At precisely 10:01 PM, there was a knock at Seth's door. He stared at his daughter, asleep in her cradle for a moment, then grabbed his bow and went to get the door. If you lived in Edgewood, you had to be careful. Crime was becoming increasingly frequent, and everyday the Wood Daily brought more news of death, torture, and people being dragged from their home into the Wilderness to be quietly murdered.

Seth gripped his bow and slowly opened the door.

"Thank God, I thought I'd be standing here all night."

A familiar figure stood in the doorway, and Seth felt the tension leave his body.

"Kevin! What are you doing here? I thought you were staying in the Wilderness longer-" Seth's voice drifted off as he saw what Kevin was carrying.

He stepped back numbly and let Kevin pass.

"He needs the kind of healing that only you can provide. I've just barely gotten out off the Wilderness, it's a wonder he's survived this long."

Seth felt the power of speech return to him.

"I was trained by the elves, I'm not one of them. I don't have their powers. I just-"

"Your healing powers are more extensive than any human alive, you must try. And…take a look at his hand."

Seth angrily grabbed the kid's hand and turned it palm up.

"The left hand, Seth."

Looking slightly apprehensive, Seth looked at the palm of the kid's left hand. Engraved there was a small X in the center of his palm. Seth looked up.

"Then this is..?"

"Yes…he is the last piece of the puzzle."

------------------------

10 years before...

Kevin shot a nervous smile at Seth who grimaced back. The council elders were standing at podium, about to announce if they had made the decision that would change everyone's lives.

"We have put it to a vote," said the lead councilor in a quivery voice. He had long white hair that matched his beard that covered most of his torso. Kevin knew his attention was wandering, and hastily tried to refocus on the councilor.

"…after much consideration and delay, and many arguments…"

Hurry up! Thought Kevin desperately.

"…though it was not an easy task…"

The lead councilor did not seem to realize that his audience's attention was wandering. The only person that seemed to be paying attention was Seth, staring at the lead councilor as though hanging on his every word. The elf training, Kevin thought. Not only had they taught him their healing arts, but also their calamity and attention skills too.

"…so with much deliberation we have decided…to awake the last two children."

Throughout the audience whispers broke out, but a feeling of relief accompanied it. It was the start of a new era.