Safin's entire body stiffened and he peered along the corridor.

'Did you guys just hear something?' he asked James and Iqbal.

'No,' said James.

'I don't think so,' said Iqbal.

'I'm sure there's someone there,' said Safin. 'I... I can feel it!'

'Ooh, hark at the next Supreme Medjai!' James laughed.

'Yeah,' said Iqbal. 'I bet... argh!'

An invisible force yanked Iqbal's legs out from under him; he crashed to the floor and cracked his head on the stone surface. James struck out blindly with his staff; the weapon was sent flying along the corridor and James found himself being forced up against the wall.

Safin drew a dagger from his belt and slashed at the area in front of James. There came a cry of pain and a spurt of blood, then Elder Garth became visible. Released from his grip, James staggered away in alarm.

'James, find Ardeth!' Safin ordered. 'Or just find anyone, quickly!'

'But Saf -' James started to object.

'Do it!' Safin barked.

James nodded, and ran off down the corridor. Elder Garth whirled around and jabbed a hand towards the retreating figure, but Safin knocked the appendage to one side before it could do any damage.

'You will pay for that with your life, boy!' Elder Garth snarled.

'Not if I take yours first!' Safin returned.

'Well, well, well; isn't this just delicious?' Elder Garth chuckled. 'If it isn't my little friend, threatening to kill me.'

'I will kill you if I have to,' said Safin. 'I know who you are, Elder Garth... not that you really have any claim on that title anymore! It was you I saw in Tara's eyes. You've betrayed Alex, you've betrayed the Medjai Order and now... now I'm going to stop you!'

'Such spirit in one so young,' said Garth. 'I must admit, boy, I am genuinely impressed. If only you and I could have had a different relationship to the one that fate has handed us... but there is no time to think about such things. Seeing as your friend has scampered off to alert Ardeth Bay to my presence, I shall just have to get this over with as quickly as I can.'

Safin struck out with his dagger once again, but Garth was ready this time. The dagger went clattering to the floor, and Safin found himself being lifted off the ground by his throat.

'I did not come here tonight to spill Medjai blood, except for that of Alex O'Connell,' said Garth, half to himself. 'But perhaps in your case, my little friend, I might just make an exception...'

'Let him go, Garth.'

Garth's eyes opened wide with surprise at the sound of the familiar voice. He carelessly threw Safin to the ground and whirled around to see Yanit standing behind him, a Medjai staff in her hands.

'You!' Garth exclaimed. 'But this is... this is... impossible! You should be dead, girl!'

'Well, I'm not, as you can see,' said Yanit. 'But you might be, in just a few moments.'

Garth took in Yanit's determined expression, and noted the way she had placed herself firmly in front of the door to Alex's room. A smile began to spread over his face.

'Now I understand,' Garth said quietly. 'Alex saved you, didn't he? He saved you at the expense of himself. And now he's in there, alone and helpless, prone and vulnerable... and ready to be eviscerated by me!'

'You won't touch Alex while I live,' said Yanit.

'Naturally,' said Garth. 'First I shall kill you, just as I meant to earlier this evening, and then I shall kill Alex. No one can stop me now!'

'We'll just see about that,' said Yanit.

'Yes,' said Garth, 'we will.'

Yanit leapt forward and slammed her staff into Garth's midsection. Winded but far from helpless, Garth threw his right hand into the air and sent Yanit crashing to the ground. He ran towards her; she took his feet out from under him with a precise and skilful kick. Garth scrambled on top of Yanit and a vicious hand-to-hand battle began.

Tara was woken by the sound of Fadil shouting her name. Her eyes slowly opened and she stared up at the blood-drenched, concern-filled face that was looking down at her.

'You're awake,' Fadil breathed. 'Thank God for that.'

'I'm sure God had nothing to do with it,' Tara laughed mirthlessly.

'Elder Garth is your father,' said Fadil.

'Yes,' said Tara.

'I saw what you did,' said Fadil. 'You tried to stop him.'

'I... I brought him here,' said Tara. 'I smashed a chair over Yanit's head and then overturned a table on top of her, and I pushed you out of the sentry box.'

'None of that matters now,' said Fadil. 'Tara, I love you and I believe in you. You're not Elder Garth's anymore – you can still be one of us!'

'But I lied to you from the beginning,' said Tara. 'I only agreed to be your girlfriend so that I could worm my way into the Medjai Academy. My father told me to seduce you so that you'd take me on sentry duty with you. Our entire relationship is a lie. And yet, in spite of all that, I'm in love with you, Fadil. At least, I think I am... but how can I be sure of anything now?'

'What we have is real, Tara,' Fadil said gently. 'Magic has no power over the human heart.'

'But... but even so,' said Tara, 'there's no way back for me.'

'Who says?' said Fadil. 'I say there is a way back, Tara, and it starts now! Yes, you came here to do your father's evil bidding... and you did a very good job of that, there's no denying it. But now you can help to stop him – you can still do the right thing, if you want to!'

'I... I do want to, Fadil!' Tara exclaimed. 'Of course I do!'

Fadil nodded, and held out his hand to Tara. Tara grasped it firmly and they both dragged themselves to their feet. With Fadil limping badly on his left leg and Tara swaying woozily from side to side, the determined couple entered the Medjai Academy.

Yanit slammed face-first into the door of Alex's room, Garth's gloating laughter echoing in her ears.

'You cannot defeat me, girl,' he said quietly. 'Ardeth Bay told you that I have a limited level of skill in the black arts... but he vastly underestimated the extent of those limitations! It's finally time for you to die now, Yanit... but at least you can take solace from the fact that Alex will come to join you soon after!'

'Actually, Garth, I thought I'd come to join you first.'

Garth snarled and whirled around. He could see Alex standing in the shadows behind him.

'How did you get over there?' Garth demanded. 'I thought you were in your room!'

'So I was,' said Alex, 'but nothing is impossible for the Supreme Medjai.'

'Breathing will be impossible for the Supreme Medjai once I've ripped out his windpipe!' Garth snarled. 'You cannot bluff me, boy – I know how weak you must be, after what you did for your precious little girlfriend here!'

'Yes, I am weak,' Alex agreed, 'but I have strength enough for this.'

'We'll just see about that!'

Garth launched himself at Alex. He did not see the door to the bedroom opening behind him; he did not hear Yanit's cry of joy and surprise; and he did not feel the Medjai dagger that Alex plunged between his shoulder-blades before it was buried to the hilt. Garth screamed; Alex shoved him to the ground.

'Looks like I floored you again, Garth,' Alex remarked. 'So much for "there will not be a third", huh?'

'But... but... you were over there,' said Garth, 'and now you're over there!'

'Astral projection,' Alex shrugged. 'It's easy when you're the Supreme Medjai.'

'It is hardly a worthy tactic for the Supreme Medjai to stab an enemy in the back!'

'Hey, after all the sneaky tricks you've pulled to get yourself into this situation, I'm prepared to do whatever the hell it takes to stop you!'

Quite a crowd had gathered in the corridor by this time. James had brought Ardeth, Zain and Hamza, while Safin and Iqbal were helping each other to their feet. Tara and Fadil were just about to join the ranks. Everyone stared down at the prone, bleeding figure on the floor.

'And what exactly do you plan to do with me now, Alex O'Connell?'

'I plan to get the Medjai physician to take a look at you. After that – assuming he can save your life, which I think he probably can – we'll arrange for your immediate and indefinite imprisonment.'

'I knew it!' Garth snarled. 'Weak as water, that's what you are! If you truly want to be rid of me, you'll have to kill me now. But you don't have the stomach for that, do you?'

'I wouldn't say that,' said Alex, 'but I think it's probably unnecessary, seeing as the situation has worked out like this.'

'Oh, do you now?' Garth sneered. 'Imprisonment is inadequate! Don't you remember what happened with the Dark Medjai Toth? I shall be just as determined as he was to escape... and when I do so, I shall find a way to get rid of you for good! I have made it my life's work to destroy you, Alex O'Connell, and I absolutely will not stop, ever, until you are dead!'

Alex looked over to Fadil. Fadil's expression was steely; he creased his brow and nodded slowly. Alex turned his gaze to Yanit. Yanit looked from Fadil to Alex, her eyes wide and her expression uncertain. Alex gave her a quizzical look; she swallowed a gulp and nodded her head.

Alex knelt on the floor and wrapped his hands around Garth's throat. Garth made no attempt to resist him. Alex closed his eyes and squeezed as hard as he could. The spectators winced and made small vocalisations of distaste as the sound of bones and sinew cracking and crumbling filled the dormitory corridor.

When he was sure that his task was complete, Alex flopped onto his backside and leant against the wall, breathing heavily. All eyes were on him, but nobody spoke. Alex rubbed his temples and looked up at his audience.

'I need to go back to bed now,' he announced. 'I feel like I could sleep for a week. But before I do that, I want to talk to each of you in turn; there are several things that need to be said. Ardeth, I want to start with you.'

'Very well, Alex,' said Ardeth.

'I'd be very grateful if the rest of you could hang around until I send for you to come in and speak to me,' said Alex. 'Well, James and Iqbal can go if they want, but I don't mind if they want to come in with Safin, or if he wants them to come in with him.'

'I'd like you both to come,' said Safin.

'I'd like to come,' said Iqbal.

'So would I,' said James.

'That's settled, then,' said Alex. 'Oh yes, and there's one more thing before we get started – Fadil, I don't want to talk to you.'

'Oh,' said Fadil. 'Oh, I see. Yes, well... I guess I understand why you feel that way, Alex.'

'It's not like that, buddy,' said Alex, smiling weakly at him. 'It's just that I don't want to talk to you tonight. I want you to go back to your room with Tara, and keep her with you until further notice. I'm releasing her into your custody, you see?'

'Alex, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive Tara,' said Fadil. 'Yes, Elder Garth is her father... was her father... and she came here specifically to manipulate me and get you killed, plus she did attack Yanit and me with intent to kill or fatally injure... but that's not who she really is. She tried to stop Garth from entering the Academy... after she'd opened the door for him, admittedly, but still... She was under his control, Alex, just like Safin was. You did not hold his experiences with Elder Garth against him, despite the fact that he tried to stab you through the heart in the middle of the night. I implore you, show the same mercy to Tara.'

'Oh, Fadil,' Tara breathed, 'I really don't deserve you.'

'Just take her to your room for now, Fadil,' said Alex. 'I'll discuss the matter with Yanit later – taking everything you've just said into account, of course – then she'll come to tell you what we've decided... if that's okay with you, Yanit.'

'Of course, Alex,' said Yanit.

'Okay, Alex,' said Fadil, 'we'll do as you say.'

'And you really must get your head looked at, Fadil,' Alex added. 'It looks like it needs a few stitches.'

'We'll pick up the physician on the way,' said Fadil. 'Come along, Tara.'

As Fadil and Tara shuffled away, Ardeth helped Alex to his feet. They made their way into Alex's room and closed the door behind them.

'What do you reckon, Ardeth?' said Alex. 'Did I just carry out the first ever Medjai execution?'

'Yes,' said Ardeth, 'I rather think you did.'

'Don't you have anything else to say about the situation?'

'No, I don't. The Supreme Council made its decision unanimously, and I am certainly not going to stand here and tell you that it was the wrong one.'

'I want Elder Garth to be given a full Medjai funeral with all the trimmings,' said Alex. 'Can you arrange for it to take place in three or four days' time?'

'Um... yes, I suppose so,' said Ardeth.

'I want you to invite everyone – the other Elders, every member of my family you can get in touch with, and as many Medjai warriors and students as want to come,' said Alex. 'Is it okay if I leave all that with you, Ardeth?'

'Yes, Alex,' said Ardeth. 'I'll see to everything.'

'Thanks,' said Alex. 'Ardeth, you know how you said you were wrong about me and Yanit?'

'Yes.'

'Well, you were right about a whole bunch of other stuff. You wanted to check Tara's background; I barely even registered the fact that you'd suggested doing it. You knew that I didn't have my head in the game. I should have realised that something was going on with Tara, or at least been open to the idea that it might be! I promise you, Ardeth, I'll never ignore or undervalue your advice ever again.'

'And I promise you, Alex, that I shall never again treat you as I would a child,' said Ardeth. 'You are not a child; you are something entirely unique... you are Alex O'Connell.'

'Thanks, Ardeth,' said Alex. 'I mean, for everything. I'm really sorry I reacted so badly when you last spoke to me about Yanit; I feel terrible for threatening you in that way.'

'That's fine,' said Ardeth.

'Could you please ask Safin and his entourage to come in next?'

'Of course.'

'I've treated you badly, Saf,' said Alex.

'Oh, no,' said Safin. 'Really, Alex, you mustn't think that!'

'When you looked into Tara's eyes, you saw Elder Garth inside her mind,' said Alex, 'just as he was once inside yours. You tried to tell me about your suspicions but I wouldn't listen to you, and I even broke my promise to speak to you after the Supreme Council Liaison meeting. Tell me if I'm wrong about any of that, Safin.'

'Well... no, it's all true,' said Safin. 'But I'd never hold it against you, Alex – you're still the Supreme Medjai and you're still really cool and amazing and I'll always be totally loyal to you and so will my friends here, right guys?'

'Absolutely,' said Iqbal.

'Until death us do part,' James grinned.

'James, do you really think that's an appropriate remark to make under these circumstances?' said Iqbal.

'No, I guess not,' James admitted. 'Sorry, Alex.'

'Don't worry about it, James,' said Alex. 'Safin, what do you think we should do about Tara?'

'I think we should give her another chance,' said Safin. 'I know what it's like to be where she's been, and like Fadil said, as I was given a second shot at being a Medjai warrior, why shouldn't Tara be given one too?'

'Thanks, Saf,' Alex smiled at him. 'Could you send in Zain and Hamza for me?'

'Sure thing, Alex,' said Safin.

'I just executed one of the Medjai Elders in front of you,' Alex said to Zain and Hamza. 'Or perhaps, if you want to look at it another way, I murdered him. Under the circumstances, I believe that what I did was justified and I stand by it. But I have to know, are you two both okay with it?'

'It's fine by me,' said Hamza. 'The Medjai Order can't afford to remain stuck in the past, especially with everything we're trying to do for the future. You were right to do what you did, Alex.'

'Thank you, Hamza,' said Alex. 'Zain, how about you?'

'That man trained me since I was six years old,' said Zain, 'but to be honest with you, Alex, I never really liked him, or trusted him. By betraying you, he betrayed the entire Medjai Order. In the end, once he knew that he was incapable of destroying you, he wanted you to kill him... he needed you to kill him. You did what had to be done. I am yours, Supreme Medjai, just as I shall always be.'

'Thank God for that,' Alex said, unable to prevent a small smile from forming on his lips. 'I thought perhaps one or both of you might swear revenge on me and we'd be back to square one!'

'Not at all,' said Hamza.

'By no means,' said Zain.

'Wonderful,' said Alex. 'Could you please ask Yanit to come in and speak to me next?'

Yanit came over to the bed, kissed Alex on the forehead and then sat down next to him. He extricated his right hand from the bedclothes, and Yanit placed hers on top of it.

'What do you want to do about Tara?' said Alex.

'What do you want to do about Tara?' said Yanit.

'I'm inclined to give her another chance, like Fadil says,' said Alex. 'But if you want to kick her out then I'll also vote to kick her out, because I think the final decision should be yours, Yanit. After all, she did knock you out with a chair and then overturn a table on top of you.'

'Yes, but I'm trying not to take that personally,' said Yanit. 'Elder Garth was the true threat, and he's dead now, so maybe we can all forge a brighter future together, including Tara.'

'You're amazing, Yanit,' Alex smiled at her. 'People always tell me I'm amazing, but actually you're far more amazing than I am.'

'Oh, stop it,' Yanit giggled. 'Shall I go and tell Fadil that we've voted unanimously to give Tara another chance?'

'Tell him she's on indefinite probation and we'll see how it goes,' said Alex. 'But before you do that, Yanit, there's something else I need to say to you.'

'Oh yes?' said Yanit, somewhat uncertainly.

'Yes,' said Alex. 'Yanit, I dropped the ball on this one – I really, really did. I should never have allowed myself to forget about the threat of Elder Garth, even after so many months of inactivity from him, and I shouldn't have been so quick to trust Tara.'

'We all fell into those traps, Alex.'

'Yes, but I'm the Supreme Medjai – I'm the one who's supposed to be alert to these things, and to do something about them! I should have sensed the evil in Tara's mind... perhaps I did, on some level... but I chose to ignore it because I was far more interested in enjoying myself with you! We became completely wrapped up in each other and it was like the rest of the world just didn't exist!'

'I... I can't deny that,' Yanit said quietly.

'I can't afford to make mistakes like that, Yanit,' said Alex. 'I need to make sure that it never happens again.'

'Oh my God,' said Yanit, 'you're breaking up with me, aren't you? This whole experience has made you realise that we love each other so much that we can't possibly ever be together, for the sake of the Medjai Order! After all those promises we've made each other about being together forever and sharing every aspect of our lives, we're going to have to cast it all aside for the greater good. Alex, my heart is breaking and I know it will never mend!'

Alex smiled and said, 'Yanit, I'm not breaking up with you.'

'Oh, thank God!' Yanit exhaled heavily, throwing her arms around his neck in sheer relief.

'I'm just saying we need to be more careful in future, that's all,' said Alex. 'We mustn't let ourselves get caught napping, or with our trousers down, ever again. And I think we can do that, now that our honeymoon period is over.'

'Yes,' said Yanit. 'It came to a very abrupt and alarming end, didn't it?'

'That's true,' said Alex, 'but it was fun while it lasted, and at least we'll always have that.'

'You... you're quite sure you're not breaking up with me, aren't you?'

'Yes, I'm quite sure I'm not breaking up with you. In fact, if it did ever come down to a straight-out choice between you and the Medjai life, I'd definitely choose you.'

'Would you really?'

'Yes, I would. I'd want to set things in order here before we left, rather than jumping into Rupert and flying off without telling anyone, and I'd want to see about transferring my status and powers as Supreme Medjai to someone else – Fadil if he'd do it – in some kind of mystic ceremony. I could live without the Medjai life, Yanit, but I couldn't live without you. I'd rather we went anywhere else in the world together – a private island or London or wherever – than stayed here without being together... for what it's worth.'

'Well, for what it's worth,' said Yanit, 'under those circumstances, I'd definitely come with you.'

'But as it is, I don't see why we can't have our cake and eat it too,' said Alex. 'The Medjai life is important to me, and I want to stay and be the best Supreme Medjai I can be, and I want us to be a couple forever.'

'I feel exactly the same way,' said Yanit, 'apart from the Supreme Medjai thing, obviously.'

'That's okay, then,' Alex grinned. 'Maybe we should discuss it again in ten years, and see if we want to take early retirement then.'

'Let's make it fifteen years,' said Yanit, 'then you can train up your little brother first.'

'If he wants to be a Medjai warrior,' said Alex.

'Yes,' said Yanit, 'if he wants to be a Medjai warrior.'

They sat in silence and looked into each other's eyes for a few moments, then Yanit stood up.

'I'll go and tell Fadil the good news,' she said. 'You just make sure you get some sleep now, Mister. You're still fighting off my crush injuries, you know.'

'Yeah, I do know,' Alex assured her. 'Don't worry – I'll follow my nurse's orders. But if she wants to come back later and... tuck me in or something, I'm sure I'd be pleased to see her.'

'Exactly what kind of nurse do you think I am?' Yanit laughed.

'Oh yeah, by the way,' said Alex, 'you could also tell Fadil that we're having a big party in a few days and everyone's invited.'

'What's the occasion?'

'To celebrate future happiness and prosperity for all of us! Plus we're having Elder Garth's funeral.'

'Oh, I see,' Yanit said with a smile. 'Yes, very appropriate. Okay, I'll tell him that too.'

The assembly hall had never before played host to such a large assembly of people. Medjai warriors and recruits of all ages and both genders were milling around the buffet. Elder Kahn and Elder Black were talking to Zain and Hamza whilst sampling several quiches. Safin, James and Iqbal were using table napkins to flick each other on various parts of the body. The Minotaur was being introduced to Michael by Rick and Evy, while Jonathan was struggling to remove Tut from one of his trouser legs.

Fadil and Tara entered the room, both looking a little sheepish. Alex and Yanit went to speak to them.

'How's your head, buddy?' Alex asked Fadil.

'Almost back to normal,' said Fadil. 'How are your absorbed crush injuries?'

'Nothing more than a distant memory, thankfully,' said Alex.

Fadil smiled; Alex smiled back at him. Simultaneously, they threw themselves into a tender yet manly embrace. After patting each other on the back several times, they drew apart.

'Alex and Yanit, I want to thank you so much for giving me a second chance,' said Tara. 'I promise you faithfully, I'll never let you down again.'

'We know you won't, Tara,' said Yanit.

'Just promise me that you're not nursing secret thoughts of revenge against me for killing your father,' said Alex, 'and we'll be friends for life, Tara.'

'I promise you, Alex,' said Tara, 'I'm mightily relieved and eternally grateful to be rid of that man forever!'

Alex looked into Tara's eyes as she spoke; he nodded and fixed her with a smile. His attention was then diverted as Ardeth appeared from the direction of the main entrance, shepherding a familiar figure into the room.

'Just excuse me for a minute, will you?' said Alex, his eyes fixed on Ardeth's guest.

'Come along, guys,' Yanit said to Fadil and Tara, 'let's see if there are any sausages on sticks left.'

Ardeth was in the process of receiving an old, cracked pot from the party's latest guest; Alex ploughed his way through the crowd towards them.

'Grandpa!' he called out.

'Hiya, sport,' said Jack O'Connell. 'Good to see you again.'

'I never... I mean, I didn't expect... I mean, why are you here, Grandpa?' said Alex.

'You told me to invite as many members of your family as I could get in touch with, Alex,' said Ardeth, 'and here's the last of them. If you'll excuse me, I'll just go and deposit the Cauldron of Glidno-Eldin in the Great Cavern.'

As Ardeth took his leave, Alex looked his grandfather up and down. Jack gave him an uncertain smile.

'Are you here to stay this time?' said Alex.

'Who can say, Alex?' said Jack.

'Well if that's the case,' said Alex, grasping Jack's wrist in an unbreakable grip, 'there's a few people I really need to introduce you to right this second! Mom! Dad!'

Rick, Evy, Jonathan and the Minotaur all looked up as Alex dragged Jack across the cave towards them. Rick's expression registered extreme surprise, then he allowed a small smile to form on his lips.

'Here they are,' said Alex. 'This is Rick, your son – you already know him... kinda – and this is Evy, your daughter-in-law, and that's Uncle Jonathan, your son's brother-in-law, and the little guy that the Minotaur's holding is your latest grandson, Mikey. Everyone, this is Jack O'Connell.'

'Um... hello, everyone,' said Jack.

'Good to see you again, Dad,' said Rick.

'You too, son,' said Jack.

'It's a pleasure to meet you at last, Jack,' said Evy. 'We've heard so much about you, haven't we, Jonathan?'

'Yes,' said Jonathan. 'More than enough to be rather surprised to see you here today.'

'But seeing as you are here,' said Evy, giving Jonathan a smack on the arm, 'I'd like to invite you to join us in London for Christmas, and perhaps stay with us for six to eight weeks. How does that sound to everyone?'

'I think it's an excellent idea, Evy,' said Rick, giving her a squeeze.

'So do I,' said Alex.

'Yes, me too,' said Jonathan. 'For once, I won't be the most unreliable member of the family present!'

'It's an offer I can't refuse, Evy,' said Jack. 'Thank you very much.'

'Do you have any plans for afterward, Grandpa?' said Alex.

'Not yet,' said Jack. 'I guess we'll just have to see how things pan out. Now please, if it's not too much to ask, may I hold my grandson for a few moments?'

'You can try,' said Alex, 'but you might well put your back out 'cause I'm pretty heavy.'

Jonathan laughed, Rick smiled and Evy frowned.

'Of course you can have a hold of Mikey, Jack,' said Evy. 'Hopefully it will be the first of many.'

Jack smiled and held out his arms, and the Minotaur transferred the baby.

'You'd better watch out,' said the Minotaur. 'He's a little windy and he might just throw up all down your back.'

'That doesn't matter,' said Jack. 'Hey there, Mikey. It's really good to meet you, sport. Do you know who I am? I'm your grandpa!'

Alex smiled at the sight of his brother and grandfather getting to know each other, then he grabbed a nearby spoon and wine glass and leapt on top of the nearest table.

'It looks like Alex is going to make a speech,' Tara remarked to Fadil and Yanit.

'I wonder what he's going to say,' said Fadil.

'Something wonderful,' said Yanit, her eyes shining.

'Excuse me, everyone!' Alex announced, banging the glass with the spoon. 'Yes, it's the Supreme Medjai speaking so you all need to shut up for a couple of minutes! Don't worry – I'm not gonna stand up here and make a long and totally boring speech, but I just want to propose a toast, so can everyone please make sure they have a drink or a sausage roll or a potato chip or a slice of quiche or something to toast with?'

Everyone did so.

'My toast goes like this,' said Alex. 'To the future!'

'To the future!' echoed the response.

Alex watched a large group of party-goers disappearing into the moonlit desert, and sighed to himself.

'Are you okay?' Yanit's voice came from behind him.

Alex turned around and smiled at Yanit. She smiled back at him, then he held out his arms and she nestled against him.

'Yeah, I'm okay,' said Alex. 'I was just thinking about... well, you know, everything.'

'You weren't contemplating running away after all, were you?' said Yanit.

'No,' Alex laughed, 'but I was thinking that I'd really like to see a whole lot more of the world with you someday. I mean, I've already seen most of it at one time or another... but not with you.'

'Do you really think it'll be any different if I'm there?'

'Yes, definitely. It'll be much, much better!'

Yanit laughed and said, 'We'd better arrange some two-person peacekeeping missions, then, hadn't we? On behalf of the Medjai Order, of course... then we can justify using Rupert.'

'Yeah,' Alex laughed. 'You know, Yanit, when I think about everything I've ever been through, and then I realise that it's led me here to be in this position with you, I don't have any residual doubts about whether it was all worth it.'

'I feel the same way, Alex,' said Yanit, tightening her grip on his body, 'and whatever's still to come for us, we can be sure that we'll be able to face it, because we'll be doing it together.'

'Always,' said Alex.

Yanit raised her head and looked into Alex's eyes. She smiled. Alex smiled back, then he lowered his head and their lips met. Oblivious to the rest of the world, at least for a few moments, they stood and kissed in the moonlight.