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smuggler and a Governor.
    Roan knows what he’s about to tell him will only make it worse; he just hopes Wolf will accept it without their hook-swords being drawn.
    â€œThe camp of the Brothers.”
    As Wolf opens his mouth to disagree, Roan raises his hand. “The camp is well fortified and easily defended. Our visitors will feel safe there.”
    But Wolf is adamant. “We cannot allow heathens to taint our sacred ground. It is against all our beliefs.”
    â€œThe Friend is everywhere. He is here, in Kira’s home. He was on the mountain with Saint. The time is coming when all ground will be sacred. It must be so if we are to survive.”
    As Roan watches Wolf consider, he catches Ende’s eye. She had said invoking the Friend would get Wolf to listen. Still, doing it makes Roan feel like a hypocrite.
    â€œPerhaps,” Wolf spits out.
    â€œDo not forget the words of the Prophet.” Kira’s command gets Wolf’s attention; this reminder is for him and him alone. “You made a vow to Saint, a promise to prepare the way for Roan of Longlight.”
    â€œAnd I will.”
    Ende’s eyes slowly meet those of everyone gathered in the early dawn’s chill mist. “Much has been discussed. As I taught you early in your training, Brothers Wolf and Stinger, the green branch bends, it yields and thus survives. The Apsara will join you within three days of Roan’s arrival, at moon’s first crescent.”
    Accepting her dismissal, Wolf and Stinger promptly take their leave.
    As their shadows melt into the morning haze, Lumpy lets out all the breath he’s been holding for the last few minutes. “I’d say that went…pretty well.”
    â€œYes,” says Kira, “no one died.”
    â€œWe can be thankful for that,” Ende agrees wryly. “You have taken your first step, Roan. You began it tripping, but in the end, your foot landed firmly. I would urge you to continue to consider the value of the Friend. The Brothers are deeply religious men, with thousands of followers in the Farlands. They have transformed their faith to accommodate you. This is no small gift to a leader. It must not be scorned.”
    â€œBut it’s dishonest for me to accept this gift. I don’t believe in the Friend. He’s not real.”
    â€œThat is a harsh judgment,” Ende says. “Roan of Longlight, you know there is more to this world than what most men see. You should not be so quick to deny another’s truth before you have even attempted to meet it.”
    Kira whistles and within moments a young Apsara warrior joins them, a mare and stallion in tow. “Hope you like a fast horse.” Kira grins wickedly at Lumpy.
    Lumpy strokes the young mare’s flank. “When I’m up that high I kind of keep my eyes half closed anyway.”
    Placing one hand over Roan’s heart, Ende smiles. “There is so much that we must share and we have had so little time. If we all arrive at the Brothers’ camp safely, I should like to convene a small council of my own—to tell you at least some of what I know of your great-grandfather.” Joining Kira at the crest of the path that heads back down into their Caldera home, she calls back to Roan, “May you find what you seek, Roan of Longlight.”
    After they disappear from view, Roan looks helplessly at his best friend. “I think I made a mess of it.”
    â€œWhat do you mean? You accomplished everything you needed to.”
    â€œDidn’t impress Ende.”
    Lumpy’s unconcerned. “I have a feeling that’s pretty much impossible.”
    Roan groans, putting his face in his hands. “What does she mean, meet the Friend? It’s not just her either, even Rat said saving the children might involve the Friend. But I just can’t see how. He’s a figment Saint pieced together from pictures he saw in a book.”
    Lumpy taps him on the head.