I'd like to thank Persephone Kore, Mitai, and Timesprite for all their valuable help in beta reading and just general encouragement. I couldn't have done it without you! *hugs* Feedback is worshipped and adored at ra_1013@yahoo.com.

EPILOGUE:

"People of fabled Ebonshire and those of you who have journeyed 'cross Eurasia to this holiest of havens! Today is a day unlike any other."

Though the speaker was old and, some whispered, touched more by madness than holy spirit, her voice today rang with conviction as she announced the long-awaited miracle to the crowd.

"For today, we have among us the last, *best* hope for our planet. He who we anoint as "the Chosen One"--Nathan Dayspring--the Askani'Son!"

Cheers erupted from the crowd, the air filling with shouts and great drifts of flower petals thrown by the exuberant followers of Madame Sanctity, the last who remained to teach the wisdom of the fabled Mother Askani. Only one out of the masses gathered did not appear to pay any attention to the Askani's words.

By the rich robe he was draped in and his place of honor beside Sanctity herself, he was an important person indeed. In fact, he was none other than the Askani'Son whose arrival brought so much hope to this settlement.But Nathan Dayspring didn't pay any attention to the cheers or words of prophesy. He stood a little apart from everything, eyes staring up into the twilight sky.

He watched as the first stars appeared, little twinkling lights that were the bridge from the dark of one sunset to the dawning hope of the new day. He probed gently at one corner of his mind that lay so still and silent, with the fascination of one who could not stop probing a new wound. Things had changed more than he ever dreamed possible. But one thing was certain.

As Nate stared at the stars, he pledged softly, "This isn't over yet, little brother."

Far away, an identical face stared up at the same stars. His fist clenched and he whispered, "This has only begun."