Far away, in a cool chamber in Rialan Palace, where the songs of the crowd could be heard wafting in through the open window, High Lord Tiesto Telmarran stood by the body of Marcus Toscan, gently pulling away some blood-crusted flaxen hair from the young soldier's face.

"Be at peace, soldier of Halaran," Tiesto said. "No one should be alone tonight, least of all you."

At the Terra Cathedral, a young man and a young woman, both clean and fresh, mounted the steps hand in hand, climbing up to the tall wooden door that barred the entrance to the spectacular building the Halrana had dedicated to the Lord of the Earth.

Two red-faced guards, evidently jovial from the empty wine bladder at their feet, rose to bar the entrance, but then one of them grabbed his fellow's arm when he saw who it was.

"Lord Marshal," the guard said, "it's all as you asked."

Amber thought about the prison camp and placed her hand on Miro's arm. "Miro, I… I don't like enclosed spaces. Or even dark ones."

Miro turned to Amber and smiled. "Amber, I'm a soldier. I've spent the last year or more sleeping outdoors, in pavilions or under the stars. I like the Crystal Palace — you'll like it, too — but anywhere else is too confining for me too."

Amber smiled in return, following Miro into the cathedral as he pushed open the door.

The domed room was massive, airy and light, with nightlamps in sconces and scenes of growing life decorated on the inside of the dome. It was a place of warmth and beauty.

With Amber's hand still clasped in his, Miro led her up the stairs that wound along the inside of the dome. At the top, they went through a tiny doorway and Amber once more smelled the freshness of the air outside. The night was cool, but there was no chance of rain. From below, they heard the sounds of the people singing.

A wide platform rested against the outside of the curved dome, and Miro now led Amber along the walkway to a flat area, open to the air and fenced by a low stone rail.

Thick cushioned carpets were spread on the expansive floor, with piles of pillows, plates of food, shining nightlamps, and flasks of water and wine. Coverlets were folded near the pillows.

"Only the priests come here," Miro said. "Do you see where we are? We're on top of the Terra Cathedral, between the four spires."

Amber looked up and gasped. The stars shone down from an amazingly clear sky, while at the top of each spire a glowing prism cycled through a series of warm colours.

"I asked the High Lord for somewhere special," Miro said, "and this is what he gave me. There's a bedchamber just through that door there if you'd prefer to go inside, and there's a washbasin in a second chamber.

"Miro," Amber said, "it's beautiful. I've never seen anything like it."