Imperial Palace, Calabria

For the first time in several days, Dagan awoke without a throbbing headache that sent him straight back to sleep. Master Nazzar was sitting beside the bed, his fingers forming a steeple as he wordlessly chanted in a language Dagan did not understand. When he lifted himself from the bed, Nazzar stopped and hurried away to pour him a glass of water. Vanig, standing by the door, stepped forward.

"Are you feeling better today, your highness?"

Dagan saw that the captain of his guards was worried. "I…I think I am." He took the glass from Nazzar and quickly drained it. "How long have I been sleeping?"

"Long enough for the moons to rise six times, your highness."

Dagan couldn't remember anything during that time except occasionally getting up to pace a bit, sometimes eating. The last coherent memory he had was opening the door to his room and finding Shamara holding a tray of edible food. Yet it hadn't been Shamara because the woman who spoke, did so in a strange language, and stranger yet, before his very eyes her hair had become golden and her eyes blue. Dagan heard himself ordering her to go away, which she did not want to do, and then Nazzar led her out. Dagan remembered feeling helpless and melancholy after she had gone until Nazzar had returned to the room, told him that he was feeling tired, then led him to the bed where he had remained these last days. If anyone understood what was happening, it was Master Nazzar.

"Vanig, I am still feeling tired. Would you please have a servant bring me food, and find out some news about Princess Shamara." Dagan wondered what she had been doing while he was debilitated in his room.

The captain of the Bayman dragoons bowed then hurried out. Dagan turned his attention to Nazzar who stood by watching him without speaking. "Do you have some explanation?"

Nazzar shrugged. "I believe the unusual energy you expended in your fight against Avar over-exhausted you. Your body simply needed the time to recover."

"I had strange dreams," Dagan told him. "They felt so real that I was sure they were trances."

Master Nazzar sighed and shook his head. "I doubt very much that you were in a trance. Your mind was very active while you slept. Did you dream of Princess Shamara?" The old man was grinning at him knowingly.

Dagan frowned at him. "No, I did not. I dreamt of Ulfyna."

The smile faded from Nazzar's face and he sank onto the chair near the bed. "Tell me of your dream."

He opened his mouth, then closed it. For some reason, he could not speak to tell Nazzar what had happened. Nazzar waited with his brows raised, but Dagan had nothing to tell him. From somewhere deep inside him came a sense of frustration and rebellion. "I…I don't remember it," he lied. But he did remember the dream. Dagan had taken Dagmaeus to see Ulfyna despite his mother's edict that he was not to have any contact with the wolf girl. Dagmaeus had been so happy to see her, that even now Dagan felt the lingering effects of his joy. To tell Nazzar would somehow spoil the experience. And Dagan didn't understand why he had experienced the dream or trance through the eyes of Dagmaeus.

Nazzar stared at him wordlessly for a moment, then said, "You can trust me."

Dagan did not speak.

Before Nazzar could question him further, the door opened and Vanig slipped back inside followed by Taeron. Shamara's imperial guard did not seem pleased to be there. "The imperial guard of the princess has requested to speak to you," announced Vanig.

Dagan raised a brow. "What news do you have of Princess Shamara? I have apparently been ill these last few days…"

Taeron snorted. "I know just the illness. The princess has suffered from it on more than one occasion. In fact, she has been suffering from it for the last few days also, just as you have."

Was it possible that Shamara had been in the trance with him? He was so sure that it had been a dream, especially since he did not interact with Shamara. How could it have been a trance when the feelings and thoughts he had were those of Dagmaeus? Dagan did not want to question Taeron about Shamara in front of Nazzar. The old man was watching him curiously, almost suspiciously. Nazzar had also been in the dream/trance, so Dagan had to consider that Nazzar had initiated the trance. Why?

He shook himself from his own thoughts when he realized Taeron was waiting for some response.

"My fight with Avar left me weak. I do not know if I contracted some illness or not, but I can assure you so that you might tell the emperor that I was not in a trance with his daughter." Best to get that out of the way. He didn't want Trey to come charging after him for imagined improper behavior in a trance when he was trying to marry off Shamara. Of course, Dagan had every intention of marrying her, but that might take some time.

Taeron smirked. He didn't believe him. "If you are feeling better, my lord prince, Princess Shamara has requested that you meet her."

Dagan liked the sound of that. He swung his legs over the side of the bed. "I would like very much to meet with her."

"Not now. Now she is riding with the Prince of Varoonya accompanied by Prince Amyr and Lord Apolo. Later she will be attending a performance in the village with Prince Zieben."

His brows drew together. "When did she intend to meet me?" Dagan hoped it wasn't in a trance because he felt too weak to initiate one.

"There is a secluded place in the garden." Taeron was hard-pressed to keep from smirking again. "She wishes to meet you there when the first moon touches the horizon tonight."

That was rather late. "Do you have any idea what she intends to discuss with me?" Dagan thought the rendezvous was quite strange.

"She did not say, but she insisted that I arrange this immediately upon waking two days ago. Until now I haven't had the chance. Shall I tell her that you will meet her?" Taeron raised one brow. Dagan considered it a challenge.

"I will meet her. You can explain the whereabouts of this meeting place with Vanig and we will see you tonight."

Vanig and Taeron left the room, and almost immediately Nazzar asked, "Do you think it is wise to put yourself into a compromising situation with the princess? Your father made quite clear that he was against this trip to Bayman, and if you should shame the princess, the emperor would be within his rights to punish you severely without the expectation of retribution from your father. Perhaps I should accompany you to act as a chaperone. No one would believe you would act improperly if I were with you."

The last thing he wanted was for Nazzar to come between them. Dagan wanted some improper action and he suspected that Shamara did also. Perhaps that was what it would take to make her declare her feelings. "I would rather you stayed here."

His order did not please Nazzar, but he did not respond. Instead he returned to his chair beside the bed and Dagan heard him muttering in his strange language. Dagan stood and immediately felt the room tipping around him which he thought was caused by his bed-ridden state the last few days, but the sensation of weakness became stronger and Dagan realized Nazzar's chanting was become louder.

"What…what are you doing to me?" He struggled to take steps toward his master.

The door opened, and Vanig walked in. Seeing Dagan wobbling, he rushed forward and caught him before he fell. "Your highness, are you all right?"

"I need some air." His head was beginning to feel heavy. He turned to look at Nazzar although it took a great effort. "What are you doing? Stop!"

Nazzar fell silent, and the heaviness lifted. The old man did not speak, nor did he look at Dagan. Now Dagan could walk to the window where he leaned out and breathed deeply of the fresh air. What had Nazzar been doing? Did he dare ask the man for answers that he might not want to hear? Nazzar had some control over him, but for what purpose?

"Vanig, let us go out for a ride. I am sure the emperor's stable is filled with fine horses." Dagan quickly changed his clothing and followed Vanig out of the room. A few people stared at him strangely as he walked through the corridors, but he ignored them. They were bound to be curious about him after the show he had put on before the imperial court in his defeat of Avar and release of Shamara. At least no one dared to speak to him.

As he suspected, the stable was filled with many fine horses from which to choose. Dagan wasn't a great horseman, but he could stay on a horse. On Bayman the transportation of choice was personal hovercraft and horses were used for recreational purposes only. But here on Calabria where the fuel to power a hovercraft was scarce, they relied on the animals. He and Vanig, followed by the remainder of the guards that had accompanied him to Calabria, rode out from the imperial city, headed toward that place which was once a barren desert still called the Wastelands. Dagan's attention was drawn to the hills, and he decided that he would ride out that way. Why he headed there, he did not know, but something pulled him.

"What is that place?" he asked Vanig. "Have you had a chance to familiarize yourself with Calabria at all?"

"I believe it is called the Guerani Hills."

Dagan stared at the hills they were approaching, and he noticed a large, solitary bird circling above them. A shiver ran down his spine and for a moment, he considered returning to the castle. But curiosity drove him forward. According to the healer, Dr. Nelson, Dagan had Guerani blood. How had he come to have Guerani blood? Was it possible that his ancestor had come from Calabria? There were no other Guerani people on Bayman, of that he was certain. In fact, Ryana had been the only impure descendant of the royal Bayman family. For generations the line had been preserved until now.

As they neared the hills, Dagan became aware of other riders, and he was annoyed to recognize Shamara riding beside the smugly smiling Prince of Varoonya. She did not even wave although Prince Naoll did and Dagan heard Amyr chuckle as he rode after them. The older man Dagan did not recognize pulled his horse to a stop in front of Dagan's group. Dagan's guards reacted defensively until Dagan put up a hand and ordered them to put away their weapons.

"I have not had the pleasure of meeting you, but I have heard much about you. I am Apolo, brother to Lady Arora and uncle of Princess Shamara."

Dagan extended his hand, and Apolo took it. "I am pleased to meet you." He had heard much about the governor of the Wastelands.

Dagan could not read much from Apolo, and the Guerani lord did little more than raise a brow. "I see that you are headed to our sacred hills."

Sacred hills. Dagan felt a sense of familiarity as he looked past Apolo toward the rising hills covered with sparse vegetation. The bird was still circling in the sky above. "Are there people living in those hills?"

"Not anymore. When the Guerani were routed and killed, no one dared to take residence amongst their ghosts." Apolo followed his gaze. "There is a legend that says a valley exists, hidden from human eyes and accessible only to the gods."

"The valley of the gods," murmured Dagan.

Apolo raised a brow. "You know of our legends?"

Dagan did not know anything about Guerani legends, but he seemed to know something of the place described by Lord Apolo. He suspected his knowledge had something to do with Nazzar. "I am not sure."

"I've done some exploring in the area throughout the years," Apolo told him, "but I have never been able to find the elusive entry into the valley."

"I doubt the gods are in residence anyway," said Dagan.

"Shall I give you a tour of the area? My home is at the foot of the hills, and I would be honored to have the heir of Bayman as my guest."

Although he would have liked to accept his invitation, Dagan had already made plans to meet Shamara that night. "Perhaps another time."

Lord Apolo smiled and clapped his hand on his shoulder. "She's demanding, but she has a pure, strong heart. I don't think you will break it."

Dagan frowned. "Are there no secrets that can be kept from you Guerani?"

"I am told that you are one of us. How that came to be, I do not know. My invitation to you remains open." He turned his horse, and after nodding to Dagan, he rode after the group that had already disappeared over the horizon.

Looking back at the hills, Dagan noticed that the first sun was already sinking so he would have to cancel his plans to visit the ancient region. Instead, he took his horse for a gallop, then headed back to the imperial city. When he returned to his room, he discovered that Nazzar was gone. Because none of the guards had remained behind and the old man did not leave any note, Dagan had no idea where he could have gone. He had taken what few things he had brought to Calabria. Dagan regretted being harsh with him earlier because he feared that Nazzar had left him for good, and Dagan was not sure his studies under the old man were complete. Finding him gone made Dagan feel anxious.

Accompanied by Vanig, Dagan left his room to join the imperial court in the banquet hall for the evening meal. He received many curious as well as wary stares. Being the object of awe and fear was very different for Dagan who had grown more accustomed to open ridicule and scorn throughout his years at the Bayman court. More than one woman cast him an open invitation with her eyes, but he was interested only in the dark-haired princess who sat between two men Dagan did not recognize. He dared to hope that she was bored stiff.

"Prince Dagan, please join us!"

He turned towards the voice and saw the Guerani lord. Seated next to him was the healer from the Mars Colony. Dagan wondered why Lord Duo was not in attendance as Lord Apolo made an unnecessary introduction.

"We have already met," she said quietly, now averting her eyes as if she were embarrassed.

Dagan realized that she was ashamed because he knew what had happened to her. He looked at Apolo and explained. "Dr. Nelson treated me on the Mars Colony."

"I would hardly consider it treatment," she remarked. "You were in a trance and I just happened to be there when you came out of it."

"Good, then you already know each other. I would ask you, Trynity, to keep him company."

Although Dagan was acquainted with many of the people present, he did not know them. Since he had been a non-entity at his father's court, he hadn't established any relationships with them. Now he did not care to hear their false solicitations because of the fight against Avar in which he wasn't really sure that he had participated in, so he was glad to have a companion for the evening.

The meal began with a speech by the emperor welcoming the delegation from the Cinq Kingdom on Earth. He made no mention of Lord Duo's grown children also sitting at his table, but that did not stop the whispers of those around them who outright speculated that Trey was acknowledging them as Calabrians and not visitors. Dagan saw that Dr. Nelson was annoyed, but she turned her attention to her food. Dagan followed her example by examining his own to see if there were portions that were edible. Lord Apolo ate with gusto while both Dagan and the human healer picked at their food.

"What I wouldn't do for a bowl of rice or a loaf of bread right now," commented Dr. Nelson under her breath.

Dagan glanced at her. "I must admit that I was somewhat pleased to discover that humans eat as we do on Bayman, else I would have died of starvation on Mars Colony."

"I am tempted to sneak back to the transport to find some food," she quipped.

"I may join you, Dr. Nelson."

"You can call me Trynity," she told him.

Lord Apolo was busy flirting with a young woman on the other side of him, so Dagan took it upon himself to entertain Trynity Nelson. "What brings you to Calabria, Trynity?"

She frowned and nodded toward the imperial high table. "That buffoon who is drooling over Princess Shamara. He is Prince Zieben of the Cinq Kingdom. His parents insisted that I accompany him and the new ambassador as a sort of liaison. I really don't think it was necessary. The imperial family speaks our language and is very accustomed to our culture."

Dagan could see that Zieben held no special interest for Shamara, so he took his attention away from them. "I am sorry, Trynity. This trip must be painful for you."

"I don't plan on staying long. Lord Apolo has agreed to teach me what he can of his healing arts, and when I am satisfied with either learning his secrets or admitting that I am not capable of his magic, I will return." Dagan didn't need to touch her to know that she was dissatisfied with her decision. The healer did not want to be here, but she did not want to be back with her own people either. He regretted not ending Quatre Winner's life when he first realized that he was a despicable being because he had destroyed this honorable woman's sense of worth.

She smiled at him. "How goes your courtship of Princess Shamara?"

His brows drew together. "You must have heard of my fight with Prince Avar."

"Stryfe repeated the story to me as he heard it." She looked at him with a raised brow as if expecting more information.

Dagan sighed. "I wish I knew what happened to me, but I swear to you that I was no longer conscious. I thought that I had been killed."

"I have heard it described as berserking," she commented. "Not an unknown condition which is the ultimate goal of a warrior. Even on Earth there are people who claim to have experienced it. Once in battle I almost killed..." She broke off as if the memory was too unpleasant.

"I have no training as a warrior," he said to fill the void. "I do not know what happened to me. One moment I looked at Shamara, the next coherent memory I have is of me standing over Avar ready to deliver a deathblow." He shuddered as he remembered the look on Avar's face. Now he looked around the room and saw him sitting at the imperial table, his arm possessively around his new wife while she fed him. They deserved each other.

"I am more curious as to why you chose not to take Shamara as your wife."

He looked back at Trynity. "I wanted her to make the choice. I want her to love me."

"She already does love you, Prince Dagan. She just doesn't want to admit it to herself."

Dagan hoped she knew what she was talking about.

When the meal came to an end, the court retired to a theater to watch a live performance of dancing and singing. Dagan noticed Prince Zieben sitting close to Shamara. The latter was ignoring him to watch the dancing. Soon the Cinq Kingdom heir gave up, and his head began to bob as he drifted off to sleep.

Trynity, who was sitting by Dagan, whispered, "Watch Prince Zieben. He will be more entertaining than the performance."

She proved to be corrected as the prince began to snore loudly, and when the ambassador reached over to wake him, Emperor Trey shook his head. Dagan saw that Shamara's father was as amused as Trynity Nelson. The snoring continued loudly until he jerked his limbs, and his hand flung out to smack the person sitting in front of him. Dagan was gratified to note that it was the pompous Varoonyan prince.

"Poor Zieben," murmured Trynity. "He has inherited the worst from both his parents. His laugh is quite embarrassing."

Dagan was satisfied that Shamara would not be interested in that particular prince. After the performance, he escorted Trynity to the imperial apartments where she was staying. She thanked him for his company, and then Dagan returned to his own room. Several times he was forced to stop and make small talk with either men who wanted to talk about his defeat of Avar or women who blatantly hoped to keep him warm that night. Only one woman interested him, he reminded himself again as he reached his room with only Vanig keeping him company.

Nazzar had not returned.

Dagan hoped nothing had happened to the old man.

He worried that his master was angered.

And for reasons Dagan could not put into words, that made him feel apprehensive.

While he waited for the moons to position for his meeting with Shamara in the garden, he sent Vanig in search of information concerning Nazzar's whereabouts. When he returned, he reported that a few servants had seen the old man leaving the palace alone. He seemed to have been following Dagan when he had left earlier that day because he had gone in the direction of the hills that had so interested Dagan. Where was he now?

When the first moon was close to setting, Dagan left his room and went into the gardens. The meeting place was beneath a thickly canopied tree at the far end of the garden. Calabria was cold at night, so he drew his cape closer to ward off the chill as they ducked beneath. He imagined drawing Shamara inside his cape and holding her close. Together they could be very warm.

"What took you so long?" Her snapping voice was colder than the air around him. "Taeron, take Prince Dagan's guard and both of you find some way to amuse yourself. I'm sure you already have entertainment lined up."

"My lord…" started Vanig, flustered by her commands.

"You may as well come," sighed Taeron as he beckoned Vanig to follow him. "Besides, she's right. You won't regret leaving them to their trances."

"Don't get too distracted," scolded Shamara. "Your duty is to protect me."

Taeron didn't even look back as he waved a hand.

When the two guards had gone, Dagan tried to make his fantasies a reality by pulling Shamara to him, but she resisted. This was going to be a damn cold night! "What did you call me here for?"

She folded her arms over her chest. He noticed that she was wearing a fur-lined cloak. If he could find a way to get her in a better mood, that fur might feel nice against bare skin. "Stop thinking like that!" He had forgotten she could read his thoughts. Then again, he could read hers and discovered that they weren't much different than his.

"Why are we wasting time standing around in the cold?" He might as well be open about what he wanted.

"I didn't come here for that!"

"I did."

She stamped her foot. "We have important things to discuss."

"Such as?" Dagan wanted to put his hands around her waist and slide them upwards. There were steamy wisps rising from her warm body already. He imagined how much there would be when they starting rolling around on her fur-lined cloak.

"If you do not stop such thoughts, I will have to call back Taeron."

Dagan chuckled and took a step closer to her. Shamara backed away. "You won't call back Taeron."

"You mean he won't come! You men all stick together!"

He moved closer. She backed away. He sensed that Shamara was excited by their cat and mouse game, but she refused to show it. "There is no need for pretense between us Shamara. We know each other in almost every way. Your thoughts are my thoughts; your dreams are my dreams; your…"

"Did you have a dream about Ulfyna?" she suddenly asked.

Dagan almost cursed. "Don't tell me you had a dream about Dagmaeus. I don't want to discuss these dreams. I think Nazzar has been putting them in my head, but that won't be happening any more because he has disappeared."

"Nazzar was in my dream," she said.

"He was in my dream, too. The old man can manipulate us. Somehow he gave you that dream when you came to my room. I don't know what he is doing to us, but I am going to demand that he stop."

Shamara reached out to put her hand on his arm. "What…what if he is carrying out the will of the gods?"

Dagan shook off her hand. "How can you suggest such a thing? What can the will of the gods be?"

She grabbed his arms and came closer to him. "We cannot know their will until they reveal it to us. They may be revealing it to us in our dreams."

At the moment he didn't think about the gods as he slid his hands around her waist. She had been very helpful in coming close enough to him, and now she wasn't fighting him. "I think they wish for us to be together, Shamara."

"I'm not so sure," she murmured, but she slid her arms around his neck and stretched herself against him. "But I want us to be together."

Her confession was sealed with a kiss that made him forget about the cold and Ulfyna and Dagmaeus. Shamara returned his kiss with enthusiasm, and they drifted to the ground, which was soft under this tree. Taeron had chosen the place well. Shamara wanted this as much as he did, so he regretted his foolish insistence that she admit to loving him because Dagan had no intention of dishonoring the Calabrian first princess as Avar had her sister. He had more respect for her although he didn't mind teaching her a few things before they spoke their vows.

"Ulfyna!"

Dagan recognized the sharp voice. It was Nazzar.

"Ulfyna, where are you?"

A bird shrieked in the distance and Dagan shook his head. He looked down at Shamara who was still in his arms. She appeared as dazed as she felt, but she pushed herself up on her elbows, and after blinking a few moments, she cried, "Look!"

Dagan turned to see a wolf watching them. Looking up, he saw the eagle on the branch, and he almost cursed the gods for their cruelty. He realized also that they were no longer surrounded by darkness, but by the rays of the rising first sun. He looked back at Shamara who seemed completely confused until their attention was drawn to the sound of running footsteps.

His mouth almost fell open as a man he recognized as Dagmaeus came to a stop over them, Ulfyna close behind him.

"Did you hear him?" asked Ulfyna, her eyes darting around the heavily wooded area. "We must return!"

Shamara looked helplessly at Dagan.

"We have to go back, Dagan." Dagmaeus raised a brow at Dagan.

Dagan stepped away from Shamara who quickly stood and straightened her rumpled clothing. She was strangely dressed, but then again, so was he, both wearing crudely fashioned tunics. They were no longer in the imperial garden, and if Dagan were to guess, he would say they were in a forest near the Guerani hills. He wondered what they had been doing before they arrived in this time and place.

"Take her hands," he whispered to Shamara. "You should be able to return her."

Shamara looked up at him. "Will we return where we belong?"

He knew she wasn't talking about Ulfyna's chamber. "I do not know," he answered honestly. "I think the gods have brought us here. We must accept their will."

This time Shamara did not argue about the will of the gods. Instead she hurried to Ulfyna, and when she took the other woman's hands, they both disappeared. Dagan looked at Dagmaeus who was watching the place they had been, and then he looked at Dagan as he held out his hands.

"That is an interesting trick, my friend. Perhaps you could teach it to me, or is it exclusive to you Guerani people?"

"What could I teach a god?" Dagan touched his hands, and suddenly he found himself in a chamber that was gilded in gold and jewels, furnished with every comfort imaginable.

Dagmaeus laughed as he released his hand. "I wish you silly, ignorant people would not call us 'gods.'"

"But your powers…" Dagan started only to be interrupted by the god.

"I do not wish to discuss this." Dagan instinctively knew that Dagmaeus was as confused about his powers as Dagan had been his whole life.

Dagan could not believe that he was now the god's servant when he had so recently been reliving this god's memories. Sensing that Dagmaeus was thirsty, Dagan instinctively walked to a cabinet where he found sweet wine, which he poured from a golden pitcher into a delicate crystal goblet.

Dagmaeus took the goblet from him. "What would I do without you, Dagan? My father has told me that I will be returning to our world. I should hate to leave you behind."

Dagan stood respectfully back although he was eager to ask the god many questions; not the least was what he meant by his last comment.

Dagmaeus looked at him. "I was born on this planet, but I am not of this world."

"Do you now read my mind?" asked Dagan.

The other man laughed. "I could not do so. Only you Guerani people can do such a thing. That is why you make excellent servants. You are also servile and weak, and long ago my mother and father chose to protect you from the brutality of the beasts on the plains. My mother believes that she can read the future although she does so with not much precision. She has foretold the near extinction of your people at the hands of those barbarians on the plains. For the time being you are safe as we protect you."

"Where do you come from?" asked Dagan, unable to reign in his curiosity. He didn't know where he got the courage to question a god.

Dagmaeus did not seem bothered by his audacity. "From a place not visible to you. Between the two suns revolve many planets. On the planet of my ancestors, they have watched the many planets and explored the heavens. One day, a learned scholar predicted that there was another planet on the same rotation as our own. He was scoffed at, yet he made plans to find and visit the planet."

Dagan could not believe what he was hearing. Dagmaeus' parents had come from ancient Bayman!

"My parents chose to accompany him. There had been a great scandal at the court concerning the murder of my father's brother. He had been a man with a very dark soul, and he had hurt many people until my mother dealt with him. My father brought her to this place to escape the wrath of his friends and followers, and they have remained here ever since." Dagmaeus looked at Dagan. "My mother saw that my uncle's power was very destructive, so she had no choice in what she did."

"You mentioned a prediction," remarked Dagan, curious about Rahina's prophecy.

Dagmaeus shrugged. "When she arrived here, she had a sudden, powerful vision that a female of your race would be the salvation of both our people."

"That woman is Ulfyna," concluded Dagan.

"She must take the burden from my mother. Rahina is not strong enough to contain the dark powers. Only the sacred shield can do so, and that shield is Ulfyna. She is young and strong…"

"And beautiful," added Dagan although he much preferred Shamara.

Dagmaeus sighed. "I was not meant to meet her, but I did. I do not know what harm I have done to her training and my mother's plans this night. But when you suggested our visit, I could not resist. I have missed her."

"Perhaps you were meant to meet her," suggested Dagan. He knew how Dagmaeus had come to meet Ulfyna, and he thought it was no coincidence.

"Meant to meet who?"

They both turned to the doorway, and Dagan felt a cold chill sweep over him as Camrin walked slowly into the room. He raised a brow at Dagan who realized he should leave the two men alone. He was, after all, a servant. Dagmaeus nodded over his shoulder, and Dagan saw a door which doubtless lead to the servant's quarters.

When he left the room, he paused just in the shadows of the passageway where he wouldn't be observed, and he heard Camrin say, "What has you looking so pleased, my friend? Don't tell me you have finally found a woman who can stand your touch."

Dagan didn't hear the god's reply. He moved through the dark corridor that wound and wound, gradually leading downwards, occasionally lit by the entrances of other chambers. Soon he was headed in another direction on level ground. Finally he came into an open area that was filled with men and women, hot from ovens, noisy from chattering as the servants went about the business of preparing food. In another chamber nearby he saw women working on laundry in a huge steaming vat. No one seemed to notice his presence, and Dagan wasn't sure what he wanted to do until he noticed another person enter the kitchens.

He hurried to her and grabbed her arm, pulling her into the passageway from which he had just exited.

She seemed startled at first, and he knew she hadn't even realized it was him. Then she cried, "Dagan! What is going on?"

Dagan pulled Shamara into his arms. "I was worried about you."

"I am in no danger. Ulfyna calls me by my name, and I am her personal servant." She raised a brow. "How can this be?"

"I do not know. Possibly we are their namesakes, and if we are here, they may very well be in our time and place."

Shamara giggled. "They must be very confused."

"Can you imagine any way for us to escape this place?" Dagan didn't think she would.

"The gods did not will us to be here?" she asked with a mocking raise of her brow.

"The gods claim not to be gods at all," he told her.

"Poor Dagan!" She put her hand on his cheek. "You must be adrift without your gods to cling to."

"They are your gods too!" He shoved her hand away.

Shamara slipped her hands over his chest and up around his neck. "Well, we may as well make the best of this. Unless I am mistaken, the other Shamara and Dagan are quite experienced in ways I would like to be."

Dagan hadn't considered that kind of opportunity, but with Shamara pressed against him in this dark, secluded passageway, he suddenly thought of nothing else. She brought his head to hers, kissing him as he had done her earlier. Shamara was more than pliant in his hands; she had become quite wanton. Their simple garments were easier to contend with than the elaborate clothing they wore in their own reality. Shamara clung to him as he opened the doors to paradise for her, but when he would have gone through the last one, a clearing throat made him jerk away.

"I'm not surprised to see you Guerani rats mating in the dark." Camrin stepped into the light, and Dagan moved in front of Shamara to shield her from his gaze as she straightened her clothing.

"Does my lord need me?" asked Dagan breathlessly. He really didn't think he could walk back right now. He needed a few moments for his disappointment and frustration to melt away.

Camrin raised a brow. "You would know the answer to that better than I." He looked past him to Shamara who shuddered. "My dear Shamara. You are quite lovely. The prince that wins your heart would be very fortunate indeed."

Shamara gasped. "How…how did you…?"

Camrin took a step toward them. Dagan backed away. This man knew exactly who they were; he could read in his eyes that he had something to do with their presence here. "Stay away from us."

"What will you do, Dagan? You are in my place now, and Dagmaeus cannot come to aid you this time. You may even find that you have no special powers, so you cannot even protect Shamara." There was an unholy glow in Camrin's eyes, and Dagan felt almost crippled by the evil surging forth from him.

Without responding, he seized Shamara's hand, and they began to run. He could hear Camrin behind them, his laughter ringing in his ears, low and menacing. The corridors were only vaguely familiar to Dagan, but he ran, twisting and turning, ducking down different avenues, and each time he hoped they had lost Camrin, he could hear the demon behind them.

Finally they surged out of the tunnel and into the fresh air of the forest. Above their heads he heard the screech of the eagle, and he saw the wolf dart ahead of them, so Dagan followed. Shamara kept apace with him through their frantic escape. Above them the sky became dark, and lightening streaked through the black clouds. Dagan could no longer see where they were going, but he heard the wolf and the eagle and continued after them. Suddenly they came to the edge of a cliff. Below them Dagan could hear the pounding of the surf against rocks.

They both turned to face Camrin, but he did not appear.

"Where is he?" asked Shamara breathlessly.

As if in answer, from the darkness of the forest, a beast emerged, larger than any creature they had fought before on Mars Colony. It breathed fire and would have incinerated them had Shamara not brought up the shield around them.

"I have no powers to defeat it," said Dagan.

"We have power together," Shamara reminded him.

Dagan doubted that he could be any help without the powers of Dagmaeus, but he reached down to take Shamara's hands. The light that burst around them was blinding, just as it had been on Mars Colony when they defeated Magnar, the creature of Camrin. He heard the beast roar in anger before the dark clouds dissolved quickly. When he was sure the danger had passed, Dagan released her hands.

She turned around to look at him. "Do you know what this means?" she asked breathlessly.

He did, but he did not want to put it into words.

Shamara had no such reservation. "Ulfyna was not the sacred shield." She slipped her hands into his and he felt the power flowing between them again. "We are the shield, Dagan, you and I, together!"

The pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place, but Dagan sensed that they were still missing an important part. "We must face Camridaeus, Shamara."

" Together we can face anything, Dagan." Her eyes were glistening as they met his. "I love you, Dagan!"

Dagan's heart felt even bigger in his chest as he leaned down to touch his lips to hers. "I think I have loved you thousands of years, Shamara."

When their lips touched, the space around them became so bright he had to close his eyes.

Shamara opened her eyes to find that she was no longer in the forest and no longer in the garden. In fact, she was in her bed, her father standing beside with his arms folded and her mother wringing her hands.

"I was afraid I was going to have to come in there and get you again," remarked Trey, but he did not appear to be angry. He looked over his shoulder. "Taeron, go check on Prince Dagan."

Shamara sat up and quickly looked at her mother. "I have had the most amazing experience."

"As we have," she told Shamara, patting her hands.

"Yes, there is nothing quite like the experience of being called a barbarous animal by one's own daughter," commented Trey with a chuckle. "I don't think that young woman had much respect for the beasts of the plains."

"We were in a trance," she started, but he interrupted.

"You were tumbling around in one of those secluded spots in the garden. I'm not sure what went on, but as a pre-caution, I think you had best marry your partner in this fiasco."

"It was a trance," insisted Shamara although she could see that neither of her parents believed her.

The door opened and Taeron appeared. "Prince Dagan is awake."

"I will assume that Prince Dagan has resumed his proper respect for the filthy brutes of my court?"

Taeron nodded.

Shamara clenched her fists. She wanted to hit someone, anyone, to make him or her listen to her. "I am telling you that Dagan and I were drawn into a trance! We did not wish to be there."

"Who could have done such a thing?" asked Arora. "I was with your father, and Apolo had gone back to his palace. Only he and I could initiate such a trance."

"What…what if the Shamara and Dagan from that time…"

Trey threw up his hands. "I have heard enough! As soon as you are presentable, you will be speaking marriage vows with Dagan and I don't want to hear another word from you until you do!" He turned on his heel and walked out.

Shamara looked at her mother, but Arora merely sighed and shrugged. "You brought this on yourself, Shamara. I doubt Guerani trances have been used as enterprisingly as you and Dagan have used them."

"I wouldn't count on that, mother! The other Dagan and Shamara seemed to have a good idea of how to use a trance to their advantage." Shamara tossed off the blanket, then glared at Taeron. "I suppose I have you to thank for this! You were supposed to be protecting me!"

He shrugged then ducked out quickly when she threw a vase in his direction. Shamara stared at the door and the broken pieces on the floor for a moment then took a deep, cleansing breath. She turned to look at her mother. "I want to marry Dagan, but I did not want it to happen under such suspicious circumstances. I now know that we were meant to be together. The gods have pre-ordained our joining."

Arora smiled. "I don't know about the gods, but your father has pre-ordained it."

Shamara thought about her mother's comment as she bathed then dressed in wedding finery, a gown of deep royal purple. Chaela had come to help her dress along with her other sisters who exclaimed and gasped over Shamara's beauty. Chaela made some sly comments about her wedding night, which made the younger girls giggle and blush. When they were finally finished and her father arrived to escort her to the banquet hall where the ceremony would take place, Shamara waited until her siblings had gone before she shut the door and turned to face her father.

"You know," she said accusingly.

He raised a brow. "I know? What do I know?"

"Deep inside you are every bit as callous and barbaric as any Calabrian. That day you took me into the Wastelands, you couldn't leave me there."

Trey shrugged. "You know that I tried."

"You couldn't, and don't tell me your human side made you save me. From the moment of my birth, everyone has ensured my safety, even if they did not know why. Apolo had no reason to fill my lungs with the breath of life, for I was a useless female, unwanted even by my own mother. Between the two of them, they sustained me until you arrived. They could have left me in the Wastelands."

Trey sighed and put his hands on her shoulders. "What are you saying, Shamara? You know how Apolo feels about exposing infants. He is a healer, and your mother nourished you because deep inside she felt for you what she did not think she had a right to feel: love. Are you accusing us all of another reason?"

Shamara looked up at his eyes. "When I bonded with you, you learned the truth about me and Dagan." He didn't respond to her charge, so she continued. "Why else would you make a marriage agreement with Bayman the moment you discovered his existence? His mother had hidden him, probably knowing his destiny and hoping she could spare him from it."

"I don't feel that I had a choice," he finally admitted, running a hand through his hair. "I knew that the gods intended you to be with him. But I had hoped that it would be in the usual manner: love, marriage, and children. After you returned from Mars Colony following Hardane's death, I knew that I was mistaken. I still have hope that you will come through the ordeal the gods have decreed, but I am afraid that to save us all, you will have to sacrifice yourself."

Shamara reached up to wipe a tear from his cheek. "Do not fear, father. Together, Dagan and I are very strong. We will not have to serve as a sacrifice. I believe that one day you will hold our child in your arms."

He drew her into his arms and kissed her forehead. "I will pray to the gods that it is so, but that is one thing you did not show me when we bonded."

Shamara smiled and hugged him tighter. "You aren't allowed to see everything, father. I am the maker of my own destiny."

They met her mother and Apolo in the hall. Her uncle seemed annoyed, and when Shamara asked him why he was in such a sour mood he replied, "Duo is here, and he has brought that brazen, white-haired witch with him. Trynity is going to be devastated to see them together. I am glad she has already gone ahead to the Wasteland Palace."

When Shamara exchanged looks with both her parents, she realized that they knew as well as she did that while Trynity might be upset, the person who was really devastated was actually standing before them. Apolo was so much in love with Larya that he couldn't think straight.

"Don't spoil my wedding day," Shamara warned him. "Behave yourself, uncle."

"Me?" He was still grumbling to himself about that brazen whore as they rounded the corner to the banquet hall. The doors stood open, and many faces were turned in their direction. Shamara wished she knew what Dagan was thinking, but he was too far away although she could see him waiting for her next to Vanig. She half-expected Nazzar to be nearby, but he was absent. Shamara wondered if Nazzar wished them well or not. Was it possible that he was the same Nazzar of their dreams? Had he been part of their trances?

As Shamara approached Dagan, her family following in support, she noticed Duo, beside him Taeron who winked and rubbed his hands together gleefully. Of course he would be happy! After today he would become Amyr's imperial guard. She saw that Larya was also beaming, but the smile faded when her eyes fell on Apolo. Shamara wondered what she could do to make their match a reality, then decided that was up to them.

When she reached Dagan, he held out his hand. "I would have you as my wife, Shamara, daughter of Trey of Calabria, if you will have me."

She hesitated, fearing what might happen, but she took it and was relieved there was no reaction except the tingle of excitement that ran down her arm, then down her spine. "I will be your wife," she responded, "Dagan of Bayman, son of Seighen."

There was subdued applause before they recited traditional vows, both Calabrian and those from Bayman. When they were finished, they were truly wed with only one thing remaining to make it a reality. Dagan drew her into her arms although a kiss was not a traditional necessity. He kissed her until she felt faint from lack of breath, and the thunder she imagined was the cheering and clapping of the guests.

Dagan's lips moved to her ear. "He is here. Can you feel him?"

Shamara became aware of a cold and evil presence.

The doors at the back of the hall swung open, and everyone turned to see a woman sweep into the room. Ryana!

"Brother! How inconsiderate that you could not even wait for my arrival to celebrate your nuptials!"

He released Shamara and turned to face his approaching sister. "The decision was made suddenly. Even if I knew where you have been hiding, I could not have informed you in time."

Ryana looked him up and down in a way that infuriated Shamara, and then she looked at her. "You may have him, princess. I am through with him."

There were gasps of shock and outrage, which the princess from Bayman ignored as she turned around to face the emperor. "My dear Trey, you have ignored my father's wishes in marrying my brother to your daughter."

"He can do his worst," said Trey with a smirk. Shamara knew that Bayman was a weak, almost defenseless planet. If Seighen were truly angry, he could do nothing in retaliation.

Ryana raised a brow, glanced at Arora as if she were the lowliest of servants, then spun in a circle, taking in as many people in with her gaze as possible. "Lord Camridaeus will avenge himself! He will avenge himself soon! You will all pay a high price for the outrage you have allowed today!" She swept in another circle, and after a malevolent glance that took in both Dagan and Shamara, she walked out of the room.

"I don't pity you your new in-laws." Duo was the first to react after her bizarre statement. Shamara guessed it was because he had been dealing with the Camridaen cult for almost a year now and was well used to their histrionics.

Shamara accepted his kiss on the cheek and took the opportunity to whisper, "I thought you were too busy to come to the surface. Did the arrival of Trynity Nelson have anything to do with it?"

He raised his head. "My work has brought me to the surface. The scoundrel I was chasing escaped on a spacecraft not of Calabrian design. I traced its exhaust tailings to the surface and arrived only an hour ago."

Shamara raised a brow. "Do you often travel with Larya?"

Duo frowned at her. "I did not arrive with Larya. Taeron must have contacted his mother, and she received permission from Trey to come down for the ceremony. She was already here."

She could not question him further as her family surged onto the newly married couple to congratulate them. Shamara couldn't hear what her father said to Dagan, but she saw that they shared a conspiratorial smile. So they were plotting together! If she hadn't been so happy to be married to Dagan, she would be angry with both of them for forcing her to suffer the attentions of the princes vying for her attentions these last few days. Chaela didn't say anything as she hugged her, but she winked. Amyr had less tact and asked her if she wanted any pointers. Shamara would have kicked him if her mother hadn't hustled him out of the way.

She took Shamara's arm and gently drew her aside. "I haven't been a very good mother to you this day," she whispered. "There are things we should have discussed before now, but…"

Shamara knew exactly what she was trying to get at, so she interrupted her. "Mama, you needn't worry. I know what to expect."

"You do?" Then she laughed nervously. "Of course you do. Between Chaela and Amyr, you must have learned all you need to know."

"In truth, Mama, I didn't learn anything from them. I asked Trynity, and she told me everything she knows. I have already discussed her advice with Dagan…"

"You discussed this with Dagan!" Her mother seemed to be shocked. Her face became a bright shade of red. "I have never discussed such things with your father."

Shamara smiled and patted her back. "You might benefit from such a discussion."

"What discussion?" Trey came to them, sliding an arm around the waist of his wife who was chewing her bottom lip in thought.

Shamara kissed his cheek. "You will find out later."

Arora was blushing. He raised a brow. "It should be interesting."

"It will be." She moved away from him and back to Dagan. Apolo was speaking to him and she caught the end of his offer to use the Wasteland Palace for the next few weeks before they returned to Bayman. Shamara thought it was an excellent idea. "I cannot imagine a more romantic place than the foot of the Guerani Hills."

Dagan drew her against him. "Any place you are, Shamara, is perfect for me."

Amyr snorted. "Give it up Dagan. You got her. No need for all that romantic crap."

"You are so clueless." Quynn Nelson shoved Amyr aside to hug Shamara, then Dagan. "I know you two will be very happy."

"With that prophecy, how could they not," remarked Amyr sarcastically.

She slanted her gaze toward him. "You really need to grow up, Prince Amyr."

Shamara silently agreed with her. "How long will you be staying on Calabria?" She had not had any time to talk to Lord Duo's children.

"She can't be leaving soon enough," muttered Amyr before wandering away. His attention was immediately drawn by a couple of giggling young women, so he turned back and signaled to Taeron, but Shamara glared at him.

"You are still my imperial guard," she reminded him.

He sighed. "I know."

"Not for long," said Dagan with a chuckle.

The banquet lasted far too long in Shamara's opinion. She couldn't even concentrate on the food, and she knew Dagan was just as distracted because he ate sand slugs without even realizing it. Her father made another ridiculous speech and she wondered if he had a stockpile of mindless orations designed to make the imperial courtiers look like fools when they clapped and cheered at the conclusion. He always had a smug smile as he took his seat while her mother rolled her eyes. They had little respect for the nobles who wasted their time at the court rather than working on their estates. Shamara didn't think that they realized he was mocking them.

When the meal was over, they sat through what seemed like hours and hours of entertainment. The poor performers had only a day to prepare a new act from last night, so the performances were not all that interesting or inspired. Shamara was more amused to watch Apolo and Duo in some type of heated discussion that she was sure involved a couple of females. She didn't see Trynity anywhere and was not surprised that she would keep out of Duo's sight. Larya seemed to be everywhere, but usually hanging off Duo. Shamara understood that despite her position as governor of the first moon, Larya's only thread to respectability was through her son and Duo.

The first sun was already setting when her father declared the celebration at an end. Her things had already been sent to her uncle's palace, so all that was left was to make her good-byes. Her mother was teary-eyed, her sisters giggling, her brothers disinterested. Shamara was quite amazed that her father suddenly appointed Larya her personal attendant for the duration of her stay in the Wasteland Palace despite Apolo's open hostility. Trey reminded him that since he had married off the last of his daughters, his home was without a hostess, so Apolo had no choice but to accept Trey's decision. Duo was headed to the Guerani Hills anyway, so he would be bringing his men on the trip to protect the newlyweds.

She said good-bye to her father last. "I only wish I could see what goes on at the Wasteland Palace," he said with a wolfish grin.

"Father!" Shamara was shocked.

He waved his hand. "I'm not talking about you! You will give me a thorough accounting of what goes on between Larya and Apolo as well as Trynity and Duo, so don't spend all your time locked away with Dagan." Trey snickered. "Poor Trynity. She left last night with plans to stay quietly secluded at the Wasteland Palace learning what she can of Apolo's healing arts. I cannot imagine her surprise when you all arrive." He rubbed his hands gleefully. "I'd love to see the look on her face when Duo and Larya show up!"

"You are too cruel," remarked Arora. "Besides, I already sent a message warning her."

Trey frowned. "You spoil my fun."

"I've only just begun," she warned him.

After Shamara kissing her mother and father, Shamara left the palace with her new husband and their entourage. Although there was a horse for her, Shamara chose to ride with Dagan. He certainly had no complaint and was more than pleased when she settled on the horse before him. Larya gave them a half-hearted warning about not slowing them down, then winked at them and moved her horse near Duo's, pointedly ignoring Apolo who was pretending to ignore her as well.

Taeron brought his horse close to them. "Should there be any trouble, princess, I shall do what I can to protect both of you."

"As will I," said Vanig from the other side.

Despite Ryana's dire warning, the trip to the Wasteland Palace passed smoothly with no incident. Unfortunately Dagan's lack of skill at riding horse meant he had to concentrate on keeping them both on. Shamara had hoped he would be using his hands more creatively, and she realized early on that for safety's sake, she wouldn't distract him with her own. The trip was much more boring than she could have anticipated and hoped this would not set the tone for the rest of the night. By the time they reached the palace, both moons were high, but the palace was brightly lit. The servants were assembled to express their best wishes, and after thanking them, she sought out Trynity who was standing to the back in the shadows. Duo hadn't come in although Larya and Taeron were waiting to take Shamara to a suite at the back of the palace prepared for the newlyweds. Shamara could see that Trynity was avoiding looking at Larya.

Trynity hugged her. "Congratulations, Shamara. I know that you and Dagan will be very happy."

Shamara smiled and held out her hands. "I can make you happy, too, Trynity." The other woman stared at her hands as if thinking about her offer to take away the memories of what Quatre Winner had done, but she shook her head even as a tear slid down her cheek. Humans, decided Shamara, were very strange in their desire to live with pain. She let her hands drop. "Anyway, I thank you for the advice which I intend to put to use very soon."

The other woman laughed and dashed away her tear. "Don't try it all at once."

Shamara smiled. "I already have a plan."

That plan did not include Taeron hanging out in her room while his mother helped her get ready for Dagan. He seemed annoyed to be there, and made a sound of disgust when his mother dropped a pair of golden chains on the table and advised her not to be reluctant to use them if her lord prince got too carried away. Shamara wondered if it would be all right to use them if she got carried away.

Taeron did not follow her out, so when Dagan walked in, he frowned at her imperial guard. He walked back to the door and held it open. "Not tonight, Taeron."

He headed to the door, but he suddenly stopped and Shamara gasped when he pulled a dagger and shoved the blade against Dagan's throat. "If you hurt the princess in any way…"

Shamara hurried to him and jerked his hand away. "That's enough, Taeron!"

"I'm still your imperial guard," he reminded her although she shoved him out the door.

She smiled at him. "In five minutes you won't be." Then she shut the door, but not before she heard him mutter, "You mean one minute."

Dagan was chuckling as she came into his arms. "I think it will take more than a minute to get out of my clothing."

Grabbing a handful of his ornate tunic, Shamara produced the dagger Taeron had passed to her and pulled him to her. "Do you want to bet, my lord husband?"