“All in all, not such a bad thing, my dear,” Edward remarked.

The warrior women mounted their horses. The drivers took their places in the chariots, along with the priestesses of Seth. Anna and Marcus and Ven lingered together, reluctant to say goodbye.

“What will you do, Ven? Where will you and the children go?” Marcus asked, for if ever there were destined to be outcasts in this world, it was these half-human, half-dragon children of Grald.

“For the time being, we will remain in Seth,” Ven said. “The sisters have invited us to live among them until we feel more at ease. This time has not been easy on Sorrow and the others. They are learning how cruel and hurtful you humans can be.”

“And how kind,” Marcus reminded him with a glance at Anna. “And compassionate.” He reached out to take her hand, loath to let her go.

The High Priestess flushed in pleasure. Her fingers twined around Marcus’s.

“True,” Ven admitted. “But no human community will ever fully accept us. Someday, when the younger children are stronger, we will leave Seth and find a homeland of our own.”

The commander of the warrior women was restless. She did not dare say anything to the High Priestess, but Marcus could see by the restive way her horse cantered about on the stones that she was eager to be on her way. It was time to say farewell.

The brothers embraced. Marcus helped Anna into the chariot. He kissed her hand and pressed it to his heart. She bent down and kissed him on the lips, and a cheer went up from the knights and the soldiers on the walls.

The gates opened, and with a flourish of trumpets, the women of Seth left Idylswylde and headed back for their homeland.

Ven, running alongside the chariots, turned to wave at Marcus, who lifted his hand. His heart went with two he’d come to love. Sadly, Marcus turned around and nearly fell over Draconas.

“My God, you startled me! Where have you been?” Marcus greeted the Walker with warmth. “I haven’t seen you since that day you knocked me out.”

“Good thing I did, too, or Maristara would have made mincemeat of your brain. As it is, it seems that the lovely young priestess has done just that.”

Marcus laughed. “Anna is beautiful, isn’t she? We’re going to be married in a month’s time.”

“I am glad for you,” said Draconas. “Though your lives will not be easy. You both have dragon-blood in your veins. You know what your children will face.”

“We know,” said Marcus somberly. “We have talked of it. Still,” he added, cheering up, “if we have a boy, I will ask you to come take him to the riverbank to teach him the magic.”