Jon paced the width of his chambers, scowling. His wife, Thayet, looked on impatiently.

"You know, I've been thinking. The city hasn't collapsed since the Jewel was stolen. The realm has held together, no one is revolting, there haven't been any droughts or earthquakes. In fact, the Jewel has caused nothing but heartache and worry," Thayet supplied helpfully.

"Other realms have been vying for our power since acquiring it. My reign over Tortall has hardly been as peaceful as my father's." He sat. Thayet came up behind him and rested her hands on his shoulders.

"Why don't you contact Alanna or Numair?" Thayet suggested.

"But we fought so hard for the Jewel. It is a symbol of Tortall's might. Is it really wise to give it away so easily to some scoundrel of a stormwing? Think of all the trouble we'll have with other realms then."

"No one but your most trusted advisors other than Kaddar and Vergor Thunderstar know it's gone. Kaddar is a trusted ally. And I'm sure Daine can deal with Vergor Thunderstar. Maybe we can convince him to keep quiet if we let him keep the Jewel." Jon sat in silence for a moment before reluctantly reaching for his scrying glass.

Upon arriving, Numair immediately scanned the clearing for Daine. Finding her, he promptly rushed to her side. "Are you alright? Did he hurt you?" he asked concernedly, all arguments forgotten.

Daine smiled appreciatively. "I'm fine, Numair, but perhaps we should deal with the matter at hand?" she said, readying another arrow.

"Right," responded Alanna, appearing at Daine's other side. "What about our Carthakian friend? Should I wake him up or keep him out of harm's way?" she asked, glancing over at the Emperor's unconscious form.

Numair nodded. "Daine and I have had practice with Stormwings," he replied, turning to face Vergor Thunderstar, who seemed to have regained his composure.

The Stormwing laughed derisively. "But were all those other Stormwings the gods' chosen?"

Daine snorted, "Why would the gods choose you?"

Thunderstar swooped down towards Daine who instinctively released her arrow. He used his metallic wing to deflect the arrow and landed in front of her. "If you're worthy enough to be the daughter of gods, am I not worthy enough to be their servant?"

Daine stepped back, confused. "How did you-" Taking advantage of her momentary puzzlement, the Stormwing reared back to strike. Focusing on his target, he failed to notice as Numair raised his arms, and a black ball of light blasted Vergor backwards into a tree, and he fell, momentarily unconscious.

"Thanks," Daine said shakily, glancing at Numair. He grabbed her hands.

"I'm so sorry. When all of this is over..."

"We'll talk," she said, smiling.

Meanwhile, Alanna focused her energies on reviving the unconscious Emperor. However, she was interrupted by a series of short sneezes. "Damn it! Don't tell me..." She looked around quickly, and was hardly surprised to see the glowing form of an impossibly beautiful lady. She sank into a bow.

"It's been a long time, Mother," she said respectfully.

"Yes, my daughter. I feel that currently, just as before, you and the realm of Tortall are in need of my guidance."

"How so?"

"I understand that once again you are on a quest for the Dominion Jewel. I ask you, what do you expect to gain from fulfilling your task?"

"The Dominion Jewel is Tortall's pride. Without the Jewel, Tortall faced many hardships."

"Haven't you been facing hardships since your original quest? The Immortals War, the war with Scanra, these were hardly problems during the time of the Peacemaker."

"So are you suggesting that perhaps the Jewel is more trouble than it's worth?"

The Goddess smiled. "Why don't you give the idea more thought?"

"If we give up the Jewel, Tortall will go into panic. We would be almost inviting other realms to attack us."

"A lack of the Jewel does not make you weak. You have many strong commanders and those who are willing to fight. You have a king who is not stupid and can be caring and diplomatic. In fact, giving up the Jewel may make you even stronger. Think on it, my daughter." The Goddess smiled as she faded away. As Alanna's eyes adjusted to the sudden darkness, she decided she needed to talk to Jon. As she took out her scrying glass, his face appeared, surprising the both of them.

"Jon, right now we have everything a realm needs to be powerful, respected, and prosperous. What do we need the Jewel for if we have all of this already?" Alanna asked, ready to argue her point.

"I agree completely," Jon replied briskly.

"What?"

"I agree. Don't get it back. But, make sure the Stormwing keeps his silence. No one can know the Jewel is gone." Alanna, confused, watched the scrying glass go blank. She walked over to where Daine and Numair stood with the now conscious Kaddar. She quickly informed her companions of what needed to be done. Agreeing upon a course of action, the quartet walked over to where the unconscious Stormwing lay. Alanna unsheathed her sword and prodded him lightly. He came to slowly, taking in the sight of the four commanding figures looking down upon him.

"We're prepared to let you have the Jewel," Daine said calmly. "But you should know one thing first."

"Years ago I battled to attain the Jewel, so I understand the role as its guardian. You have a mighty task upon your hands."

Numair interjected, "You must maintain your vigilance over the Jewel. It can not be given up without a battle." The stormwing looked at the group of figures around him, thinking. "As the God's chosen, you must be very capable of handling this difficult job," Numair added. Vergor Thunderstar looked very pleased with himself. Numair winked at Daine and she grinned back at him. Kaddar observed this interaction with interest, but remained silent.

"Do you accept this responsibility bequeathed to you by the Gods themselves?" Daine asked the stormwing.

"I accept it, as it is obvious that I shall perform this task better than you mere mortals have," he replied smugly. Alanna quickly turned a laugh into a cough. "Look your last upon your precious Jewel." With the Jewel purse clutched in his talons, he flew up and out of the clearing, leaving Alanna, Kaddar, Daine, and Numair alone. As the four prepared to leave, two new figures approached the clearing.

"Did I just see a stormwing fly away from here?" Dom asked musingly. Kel looked flustered.

"Yes. Lead us back to camp. We could use a good rest and we'll explain the whole thing when we get there," Alanna said.

"What about the Jewel?" Kel asked concernedly. Dom easily slung an arm around her waist.

"Don't worry my lady. We've just been assured that an explanation is in order," Dom grinned. Kel playfully stepped out of his hold. Alanna watched them with amusement. Kel and Dom, at the lead, turned around and led the way back towards camp. As the others walked into the woods, Kaddar pulled Daine aside.

"I just wanted to let you know that I plan on going back to Carthak as soon as we arrive back at the palace."

"But you'll miss the ball. You deserve to be honored for your part in this adventure," Daine replied.

"I don't think you'll miss me," Kaddar said knowingly. "I've probably been away too long. Some young ambitious upstart might have usurped my throne!" Daine laughed.

"I'm sorry," she said, their eyes connecting. "Promise me you'll stay in touch."

"Promise me you will work things out with the one you love. I only want you to be happy." Daine blushed.

"Thank you."

"We should get back. I don't want to make a black robe angry with me!"

A/N: Alright guys. The end! WOOOOOO! Be expecting an epilogue to tie everything together. Hope you've enjoyed this fic of ours, it's certainly taken us long enough to finish! Thanks for reading and reviewing!