em that existed on a different level than with his other friends.  She understood him in ways that most others did not, not even his mates, understanding him on a level more akin to his sisters than his friends.  Yet she kept a certain distance away from him, giving nothing more than what he wished from her, displaying a patience and understanding that came with the wisdom of being a gods highest ranking Priestess.  Neme had chosen well when she called Camara Tal to her order, for the Amazons greatest trait wasnt her skill, or her intelligence, it was her compassion.  Camara Tal was a nurturer, who made everyone around her live up to their utmost potential.  It just wasnt very evident within her, hidden behind a gruff personality and rather arrogant social customs.
	She leaned on the rail beside him, then nudged him with her hip.  Heavy thoughts? she asked.
	He leaned on the rail with her, glancing at her.  You know it, he answered.  Looking forward to going home?
	I wont be there long, she answered.  Kang is raising an army to come back here and help the Dura and Elara.  Im going to be in it.
	Ah, yes, I remember him mentioning that.  Im not sure hes thought it through.  For instance, how is he getting back home?
	Miranda.
	I dont think she can move an entire army into the Astral, Camara.  And did anyone ask her if she wanted to return?
	Hell figure it out, she chuckled.  Kang doesnt want to leave things to Darax.  He wants to help.  I guess in his heart, hes a big softie.  She sighed.  They have no idea, do they?
	Who?
	She looked at him.
	Oh.  No, I suppose not.  Theres no real way to tell them, Camara, he sighed, looking at his paws.  There was a time not long ago when I thought that just because I was different, that I could make it not matter.  That I could go on living my life and ignore what I was, and that if I ignored it well enough, then everyone else would too, and theyd leave it be.  But I was wrong.  Niami is risking the wrath of her parents and the other Elder Gods for what shes doing, not to mention the damage shes doing to the orders of the Younger Gods.  All of that chaos, and all because of me, and its happening no matter how much I deny the truth.
	And what truth is that, Tarrin?
	That I dont belong here, he answered tonelessly.  I dont belong anywhere anymore, Camara.  I cant pretend to be something Im not, but I cant be more than what I am.  Im stuck in the middle between two different worlds, and neither of them want me.
	I dont have any answer for that, old friend, she answered.  All I can really say is that youve never been one to just accept things.  Theres a place for you, Tarrinmaybe its just a matter of making it.
	Are you suggesting I take on Ayise head to head? he asked slyly.
	Even an Elder Goddess can be a stubborn ass, she said bluntly, which made Tarrin burst out laughing.
	If she heard you say that, she might strike you dead, he told her.
	Possibly, but sometimes thats what it takes to make someone see the truth.  She looked up.  I hate seeing that ceiling.  I want to see the stars, even if they are unfamiliar.
	You will soon, he told her.  How much more time til sunset?  Three hours?
	About that, she answered.  Sohow long do you think its going to take?
	For what?
	Until the Dura and Elara conquer Pyrosia, and theyre ready for you and Dolanna to release the Demons.
	Knowing Bragg, not long, he answered.  The forces of the One will be disorganized, and theyll be easy marks.  Bragg will trample them on his march across the continent.
	Thats good.  I must admit, the idea of you and Dolanna trapped inside with the Demons doesnt sit well with me.  In fact, it worries me.
	Well be fine, he said quietly.  The Demons wont be able to touch us.
	But its a prison, she said grimly.  And I hate the idea of you and her being trapped inside.
	It wont be long, Camara.
	Well, the idea that youre not going to mind being imprisoned concerns me, Tarrin.
	It bothers me a great deal, he answered.  But its what has to be done.  And it wont be for long.
	You seem sure of that.
	Im positive.
	Ah.  So, theres the plan, then theres your plan, she said with a sly smile.
	And you expected something less?
	No, I suppose not, she chuckled.
	Their plan will work out quite well with mine, he told her.  But if my plan works, theyll have it easy.
	Why, what will happen?
	Something that wont concern you, he said crisply.
	She chuckled.  Alright, alright, I get it.
	He was quiet a long moment.  Theres something I want you to do, Camara.
	Anything, Tarrin.
	When you get back home, have my sister get in contact with Spyder, and arrange a meeting.  When you see her, I want you to give her this.
	Tarrin handed Camara Tal a tiny shard of crystal, the size of a childs finger.  Within it was a flaw, two tiny cracks that ran almost the entire length of the crystals octohedral form, like two pyramids stacked base to base.
	What is this, Tarrin? she asked.
	Spyder knows what it is, and shell know what to do with it.  Its important, Camara.  You have to get this to Spyder as quickly as you possibly can.
	Why not have someone else do it?
	Because they will take you seriously, he answered.  If you say its important, then its important.  You have to get that to Spyder within a day of getting back, Camara.  My life, and Dolannas life, might depend on it.
	Iohhhhhhhhhhh, Camara Tal breathed.  I think I get it.  But you wouldnt say if I did.
	He shook his head.  You never know who might hear when youre talking, he said pointedly.  And that might screw things up.
	I understand, she said, carefully putting the crystal in a small pouch on her belt.  Ill have this in Spyders hand as fast as I can get it there, Tarrin.  Trust me.
	Trust in you is never misplaced, Camara, he smiled, patting her hand with his massive paw.  By the way, dont show that to anyone but Spyder.
	I dont see why, but Ill do as you ask, she assured him.
	I have my reasons, he told her, glancing back into the room.  Oh yes, youd better fireproof your room.
	Why?
	Embers going to be a mother, he said.  Im sure that her pups arent going to have much control of their breath weapons when theyre born.
	What?  Forge! she growled accusingly, turning to stalk back into the room, but Tarrin put a paw on her arm.
	Stop posturing, he snorted.  Things will be just fine, and you know it.  Besides, you expected to bring a male and a female together and not have something happen?
	She gave him a look, then laughed.  What in the furies am I going to do with a pack of Hellhounds?
	Camara, they will line up for a chance to take one of your puppies, he told her evenly.  Everybody wants a Hellhound.
	Well, yes, but theyre a big responsibility, so Ill have to pick carefully, she mentioned.
	That or we find a wild one, and give it to someone you dont like, he suggested.
	Camara Tal gave him a surprised look, then burst out laughing.  Thats an evil idea, Tarrin.  I like it.  She offered out her elbow to him meaningfully.
	He put his paw in the crook of her arm just as an Amazon man would.  Just living up to my reputation, Camara dear, he said as she escorted him off the balcony.

	The last two hours of his time with his family and friends was spent with the one person who deserved that company more than any other, Mist.  They spent only a short amount of time in bed, sharing intimacy in a way that he couldnt with Jesmind and Kimmie, proving to him again that Mist was the most compatible with him of his three mates.  She didnt make incessant demands.  She didnt try to talk his ear off.  She wasnt pushy or demanding.  She knew that they had a short time, so she simply enjoyed that time they had without argument or complaint.
	After their private intimacy, they opened their doors to those who were truly part of Tarrins family.  Kimmie, Zyri, and Jal returned to the apartment, and he shared a last quiet dinner with them, away from the others.  It was a quiet dinner, but there was an underlying tension that made things not quite as pleasant as hed have hoped.
	Umm, father, Zyri began.  Am I going to take care of Fireflash while youre here?
	Tarrin reached up and patted his drake fondly, who was on his shoulder.  Fireflash will be staying with me, he answered her calmly, to which the drake nodded.  Im going to take Sarrayas amulet before we go, so he wont get sick.  But, Forge is going to need someone to play with, he noted.  My other children are all gone from the house, and hell be terribly bored and lonely without someone to pay attention to him.  Think you two can handle taking care of him, cubs?
	Upon hearing his name, the Hellhound got up from where he was laying with Ember, and padded over to the table.  The massive animals head was almost on a level with Zyris with her sitting in the chair, and he nudged the girl with his muzzle gently.  She giggled and patted him on the head, which caused him to lick her face.  That made her burst out laughing.  His tongue is always so hot! she noted as the animal went over to Jal.
	He breathes fire, cub, Mist told her.  Youd think it would be.
	Jal hugged Forge around the neck, but the Hellhound pulled back quickly, making the boy gasp as the Hellhound dragged him out of his chair.  He hung by the animals neck for a moment before Forge dropped down and pinned the boy underneath him, then began licking his face and neck.  Jal gave out squeals of laughter as he tried to protect his face with his hands, which did absolutely no good against the massive Hellhound.
	Well, its good to see that Forge likes them, Kimmie noted.  You want me to leave him at your house, darling?
	Please, he said with a nod.  The children will need him more than Tara and Rina.  Hell help keep them distracted until Im done here.  Theyre going to have enough shocks as it is, theyre going to need Forge to help keep them calmed down.
	I can imagine, Kimmie chuckled.  They have so many people to meet, and some of them will be very intimidating.
	How, how long do you expect this to take? Kimmie asked, finally breaching the subject.
	Not long, he answered.  But how long I stay here is actually going to depend on Darax and Bragg.  They have to finish off the armies of the One.
	Kang is coming back with an army, Kimmie told him.  The instant he gets back, hes going to start trying to raise one.  He wont have to work very hard, given that theres already an army waitingbut hell want one thats bigger.  He really likes the Dura, he doesnt want them and the Elara to have to fight this war alone.
	Think hell have much luck? Mist asked.
	She nodded.  All he has to do is tell Shiika he wants a few of the Legions, and shell give them to him, she answered.  Shiika trusts Kang, probably more than anyone else, even over her own daughters.  Besides, her army is so huge, she can give him three or four Legions and have plenty left over.  She gave him a sly smile.  And Im sure the Knights will join them, and probably the Ungardt, and Im sure that Kerri will send a few divisions of Marines.  If your time trapped in that Ward with the Demons is going to be set by how fast Bragg can take Pyrosia, then Im sure that people back home will make that happen as fast as possible.
	The Demons wont be an issue, he said dismissively.  Im more concerned about the Ones armies.  Im just hoping theyre not fanatics.  Im hoping that after I destroy the Ones icon, many of them will give up.
	Its hard to say, Kimmie answered honestly.  These humans are harder to understand than most.  At least the humans of Sennadar have some modicum of sense.  Thats lacking around here.
	Theyre just afraid, cub, Mist said.  That makes everyone strange, or make bad decisions.  She looked at her paws.  Trust me, I know.
	I think we all do, Tarrin told her, reaching over and putting his paw on her shoulder.  She looked over at him and smiled warmly, putting her paw over his.
	Well, hopefully thatll change soon, Tarrin said.
	There was a knock at the door.  It opened, and Dolanna poked her head through.  Dear one?
	Yes, Dolanna?
	It is time, she said simply.
	He sighed.  Already? he said wistfully.  I thought we had more time.
	I fear not, dear one, she said.  It is close to sunset.
	Alright, he said as he looked around the table, and saw the worry, saw the concern, saw the fear.  Well, lets go, he said, pushing away from the table and standing up.
	Come on, cubs, Mist called.  Make sure you have everything thats yours.
	After a quick check of the apartment, the five of them left, and filed through the palace of Darax.  When they reached the outside, ten of Daraxs personal guards were waiting for them, and fell into step both in front and behind, clearing the way as throngs of Dwarves gathered on the streets to cheer and call out.  It was something of a surprise to Tarrin, given how much many of the Dura still didnt like him.  They lined the streets all the way through the city, right up until the front gates, and he and the children looked at them with both excitement and confusion.  Tarrin looked around at the city one final time before leaving, marvelling at its construction, and admiring the Dwarves for both conceiving of it and building it.  These were truly the descendants of the Duthak, in mind, body, and soul.
	Outside, everyone was ready.  They were gathered not far from the gates, a large throng behind the white-haired Wizard, who had several mystical symbols engraved into the ground and filled with powdered silver.  It was a Concentric Circle, a device needed for several extremely powerful Wizard spells.  The glyphs and symbols inscribed within the circle would determine its function, and from what Tarrin saw, this one was set up to open a gateway into another world.  He remembered them from his exhaustive study of his spellbook.  Behind Phandebrass was his friends, and behind them were the one hundred Dwarves that were going to go back to Sennadar, as well as three others.  Shara was there, the Earth Adept, and to his surprise, Neh was there as well, holding onto a small bag and looking nervous.  The third was an Elara he had never seen before, a tall, willowy female with almost decadently long platinum blond hair, hair done up in a long tail that nearly dragged the ground, amber eyes not much unlike Keritanimas, and a graceful demeanor.  She wore a white dress with blue goring in the sleeves and a blue bodice, embroidered within that blue, with silver thread, was a relief of an animal he identified as a unicorn.  He saw that she had little ivory earrings shaped like a unicorns head in relief that hung from silver rings in her ears by the tips of their horns, and she had matching barettes in her hair, over each of her pointed ears, that had unicorns engraved in the onyx of the barettes.
	But her striking appearance and fondness for unicorns was nothing compared to the aura of sheer power that radiated from this slender Elara.  This was one of their most powerful spellcasters, of that there was absolutely no doubt.
	Master Tarrin, Neh said with a little bow.  May I present Kyrienna.
	Its nice to meet you, she said with a similar bow.
	I didnt know you were going, Neh, Tarrin said, more or less ignoring the woman.
	The King sent word that he wants two Wizards to go to the other world and study what Wizard magic your people have learned that we have not, she explained.  My cousin and I were lucky enough to receive the honor.
	Im lucky that I just barely managed to make it in time, the blonde said.  I must say, Im looking quite forward to this.  The idea of visiting a forbidden world is exciting.  This might be my only chance to see it.
	My cousin is a Worldwalker, Neh said with excitement and respect.
	That means I visit other planes of existence, seeking out new magical lore, she explained modestly.  Nezzi here always wanted to see what I do, so I put in a good word for her, she said with a wink.  Now she gets to go see another world.
	I didnt realize your people did that, Tarrin said.  Lorak never mentioned it.
	Thats because what I do is frowned upon, she smiled.  Im supposed to be a Gatemaster.  Any Wizard who can cast gate spells is supposed to serve the people by using that magic for our war against the One, but me and few others instead scour the multiverse searching for new magicks that might help us here.  Many of our people think that what we do is a waste of time.  I should be ferrying people back and forth from Pyrosia like a carriage driver, but I, how does Lorak say it, I spend all of my time in vain and selfish pursuits instead of serving my people and my King in the manner to which Im best suited.  She looked to Neh.  Did that sound about right? she asked.
	That sounds like Lorak, Tarrin grunted.
	My cousins as good a Wizard as Phandebrass, Neh said.
	That made Tarrin look back at her.  Is that so?
	Ive heard much about this Phandebrass.  I think Im going to enjoy getting to know him, she said, flexing her fingers in a manner that said that their meeting would be more competition than conversation.
	Tarrin had to smile a little.  Tarrin had the feeling that Phandebrass and Kyrienna were on a collision coursewhich might actually be a good thing.
	Speaking of this human, lets go watch him work, Nezzi, Kyrienna said, nudging Neh with her elbow.
	Nezzi? Tarrin asked.
	Shes called me that since we were little girls, she explained with a shy smile, before being dragged away.
	Something tells me that Phandebrass is going to have an interesting time of her, Kimmie said, her finger on her cheek.
	Shes definitely more animated than other Elara, Tarrin noted.
	Mist snorted.  You mean she doesnt have a steel rod stuck up her
	Thatll do, missy, Tarrin warned, which made Kimmie burst into laughter.
	Tarrin moved on with the others until he came to Binter, Sisska, and Tsukatta.  The warriors were standing near Phandebrass as he read from a scroll he had prepared for the event.  Tarrin took Binters massive hand in his paw, and clasped wrists with him.  It is nearly time, the Vendari said.  Are you sure you do not wish for one of us to remain?
	Well be fine, Binter, he answered.  I absolutely guarantee that Dolanna will be coming home soon.  Sooner than she thinks.
	And of you?
	If things work out right, Ill be here a while longer, he answered.  If I survive the initial encounter, then there wont be any need for Dolanna, and shell come home.  If I dontwell, Dolanna will be here until Bragg completes his task.  Either way, I have to stay here until the Demon Lord is dealt with.  Hes my responsibility.  I cant leave until hes gone.
	You are only doing the honorable thing, Binter said calmly.  It does your name justice.
	That means a great deal to me, Binter.
	Honor and Blood, Tarrin Kael.
	Honor and Blood, Binter of the Vendari.
	May Pythorras grant you conviction, Tarrin, Sisska said, invoking the name of one of the Vendari gods.
	Thank you, Sisska.  I might need his blessing before all is said and done.  He turned to Tsukatta.  I want you to do something for me, Tsukatta.
	You have but to ask, he said.
	I wouldnt say that so quickly, he said with a smile.
	You are my friend, Tarrin Kael, he said simply.  If you have need of it, my life is yours, as is only proper.
	Well, this wont take quite that much, he chuckled.  At my home is a sword that looks almost exactly like this one, just smaller, he said, producing his sword from the elsewhere and presenting it.  Mist knows where I keep my weapons, she can show you.  I want you to get that sword, get in touch with Spyder, and have her take you to Haven.
	What do I do with it when I reach Haven? he asked.
	Throw it into the gate, he answered.
	I, I do not understand, he said.
	Im going to need it, Tsukatta.  Put it in the Astral, and I can get at it.  I cant do that as long as its on Sennadar.
	I understand.  It will be as you ask, my friend, though I fail to see the need for it.
	Trust me.  Theres going to be a need for it.
	Then it will be done, he said with a bow.
	I can do that for you, darling, Kimmie protested.
	You have children to see, he told her.  Tsukatta will need to go to Haven to get home, so he can just do this for me along the way.
	Im not planning on going home quite yet, but Ill still make sure it is done, he said.  Since there will be other outworlders in Sennadar, Im going to see if I cant visit your world and see more than Lady Spyders gate chamber.
	Im sure you can sneak past, Tarrin chuckled.
	He went past them to where Haley stood with Ulger and Kang, near the litter that the Dwarves had used to bring out Azakar.  The Mahuut Knight was still a little pale, dressed in a tunic and breeches, but his sword was beside him on the litter.  He reached out his hand to Tarrin, who clasped it firmly.  Tarrin and Azakar had often not seen eye to eye, but there had always been that core of mutual respect and understanding.
	So what does Miranda say? he asked.
	Miranda says that he needs about three days in bed, the mink Wikuni said from behind Haley.  He stepped aside to allow her to reach the litter.  As long as he gets his rest, hell be breaking heads again in no time, she said with a cheeky grin.
	He ignored her, looking at the dark-skinned human.  How do you feel?
	Tired, he answered.  A little embarassed that Im causing so much trouble.
	Its never trouble to help a friend, Zak, Tarrin told him.  I want you to do something for me.
	Anything.
	Telven is being sent to the Academy to work, he said.  Make something of him.
	Azakar nodded gravely.  I know exactly what you mean, he said.  Ill take care of it, Tarrin.  I promise.
	Well make him a special project, Ulger said, giving Tarrin an evil grin.  I might ask your little sister to arrange a special meeting, if you know what I mean, he said with a chuckle.
	Yes, he might have trouble denying the existence of other gods if hes staring one in the face, Haley said slyly.
	Good.
	Lad, Im planning on coming back to help Bragg, with as many troops as I can put together in three days, Kang told him.  Do you have a problem with this?
	Not really, but how are you going to get home, Kang? he asked pointedly.  Dont depend on the Elder Gods granting another exemption.
	Ill work something out, he said.  I wouldnt return unless I could guarantee we could get back.  But Im sure I can get some kind of special arrangement.  After all, were coming back to stop a Demon Lord, and it seems that even the Elder Gods understand how important that is, since theyre going to help you.
	Well, all I can say is good luck, Tarrin said with a nod.
	He left them, then left his family behind to talk with Miranda, and approached Var, Denai, and Ariana alone.  He took their hands in turn, then patted Denai on the shoulder.  Did you enjoy your visit here, deshaida?
	We didnt have as much time with you as wed hoped, she answered in Selani.  But there are so many here, I relish what time I did have.  Even if its for but a moment, time spent with blood is time spent well.
	Im sorry about that, he apologized.  But Ive been so busy
	We understand, my friend, Var assured him.  Youve got the responsibilities of a clan chief.  Those duties are more important than personal needs.
	Are you going back home?
	Denai shook her head.  Kang speaks of returning.  If he does, weve decided to come.
	You are clan, Tarrin, and youll need us.  We will be there, Var said simply.
	That means a great deal to me, he said sincerely.  What about you, Ari?
	Me?  Oh, Andos will scream at me to come home, and Ill ignore him, as usual, she winked.  Ill probably come back with the others.
	Tarrin chuckled, then picked up Denai as she gave him a crushing hug.  You be careful, deshida, she ordered.  What you have planned, it will be dangerous.  You must be careful.
	Im always careful, Denai, he told her.  Even when it doesnt look like it.
	Phandebrass voice called above the murmur of the crowd.  I say, everyone prepare to move!  Ill be casting in about three minutes!
	Tarrin moved to return to his family, but Haley stopped him.  His eyes were haunted and grim, and his hand was actually trembling.  Tarrin, he said.  Promise me youll watch over her.  Promise me youll bring her home.
	Haley, I swear to you here and now, that she will come home safely, he told him with intense power in his voice, putting his paws on the Were-wolfs shoulders.  And I promise you that everything will be alright.  In fact, I swear to you that she will be happy.
	I he began, but he looked into Tarrins eyes, and sawsomething behind them.  Beyond them.  II see, he said, putting his hands on Tarrins paws.  Then I leave her safety in your care, Tarrin.
	I appreciate that, Tarrin told him.  Now go say goodbye to her.
	I will, he nodded, clapping Tarrin on the shoulder, then moving quickly towards the small Sharadi, who stood talking with Koran and Camara Tal just behind Phandebrass, who was peering intensely at the sun, whose edge was threatening to touch the mountains below.
	Tarrin!  Well, look at you two.   Why dont you kiss him, Haley? Sarraya said with an evil grin, winking into view.
	Its about time, Sarraya, he said.  Where have you been?
	Oh, just saying my goodbyes, she said with exaggerated innocence.
	Ill warn Darax, Haley said mildly, then scurried off.
	Hey!  I worked for hours on those! Sarraya shouted after him.
	Drop it, Tarrin told her.  Give me the amulet.
	What?  Its mine, Tarrin! she protested.  And I need it!
	You wont need it now, he told her.  Fireflash is staying here, so he needs it more than you.  Hand it over.
	But, but, but I cant come back she started, then she saw his emotionless, ominous stare.  Alright, alright, she growled indignantly, reaching for the cord around her neck.
	Youll live.  Without this, he wont, he told her, taking the amulet, then carefully putting it around Fireflashs neck.
	But I wanted to come back, she said poutingly.  I wanted to help you.
	Little friend, you can help me a great deal at home, he told her.  Theres something I want you to do for me.  Something important.
	Really?  What? she said in excitement.
	I want you to go to the gnomes of Gnomlin, he told her.  When you get there, I want you to give them this.
	He handed her a tiny sliver of emerald that pulsed with an internal, magical light.
	Ooooh, what is it? she said breathlessly, taking it from his paw.  It fit almost perfectly into her hand.
	Its something thats going to make sure that Dolanna gets home, he told her.  The gnomes will know what to do with it, and when they have to use it.
	What will it do?  Ive just gotta know! she said.
	Its part of a Wizard spell, he told her.  If Dolanna is in the Astral, it will allow them to retrieve her and cause her to enter the portal that leads to the gate chamber in Haven.  Theyll know if shes in the Astral, the gem will warn them.  Then they can use it to complete the spell.
	But, how am I going to get out there, Tarrin? she asked.
	My friend, however you want.  Just make sure you get it to the gnomes within three days.  Thats important.
	Ill find a way, Tarrin, she said with uncharacteristic seriousness, clutching the glowing shard to her chest.  You can count on me!
	I know I can, Sarraya.  I always have, he smiled, which made her zip up and hug his neck, then she flitted over and kissed his cheek.  Now, I have to go say goodbye to Mist.
	I understand.  Good luck, and may all the gods watch over you, Tarrin.
	Ill miss you, bug, he told her.
	He returned to his mate and his children, and he sighed.  He wordlessly embraced Mist, feeling all of her love and all her devotion flow through herand that was what it was all about.  Family, friends, life and love, those were the things that mattered more than any other, and Tarrin was uniquely qualified to understand that.  Everything  that would ever matter could be summed up in the touch of his mate and the mother of his children.
	That was life.
	He hugged Kimmie fiercely, rocking her back and forth, then he knelt and held his paws out to Zyri and Jal.  They rushed into his arms and he held them for a long, long moment, and he savored that feeling, desperately wishing that his other children could be therebut they couldnt.  And that, too, was life.
	He pushed them out to arms length, looking them in the eyes by turn.  Now, you two have to be very good, he told them.  Stay very close to Mist.  My life is very unusual, and some of my friends can beintimidating.
	Like the dragon? Zyri asked.
	Like the dragon, he smiled.  But youll love Sapphire, little bit.  Just stay close to Mist, and listen to her.  Shell explain everything, and shell get you settled in.  Forge, watch these two, he told the nearby Hellhound.
	Forge nodded lucidly.
	Tarrin called forth his sword from the elsewhere, and then his staff.  He set them aside calmly, then reached for this left wrist.  Now, I cant very well let you go without giving you something, he told the children, removing the left bracer of his Cats Claws.  Jal, these are for you.  For whats coming, Im not going to need them.  Its your responsibility to watch these, and hold them for me until I come back for them.  Theyre very important to me, Jal.  My sister made them for me.  Id be heartbroken if I lost them, so Im giving them to you so you can keep them safe.  He removed the right bracer, and then handed them to the small boy with a serious look.  Jal gawked at them, almost afraid to touch them, then snatched them up and held them to his chest with a fervent nod.
	Tarrin Kimmie said in shock, but he silenced her by slapping her leg with his tail.
	And you, Zyri, this, this is your burden, he said, reaching to his chest.  He pulled gently, then held out his open paw to her.
	In his paw laid his shaeram, the