ow nor ever again counteract the wishes of my kitten over a matter that does not literally threaten the Balance.  I wont bring him back unless thats what he wants.  I want the sword so I can find his soul, so I can make sure that its safe.  If he chooses to live again, and Im fairly sure he will, I will do everything I can to see that it happens.  But, in the unlikely event that he chooses not to live again, then I will use the sword to find his soul, then bring it to my realm in the Outer Planes, and bring him to his reward.
	But
	There are no buts, daughter, not in this, the Goddess said adamantly.  Do not even think to connive your way into what you want, girl, she said with all of her divine authority levelled on the Were-cat youth.  You will do as I have commanded.  Exactly as I have commanded.  I want Tarrin back as much as you, but none of us, and I mean none of us, will go against his wishes in this matter.  Remember the last time you did something like that?  Well, I assure you that my punishment will make what you endured at the hands of your mother and grandmother seem like a reward by comparison.
	Jasana paled.
	Im so glad you could grasp the situation so quickly, she said with a flinty tone.
	I just dont understand why he wouldnt want to come back, Jasana said in a small tone.
	Youre too quick to latch onto the negative, daughter, she said with compassion.  Dwell on the hope that he will, not the fear that he wont.
	Ill try, Mother.
	Good.  Now, listen.  Im going to take you to the gate.  I want you to go through, and when youre through, I want you to wait.  Dolanna needs your presence in that other world, but I also need to organize a search party to help you find the pieces of the sword.  When you get through to the other world, I want you to immediately try to contact Dolanna.  If you can, then I want you to wait at the gateway for others to arrive, but wait no longer than two days.  Two, she said, holding up two fingers to emphasize her command.  If no one comes through the gate after two days, then go try to find the sword pieces.
	If you cant make initial contact with Dolanna, I want you to immediately go to the Heart on that world, because if Dolanna cant contact you, then that means she might be in trouble and will need your help.  Im sure youll be able to find it.  Once you get there, youll receive further instructions.  Do you understand?
	I understand, Mother.
	Good.  Now go pack..
	Yes, Mother, she said, looking up at her with trepidation, then rushing off to get ready.
	Triana looked at the Goddess.  You know that promise not to meddle will last as long as shes in your sight.
	I know, but thats the risk Im taking.  Besides, Jasana would be a convenient scapegoat if Tarrin were brought back against his wishes, she added slyly.
	Triana snorted, but it was with a wry smile.  What more to it is there, Mother?
	The Goddess quickly explained what she had learned.  He fears coming home, but it is all he wants to do, she surmised.  He had the right idea when he broke the sword, but he didnt think things through.  He should have broken it after he trapped the Demon Lord in the Ward, as he originally planned.  Instead, he threw his plan out the window and winged it.  It worked, but this time it killed him.
	He wouldnt even have done that if there was no other choice.  Does he have a plan?
	The Goddess smiled.  Ever to the point of the matter, she said.
	I know my son.
	You know him well.  Yes, he had a plan, but his own part of it is complete.  Now its up to us to finish it for him.
	Whats the goal of this plan?  If I may ask, Mother.
	Simple, daughter, she smiled.  Tarrin knows about a certain little secret Ive been keeping.  I was going to use it to circumvent my mothers edict against him coming home, but now Ill have to use it just to keep him alive. She stood up.  Come with me, Ill show you.
	Curious, Triana followed the Avatar of Niami along the garden path, and then into the manor house.  They traveled up the main stairs, and then into the east wing.  Wait a minute, Triana realized.
	Yes, thats where were going, she smiled.  The room that Spyder told you was off limits.  Its off limits because I told her to make it so.  My secret is inside.
	So, he peeked.
	The Goddess laughed.  You know Tarrin, Triana.  Once he gets curious, nothing can get in his way, not even a closed door and a direct command by someone like Spyder.
	They reached the door quickly, and it opened at a mere gesture of the Goddess hand.  Beyond the door was a large room, the only furnishing a single elegant wooden stand, upon which sat a small black metal sculpture of a cat, seated, with emeralds for eyes.  There was a single window that was blocked by a heavy curtain.  On the far side, beside the little stand, resting within a glowing circle of magical power that was on the floor that cast a bright light upwards, was Tarrin Kael.  He was suspended in a magical light, his eyes closed, rotating within the light with deliberate slowness.
	Triana gasped, rushing into the room.  Tarrin?
	Just a body, the Goddess said quickly.  A shell.  When I rebuilt his body, Imade a duplicate.  Just in case, you understand, she said, rather quickly.  Spyder has been keeping it for me.
	Triana came up to the edge of the light, looking carefully at this image of her son.  Will this work, Mother? she asked.
	Of course it will, she scoffed.  It worked the first time, didnt it?  Once I get the sword, I can use it to summon Tarrins soul, and I can put it in this body.  If thats what he wants, she added quickly, coming over and stroking the black metal of the statue fondly, lovingly.  This was the original soultrap, Triana, already primed and ready to capture his soul.  I was ready, just in case.
	I take it it didnt work?
	She shook her head.  It cant capture a soul thats not in the same dimension, and it wouldnt work now anyway, she answered.  It only activates at the instant of death, and, well, Tarrin has already died.  This was for the eventuality that my kitten got into a fight with my mother.  I didnt really expect to have to use it to restore him from being killed in that other world, but it will work.  All we need is his soul.  The Avatar picked up the statuette and cradled it, stroking its engraved sides as if it were a real cat.  So you see, Triana, I was ready for this, and Tarrin knew it.  All he had to do was ensure that his soul survived his death, and he did.  Now its just a matter of finding him.
	A simple plan.
	Simplicity is always best, the Goddess stated.  Its also why Im not going insane with mourning.  I cried when he died, but that was just for the moment, of feeling him slip away from me.  I wont cry again.  After all, my kitten isnt lost to mewe just have to do some work to get him back, thats all.  We just have to get the sword, and when my kitten is ready, I can restore him.
	Ready? Triana asked.
	She was quiet a moment.  Im not sure, Triana, but something tells me that Tarrin means to do something.  Thats why I sent Spyder to see if the Deva can find his soul in the Astral.  I have a sneaking suspicion that thats where he is.  Call it a hunch.  If he hasnt finished what hes doing before I have everything I need, we might have to wait.
	What could he possibly do? she asked.  Hes dead, for crying out loud.
	Death is only the beginning, Triana DuPrae, the Goddess said in a mysterious voice.  And freed of his mortal form, his soul is the soul of a god.  That means that he has formidable power in the Astral, and elsewhere, even without his sword.
	But, what could he possibly do? she asked.
	More than you can imagine.
	Triana gave her a slightly annoyed look.  So, that explains the warning to Jasana about meddling.  Now, what of Dolanna?  You said she was trapped there.
	Dolanna is holding the Weave Tarrin created together.  Shes doing my job there, providing the Weave its conscious direction.  And shes doing a damn good job, she said proudly.
	I didnt think a mortal could do that.
	Yes, a mortal could do what shes doing, she answered.  Shes not fueling it all by herself, shes just providing a binding force that prevents it from unravelling.  The Demons are going to come after her, and they will come soon, after they find a way to stop Tarrins shadow.
	Shadow?  I think you need to explain some things to me, Mother.
	Yes, I do believe youre right.  Walk with me, daughter, and Ill tell you everything I know.  Then well take Jasana to the gate.  She needs to get there with all due haste.  I need to go to Suld anyway, I have to talk to Kang.  Hes going back to that world with an army, and Im going to make sure he has a big one.
	How big?
	Every soldier I can find big, she answered.  Call in every favor I have big.  From what I saw in my kittens mind, the Dwarves there and their allies might not have enough manpower to fight the Demons, because theyre not trapped in the Ward as originally planned.  So, theyre going to need reinforcements, and Im going to make sure they get them.  Kang is going back to that other world in two days, and Im sending with him an army more than capable of taking on the forces of the Demon Lord.  And Im ordering a very large contingent of Sorcerers to go as well.  Tarrin killed himself to put a Weave on that world, so we may as well use it.
	We need to get in touch with Keritanima.
	Im one step ahead of you.  Im talking to her as we speak.  And Allia, and Jenna, and Regent Alexis of Sharadar, and Empress Shiika, and King Andos, and King Arren of Sulasia, and Denrak Whiteaxe of Tarrins Ungardt clan, and the Hierarchs of the Heartwood, and Im also currently talking very fast to my mother, because she disapproves of what I intend to do.
	Triana laughed.  You sound very overextended.
	No, not just ten conversations, she smiled.  One hundred would be a stretch.  I can do ten in my sleep.
	I think it best that I go with Jasana, Triana announced.  I can keep her on a straight path.
	You wont have your Druidic powers, the Goddess warned.
	Phaugh, she snorted.  Anyone who relies on something will just get herself killed.  Ill be fine.
	Well, I cant say that Im not unhappy to hear that, Triana.  She turned her head slightly.  Youre going to have company.
	What do you mean?
	Allia is coming with you, she answered.  And so is Keritanima.  Oh my.
	What?
	It seems that Tara and Rina somehow found out, and now theyre demanding to go.  Theyre having quite a row about it with Kimmie.
	That should be interesting, Triana chuckled.
	This is going to take some ironing out, the Goddess said.  Ill take you and Jasana to the gate, and Ill arrange to have supplies ready for you.  Im sure you remember my instructions to Jasana.
	Of course.
	Excellent.  Just keep to them.  If you cant contact Dolanna, go to her. If you can, just wait for the others.  Theyll be bringing further instructions.  I hope to have them organized and along by tomorrow, I want them to be out of the area before Kang starts arriving with the army.
	Ill make sure of it, Mother.
	Good.  I know I can count on you, Triana.  Im very glad youre going to go with Jasana.
	Someone had better.  That girl is a walking natural disaster, Triana grunted.  She knows just enough to be dangerous, not enough to keep from being dangerous, and shes arrogant enough to think that she cant be dangerous.
	Thats certainly true, the Goddess said with a light smile.  Tell me what you want to take, Triana.  Ill have it packed for you.  And I hope you wont mind riding.
	Well need pack horses, she nodded.
	Not horses, the Goddess said with a sly smile.  They brought home Pegasi.  Well use those, they can travel great distances.
	I heard.  Sounds like a plan.  Ill just have to learn how to ride one.
	Its not that difficult, she assured the Were-cat matron.

	Within the confines of the Tower in Suld, another conference was taking place, in a council chamber down the hall from the Keepers office.  It was a large chamber lit with several glowglobes, and the large round table was filled all the way around, upon whose surface was laminated the emblem of the katzh-dashi, the shaeram, in full color.  The Keeper, Jenna Kael, sat at what might be called the head of that table, with the triangle representing the power of Divine pointing directly at her, the triangle at the top of the shaeram.  To her immediate right sat Ianelle, and to her left sat Mist.  Also present there were most of those who had been in that other world:  Camara and Koran Tal, Binter and Sisska, Haley, Ulger, and Azakar, and Miranda.  Phandebrass and Kimmie sat opposite the Keeper at the table.  Also present were Keritanima-Chan Eram, Queen of Wikuna, Ariana of the Aeradalla, Queen of her people, and Lord General Darvon, commander of the Knights of Karas.  Holding a place of honor was the Sashka, the ruler of Vendaka, and beside him sat Anayi.  Kang, Marshall of the Legions, sat to the Sashkas right, and beside him was Tsukatta.  Sarraya hovered by the Keepers shoulder, and behind her stood both Tara and Rina, there by specific command, wearing Initiate blue.  Hovering in the center of the table, floating in the air facing the Keeper, was an image, a spectral apparation.  It was the Goddess, her image dressed as her material form would be dressed, and she had just rather tersely informed them of what had happened to Tarrin at Pyros.
	She gave them a moment to absorb that, but she didnt give them any time to break down.  Much as she had with Jasana, she immediately moved on, to try to divert them from that heavy news, and give them a reason not to grieve too much.
	Listen to me! she barked.  Yes, Tarrin died.  Accept it.  But what he did before he died now demands our immediate action.  And, if we move quickly enough, we can accomplish the tasks he laid out for us and still have a chance to get him back.  I brought him back from the dead once before, if you dont recall.  I can do it again, but only if you listen to me here and now, and pay attention!
	Keritanima sniffled.  Yes, youre right, Mother, she said.  You did bring him back from the dead.  Do you really think you can do it again?
	Thats a stupid question, daughter, and Im in no mood for stupid questions, she said with uncharacteristic harshness.
	Forgive me, Mother, she said meekly.  There were few beings on Sennadar to which the Queen of Wikuna would submita goddess just happened to be one of them.
	The Goddess fixed Keritanima with a long stare, then turned to another.  Kang.
	Yes, Mistress Goddess? he asked with the most profound respect in his voice, and not a little disbelief.  He was having trouble accepting the fact that he was directly speaking to a god.
	You were going back to that other world with whatever army you could raise, right?
	That was my intent, Mistress Goddess, he nodded.  Bragg can accomplish his objective, but his numbers dont guarantee that victory.  I was going to return and help as much as possible.
	Good.  Thats what were here to do.  Now listen to me carefully.
	The Goddess meticulously went over everything that she knew with them, leaving no detail out.  She explained the situation with the sword, the condition of Dolannawhich made Haleys face light up immediatelyand the changing conditions concerning the Demons and the plan to defeat them.  Tarrin didnt trap them in a Ward, he instead used his power to deny them their magic on the entire world, she said.  This actually will help more in the long run, but in the short run it means that that Demon Lord is running around with a sizable army at his disposal.  They werent trapped in Pyros as originally planned, and they could conceivably move north and hit Bragg from the flank when he comes out of the mountains.  What the Demon Lord has to do right now is run, because if he hangs around Pyros, Dolanna can destroy him.  Hell have to go back there and kill her, but hes not in a position to do that right now, not with him injured, her at full power, and Tarrins shadow running amok on his troops.  He has to pull back and regroup, find some way to get rid of the shadow, and then come back to Pyros and try to kill Dolanna and destroy the Weave.  Right now, Dolanna is his main objective, but my clever kitten put something on his tail that he cant ignore, something that will prevent him from simply turning around and going back when he has a plan.  He has to find a way to destroy the shadow now.  He cant put it off.  The more Demons that shadow kills, the stronger it becomes.  Just like the shadow of Val, if its left to grow, it can become strong enough to kill the Demon Lord.  He must deal with that threat immediately.  Tarrins shadow will give us time to regroup and prepare, because right now, that shadow is at the top of the Demon Lords list.
	Begging your pardon, Mistress Goddess, but how will this slow him down? Kang asked.
	Oh, yes, I forgot.  Silly of me, I supposed.  The shadow blocks a Demon from using its innate magical powers, it can use the powers of any Demon that it kills and consumes, and they can only harm it with magic and weapons that are not Demonic in nature.  Oh, and they cant sense it.  Its like a ghost to them, a ghost that can kill.  There are only a very few Demons that use weapons that arent Demonic in origin, and the Demon Lord will be forced to transport as much of his army as he can to a safe place.  It also cant afford to allow the shadow to kill any Demon with formidable powers.  If the shadow somehow got its hands on a marilith, or a balor, it would absorb their powers and become a walking terror.  The Demon Lord will pull his troops back, sacrifice those within the area of effect of the shadows blocking ability, and try to find a way to get at Dolanna while it sends those Demons that can fight the shadow out to draw it out and try to kill it.
	Alus and Cambions, Anayi said aloud, then her face flushed greyish from her black blood.
	Yes, half-breed Demons that fight with mortal weapons, the Goddess nodded.  Theyre best suited for the task of trying to kill the shadow, because any Demon that fights with its claws or hands will be instantly destroyed.  Theyll have a very hard time of it, though.  Its very touch means death to a Demon.  They have to kill it without ever allowing it to touch them.  She looked at Kang.  You have two days to prepare to return, Kang.  Jenna, I want you to organize a supply train for the army, so they can operate.  I want you to prepare to send at least half of the order to the other world, and I want you to plan to supply an army of at least half a million.
	Half a million? Jenna gasped, then she flushed and nodded.  Now was not the time to get on the bad side of the Goddess, and she knew it.  It will be as you command, Mother.
	Anayi.
	Y-Yes, Goddess? she stammered.
	I want you to stay here.  You cant go back to Pyros, because of the Demon Lord.
	I-I already knew that, Goddess, she said.
	Good.  You can help Jenna, shes going to need it.  Now, while the army gets ready, we need to send people ahead of them.  I need three groups.  One group is going to go straight to Pyros, to Dolanna, to help protect her and help her.  Right now all she has is Fireflash to provide for her.  She cant leave the Heart, not even for a second, and shes depending on the drake to bring her food and water.  I trust Fireflashs ability, but if something were to happen to him, Dolanna would be in serious trouble, so he needs help.  Now.  The other two groups are going to find the two pieces of Tarrins sword.  Those are more important than anything else.  The army is needed to help fight the Demons, but we have to find those pieces of the sword, and we have to find them fast.  The power locked in them can be used against us if the Demons find them first and get them back to the Demon Lord.  And without that sword, I cant find and recover Tarrins soul.  I need that sword.
	I wish to be part of the group that returns to Dolanna, Haley announced.
	Youre in charge of it, the Goddess informed him.  I want that group to be large, because it might be called upon to fight.  Every Pegasus not involved with finding the two pieces of the sword are going with you, Haley, and I want a backside in almost every saddle.
	Haley laughed in spite of himself, and Darvon cleared his throat.  Thats our duty, My Lady Goddess, he stated.  Dolanna is a katzh-dashi, and it is our solemn duty to protect her.  Those that go with Haley will be my Knights.
	Fine.  Darvon, Haley, work it out.  Keritanima.
	Yes, Mother?
	Pick a group and be ready to leave tomorrow.  Youre going to join Jasana and Triana, whos passing through the gate as we speak, and youll be going after one of those pieces.  Make sure you have a good balance of magicians and warriors, and also remember that Triana and Jasana will be part of it.
	Me?  But, my kingdom
	The Goddess fixed with with an unholy look.
	Keritanimas face fur puffed out immediately.  Ill see to it, Mother, she said in a mollifying tone.
	Ill tell Triana youre coming, she said, turning.  Kimmie.
	Yes, Mother?
	Put together a party, youre leading the other team.
	Not without us, Tara stated defiantly.  Were going.
	Youd better rethink that, Kimmie said with sudden heat, jumping up to a stand and slamming her paws on the table.  You two
	Are going, the Goddess stated.  Kimmie gave the Goddess a look of surprising heat, but her ears folded back and she quickly regained her seat when the Goddess cast a baleful glare upon her.  Theyll be safe enough with you, Kimmie, with you there to keep an eye on them.  Besides, something tells me that youre going to need those two.
	As you command, Mother, Kimmie said obediently.
	So, build a party, the Goddess ordered, as the twins held paws and jumped up and down in excitement.  Remember, a good mix of steel and magic.  Mist, I want you to go with them.  I dont think the twins will be half as inclined to disobey if youre there.
	As you say, Mother, Mist said with a nod, as the twins jumped just a little less joyously.
	Jasana will be with Kerris team, so Sorcery will be covered.  Kimmie, you should pick at least one or two trained Sorcerers to go with you.
	Id be more than happy to be one of those Sorcerers, Mother, Koran Tal announced.
	No, something tells me that Camara wants to go with Triana, so youre going that way.  I think Sevren would be a good choice, and maybe Ianelle.
	I was thinking of Jula, Mother.
	You cant have Jula, she announced.  I have something for her to do.  Sevren crossed over last winter, hes dashar, and Ianelles skills in Sorcery are well documented.  Theyll do fine.
	Mother, Koran doesnt have to go with me, Camara Tal said.  Hes an adult, and I trust him.  If he
	No, you two need to stay together, the Goddess said.  But Forge and Ember have to stay behind.  They cant come close to the Demon Lord, or hell control them.  They may be dogs, but they are part Demon.  Jenna can watch them.  They know her and like her, and shell take good care of them.  Tsukatta.
	The samurai immediately stood and bowed.  Yes, my Lady Goddess?
	I havea special favor to ask of you.  It will be very dangerous, but youre the only one who can do it.
	Danger does not concern me, my Lady Goddess.  Tarrin is my friend, and among my people, friendship matters more than life.  I will do whatever you ask.
	I was hoping youd say that, she said with a smile.  Meet me tomorrow at sunrise in Jennas office.  You and Jula are going to do something very, very important.
	Tsukatta bowed once again, then returned to his seat.
	Very well.  I have no other orders to give out, so this conference is concluded.  All of you know what to do, so get busy.
	With muted voices, they all got up and filed out.  The image of the Goddess in the center of the table hovered there, watchingat least until Sarraya came flitting up to her, to look at her.  Umm, Madam Goddess, what can I do to help? she asked.  I cant go back to Pyrosia because Tarrin has my medallion, but I want to do something.
	The Goddess smiled.  Well, yours was the last offer of help I expected, Sarraya, she said honestly.  Yes, there is something that you can do for me.  Something thats very important.  In fact, you are the only one that can do it.
	What is it?
	I want you to make more of those medallions.  As many as you can make in a month.
	A month?  Umm, I think I could make six.  Maybe seven, Im not sure.  Will that be enough?
	That should be fine.
	Her little blue face brightened.  At least I can go back! she said with enthusiasm.
	The Goddess shook her head.  Theyre not for you, my dear.  Im sorry.
	Are you sure?  I mean, I can help, I really can! she said.  I helped before, a lot!
	Yes, you were a great help to Tarrin, she agreed.  But, if I only have so many medallions, and we both know theres a war coming, then its best we put those medallions to the best use.  You were a great deal of help, but youre not much good in a big battle, Sarraya.  Not as much help as, saya dragon.
	Iohh.  Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, Sarraya said, an evil little smile spreading across her face.  By the trees, Goddess, thats an idea almost befitting a Faerie.
	Im so glad you approve, she said dryly.
	Do you think Sapphire and her brood will help?
	I know she will, she said confidently.  She knew so because a different projection of the Goddess was in the lair of Sapphire in the Desert of Swirling Sands at that very moment, securing that promise.  Now, you have lots of work to do, and you dont have much time.  I think youd better get started.
	Ill do my best, she said gushingly.
	I wouldnt expect anything less, the Goddess said gravely.

	The wind that blew through the gorge was cold, almost bitterly cold, carrying the sting of blowing ice.  Though it was spring in Sulasia, here in the mountains, it was still winter.  Snow still covered the ground, and though it was clear, there was an icy wind blowing through the pass that made being there distinctly uncomfortable.
	Not that the three beings there would care all that much.  Two of them were partially covered in fur, and the third was a divine being.
	As the three Pegasi fidgeted, Triana and Jasana found themselves looking at the blue swirling energy that was the gate that led to that other worldthat world where the One had ruled, where Tarrin had fought him, and where he had sacrificed his life to stop a mad god and a Demon Lord.
	Everything was prepared.  The Pegasi were ready, and the pack animal carried enough provisions to last the two of them for quite a while.  Triana was calm and unruffled, even despite the fact that she was about to leave the world she knew, a world where her power was uncontested, leaving for a world where her Druidic magic would not function.  Jasana was excited, almost to the point where she couldnt think straight.  For her, this wasnt just a chance to help her father, it was something to do, something better than sitting around day after day and listen to her grandmother prattle on about things she already knew about.  It was also a chance to get out an use her powershe loved her power so much, any chance to use it was a good thing.  And to get to use her power in a mission to save her father?  There could be nothng better in all the world.  This, this was a day she had dreamed about.
	Remember, children, your first order of business is to contact Dolanna.  If you do, and if shes alright, remain at the gateway and wait for the others.  If she needs you at the Heart, or if you dont make contact with her, go there immediately.  Do you understand?
	Yes, Mother, Triana answered.
	Ill send any further instructions in with the others.  Remember, Dolanna is the one that will be guiding you to the pieces of the sword.  Be careful, and keep your eyes open.  Remember, there are Demons running loose in that world, so watch yourself.
	Well be careful, Mother, Jasana told her.
	Youd better, she warned, then she held her hand out.  Jasana took it, and the young female was a bit surprised when the Goddess pulled her close, put her hands on the girls shoulders, then kissed her on the forehead.  This is not a game, daughter, she said seriously, looking down into her eyes.  I want you to be careful.  Ive already lost one of my children, please dont have me lose any more.  Do you understand?
	Jasana looked up into her glowing amber eyes, and nodded silently.
	Good.  Now, be careful, good luck, and know that I love you.
	I love you too, Mother, she answered.  The Goddess let her go, and she collected up the reins of her Pegasus.  She gave the Goddess a long, sober look, then she boldly stepped into the gate.
	Ill keep her under control, Triana promised after the Pegasus vanished into the swirling energy.
	Just be careful, my friend, she warned.  Keritanima is bringing a group with her to help.
	The mouse?
	The Goddess nodded.  You wont find a better person to lead this mission, Triana.  Shes very clever.  Please remember that shes the one in command.
	Triana actually laughed.  Ill do my best to control my impulses, she promised.
	Control, yes.  Quash, no.  She could benefit from your wisdom, my friend.  She can be erratic at times.
	Ill keep her feet on the ground, she said with a nod.  Whos leading the other group?
	Kimmie, she answered.
	Good choice.
	Yes, I thought so as well, she said with a slight smile.  Shes very unassuming, but shes got a fast mind and she doesnt panic.  Those are good qualities.  She put her hand on Trianas shoulder.  Good luck to you, daughter.
	We wont fail you, Mother, Triana told her.
	Coming from you, Triana, that makes me feel very secure, she said.  Now, youd better go, before Jasana decides to go fly off somewhere before you can arrive.
	Triana chuckled humorlessly.  Shed do it, she grunted, tugging on the reins of the Pegasi.  Well be back soon, Mother, I promise.
	She watched the Were-cat matron disappear into the gate, and the Pegas