“Mother, you are ever generous,” Gin said, finally in possession of herself enough to take a knee before her goddess. “I have only one request—there was a child of Alynatalos in the first of the Mother Dragon’s traps, with Sath and me. I promised him that we—that I would return for him, and I would like to keep that promise.”
“I know of this male, and you have my word that I will return him to the Outpost as I will both of you. However, I also have something that is much desired by both of you,” Sephine said with a twinkle in her eye. “That is all I will say for now, however. You will see what I am talking about very soon. Be well, my children, and serve your people well.”
“Mother, I have a question, if I may?” Nelenie asked, respectfully. Sephine nodded and took Nelenie’s face in her hands for a moment. “The mantle of Guardian is passed down in families. Tairn and I are the only members of our family left. Who will be the next to take on the duty of First Caeth and Guardian of Alynatalos—my daughter? Other than her, I am alone in the world.”
“You will figure that out, my Nelenie. You are not as alone in this world as you think.” Nelenie nodded at Sephine, but Sath looked away from all of them, frowning. “Why do you frown, Rajah? Your Khujann will carry on the mantle of Rajah and Guardian of Qatu’anari after you.”
“It is not for Qatu’anari that I am sad, Sephine.” Gin looked up, her eyes wide. “Is that not why the fate of Gin’s family was intertwined with House Turlach, to ensure the peace kept through the continuation of the Nature Walkers and Guardians of Aynamaede?”
“Sath, it’s all right, I -”
“No, Gin, I need to say this. I have destroyed the Nature Walker by -- falling in love with Gin and keeping her from continuing her line, and I am sorry.”
“You haven’t destroyed anything.” Sephine touched the side of Sath’s face. “Nothing at all.” There was a flash of light, and the goddess disappeared. The three of them had to shield their eyes from the brightness, and when it faded, they found themselves standing in the Outpost.
Gin knew she would never grow tired of opening her eyes after a transport spell to see the sheer viridity of the Outpost. The magic that created this safe haven where no weapon could be drawn and all were equal was her respite from the rest of the world. She dropped to her knees and bent down, inhaling the sweet perfume of the grass. She looked to her companions and found them in similar postures. “I never thought I would be here again.”
“We’re home!” Nelenie leaped to her feet. “Gin, Sath, I love you, but I need to—I mean, I have duties back home and—I need to see my daughter and -” Gin got to her feet and hugged Nelenie. “I will see you again soon, I’m sure.”
“Nel?” Nelenie’s eyes widened, and she stood as still as a statue. “Oh, sweet Mother Sephine, is that you?” Gin looked around behind Nelenie, and her face broke into a wide grin as she recognized the man from J’yr Va’al, the one she had promised to help. He was looking at Nelenie, his hands outstretched and face as white as a sheet in shock.
“Kerym?” Nelenie looked over her shoulder, and her knees buckled. Kerym ran to her and caught her just before she hit the ground, pulling her into his arms and holding her tightly to him. “How are you—what are you doing here?” She pulled back and ran her fingers over his face and neck before smoothing back the chestnut hair from his eyes.
“You can thank the Nature Walker, there,” he replied. His voice was tight with emotion. “She and the Rajah found me in that prison on J’yr Va’al, and I assume they sent the All-Mother to free me.” He reached out toward Gin, who scrambled over to take his hand in hers. Sath got to his feet and moved over behind Gin, who released Kerym’s hand and squeezed Nelenie’s shoulder. Nelenie reluctantly let go of her husband.
“You saved him for me. Gin, is there anything you cannot do?”
Gin laughed. “Well, I’m still useless with a blade, and my directions are horrible, but –“ Nelenie threw her arms around Gin, who returned the hug, still chuckling. They stepped back from each other and Nelenie put her fingers to her lips and whistled. The air next to her rippled as a large white mare appeared next to her.
“Faen!” Gin exclaimed. “You still have her!”
“Always.” Nelenie swung up into the saddle before pulling Kerym up behind her. She turned the horse toward the path that led out of the Outpost to the north, and he wrapped his arms around her waist, making her smile as she leaned back against him. She looked back at Sath and Gin and waved before she spurred the horse on and rode away. Gin snuggled up under Sath’s arm and hugged him, happy to be so close to him—and felt a stirring inside her. It was similar to the initiation of a bond—but in her abdomen rather than the back of her neck. She scooted back from Sath, surprise lighting up her face.
“It can’t be…” she whispered. She sent out a tendril of magic to the middle of her soul and immediately had an answer. “But I know that it is.”
“What??” Sath demanded. Gin smiled at him. “You know what—what is?”
“Our reward,” Gin whispered. “Sath…I am…pregnant,” she said. “Our child.”
“How…but you…we…?” Sath almost fell over onto Gin in surprise.
“There will be a new member of the royal family of Qatu’anari,” Gin said. “I guess Sephine’s plan was a success, hm? Nothing has
