Chapter 13

The armored commander's wagon stopped in front of the Home of the Trains. And armor-clad figure made it's way off, and staggered into the Home of the Trains, and up to the Queen's residence.

Entering the Queen's chamber where the Queen waited, the armored figure threw Srannath's backpack to her.

What is this? Isalak demanded to know.

This is the end of your rule, Isalak, the armored figure said, and removed the helmet. There was the bloody face of Barktish, glaring at the Queen. And the end of my brought his bomb here!?I don't need a sister like you, Barktish said. I found something better. I couldn't be his lover, or his master. But for the last moments of my life, I am his sister.

Isalak fell back onto her cushion-like throne, only staring in shock.

And that's an honour I share with nobody in the City, Barktish said.

From the healer's house, several hours of speedy driving away from the City, Ateek and Rastna could see a large cloud of fire enveloping the City from the Home of the Trains. They sat outside, on one of several benches the healer apparently had set up for people waiting.

It's the end of the City, Rastna said.

Ateek said. She was crying. Rastna held her. I could still have been there, she said.

No, you couldn't. You weren't. If you hadn't come with me to the Temple, none of us would have been there. Srannath would have forced someone else along. The outcome had been different.I know, she sobbed. But there were so many like me there...Did you hear what Srannath told Barktish? First something about death waiting, then that none of us know when our time is up. Do what you will with your time, he said. You escaped, twice.

Ketkas came out from the healer's house. It wasn't a large house, but it had several rooms, both for patients and travellers. there were a few farms nearby, that supplied the healer with food and whatever he or she would need.

I was sent out, she told them. Is that a good thing?I don't know, Rastna said. I think... I think I was sent out when the healer tried to help our mother. But I don't know, maybe there's some secret ancient art that's got to be performed, that you couldn't witness, or then they needed rest. I don't coming, Ateek whispered. That particular healer, a silent, hooded, slender figure, that could be either male or female, but not even necessarily human, came to them. The healer stopped to look at the fire of the City, then grabbed Rastna's shoulder.

Does that mean they're dead? he asked. For a moment the healer did nothing, but then shook it's head. They'll live?

The healer's grip on his shoulder tightened for a moment. Then, the healer patted it, and returned to the house.

I think that means they're resting now, Ateek said.

Rastna agreed. Good news, then.

Srannath, lying in a bed next to Ialin, was awake for a moment. He looked around, and saw the healer. he asked. What happened?

The healer shook it's head, and motioned at Srannath to rest.

Will she be all right? he asked.

The healer did nothing, for a moment, just as when Rastna had asked if he and Ialin were going to live. Then, as if hit by a sudden revelation, the healer grabbed Srannath's hands, and nodded.

A few days later, the ambulance drove through the square of the familiar town of trade, and up the road towards the Temple. When it stopped, not far from the Temple, Ketkas ran out and into the Temple, and soon came out with two acolytes.

She led them to the ambulance, and they lifted out Ialin, Srannath going with them, next to the stretcher she was lying on. She was half awake, still recovering. Rastna and Ateek also followed them, as did Ketkas.

They carefully carried her down the stairs, and into to a fresh smelling room, one with a lot of plants, windows in the ceiling as well as in the walls, a not too large room, but with space enough for the whole group to be, without making it feel crowded. She was laid down on a bed there, to continue her rest.

A familiar priestly figure appeared in the hallway outside. Gadarshi, one of the acolytes discreatly nudged Srannath in the side, so he turned to notice it. He left the room, to meet Tesodin.

I know the last time we spoke, I was... Srannath started, but Tesodin wasn't listening the slightest. He just gave Srannath a huge, warm hug. After noticing Srannath's ribs weren't all in shape, Tesodin easened the embrace slightly.

We hoped you would return, Tesodin said. I'm glad you found City has been destroyed, Srannath said.

So I've heard, Tesodin replied. It was inevitable. There's always been radicals among our priests. I'm glad you survived.I blessed them, Srannath said.

I figured you it rhymed.

Tesodin's eyebrows went up. Should I tell Gaiblin? He laughed. Srannath chuckled, then choked. I'll let her know you're back. Go back to your love.

Srannath, relieved, went back to Ialin, and sat down on the bed next to hers. The acolytes carried the stretcher back to the ambulance, as they had gotten Ialin over onto the bed.

she said.

he asked.

I wasn't sure you were coming for me, she said. I thought I was alone. I wanted to die. But I couldn't. Srannath closed his eyes, nodding.

Rastna asked. Dying shouldn't be very difficult.I had no hope, Ialin said. I had no life. I had no dreams. I had what kept you alive? Ateek asked.

Srannath smiled. A promise, he said.

Ialin answered: I had no choice.