greeting given by a group of Brethren, adding a smile that was returned in equal measure. He clasped his hands behind his back and strolled. There was no purpose in his direction, only the enjoyment of the morning. It surprised him that such a gloomy sky would allow such pleasant thoughts. Memories of long ago, running as a boy through the Waitland, came to the fore. Days when one's only purpose was happiness and the tribe. There was hope in the air.

Magna'est stopped as if he hit a wall. Beyond the exaltation of rebirth, there had been no overly hopeful days such as the one in which he walked now. Hope was unnecessary, for there was no true death. He looked about the camp and saw the happiness for what it was - an infection, something driven by a power much like the Goddess herself. It struck him then; the Answer had bonded with the last-of-the-line. He could feel it - denying the truth of the tale was no longer a luxury. It had been in Kushiel's eyes when he spoke the words, and now it was all around. The Brethren were a sullen lot, not cheerful boys. There was a red-haired man who needed killing and Brothers who must see it done.

"Wilur!" Manga'est called, seeing the man eating by a fire. It was irritating the way Wilur smiled as he approached.

"Wipe the grin from your face," Magna'est ordered. "Call forth the Brethren in the second camp, shields and all. We battle this day, and I will have all here. It is time this tale is put to an end." He smiled, though this time it was born of cunning. "Let them see our numbers before they taste our swords."

Kelton knelt at the water's edge, his reflection looking as pleased as he felt. Here, the water pooled among the rocks, crystal clear with only a bit of vegetation floating around. Soon it would be full of dead leaves as the season turned, but now it was crisp and perfect. Even the stream that fed it was moving gracefully and not stirring up muck.

He laid spider's-bite to the side and dipped both hands into the cool pool, and began to splash his face and torso. He stalled a moment to smell his hand one last time before the water washed Juno's scent from it. Never did he imagine such a night. He had always known it would be enjoyable, but it was beyond that. To have his body in complete synchrony with another was incredible. Love was a powerful feeling, and when the parts of him joined in the dance - well, it was magnificent - and those sounds that came from Juno were so delicious and enticing. He chuckled at his first reaction to her back arching, thinking he had something wrong. So not wrong, she had told him.

Kelton dipped his hands deep to the elbows and scrubbed them the best he could. He tried to think of the coming negotiations, yet Juno's face kept appearing in his mind. Many things made more sense to him now - humor he had misunderstood and that odd look in someone's eye when they had a similar type of night.