Keldor shifted nervously in his seat. Lyn had gone to tend to Keelyanne and returned with the baby in her arms. He and Lyn now sat directly across from Mira...and Pierce. The negative vibes coming from the latter were enough to make a shadow beast howl.

Music slowed and the dancers strolled back to their seats. An overjoyed Hawk pulled a chair out for Adora at the raised table for the bride and groom. Randor stood at the head of the royal tables situated much lower and in front of Adora and Hawk. "I lift my glass to toast the wedding of my daughter, Princess Adora, and to her husband and your new prince, Sea Hawk," boomed Randor's happy toast.

Everyone lifted their glasses and said, "Princess Adora and Prince Sea Hawk!"

Pierce began to shake his head as the guests began to eat and the soft hum of conversation filled the area.

Mira narrowed her eyes at her husband. "Why are you so miserable at such a happy occasion?"

"I cannot believe he sits across from us at the royal table wearing a crown," Pierce ground out. "It is beyond belief. He is a convicted criminal!"

"Hawk?" Mira asked in confusion. "When was he ever convicted of a crime?"

"Not him," Pierce huffed impatiently. "Him." With a jerk of his head, he indicated Keldor.

"I would appreciate you not making comments about my brother," Mira said evenly.

"Don't remind me you're related to him," Pierce muttered.

"Do you have a problem with Keldor?" Randor asked quietly, startling the others. He was seated down a few spots from them; Mira and Pierce had not realized their voices had carried. Mira glanced over at Keldor guiltily, her heart aching when she saw his flaming red-or rather, purplish-face.

There was silence around the table as everyone waited for Pierce's response. Adam and Teela exchanged glances. Marlena had also overheard the discussion, as had Stephen and Hannah. Around them, the conversation and laughter continued on, but the strained silence at the table grew longer and longer. Lyn looked as if she were about to burst with wanting to say something, but even she held her tongue.

"He doesn't belong here," Pierce finally said lowly, with a defensive glare thrown Keldor's way. "Especially not wearing a crown. He doesn't deserve that honor."

"You're ri-," Keldor started to say, but Randor interrupted him.

"Keldor was born to the same father as Mira, Stephen, and I," Randor said firmly. "Until he is sentenced for his crimes, he has every right to be here, especially since Adora wished him to be here."

"He also saved my life," Adam added quietly, with a stern look at Pierce. "I am in his debt."

This time Keldor did protest. "You most certainly are not!" he sputtered.

"And as Randor pointed out earlier," said Marlena, ignoring Keldor's outburst. "It was Adora's wish that Keldor would be here as full members of our family, at the royal table. Custom dictates that all seated at the royal table must wear crowns. Keldor did not wish this crown. He vehemently argued with me when I instructed him to wear it." Marlena fixed Pierce with a steely gaze. "It was only when I explained that it was Adora's wish that he relented. So, any issues you have with Keldor's crown or place at this table should be taken up with me or Adora."

Pierce looked down the table and saw that nearly everyone there-except Hannah, Stephen, Edwina, and Dal-seemed upset with him. He crumpled up his linen napkin and threw it on his plate. "You've all gone mad," he accused and strode away from the table.

"Pierce," Marlena called, starting to rise.

"Sit down, Marlena," Mira said with a wave of her hand. "He'll calm down eventually." She gave those around the table an apologetic smile. "He's a good man at heart. He's just...stubborn." She sighed. "It takes him a while to accept changes, I'm afraid."

"Really?" Adam asked innocently. "What's so difficult about accepting that the evil Skeletor is now one of our closest allies, and a relative to boot?"

Teela, Dal, and Jeremy snickered immediately, all three trying to do it quietly. But when Randor quickly joined in, everyone at the table lost it.

Keldor and Lyn laughed as well, but as soon as the family conversation began Keldor laid his fork aside and ran his hand down Keelyanne's curls. Lyn squeezed his leg bracingly under the table. Keldor turned back to his plate and began to push his food around, all the while wishing this feast would end very soon.

The music began and Adora and Hawk melted into each others' arms as naturally as if they were two spirits joining together. Lohni and Castaspella, seated at a table of honor next to the "royal" table, sighed in unison.

"Adam and Adora are so lucky," Castaspella commented almost wearily. At thirty-six, she was feeling the fact that she had yet to find someone to share her life with.

"They are," Lohni agreed. "But I saw you making eyes at Mekaneck. Maybe your own wedding isn't so far off."

"He is wonderful," Castaspella admitted. "I was thinking of inviting him to Etheria for a visit." Her eyes grew wide as Fisto approached. "And speaking of our escorts..."

Lohni smiled shyly as Fisto held out his huge hand and bowed to her. "May I have this dance?" he asked.

Lohni laughed lightly. "Aren't we required to dance together for the first dance?" she teased him. Her heart was thudding wildly in her chest. She had never believed in love at first sight, but she found herself wondering if she could make an excuse to stay on Eternia for a while to get to know this man better.

Fisto smiled back. "Then perhaps you would do me the honor of giving me all the dances this evening."

Lohni ducked her head for a second, then met his eye with a smile full of hope. "Maybe I will."

"Forgive me for asking, Castaspella, but how old are you?" Mekaneck asked as he guided her expertly around the dance floor. He and Castaspella had talked almost daily during her time on Eternia. He felt it was time they had a few basic questions answered about each other.

Castaspella smiled demurely. "Not quite old enough to be Adam and Adora's mother, but too old to be Randor and Marlena's daughter."

Meckaneck laughed. "Well, then we're about the same age. My Philip is twenty-one years old now, but I had him when I was quite young. To be Adam and Adora's father, I would had to have had them when I was about ten."

Castaspella tucked away that piece of information to be considered later. "Where is Philip now?"

"He joined the Royal Guard, so it's just me at home now." A brief look of sadness crossed Mekaneck's face before he shifted the direction of the conversation, just as the music changed. His hand remained at her waist, helping her through the steps she had learned only days before. "Do you have any children?"

"No," Castaspella said wistfully. "I'm afraid I spent too many years chasing after the wrong man."

"You mean Adam?" Mekaneck asked perceptively.

She blushed. "Well, I had hoped something would develop between us, but no, there was another long before him. At any rate, that time is long past." She looked up into his visor and fancied she could see a shadow of his eyes. She took a breath and a chance. "I wondered, Mekaneck, if you would be interested in coming to visit me on Etheria. I could show you Mystacore, the Whispering Woods, all the sights."

Mekaneck grinned widely. "I would be honored, Castaspella."

"Very good idea, bonebrain," teased Lyn. "With Miro watching the children we can fade into the background here."

"It was one of my more brilliant ideas," agreed Keldor wrapping his arms around her waist. "I've kept my promise to Adora to be here but now with all of the activity on the dance floor we can disappear discreetly."

"There you are, Lyn!" called an excited voice.

"You were saying, oh brilliant one," murmured Lyn sarcastically. She turned to see Cybilline heading toward her.

"I'd heard you were here. That you'd changed," she said excitedly. She wrapped Lyn up in an enthusiastic hug.

Lyn shifted uncomfortably. "It took us a bit longer to find the truth," Lyn agreed, "but yes."

"And you," Cybilline said, grinning as she turned to see Keldor. "I am amazed and overjoyed by your returning and accepting responsibility for your actions. You are a brave man, Prince Keldor."

Keldor nodded and mumbled, "Thanks." He scanned the area for a way of escape from this uncomfortable situation. "Ah, I must ask you to excuse us. It looks like everyone is saying goodbye to the bride and groom now. We must join the line of well-wishers."

Lyn took Keldor's hand and allowed him to lead her to the massive line, waving at Cybilline as they went to take their place behind some unfamiliar Etherians.

"It was so good of you to come, General," Adora said warmly, giving General Sunder a hug. She turned to hug his wife as well. "It was such a pleasant surprise. I only wish I'd had more time to talk with you."

General Sunder chuckled. "I know how it is for you royal types," he assured her. He glanced around. "Although you're much more popular than any Horde ruler I ever worked for," he added in a conspiratorial whisper.

Adora and Hawk laughed as the former general moved on down the line. Hawk reached over and gave her hand a quick squeeze, and Adora caught the smoldering, impatient gleam in his eyes. Her own eyes flared briefly before she turned to the next guest. "Shakra!" she said with a mixture of delight and regret. "We never did get to have that cup of dragonberry tea together yesterday."

Shakra smiled, her wrinkled face beaming with joy and pride. "Never you mind, Adora. I know how busy the day before a wedding is. I'm just glad I was here." Her eyes grew moist as she looked from Hawk to Adora and back again. "He really loves you," she said, nodding wisely. "You're going to be very happy. I can't tell you how much joy that gives me. You deserve it, with all the suffering you went through."

"That she does," Hawk agreed.

"Stop, you two," Adora complained lightly, giving Shakra a hug. She pulled back to look at her caretaker. "Thank you, Shakra, for teaching me about right and wrong. Without you, I'm not sure I ever would have broken free of the Horde."

"Nonsense," Shakra scoffed gently. "That big strong brother of yours would have gotten you out somehow." She gave Adora a gentle kiss. "You take care now."

Adora turned to the next person in line and found someone else she wanted to thank.

"I-um we wanted to say..." Keldor shifted uncomfortably. Before he could say another word Adora launched herself at him and wrapped him in a strong hug.

"I want to thank you so much for all you've done since you've been back, but even more than that." Adora pulled away to look Keldor in the eye. "Thank you for finding your way back to good so you could be my uncle again."

Keldor could only nod and fight the knot in his throat. "How can you thank me after all I did, when I-"

Adora placed a finger on Keldor's lips, stopping his guilt-ridden protest. "You know as well as I do that I was needed on Etheria. That it would never have been free without me-me and She-Ra," she added with a wink. "And if I never went to Etheria, I never would have met Hawk."

"You'll have to forgive him," Lyn said gently. "He has had a very hard time dealing with his guilt."

Keldor glared at Lyn and Adora chuckled at his expression. "Peace with your past will come in time, Uncle. Even if I have to follow you to Carina and beat that peace into you," she threatened jokingly.

Keldor mumbled something that sounded like, "Have a good trip," and tugged Lyn away.

"I can't wait to get out of here," he grumbled as he headed to the small group of people with Randor.

When he arrived, Queen Marlena was hugging that same Etherian woman they had been behind before.

"I was so hoping to see more of you during your stay here. Would you mind staying on Eternia for a few days?" asked Marlena, her eyes bright. "As our guest, of course."

"I would be honored," Shakra said humbly, a bit overwhelmed.

Randor took Shakra's hand. "We have a device here called a memory projector. It allows others to share your memories. Would you consider sharing memories of Adora's childhood with us?"

"Of course," Shakra said warmly. "I would be happy to."

"Thank you so much," said Marlena, a tear escaping down her cheek. "We'll give you a chance to relax this evening. Tomorrow, we would be honored to have you breakfast with us and share your memories."

With that Shakra nodded and walked back to join General Sunder and his family, and Marlena and Randor were faced with Keldor and Lyn.

"You don't look well," Marlena commented, glancing at Keldor.

"I have attended the wedding and reception as Adora wished and made my farewells," Keldor said stiffly. "I would like permission to leave. Lyn and I wish to cause no more controversy than we already have."

Marlena began to protest, but Randor placed his hand on hers. "I know this was hard for you, Keldor. But it meant a great deal to Adora, so you have my thanks. I'm sure your children are weary now. Perhaps retiring for the evening would be a good thing."

Marlena nodded and took the ceremonial crowns that Lyn and Keldor practically thrust into her hands. The two former villains nodded farewell and melted back into the crowd to find their children and return to hiding in their suite.

Adora hmmed contentedly as Hawk traced his fingers down her bare back. Her swimsuit was just now beginning to dry from their swim and the fruit that they had nibbled on was almost gone.

"Hawk, do you think we could nap out here tonight? Under the stars like we did during Rebellion?" Adora asked a bit wistfully as she rolled into Hawk's embrace and snuggled into his bare chest.

"Sleeping on a deserted beach under a beautiful night sky while I listen to the waves and hold my gorgeous wife?" asked Hawk in a lazy drawl. "I think I can make that sacrifice for you, my princess. This time."

Adora giggled. She narrowed her eyes at Hawk for a moment and then attacked the one place on his side he was ticklish in.

Hawk struggled for a moment, Adora having caught him off guard, before he grabbed her hand and grinned down at her. "Really wanting to relive those rebellion days, huh? Teasing me mercilessly and then expecting me to let you get away with it?"

Adora grinned back, her eyes sparkling. "I don't recall you ever letting me get away with it," she said breathily.

"But my methods of payback have changed," Hawk murmured, lowering his mouth to hers.

"Mmm," Adora answered, responding to his kiss and wrapping her arms around him.

Adora stared up at the stars, feeling at peace in her husband's arms. Her eyes wandered from star to star, wondering which ones were planets and which ones were suns. "Hawk?" she asked softly. "Are you awake?"

"Hmmm...yeah," Hawk answered sleepily, propping himself up on one elbow so he could see into her face. "What is it, Adora?"

"I've been thinking about Carina," she admitted.

"While on our honeymoon?" Hawk asked, one eyebrow raised. "A pirate could take that as a real insult, my lady."

Adora giggled lightly. "No, it's been on my mind since before we got married. But now, looking up at the stars, it's making me think of all those planets the Horde still controls."

"I thought Zed set them free," Hawk responded, his brow furrowed.

Adora sighed and snuggled closer to him, thankful for the blankets they had retrieved. The night air was becoming quite chilly. "He did, but how many do you think are ruled by people like Devrian? How many people are still enslaved?"

"What are you getting at, Adora?" Hawk asked, staring at her intently.

"I wish I could do something to help," she said softly. "But without He-Man to protect Grayskull, I'm stuck on Eternia."

"Adora," Hawk said gently, "there's a lot we can do to help. We have resources neither one of us ever dreamed we could have and I'm sure some of our friends from the Great Rebellion would assist as well. Helping Carina doesn't have to involve She-Ra."

"I know Hawk, but..." Adora groped for the words for a moment. "I know the Horde, better than almost anyone. I want so badly to be doing something about it." She pouted lightly. "Well, maybe I can get General Sunder to go. But I doubt it. He has a family now."

"Adora, you have a family too. You know. Adam, your parents, Josiah, Teela, me?" Hawk reminded her tenderly. "I understand how you feel. What little I've heard of this Devrian makes me madder than a toothless blood whale, but we have to stop somewhere."

"I know," Adora answered, a bit sadly. "Adam and I talked about this before, and we said we would only help if someone asked. I assumed, though, that he would be He-Man. I never thought I'd be the one seen as Grayskull's champion." She sniffed. "I know it sounds silly, but I miss He-Man."

"Don't let Adam hear you say that," teased Hawk. "He suspected you liked He-Man better anyway."

Adora smiled. "Well, He-Man is the one who rescued me from Hordak and Shadow Weaver..." Her voice trailed off and a light furrow touched her brow.

Hawk chuckled. "Good point." He stopped short as he saw the concern on Adora's face. "What's wrong?"

"Something Antaris said," Adora murmured. "He said something about a new magician joining Devrian's ranks, a dangerous woman. I didn't even think of it before, but could it be Shadow Weaver?" She and Hawk stared at each other for a moment, then she shook her head, smiling at herself. "That's ridiculous. What are the chances of she and Keldor and Lyn winding up on the same planet?"

It was Hawk's brow that furrowed now. "Considering all the strange things that have happened and the impossibly weird timing of seemingly random and later important events since those two came back, I'd guess pretty darn good."

"Well, if by some odd chance it is, I'll just have to tell them everything I know and leave it at that," Adora said firmly. "My job is to protect Grayskull now. I can't do that from another world. Right?"

Hawk started to nod when another though struck him. "Adora, Keldor and Lyn didn't forget your secret. Weaver left Eternia at the same time. Do you think she knows about She-Ra?"

Adora swallowed hard. "I think she does, Hawk. Castaspella still knew as well. It wouldn't surprise me if Shadow Weaver were holed up somewhere plotting her revenge and figuring out a way to take Grayskull. She always suspected my sword was magical since He-Man first gave it to me, but she never knew why. I'm sure she thinks she could tap into the magic now that she knows more about it."

"Adora, I have a feeling that Grayskull is going to have another Skeletor attacking if you're right. One is a deep red dress and cowl," Hawk said, frowning deeply. He reached up to scratch his beard.

"Maybe you're right, Hawk," Adora agreed reluctantly. "And that's all the more reason I need to be here."

"And exactly why we need to go to Grayskull as soon as we return." Hawk's eyes softened as he looked at Adora's worried face. "But that's not for another ten days. Ten days during which we are going to pretend there's no one else on the planet but you and me."

Adora smiled, the worry fading from her eyes. "That sounds like a perfect idea, Hawk." Their bodies came together again to the rhythm of the nearby ocean waves.

Adam dropped a quick kiss on Josiah's forehead and gave Teela a more lingering good-bye.

"Mmmm." Teela opened her eyes and they twinkled up at him. "You're only going for a walk with my father."

Adam chuckled. "I know. But I'll still miss you." He gave her another quick kiss and then joined Duncan in the hallway, wondering at yet half-expecting what his mentor had to say.

The two men walked side-by-side silently for a short time, years of easy camaraderie making them comfortable now. Duncan spoke first. "How are things going, Adam?"

"Very well," Adam replied. "Adora's safely on her honeymoon with Hawk, and we seem to have everything in order for the sentencing." The words were factual, but there was a furrow to his brow that belied his discomfort with the sentencing, which had been expanded to include Keldor, Lyn, Beastman, and Tri-Clops.

"Lana and I can't help but notice you haven't been around much," Duncan said casually.

"I've been busy," Adam replied nonchalantly. "Catching up on all that work that piled up while I was laid up."

"Hmph," was Duncan's reply. He came to a stop and stepped into a small alcove where his words would not carry as much, drawing Adam with him.

The prince gave him a quizzical look. "What's wrong, Duncan?"

Duncan hesitated, then looked Adam square in the eye. "Have you been avoiding us?"

"No, of course not!" Adam immediately protested. Duncan's gaze sharpened and challenged him, and Adam sighed. "I have been busy, Man-at-Arms."

"But?" Duncan pressed, sensing there was more.

"Everyone was acting differently around me," Adam explained, careful to keep his voice low. "Teela was about the only one who came close to normal, and even she acted for a while as if I might disappear at any second. My mother teared up almost every time she looked at me. Adora wouldn't mention She-Ra in my presence. My father was constantly checking to see if he had upset me. And the Masters...well, they acted weird, as if they were in awe of me." He raised his hands in confusion. "Orko stuttered around me because he couldn't figure out what to say half the time. Everything was just odd. I've been keeping to myself just to give myself and everyone else time to adjust. I'm okay, really. Everyone seems to have settled down now, for the most part."

"And what were Lana and I doing?" Duncan asked quietly.

"Looking at me as you are right now, as if you'd let me down," Adam answered immediately. Duncan's face flushed. Adam reached out and grabbed his arm. "I'm sorry if I made you feel that way Duncan. I never thought this was your fault."

"In a way it-" Duncan started to say, but Adam interrupted him.

"No," he interjected, his hand tightening on Duncan's arm. "I made that choice. No one forced it on me. You guided me through years of bearing a power, a responsibility I didn't really want but knew was needed. If it weren't for you and Lana, I wouldn't be here right now. None of us would be. Skeletor would have won long ago, and we would all be imprisoned or dead."

"That's a cheery thought," grunted Duncan. Adam shrugged, a half-smile tugging on one side of his mouth. Duncan shook his head. "You look so much like He-Man when you smirk like that."

Though he was startled, the statement made Adam's smirk grow larger. "Anyway, Duncan, I don't want you two blaming yourselves for anything. I'm getting used to it, and it's actually been nice in a lot of ways to be just me."

"I imagine it has been," Duncan acknowledged. "But you never should have come so close to dying. If we had done our duty to you-"

"I did die," Adam corrected quietly. "But it was not your fault. Grandmother said it was my time." His gaze caught something over Duncan's shoulder. "Isn't that right, Keldor?"

Keldor raised an eyebrow. "You don't really expect me to answer you when I don't know what you were talking about, do you?" he asked as he and Antaris drew near. "Surely you wouldn't think of me as being that dense."

Adam grinned. "Well, you have come up with some pretty bone-headed schemes in your time," he teased.

Keldor chuckled. "I suppose you're right. Still I'd prefer to know what I would be agreeing to. I hope I've grown at least a little more intelligent since those days."

Duncan choked out a laugh.

"I guess you have," drawled Adam, enjoying the banter he and Keldor now shared. "I was just sharing with Duncan here the fact that my grandmother said it was my time-when we both stood between life and death."

"Ah," said Keldor. "Yes, she did. She also said it wasn't mine, and since your life was tethered to mine at the time you'll have to accept that you'll be late for that particular meeting. It wouldn't be the first time Prince Adam was late for a meeting."

Adam chuckled for a moment.

Duncan's jaw dropped. He shook his head to clear it. He opened his mouth to inform both men that they must have suffered some kind of shared delusion when Keldor set his spell, but before the words could form Antaris began to speak.

"You've seen the final rest? The peaceful home we all long for?" he asked, his eyes wide.

"I think we were more at the gate," clarified Keldor. "But even there it was as if you breathed in purity and like even the air around you was a blanket of peace and contentment."

Duncan guffawed. "It was a projection of your innermost longings. Nothing more."

"I don't think so," Antaris answered before Adam or Keldor could speak. He stared at Adam. "I sensed you no longer belonged here."

Adam shifted uneasily. "Gee, Antaris, you really know how to make a guy feel wanted," he joked weakly.

"I did not mean it as an insult," Antaris hastened to explained, reddening slightly. "You have been touched in a special way by the Truth." He looked from Adam to Keldor and back again. "Tell me more about it."

Ignoring Duncan's eyeroll, Adam responded slowly, "I have to disagree with Keldor a bit. He and I shared an experience some time ago where we were at the gate. I think that because it was my time and not his, what we saw this time may have differed a bit. This wasn't like the first time for me. It wasn't complete, but I felt as if I were inside the gate, so to speak. Everything was more vibrant, more real. Yet at the same time, there was this cloak of reassurance around me, keeping me from realizing what had happened too quickly. Things of the world we know seemed so distant. And love. I felt so loved, so peaceful, I didn't want to leave. Ever."

Duncan sighed heavily. "This nonsense of an afterlife has got to stop. This was just your mind's way of dealing with dying. Your subconscious continued to work even after your conscious mind admitted defeat and died. It was all in your imagination."

Keldor leveled his gazed at Duncan. "I once would have believed as you do, but you cannot deny that twice both Adam and I have stood on the very brink of death. During our first experience I saw, firsthand, the horror of Blazes. But the next, the beauty and love of an eternal paradise. If it were my imagination, why would my mind show me two different things?"

Duncan shifted uncomfortably. "I'm sure deep down you felt you deserved Blazes," he finally stated. "Since then, even I have to admit you've changed. Maybe you feel you've earned your way out of this Blazes your mind made up."

"Is it so hard to believe that there is more to life than what we can see now?" asked Antaris calmly.

Duncan crossed his arms. "I am a man of science. Hallucinations and delusions are regular occurrences at the time of death. I have seen that. I have seen nothing that would convince me that there is some afterlife."

Adam grinned at him. "Sure you have. Me." At Duncan's glare, Adam folded his own arms stubbornly. "I know what I saw, Duncan, what I felt." His eyes grew bright with unshed tears, but he didn't break eye contact. "I asked Good a question, Duncan, and if it had been my imagination, what I wanted or even what I thought to be true, the answer would have been different."

"What question?" Duncan demanded.

"Whether if, had Keldor and Mother not interrupted, I would have-" Adam stumbled for a moment with a short look at Antaris. "Whether I would have served evil to save Josiah's life."

"You never would have," Duncan asserted. "You can't tell me that Good gave you a different answer."

"He gave me no answer," Adam replied quietly, his arms dropping to his side. "He said some things are best left unknown." He shook his head slightly. "That's not the answer I would have given myself, if I was creating my perfect afterlife."

"But it was an answer you are wise enough to create on your own," Duncan said stubbornly.

Antaris looked at the grizzled warrior before him. The Truth Sworn warrior was intrigued. 'Why would he be so resistant to what Adam and Keldor are sharing?'

Keldor looked at Duncan and surmised that nothing was going to sway his opinion. Rather than dragging out this conversation, he decided end it. "Then perhaps we should agree to disagree, Man-At-Arms."

Duncan stopped short as he gazed on Keldor. "You are actually avoiding a fight? Intentionally?"

Keldor shrugged. "You obviously do not have any intention of believing our accounts," Keldor said gesturing to himself and then Adam. "And neither Adam nor I will ever be swayed from what we know was real. More real than this life in fact, so what is the point in continuing to debate this?"

Duncan grew still as he pondered Keldor's words. "I suppose you have a point," he admitted grudgingly.

"But for some reason this deeply bothers you?" questioned Antaris. "I am curious why a man of your courage and intellect would find this so disturbing, though I do not presume to ask you such a personal question."

"I'll answer anyway. I believe in a great many things," Duncan said. "I have seen far too much not to. I have seen spirits and ghosts, so I do believe in an afterlife. But the perfection of an eternal heaven or Blazes? I do have a problem with that. No one, not even Keldor or Adam, deserves eternal damnation or an eternal reward. None of us are that evil or that good. We may move on after we die, but I believe that from there we simply exist in this imperfect world, perhaps watching over our loved ones."

"And what if Good simply chose to forgive our imperfections, our mistakes?" Adam asked quietly. "What if he loves us so much that he makes that choice so that we can be with him in the afterlife?"

Duncan grew more cross. "Then where do you draw the line, Adam? Would a petty thief be forgiven, but not someone like Hordak? How does that decision get made?"

"It is a choice," Antaris said, nodding at Adam. "A choice to accept that forgiveness and live as best we can, loving our Lord, whether we call him Truth or Good, each day."

"And what of those who don't know to make this choice?" Duncan challenged. "Like all the people of Eternia? What happens to them?"

"Each day a person chooses good or evil based on the understanding that has been given him or her," said Antaris. "Each person will be judged based on the understanding revealed to them and what they did with it."

Duncan looked at Antaris quizzically.

"It is a question my people have dealt with often. We do not believe it is only those of the Truth Sworn that find this place of rest. Yet the question has arisen many times in the past how the population of our world could find this rest. So much so that we sought the answer for generations until it was finally shared with us."

"This is merely my observation, Man-At-Arms," said Keldor, "but I've seen that the more understanding that is sought, the more understanding that is found."

Duncan crossed his arms over his chest. "I still think you all are wrong. None of this makes sense."

Adam clapped a hand onto his mentor's shoulder. "As you've frequently told me, Duncan, there are usually no easy answers. If there is a higher being that created everything, who not only understands all the things we are still discovering, but actually created those natural laws, how can we hope to wrap our minds around all that He knows and understands?"

Antaris watched intently as Duncan pursed his lips and shrugged. "I suppose you have a point, Adam." He glanced at his timepiece. "I need to get going."

As Duncan left them, Antaris turned to Adam. "You intrigue me, Prince Adam. I have something I would discuss with you. Would you walk with me a while?"

"Certainly," Adam replied, casting a curious glance at Keldor. The blue mage shrugged his own confusion and headed down the hall toward the hospital hall.

"I can see why Keldor holds you in such high regard," Antaris said as they strolled towards the gardens. "I have rarely seen people like you Eternians outside the Truth Sworn, with such hearts and dedication to doing the right thing." He paused and looked Adam in the eye. "I know who you and your sister are, you know."

Adam nodded, having suspected as much. "Did Keldor have to tell you?" he asked.

"No," Antaris denied. "The magic could not hide the truth from Jonas or me." He hesitated as they descended down a few steps into the lush garden, taking a deep breath. "I love your gardens. They are beautiful."

"Thank you," Adam replied. "I imagine they are nothing compared to the beauty of your Sunken Jungle, if it's anything like what Keldor has shown us."

"I'll admit I do miss it. Especially during this time of increased mobilization of the Horde forces on our world." Antaris looked to the sky, his chest heaving in a silent sigh.

"How is the fight going?" Adam asked curiously. "Keldor mentioned that you have been under Horde rule for generations. He doesn't talk much about it, but from what he has shared the leader on your world is brutal."

A weary look crossed Antaris' face. "Our world has suffered. Devrian is the worst of the Horde rulers and he has all but broken the spirit of our people." Antaris shook his head.

Adam looked out over the marble fountain at the center of the east garden. "I saw firsthand what Horde Rule does to a people," he said in a distant voice, his mind going back to another time and place. He swallowed hard, the bubbling of the fountain helping him to remember he was here, on Eternia, with his loved ones.

Antaris nodded. "I can only hope that Keldor's sentencing will allow him to be exiled to our world. We need him."

"Has he been that helpful?" Adam asked. "I know he can be a formidable ally, but…"

"You don't understand," Antaris interjected. "He is the key. The one we've been waiting for since the Horde first enslaved our world."