Note from Evelyn CMB: Once again, thanks all of you who have reviewed. (I know that sometimes it is so hard to come up with something else to say-I have trouble with that as a reviewer myself sometimes!) LLG and I really appreciate the time y'all take. Thank you.

Of course we don't own these guys. And if we were getting paid for this, Mattel never would have allowed us to destroy He-Man!

Adam listened quietly as Antaris explained the prophecy concerning Keldor, and how Truth had spoken at Keldor's ritual of purification, confirming that he was indeed the one chosen to help save Carina from the Horde.

Skeletor the savior of a people. It was almost too ironic to believe, but Adam had seen amazing things from Keldor since his return. Still…Adam hesitated a second, then said, "Antaris, if you're telling me this to influence Keldor's sentencing, you don't need to. I'm already in full support of him being exiled back to Carina. But it's not my decision." Adam glanced away, biting his lip. He had overturned the Specter's sentencing from imprisonment to exile. But when he had invoked King Edward's Law to keep Keldor and Lyn out of prison before their trial and sentencing, he had lost the right to overturn their sentencing. It was a system of checks and balances that had been in existence for over a hundred years. His hands were tied; it was Randor's decision alone, and that decision would be based on the masters' recommendation.

Antaris looked at Adam, startled out of his thoughts. "I don't wish you to do anything. I'm not worried about his sentencing. I feel very strongly that he will be back with us soon, but I also feel that I am meant to be here as an observer. Someone to help Keldor and Lyn through their trial but not with it. Other than that, I'm not entirely sure why Jonas and I are still with you, but neither of us feels that we are free to leave."

Adam studied him. He didn't know Antaris well, but something was clearly bothering the man. "So what's on your mind? If you wish to tell me, of course." He smirked at Antaris' raised eyebrow of surprise. "Keldor ingrained that habit into us as quickly as he could."

Antaris laughed heartily at that. "That sounds like Keldor. He likes to keep his thoughts close to his chest. Openness has been a struggle for him. It was for me as well at first."

Adam grinned and arched an eyebrow at Antaris.

Antaris smiled sheepishly. "I suppose that sounded like I was trying not to answer." Antaris sighed and leaded back a bit. "Perhaps I shouldn't ask. But my people's freedom is so near and we have suffered so long." Antaris released a deep breath. "The final part of the Truth Revealed that promised our people freedom is that a princess will come with Keldor. One who serves good as powerfully as Keldor once served evil. I saw how powerful your sister is when empowered by what I assume must be Grayskull's power. I was wondering, with all the heroes on your world, how vital Adora is for Eternia's defense."

Adam's breath caught in his throat. He stood up and strode a few steps away, then turned back, his face twisted in distress. "If you know the truth, Antaris, then you know who I was. He-Man's job was to protect Castle Grayskull. Without him, She-Ra is all that stands between power-hungry lunatics and the incredible power housed within Grayskull. I know it seems like the Masters here are incredibly powerful, and should be able to handle it, but if it weren't for He-Man, Skeletor would have laid claim to Grayskull long ago, and he would have ruled the entire universe with it. The power is that immense."

Antaris nodded held up his hand placatingly. "I do not ask you to send her away from her duties. I ask because I had hoped that she would be the one, and that fact meant that the war would soon be over. I do not wish you to endanger your world for even a moment." Antaris paused for a moment as new thought struck him. "Adora fought against Shadow Weaver on Etheria, didn't she?"

Adam's head was swirling with thoughts and emotions. 'If it comes down to it, send She-Ra,' he heard his father's voice echoing in his mind. Leaving a planet in the grip of the Horde went against everything within him, yet without He-Man on Eternia . . . Antaris' words slowly registered with Adam. He gave Antaris an unsettled look. "Yes, she did. Why?"

"Shadow Weaver now allies herself with Devrian. She came to us after the Horde downfall on Eternia." Antaris grew still as a horrific thought came to him. "Could she know of Grayskull's great power? If Devrian succeeds and takes leadership of the Horde..." Antaris' words trailed off at the thought of Shadow Weaver enticing Devrian to attack Eternia, of that vile witch gaining Grayskull's power.

Adam closed his eyes, feeling sick to his stomach. "Yes, but it's worse than that. There's a good chance she knows who Adora and I are."

Antaris grew pale. "If she knows, then she keeps that secret for a reason, Prince Adam, and it bodes evil not just for Carina, but for the very universe. She is powerful and in her time with the Horde on our world, we have made many strides toward building our numbers with Keldor's help, but our people have suffered with plagues sent by her vile sorcery. She has destroyed many brave Carinians that tried to form a resistance moment and her brutality has become the stuff of nightmares since she first came to us. She would have shared the secret of such great power if her plan was for Devrian to remain in power. What if she is securing her position so she can be in a position to take Grayskull's power as her own?"

Adam ran a hand through his hair. "She and Hordak already failed to take Grayskull once before," he murmured, almost to himself. "There's a chance that she believes it to be beyond her reach. But we can't take that chance." He offered Antaris a weak smile. "One of my mother's favorite sayings is that the best defense is a good offense. It's really up to Adora, but it looks like you may have your princess after all."

"I hope, for all of our sakes, that we do. When the Truth Revealed is completed the Horde will be purged from evil forever. If that is the case, Shadow Weaver will no longer have the power of a Horde Armada behind her. Perhaps then she will be unable to threaten anyone again." Antaris looked up at Adam's grieved expression. "I do not wish to take you sister from you. Especially not to send her to war."

"I know you don't, Antaris," Adam assured him, his tone gentle. "Adora and I long for peace, but we know our duty. Adora is the sole bearer of Grayskull's power now. She will go where she is needed."

"You have done amazing things as He-Man, if only a few of the tales I've heard are true. But I am more impressed with you, Adam. Helping someone as entrenched in hatred and bitterness as Keldor once was..." Antaris trailed off. "Only power that strong can ever hope to heal our world."

Adam shrugged self-consciously. "I only did what I thought was right." Seeking to end the uncomfortable conversation, he glanced around and stretched. "I think it's time I made it back to my family, Antaris. Tomorrow's going to be a very long day."

Adam's steps faltered as he drew near to Grayskull. It was the first time he had seen it since He-Man's loss, and he barely recognized the area. Instead of the forbidding gray rock that had surrounded this side of the abyss, there were saplings, bright flowers, and bushes full of shiny leaves. For several minutes he simply looked around. His eyes fell on a stone marker; swallowing hard, he walked slowly over to it.

"In eternal gratitude for the sacrifices made by He-Man, defender of Castle Grayskull, Champion of Eternia, and friend to all," he read aloud. An embarrassed half-smile touched his lips as he ducked his head and approached the front of Castle Grayskull. As he did so, his hand rose a few inches as if of its own accord. Adam shook his head. He no longer had the Power Sword; he wasn't getting in that way.

'Sorceress,' he called mentally. 'Please let me in. I need to speak with you.'

Although Serena did not respond, Adam did sense a feeling of surprise from her as the jawbridge lowered. He entered and found both she and Malick seated on their thrones at the top of the stairs.

"It's good to see you, Prince Adam," Serena said, her voice calm. Malick met Adam's gaze and nodded.

"And you both," Adam acknowledged formally. "Serena, Malick...can you show me Carina, what the Horde is doing there?"

Malick shot Serena a questioning glance. She shrugged so slightly that Adam could not see from his place at the bottom of their thrones.

"It is strange that you should ask that," said Malick finally. "Serena and I have been watching many places of late-Carina being one of them-but our sight there has been limited somehow. It's almost as though someone is blocking us."

"Why is it that you wish to see Carina?" asked Serena, her face not showing the concern that was building in her chest.

Adam clenched his hands, then met her gaze, only his eyes betraying his worry. "Antaris believes Adora is the princess prophesied to help them overthrown the Horde," he explained. "He says Shadow Weaver is there. On Carina."

Serena grasped the arms of her thrones and took in a calming breath. "I have been searching for Shadow Weaver since the time of our final battle with the Horde on Eternia. I have found nothing, but if she is on Carina, it is possible that she using whatever it is that has cloaked her from Grayskull's magic to hide her activities on Carina."

"That would also mean that she has latched onto some great source of strength if she has spread her coverage so far across this Carina," Malick added too low for Adam to hear. Serena barely nodded, acknowledging Malick's statement.

"I do not know if Adora is the one that Antaris seeks. I do know that there is something yet for She-Ra to do. But I do not feel that she is to leave Eternia," Serena said hesitantly. "At least not now."

Adam blew out a breath. "Shadow Weaver's ambitions know no bounds," he said. "If she is there, on Carina, then I think She-Ra is going to need to go after her. But the fact that Hutch, Faker, and Marzo are still running around concerns me." He ran a hand through his hair. "What is the greater danger, really? Hutch and Marzo have rarely come after Grayskull. They are much more intent on the palace. But Shadow Weaver..." Adam shook his head. He couldn't begin to explain how uneasy he felt about the witch.

"We will consider carefully what you have shared with us, Adam," Serena said. "Malick and I will seek the answers for you, but I'm afraid answers of any sort seem difficult to find for either of us of late."

"Your concern is valid," Malick assured Adam. "Anyone who knows the secrets of the swords of Grayskull is a threat and Shadow Weaver is particularly dangerous. I wish we knew more."

"Thank you for your time," Adam said, hiding his irritation. He had hoped to get more guidance from the two of them. He still didn't know what he should say to Adora about the situation when she returned from her honeymoon. 'Hey Adora, I think you should go off to another world and try to overthrow the Horde there...again.' As he left the castle, Adam cringed inwardly, thinking thought about Hawk's reaction to it all. 'Maybe I'd better make him take off his power ring first.'

"What's this all about?" Keldor asked Adam as they entered the "war room." Spread out all over were maps of Eternia, and the latest digital equipment that monitored various parts of the planet.

"In this room?" Adam returned in a low voice, his gaze sweeping around. "Trouble." Duncan and Teela were already present. Fisto entered just behind Adam and Keldor. King Randor stood at the head of the table, not even sitting down to wait patiently. "Big trouble," Adam added, cursing inwardly. Would they never get any peace?

"Thank you all for coming so quickly," Randor said as soon as Fisto was seated. "I'll get straight to the point. Our monitors have indicated a large group of people is massing near Illgar. We have reason to believe it is an army raised by Hutch, Marzo, and Faker."

Keldor groaned internally. 'Truth, I don't guess now would be convenient enough for you to send me a leading?' Keldor paused for a few beats and then sighed. 'I was afraid of that. I wish you'd give me some kind of leading. I haven't heard from you in over a month.'

"Is it the Alma O'dela again?" Teela asked.

Duncan shook his head. "No." He pushed a button and brought up a hologram in the middle of the table. It showed the shadowy image of a large encampment with armed people milling about. "They're all Eternians. Our own people."

Adam blew out a breath. "And they want He-Man as king," he guessed.

"Probably," Randor agreed.

"It has to be some kind of spell," protested Teela.

"No," Keldor said. "Hutch is using a force I never made full use of in my time. Rumors and unrest, hatred and anger, all mixed in with ignorance and politics. Magic may be helping it along, but the core that binds this army is their fear and mistrust."

Keldor grimaced. 'I guess that was my leading?' he thought, sure of his own words. Somehow they did not give him much comfort. Spells could be easily undone. Misunderstanding, fear, broken trust. It had taken Keldor years to recover from those things in his own life.

Everyone exchanged glances. Before the atmosphere could become too uncomfortable, Randor cleared his throat. "I'd like to hear your recommendations," he said to the group.

"Send a surveillance team in to find out exactly what we're dealing with," Adam said immediately. "These pictures are great, Duncan, but they're limited in what they can tell us."

"I think we ought to send someone who can infiltrate their ranks and find out what the heck is going on," Teela suggested.

"I agree with Captain Teela," said Fisto. "We have limited information at this point. We need to find out what this army's goal is."

"You need to stop this before it gets too far. Attack without warning. Sleep gas, and stun cannons to minimize injury. Have Moss Man come trap them in tree branches, anything. Once they are no longer a threat, you will be able to talk with them and find out the situation. I have a bad feeling about allowing this band time to grow stronger and better equipped," advised Keldor urgently. He wished that feeling was based on more than his past experiences during warfare, but he couldn't forget the bloody lessons learned when commanders wasted a chance to strike early.

A short silence greeted his words.

"Attack our own people without provocation?" Randor finally asked, one eyebrow raised.

"It's not exactly without provocation," Fisto pointed out, though he was frowning. "They did attack the palace before."

"We don't know it's the same group," Randor countered. He shook his head. "We need to plan this carefully and be ready, but I do not wish to be the first to strike until we know for sure that Marzo, Hutch, and Faker are behind this."

"They would not hesitate," Keldor pointed out irritably, wishing he were somewhere else.

"That's what makes us different," Adam said matter-of-factly, smirking slightly. "Besides, if we attack, we'll have to postpone your sentencing, and that might be just what Hutch wants-more proof that we're not serious about making you answer for your crimes."

"That's a good point," Randor mused. "We have to be careful not to play into Hutch's hands."

Keldor bit back a groan. They may have a point but after he was sentenced and sent to who-knows-where he wouldn't be able to help them. 'I'll have to make sure Antaris and Jonas leave with the children right after we are sentenced. I don't want them caught up in this.'

Randor drummed his fingers on the golden wood table top. "While I do not want to rush into war, I do agree we need to be prepared. Fisto, recall every soldier who is on leave, effective immediately."

"Yes, Sire," Fisto agreed.

"Duncan, I want you to prepare a plan of attack. Teela, focus on a defensive battle in case they bring the fight to us. Coordinate with your father." Randor paused.

"Yes sir," Teela and Duncan responded together.

Randor stared at Adam thoughtfully. "If this does come to a fight...Adam, perhaps you should take charge of the army. You know the three of them better than anyone."

Adam hesitated before answering, noting Fisto's raised eyebrows. "Sire, I think the Guard will need more time to adjust to the idea of me actually fighting, much less leading them into a battle. I will be happy to assist in any way I can, but perhaps the leadership should remain in Duncan's and Fisto's hands."

Keldor gazed at Adam with a grimace. There was more to his refusal. He shook his head. Adam was probably feeling a lack of confidence without He-Man's strength. Nonetheless, Adam staying out it probably was a good idea. "I think it might be a best if Adam wasn't seen leading this army," Keldor joined in. "He doesn't need to be in a position that makes him vulnerable to Hutch's attack, and we know Hutch would stop at nothing to destroy Adam."

Adam shot Keldor an irritated glare, but before he could say anything, Teela spoke up. "Keldor is right. I know you don't like looking at it this way Adam, but if Hutch or Marzo capture you they will either demand King Randor surrender the throne, or kill you right away. It's too big a risk."

"Now hold on," Adam protested, finding his voice. "I never said I wouldn't go. I just don't think I'm the best choice to lead the army." He shot a dark glance at Teela. 'The cowardly prince act no longer has any place here. The Guard needs to know they will have a king who can fight,' he sent to her.

Teela grimaced but nodded slightly."I still think we need to be careful," she said stubbornly. "As we said, Hutch will go directly after you."

Fisto frowned and hit the table lightly with his large hand, making it shake. "I get the feeling I'm missing something here," he said in a slightly irritated voice. "Adam handled himself just fine against Faker. King Randor spent years trying to get Adam to stand and fight, and now that he is, you people want him to cower here in the castle and hide? I don't get it."

There was a short silence as Randor and Teela flushed red. Adam leaned back in his chair, portraying a sense of easiness he did not feel. Duncan reached up and scratched at his chin thoughtfully.

Keldor put a hand to his stomach and bit back a groan. Seeking to distract them all from hiding the truth, he revised his earlier suggestion.

"I still think you should attack-use non lethal force, but if you won't consider that, send in some troops to take a few of the foot soldiers. I'll go with the soldiers you send. We can question them and I will know whether or not they are telling the truth." Keldor gritted his teeth in annoyance. He felt no confidence at all in what he was suggesting. No leading from the Truth.

Teela nodded her head slowly. One by one, heads turned to Randor.

"I think you all have some good points," Randor finally said, slowly. "Adam, help Duncan and Teela in the planning, and when the time comes, you will fight with the army, but not lead, as you wish. But that will not be any time soon. I want more information first. Fisto, send Mekaneck and Buzz-Off out there to find out what's going on. Take Teela and the Sword of Truth. Perhaps she will have an opportunity to use it on Faker and end this before it begins. Keldor..." Randor paused, then sighed heavily. "I'm sorry, but this is just too close to your sentencing. You need to stay here."

Keldor nodded, placing his hands behind his back so Randor wouldn't see him clenching his fist. He hated not doing something when he believed lives to be in danger. After taking a deep breath to steady himself, he spoke. "I understand and will abide by your decision, Randor. But if Jonas could be convinced to go with the scouting party, he could find the truth for you as easily as Lyn or I could."

Randor nodded. "Keldor, convince him if you can. His special ability would be helpful."

Keldor sensed that there was still more the attack team had to discuss, but he didn't wish to be a part of it a moment longer. "With your permission, Randor?" Keldor asked, trying to keep the irritation from his voice.

"Yes, of course," said Randor, surprised. "You are dismissed."

Keldor strode angrily down the corridor. He knew the sentencing would be soon and the worry he'd fought against with activity every chance he could get was becoming like a trapper vine squeezing him in cords of tension and fear. He was just about to head up the stairs to his suite when he heard Antaris and Jonas talking in the nearby hallway. He turned aside and joined his friends.

"I can tell by your expression that you did not join us for a quick conversation," surmised Antaris. "What is troubling you my friend? If you wish to tell me."

"Later perhaps," Keldor said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Jonas, a small party of warriors is heading to the site where we believe a great force under Marzo's and Hutch's influence is forming an army. I cannot go, but if you could, then you may be able to find the truth out about this group's purpose and aid my family. I would appreciate your help."

Jonas laid his hand on Keldor's shoulder. "I would be happy to serve, my friend."

Keldor mumbled a quick thanks and nodded to Antaris as he turned to leave. "I'll see you tomorrow," Keldor said quietly. He slipped back to the hallway and headed up to spend a few peaceful hours with his family…while he still could.

The small fireplace lit the small sitting room with a golden glow as Micah sang softly in the corner of the room later. Keldor forced himself not to think about the scouting party leaving in the morning. Instead, he focused on his family.

Lyn relaxed in the soft sofa and stroked Keldor's hair as he rested his head in her lap. Keelyanne was cuddled to his chest, her small arms wrapped around his neck. He smiled as Micah started another peaceful tune on the small harp Miro had given him. He saw Neara stretch and cuddle closer into Panthor's side, her fingers petting the cat with great affection.

"I hope she doesn't bother you," whispered Keldor in a voice so low he knew only his feline friend could hear it.

Panthor responded by rubbing his great head against Neara's hand. Keldor allowed this moment to consume him and let the peace and contentment wash away all of his fears and worries. Now he was with his family. For now, at least he was at peace.

Adam hesitated outside the door to Keldor's suite. He hated to disturb the man-the Ancients knew Keldor had little enough time left with his family if the sentencing didn't go his way-but he didn't really have a choice. He glanced over his shoulder at Bedorat, then sighed heavily. He didn't know how the Syriak had gotten out, but it was standing in the hallway staring at him like a long-lost puppy.

"Pies?" Bedorat asked hopefully, drooling slightly.

"Not yet," Adam said firmly. First he'd have to get Keldor to watch the thing while he got some pies-or ask the mage to conjure them. Adam sighed again and knocked on the door, inwardly cringing as he did so. 'I hope I'm not interrupting anything.'

Keelyanne woke with a wail at the unexpected sound.

"Blast it all!" growled Keldor. Lyn took Keelyanne and began to rock her as Neara wandered over to Lyn's side to comfort her little sister. Neara's "It's okay, Keely, Keely," was barely audible above his youngest daughter's cries as Keldor opened the door.

"What?" demanded Keldor as he punched the control and the door slid open.

"Well hello to you too," Adam said dryly, crossing his arms. He jerked his head over his shoulder. "I'm sorry to bother you, but Bedorat got out again."

Keldor ground his teeth but forced himself to calm down. "Of course," he said as he closed the door behind him. "I'll just put a pile of p-i-e-s in his room and have Panthor watch him until Cringer comes back."

Keldor turned to take care of the situation, but Adam placed a hand on his arm to stop him.

"And if it's not too much trouble, make it apple or cream this time, would you?" Adam asked with a teasing smirk, hoping to lighten Keldor's mood. "The dragonberry's staining the carpet." He stopped short, his smile fading. He had been about to tease Keldor that the resident magician was leaving soon and they'd never get the stains out. He mentally shook his head at himself, hoping Keldor's thinking wasn't in line with his own, then changed the subject rapidly. "By the way...when you have a few moments, I'd like to talk to you about Faker."

"Of course," Keldor snapped. "I'll clear my calendar and make sure every free moment I have left to hold my children and love my wife are spent producing pies that won't stain this poor impoverished palace's carpets and I'll be ready at the drop of a hat to talk battle plans, even if I can't be a part of them because I'm going to be imprisoned and not even able to protect the innocent, much less my own children! Of course I'll have time. You should set up a com-line with my prison cell. Then I can conjure you pies or discuss battle strategy with you whenever I'm not stuck in some mine!"

Adam's jaw dropped open, his eyes wide as he stared at Keldor. His mind raced for a moment. He knew Keldor well enough to see the mage needed to let off some steam. Adam had a feeling that Keldor wouldn't spar right now. He obviously just wanted to be with his family. Which meant Adam could either try to diffuse the situation and calm Keldor down...or goad him on in hopes that blowing off some steam would help him.

"Well it's about time you learned your place around here," Adam drawled, his muscles tensing. "I was getting tired of watching you act like you belonged. That's a great idea about putting a com-link line in your cell. I'll have Duncan start on it today."

Keldor was sure his eyes were glowing red. Fury flooded him and before the thought fully formed he became aware that he was throwing all of his strength into an angry right hook.

Expecting the blow, Adam ducked, hoping Keldor wasn't going to hit a wall. There was the muffled sound of a fist hitting flesh. Startled, Adam whirled around as he straightened up. Bedorat stood there, growling softly his hand covering Keldor's fist.

"No hurt friend," Bedorat rumbled at Keldor. His hand tightened on the mage's fist.

Keldor roared in fury and a blue glow flowed to both fists. Blasts of power raced to the collar around Bedorat's neck and the Syriak slumped to the ground, unconscious. Keldor levitated the creature into its chamber and blasted another bolt of power at the door. A hundred locks and chains materialized around the doorway.

Keldor took a shaky breath. "As for Faker," he said bitterly, "without knowing what happened to him to strengthen him, I can do nothing." He turned to leave. He needed to calm down before he re-entered his chamber.

"I think you owe Bedorat some pies," Adam said mildly, leaning back against the wall with his arms crossed and one foot up. His mouth twitched as he glanced at the door, which was completely invisible under the locks and chains. "I don't think I can bring any to him now," he finished in a voice thick with held-back laughter.

Keldor glared at the prince. "Just add it to the impossible-to-repay debt that I already owe society." With that he turned and strode down the hall.

"Keldor, wait," Adam called. He jogged over to his uncle, who had stopped with his hands clenched. "I'm sorry for goading you on. I just figured you'd rather take your frustrations out on me than on your family." He sighed. "I didn't expect Bedorat to defend me."

Keldor gazed at Adam. "It's not your fault that I must pay for my crimes." Keldor took another deep breath. "And I understand you meant to help. But...there's no help for me now." Keldor gazed back at the doorway his family was hidden behind. "I just wish my mistakes wouldn't hurt them."

Adam reached out and grabbed Keldor's shoulder. "Keldor, have faith," he said. "Even if you were sent to the prison mines-which I don't think will happen-you are a servant of Truth, of Good. We don't always get to choose the way in which we serve him. Sometimes what he asks causes pain to those we love." He glanced around and lowered his voice. "He asked for my power, and created pain for many of my friends; now he's asking me to let my sister go again. It's not what I would choose, Keldor." Adam dropped his hand and stepped back. "You're a Truth Sworn. So ask yourself: are you going to worry or serve?"

Keldor looked away. "I will serve, of course," he said flatly. "I will endure pain myself whenever it is needed, but I cannot be at peace when I know my family will suffer." Keldor ran a hand over his face. "I know I should trust, but I cannot bear it when I think I will not be able to see my Keelyanne speak her first word, or see Micah take the Waters to become a Truth Sworn himself one day." Keldor's face grew bleak. "I once scoffed at the power love held. I dismissed it as weakness and foolishness. Now I know that it's power. And the loss of those I love, even the threat of it..." Keldor trailed off. He couldn't say the last words aloud, but the shadow looming over him was breaking him.

"You are borrowing trouble, my friend," said Antaris, approaching from behind Keldor.

Keldor looked at Antaris incredulously. "I don't I have to borrow it. It finds me."

"Your trial is still a week away," Antaris said firmly. "Focus on your now, and let go of what you can do nothing about."

Adam was interested to see the calm and assurance that seemed to flow from Antaris. But more interesting to Adam was the fact that Keldor seemed to accept Antaris' counsel.

"I know you're right," Keldor admitted. "I'm ..." He trailed off.

"Go back to your family, and help where you can, and embrace any joy Truth gives you as a precious gift," Antaris squeezed Keldor's arm bracingly.

Keldor took another deep breath and nodded. He turned to Adam. "Find out from the Sorceress if there is anything she can do to drain some of the power from Faker. Once that extra power is gone I'll be able to undo the magic I performed. Let me know how I can help. I'll stay calm next time." Keldor nodded to both men and turned back to his room, leaving Adam standing across the hall from Antaris.

"Are you all right?" Antaris asked as Adam stared after Keldor.

Adam came back to himself. "Yes." He gave Antaris a lopsided smile. "I'm glad you could calm him down. I'm afraid I managed to push his buttons the wrong way completely."

Antaris chuckled kindly. "I doubt it was completely the wrong way, Prince Adam." Seeing Adam's brow furrow, he tilted his head. "Something on your mind?"

"Yes," Adam replied slowly, Keldor's words re-playing in his mind. "Excuse me, please. I have to go see a friend."