been assassinated, and without an heir, it became a short and bloody war of succession between the assorted Marquis of the kingdom.  The eventual winner was a young firebrand of a man named Poiren, a man with natural charisma, intelligence, and vision.  The first moves he started making was to bring the other Marquis back under the heel of the crown, which was shaping up to become quite an intense civil war, as the Marquis had grown quite accustomed to having their own way, and didnt want to again have a king looking over their shoulders.  Poiren had already secured Keritanimas cooperation, and the rebel Marquis had suddenly found themselves rejected when they tried to buy gunpowder from Wikuna.  Wikuna would only sell to Poiren, and that definitely tipped the scales in his favor as the summer wore on, and the battle lines started to become apparent.  Seven of the nineteen Marquis had sworn fealty to Poiren, and they were a large block of demesnes in the southwestern corner of the kingdom, including the fife immediately north of Dayis.  That gave Poiren a solid base from which to launch his campaign of reunification of Shacan lands under the power of a single king.
	Over that spring and summer, Tarrin graduated from five layer spells to six, and then from six layer spells to seven.  At this point, both Triana and Sapphire briefly stopped teaching him, even though Triana knew eleven layer spells, and Sapphire knew fourteen layer spells.  Tarrin didnt understand why they stopped at first, until he realized that both of them wanted to test him, gauge his ability, before moving forward.  They needed to make sure he had the power to cast the spells that they had not yet taught him, and it was a wise precaution which he completely agreed was necessary.  But after several tests, they were both confident that he could handle almost any spell they taught him.
	What Tarrin noticed was the dramatic reduction in the number of spells they taught him once they got past six layers.  Triana only knew nine eight layer spells, four nine layer spells, two ten layer spells, and only one eleven layer spell.  Sapphire knew three times as many spells as Triana, but Tarrin could count the number of spells of twelve layers and higher that Sapphire knew on one paw.  However, even though the number of spells decreased, the attention and time it took to teach him those spells increased.  Spells over seven layers were the most powerful Druidic spells, and that meant that each one took days, sometimes even rides, to teach to him, to let him memorize their complex formulas of staggered images and intents.
	Tarrin often found himself the spectator after that, as Triana and Sapphire traded spells, and he watched with keen interest how two Hierarch-level Druids dealt with magic.  What surprised him was that they were just as careful, just as cautious, as Tarrin himself.  They understood the incredible danger of the magic they were using, and approached the learning of any new spell with tremendous care and caution.  They depended on one another as they were learning from each other, as they did for each other what both of them did for him when he was learning; having a Druid there to try to stop any potential misfire or mistake.  That was the amazing partthe idea that both Sapphire and Triana, towering figures that seemed near perfection, were indeed admitting that they were not as perfect as they appeared, admitting that even they needed help from time to time.  He knew it was a silly impression, but that was the way the two of them came across to him from time to time.
	And the spells they taught one another, then taught him, were spells of power.  These were spells that would require him to use High Sorcery to cast them as a Sorcerer, at least the ones that could be duplicated using Sorcery.  Spells that would let him directly affect the universe itself, reaching way beyond the traditional boundary of Druid magic, that being that it generally only affected the natural world.  The spells of seven layers and higher were most often used to produce unnatural results.  The most powerful spell that Sapphire knew, her fourteen layer spell, was a spell that stopped time in a limited area for just a moment.  That was something that Tarrin didnt think was even possible, and the complexities of it boggled his mind when he considered the idea that only time in a small area was altered, while time everywhere else continued on normally.  It also didnt make much sense to him to even know the spell, given that it took a while to cast, it produced incredible strain on the Druid who used it, the Druid had to be inside the area of effect when the spell was cast (though the Druid himself wasnt affected by the spells magic), and its effect lasted less than a minute.  He couldnt really think of any use for it.  But, as Phandebrass might say, the knowledge of it was all the use he may require.
	By the time he had mastered that spell, the Skydancer Mountains were thickly blanketed with snow, Keritanimas delivery was only ten days away or so,  and much to his surprise, Triana and Sapphire had nothing left to teach him.  Not only had Triana learned all the Druid magic that Sapphire knew, so did Tarrin, and that seemed to both amaze and slightly annoy the dragon on some level.  Amazed that bipeds could learn the magnitude of magic that the dragon knew, and a little annoyed that they could.  That was the towering superiority that all dragons seemed to possess, a mighty ego that told them that they were better than the little crawling humanoid bipeds that swarmed around their regal, extended lives.
	That last afternoon was quite poignant, as he sat on a log in the small meadow as cold, chilling rain fell around them, but not touching them thanks to a spell that had been created over their heads.  Triana sat to his left, Sapphire to his right, a triangle of Druids learning from one another--mostly, anyway--and having come to the end of that cycle of instruction.
	Very good, Sapphire announced as Tarrins spell came to an end, and time returned to normal all around them.  The purpose of this exercise had been to stop time, but exclude certain objects from its effect, namely Triana and Sapphire.  She folded her hands in her lap and gave Tarrin a steady look.  That is all.
	What do you mean? he asked.
	I have nothing left to teach you, she announced.  You have learned every Druidic spell I know, my little one.  You are no longer my pupil.  With time and practice, you might even become my equal.
	You mean thats it? Tarrin asked in surprise.  No more training?
	Thats all, Triana told him.  You learned everything I have to teach you a month ago.  Now Im not worried that everything Ive learned over the years will be lost.  In you and Sapphire, it will live on.
	You talk like you wont be here next year, mother, Tarrin teased.
	Life is never a certain thing, cub, she told him.  I may be old, but I know that it can all end in an instant, and you may never see it coming.  Id always feared that would happen to me before I found someone capable of learning what I had to teach, but now its not a worry anymore.  Cub, what youve learned from us over this year is magic even the Hierarchs dont know, magic some of the Hierarchs cant even use.  I knew you had the talent to learn, Tarrin.  Youre a stronger Druid than most of the Council of Hierarchs put together.
	He does have the gift.  As do you, friend Triana, Sapphire agreed.  Both of you do.  That you can learn Druidic magic only dragons use says everything that needs be said.
	It was a strange feeling.  They had been at this for a long time, and the very thought that he was now done with it was a weird one.  There would be no more carrying around massive boulders, no long, engaging debates with Triana over the particulars of Druidic magic, no more feeling like a half-trained child--no, hed always feel like a half-trained child compared to Triana and Sapphire.  But it was over.  His time was his own once again, and for a moment he couldnt figure out what he would want to do with it.
	Oh, it hadnt been bad, at least not all of it.  The grueling physical training hadnt been very fun, but he had come to enjoy learning magic from Triana, and then Sapphire, learning magic from two of the most accomplished Druids alive.  Learning magic that was of the highest order of Druidic magic, the power to reach beyond the limitations of the universe and alter the fundamental laws that governed allat least for very brief amounts of time.
	Long ago, Sarraya had told him that Druidic magic could do anything, and she had been proven right.  The spells he had learned from Triana and Sapphire went beyond Sorcery, could do things that Sorcery could not.  It was the power to alter the very universe itself, and it was a tremendous responsibility to use correctly.
	Tarrin blinked.  There was one spell, he realized, that Triana had not taught him.  The spell she used to travel.
	Mother, he called.  You didnt teach me one of the spells you know.
	Thats right, I didnt, she agreed.  Thats half of your final test, cub.  By the first bloom, you had better be able to cast that spell.  I will not teach it to you.  You must discover it yourself.
	Whats the other half? he asked in consternation.
	You will teach me a spell, cub.  You will teach me a spell I do not know.
	That brought him up short.  If I-- he started, then he realized what she was doing.  She was going to make him explore the boundaries of Druidic magic himself, the way she had done, force him to experiment, force him to test the limits of his power.  It wasnt just a test to see if he could do it, it was a test of knowledge, a test of skill, where he would have to take everything that Triana had taught him and apply it in ways that she had never prepared him for, to use it to expand himself beyond the limitations his training had imparted upon him.  She was going to see if he could break out of the mold that every Druid placed around himself as a defense against the power of the magic they wielded.  It was a trial by fire, where he would risk death to learn the secrets of Druidic magic without help, without protection, with only his training, his knowledge, his common sense, and his intuition to guide him.  I understand, mother, he said with a nod.
	That is just a little dangerous, Triana, Sapphire noted.
	If he cant find the answers himself, then hell never be a true Druid, she declared.
	And what is a true Druid, then? Sapphire asked with a slight smile.
	A Druid who can step off the beaten path of Druidic magic and face the danger of the unknown to blaze a new trail, she answered.  A Druid willing to take risks to improve himself.
	I do not entirely agree with this task, but he is your pupil, friend Triana, Sapphire said.  I will not gainsay you.   Then she looked at him.  It had better be an interesting spell, she told him with a slight smile.  You will also teach it to me.
	I thought you didnt agree with this, he said accusingly.
	Not entirely.  I think its too dangerous, and you havent had enough practical experience quite yet.  But as I said, you are Trianas pupil, not mine.  Not anymore.  She would not give you the task if she felt you had no chance to succeed, and as you are her pupil, she knows the limits of your power better than I do.  This is the task she has given you, and it is your duty to complete it to the best of your ability.
	He felt just a little bit sick, and a great deal intimidated.  This was no easy task Triana had laid at his feet.  It would truly test the limits of his knowledge and his powerbut he should have expected no less.  He knew that Triana had always meant to train him until he was her equal, and that meant that like her, he would have to risk death to expand the abilities of Druidic magic.  He would truly have to walk in her footsteps before she was satisfied that he truly had no more to learn from her.
	He was silent and pensive for a long time, then he squared his shoulders and looked Triana in the eye.  Ill make you proud, mother, he announced.
	What more could a mother ask? she asked with a surprisingly gentle smile, reaching over and putting her paw on his shoulder.

	It was overbut not entirely.  The official part was over.  He returned home earlier than usual, and Jesmind was certainly the first to notice.  She was in the kitchen when he arrived, coming in to hear her humming as she roasted a side of a deer over the fireplace on the far wall of the kitchen, near the cast-iron stove they used for other cooking.  Well, this doesnt happen very often, she told him as he put his paws on her shoulders, in the middle of turning the side of meat over on the spit so the other side was closer to the fire.  What, did the Hierarchs call mother away again?
	No, were done, he told her.
	Done?  As in over?
	He nodded.
	Well its about damned time! she suddenly announced loudly, locking the spit in the holder and turning around.  She put her paws on his waist and kissed him lingeringly.  Now we can get back to some semblance of normalcy around here, she continued as she stepped past him, towards the pantry.  Do you want stewed cabbage with the venison? she asked as she disappeared inside.
	No, but I wouldnt mind some stringed beans, he answered.
	Does this mean Sapphires going back home? she asked.
	He nodded.
	Thank the trees, she said with an explosive sigh.  I like her, but she never failed to give me the creeps.  Its like she was watching me all the time.
	I think she does that with everyone.  Where are the others?
	Kimmies got all the cubs, she answered.  Theyre gathering iceberries.  I dont know where Jula is.
	Shell show up eventually, he shrugged.
	Where are mother and Sapphire?
	They let me go, so theyre probably out there still talking, he answered as he pulled a cooking pot out of the cupboard beside the stove.  Jesmind emerged with two clear glass jars, sealed with wax, holding stringed beans.
	Im still making cabbage, and Kimmies baking an iceberry cake, she informed him.
	Tarrin chuckled.  Youre taking the news rather nonchalantly, he noted.
	Tarrin, its not like I dont know whats going on, she told him.  You tell me what youre doing, mother tells me whats happening.  You think Id be surprised to hear that news?
	Touch, he laughed, leaning against the counter.  I have to discover a brand new spell, something new, before its all over, though, so Im not entirely done yet.
	Well, at least thats something you can do on your own, without them taking you away from me, she said as she passed by, kissing him lightly on the cheek, before heading back into the pantry.  Allia was here this morning.
	What did she have to say?
	Kerris going to deliver soon, and Dolanna wants to get all the travel arrangements set up.  You know, whos going, whos not, that sort of thing.  She peeked out of the pantry.  Now that the training is over, you should tell everyone.  Im tired of being your messenger girl.
	You know you love it, he teased.
	Says you, she said as she disappeared back inside.  Jenna says its going to be eight days until Kerri gives birth.  That gives us five days to get everything organized, a day to get there--
	You mean an hour, he corrected.
	You know what I mean, she said sharply.  That gives us a couple of days before she pops, and however long we want to stay after she delivers.
	You have it all worked out, he commended.
	Dolanna did, she admitted as she came out with a large head of cabbage.  You know Dolanna.  Shes got a plan for everything.
	Youre exaggerating, love.  Shes just prepared, thats all.  She pulled a bowl out of the cabinet and set it on the table in the middle of the kitchen, then started stripping the leaves of cabbage off the head.  Want me to start the beans?
	She nodded as she popped a small shred of cabbage leaf into her mouth.
	Tarrin bent to the task of getting the beans ready to cook, which meant going down into the cold room to get some bacon.  After that was done, he threw the bacon, beans, and some water into the pot and started the fire in the stove using Sorcery, creating a ball of flame that would remain at a steady temperature that was just right for simmering string beans, and setting it so it would last for several hours.  Did Allia have anything else to say?
	No, not really, she said.  Shes just hoping that Kerri doesnt linger.  She said that theyre close to Gathering.
	It is almost that time, Tarrin realized.  Gathering, the coming together of the thirteen Selani clans, happened in the late autumn and early winter, the time when the desert winds were at the weakest in the yearly cycle before flaring up again after the new year.  I guess shes anxious to go this year, what with Allyn having all the time to train and all.
	I hope she brings that two-legged monster of hers, Jesmind mused.  And Camara brings that damned Hellhound.  I want to see which one kills the other.
	Jesmind!  Be nice! Tarrin chided.
	She laughed.  Youre right, I should.  Besides, the Hellhounds a Hellhound.  Allias walking nightmare couldnt hurt it.  It wouldnt be half as much fun as I first thought.
	Well, mother and father are going this time, Tarrin told her.
	Elke and Eron?  Why are they going?
	Kerris an adopted daughter, he told her.  They wouldnt miss the birth of a grandchild for anything.
	They werent there when I had Jasana.
	You didnt tell anyone you had Jasana.  Not even me, he said flintily.
	True, she agreed without batting an eye.
	A streak of gold and a flap of wings heralded Fireflashs entrance into the kitchen, and he landed on Tarrins shoulder and immediately started nuzzling the side of the Were-cats neck.  Fireflash and Tarrin had formed a strong bond of love and friendship over the months, despite all the work he did, and it was totally obvious to everyone in the house just who Fireflash preferred.  He liked everyone in the house, but given his choice of shoulders, he would always choose Tarrins.  Hello there, he said fondly, reaching up and scratching the drake between the horns.  Have a good day?
	I guess the cubs are home, Jesmind said, glancing at the drake.
	Mother! Jasana called, skipping into the kitchen.  We got a whole bunch!  She looked up at Tarrin in surprise, the smiled sweetly.  I see Grandmother let you off the leash early today, father, she said teasingly.  Tarrin looked down at his daughter, and was amazed almost daily at how fast she had grown, how mature she looked now.  She was four and a half years old now, but she was the size of an eleven year old human child, and had the maturity of mind to match.  Her habit of copying Jula had taken hold of her, and she had stopped calling him Papa almost four months ago.  She all but idolized Jula now, trying to dress like her, trying to act like her, trying to have that same understated sense of intelligent style that she could mimic, but never perfectly copy.  The dangerous little cub she had been had slowly been replaced by a more confident girl, who was still overly clever and manipulative, but had finally seemed to understand that there were boundaries in which she could operate without getting killed.  Her games often got Tara and Rina into trouble instead of her, but there would be no more events like some of the monumental acts of manipulation that had occurred in the past.
	You mind your manners, Tarrin said sternly, swatting the cub on the backside as she went by.
	Yes, father, she grinned up at him.  Then she stuck out her tongue at him impudently.
	You, he said, holding up his paw threateningly, to which she replied with laughter.
	Tara and Rina rolled into the kitchen carrying to large baskets, filled with dark blue berries.  Iceberries, a sweet berry related to the blueberry that only ripened just before the first snow.  Papa, Papa, looky! Rina said happily, running up to him and holding up her basket.  Look how many I picked!
	Too bad you ate twice as many as you picked! Tara said accusingly, then she too padded over and held up her basket to Tarrin.  I brought home more than she did, Papa, she proclaimed proudly.
	And I picked more than both of you put together, Jasana taunted.
	You used magic, you cheater! Tara and Rina said in perfect unison, rare proof they were twins.
	Cubs! Kimmie chided as she strode into the kitchen carrying a third basket.  I see Triana let you off her leash early today, Tarrin, she said with a greeting nod.
	Jasana gave him a smug look.
	Ya ya ya, he said, raising a backpaw to Jasana, who collapsed to the ground in laughter.  I think a few cubs around here had better learn a little about respect.
	I respect you, Papa, Rina announced, holding her free paw up towards him.
	Kiss-up! Tara accused as Tarrin picked up his blue-eyed daughter.  She threw her little arms around his neck, careful to avoid hitting Fireflash, and kissed him on the cheek.
	I see theyre all feeling fine today, Tarrin chuckled as he bounced Rina a couple of times.
	Scrappy as ever, Kimmie smiled in reply.  Where are Triana and Sapphire?
	Still talking, I guess, he answered.  Im finally done with the training.
	You mean they actually decided to give over? Kimmie asked, then she laughed.  I never thought Id see this day!  She put the basket down on the table.  Just in time for Kerris delivery.  They had to be planning around that.
	Taking it into account, Im sure, Tarrin agreed, taking Rinas basket and putting it on the table beside it.  My time is my own againjust in time to go to Wikuna.
	It always seems to work out that way with you, Tarrin dear, Kimmie chuckled.  You seem to never get a break.
	Kimmie didnt see the sudden hot glare Jesmind leveled at her back, as Kimmie dumped the berries in the smaller basket into the larger one, and then picked up the now empty basket.  No doubt it was incited by her calling him dear.  Jesmind was still terribly jealous, and took serious issue when Kimmie used any kind of term of endearment where she could hear it.  Let me go borrow some eggs from Mistress Elke, and Ill get started on that iceberry cake.  Be back in a shake.  Oh, hullo, Sapphire, she said with a smile as the human-shaped dragon entered the kitchen.
	Kimmie, she said fondly, putting a hand on her shoulder.  I will be leaving you now, my little friend.
	Tarrin told us the training is done, she answered.  How did he do?
	Today?  Quite well, she answered.  And now that the task is done, its time for me to return to my lair.
	Well, Im going to miss you, Kimmie told her.  It was almost like old times.  Well, except for you not being a drake, she said with a disarming smile.
	Yes, but going home is also good, she answered.  The calm season is taking hold in the desert, and Id rather not miss it.
	Youre leaving tonight? Tarrin asked.
	I am leaving right now, she answered.
	Aww! Jasana sounded.  You dont have to go so soon!
	I am never more than a call away, Jasana, she answered.  Does it matter if I leave now or not?
	It does to me.
	I appreciate that, she said with a smile.  But I was never one for extended goodbyes.  When its time to go, then its time to go.  And so, I must go.
	She held out a hand to Tarrin, who stepped up and took it, swallowing it up in his massive paw.  I will miss you, my little friend.  You must come visit me soon.
	Well all be in Wikuna in just a few days, Sapphire, he reminded her.
	True, but I want you to come visit me at my home, she told him.  Ive never had you over, little friend.  Its past time for me to introduce you to the brood.
	I think Id like that, he said honestly.
	Im sure they would as well, she announced, letting go of his paw.  Ill see you in Wikuna, my little one.  Until then, be well.
	Safe journey, Sapphire, he said.
	G-bye, Auntie Sapphire, Rina said with a wave.
	With a smile towards all three cubs, Sapphire raised her hands, and then she simply disappeared.
 
Chapter 15

	Freedom was a strange thing, if one had not had the opportunity to experience it lately.
	Tarrin awoke the next morning feeling strange, knowing that he literally had nothing to do.  He wasnt used to that.  He left Jesmind to sleep and crept out of bed, not wanting to wake her or Fireflash, who slept on his little bed on the side table, then pulled on his clothes and crept out of the room and out of the house.  He sat on the roof of his house for a while and watched the sun rise, his eyes hooded and his expression pensive, pondering on the training he had received, what it meant, and the challenge that Triana had laid at his feet.
	He leaned back against the top ridge of his tiled roof as the sun peeked over the trees to the east, towards Aldreth, and thought back over the long year and more that he had been training under Triana.  It had been grueling, it had been exhausting, and at times it had been aggravating, but in a strange way, he had enjoyed it.  Even after Sapphire had taken over his lessons, he still enjoyed them.  And now they were over.
	That was a hard concept to grasp.  Hed been at them for so long, a part of him had felt that they would never end.  Now there was no reason to get out of bed every morning, or at least no need to do so.  It was strange to think that he and Triana and Sapphire wouldnt be padding off to that little clearing just north of the house for his days instruction, just as strange as the knowledge that they werent even here.  Sapphire left almost immediately after the end of his training, and Triana had left last night, after receiving a summons from the Hierarchsa summons that seemed a tad too convenient for him not to know that they had been keeping tabs on the progression of his education.  Now, Triana was going to report to them.  It was how they kept track of him, since they couldnt really come to him themselves, because of who he was and the evils he had perpetrated earlier in his life.
	Tarrin stood and closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of the autumn sun wash over him, spread through him in the strangest way.  Somethingwas not right.  He didnt know what it was, didnt know why he knew that, or how he knew that, but he just knew.  Something was not right.  He looked directly into the rising sun, the source of power of the land and realm of control of Shirazi, the Goddess of the sun and light, and he justknew.  It did not come from the Weave.  It wasnt a lingering sense coming from the fact that he once held Julas bond.
	He looked into the red disc of the sunand for the first time, he could see the eyes staring back at him from within.  The eyes of a female, sultry and mysterious, eyes that seemed to flutter in surprise when he regarded them.  Calmly, almost stoically, he realized that he was seeing Shirazi looking down upon him--or across at him, in this case--just one of the gods which Kikkalli had said watched him.  He knew that she did, for the matron of the Wikuni pantheon said that they all watched him.
	Tarrin didnt want to be alone, and nobody else was awake.  But that wasnt really a problem, for it was past time to summon his Elementals and grant them their time in his world, which enriched their power.  Tarrin was quite faithful to his four Elementals, summoning them quite often, even when it wasnt needful, if only to enhance their power.  Tarrin often joked to Jula that he intended to have the four toughest Elementals anywhere, and he helped that come to pass by summoning them frequently.
	Without much thought, Tarrin wove together a weave of Air and Divine, weaving together the shell to contain the spirit of the Elemental which was his partner, and then opened the doorway between Sennadar and that realm where the Elementals of air lived.  It established a link with him, and then surrounded him and carried him up and away from the roof, towards a small pond some distance from his house.  It withdrew slightly to make room as Tarrin wove the same weave again, then again, then once again, altering it with Earth, Fire, and Water, summoning forth all four of the Elemental spirits who answered his call again and again.  One by one, they appeared.   His Earth Elemental pulled itself out of the ground, a shambling, vaguely humanoid form with no discernable facial features, only a pile of earth clumped atop a massive, stout torso.  The Fire Elemental simply appeared in a flash of smoke and fire, taking the form of a small Phoenix, the form which Tarrin had chosen for it.  The Fire animus who answered his summons was a bird in its natural state, and it favored avian forms, though it was more than capable of function within any shape Tarrin gave to it.  The Water Elemental swirled forth from the surface of the pond, taking a vaguely humanoid shape, which was decidedly female, complete with an alluringly shaped face without any features other than a pair of glowing almond-shaped eyes that shimmered like the sun on the sea.  They had genders, the Elementals, and his Water Elemental was an anima, the only female-aligned spirit of the four.  For some reason, he thought of the other three as it, but the Water Elemental as she, because she was the only one who openly exhibited outwards signs of her gender.
	Tarrin sat down by the edge of the pond, and his four Elementals gathered closer to him and made themselves at ease.  It was already obvious to them that he didnt summon them to do battle or perform a task.  He summoned each of them every few days, both to keep in contact with them and grant them power.  All four gained power by being summoned to Sennadar, which made them stronger and more capable of surviving in the realms in which they originated.  This was obviously a summoning simply for the sake of a summoning.  These four spirits were the same ones who answered his call time and time again, so he made certain to keep them content, should he be forced to call upon them to perform a task that they would not enjoy.  Besides, in a way, he liked his four Elementals, and often summoned them just to enjoy their company.
	The Water Elemental seemed to sense his reservations, and inquired politely about his mental state.
	He passed a paw over his face, then made a shooing motion with 