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By Root 871 0

under the window, holding the wooden blades he'd used, tutored by his father, Akaien, and various older cousins. They ranged from the first tiny one that had been put into his hands when he'd only just learned to walk, up to the scarred, deeply notched wooden long sword with which he'd beaten nearly every challenger. From the very beginning it had felt right and good to have a sword in his hand, and swordsmanship had become his first passion. His quick reflexes, determination, and rapidly developing skill had earned him the respect of his elders. All except for his father, of course.

Alec closed the door and hugged Seregil. "Bilairy's Balls, we finally made it!"

Seregil laughed softly. "It's certainly better than where we ended up last time."

Sebrahn was already at the window, standing on tiptoe to see out past the sword rack. Seregil picked the rhekaro up so he could see the empty garden outside, and the leafless trees that cast lacy, dancing shadows across the far wall over the bed at dawn. Seregil sighed, remembering himself being held the same way, in the strong loving arms of his sisters or uncle, when he was very small. That felt like someone else's life now, and he supposed it was. Then strong arms embraced Seregil and Sebrahn together, and Seregil knew that Alec wouldn't let him go until he was sure of his mood. Seregil turned and kissed him. "I'm fine. Lots of good memories here. I was a happy child, believe it or not. I had good friends, and kin who loved me."

"They still do and so do I, tali," Alec said, looking far too serious. "This is your home."

Seregil shook his head with a soft laugh. "Home is wherever you are, tali. This is just someplace I used to live."

Alec's arms tightened. "Don't say that. I never had anyplace like this. It was just one inn or camp or tent after another, just my dad and me. You shouldn't take any of this for granted."

"Duly noted." Which was why they weren't going to be staying here long; not while they had Sebrahn with them.

When everyone was bathed and dressed in clean clothing, Seregil led them to the great hall at the center of the house, holding Sebrahn's hand on one side and Alec's on the other. Adzriel had made certain even the rhekaro had proper feasting clothes, and Alec had trimmed and braided Sebrahn's hair and his own.

"With his hair like that, you can really see the resemblance between you two," Micum noted.

"That's why I did it," Alec replied. "I want to see if it helps people accept Sebrahn more easily."

The feast was laid out, and Seregil found himself in his old place at table with his sisters and Akaien. Sebrahn knelt on a cushion on the chair between him and Alec and paid no attention to the courses as they came.

But Seregil did, recognizing many childhood favorites. There was spiced pear cider; venison roast with wine sauce; and a huge galantine pie thick with lamb, chukka, currants, and bog berries. There were beets with marrow, toasted hazelnuts, chestnut pudding, and turnips mashed with carrots, all served up with fragrant brown loaves of Aunt Alira's wheat bread and sweet butter still cold from the well room.

Ilina, who was quite taken with Sebrahn, eyed him with concern. "Why isn't the little one eating?"

"Alec fed him a little while ago," Seregil told her, which was true.

Just before the sweets course, Uncle Akaien looked down the table and waved to Seregil, motioning for him and Alec to join him. Micum had been given an honored place at his side.

"How does it feel to be home, nephew?" asked Akaien.

"Good, so far. It's been so long."

"I noticed that you weren't carrying the sword I sent to you at Sarikali."

Seregil gave him a rueful look. "I'm afraid I lost it--"

Akaien shook his head. "Another one!"

"It was in a good cause. It shattered while I was fighting a dra'gorgos. Not successfully, unfortunately. Alec lost his the same way. The ones we have now we stole in Plenimar."

"I see."

"I lost my bow, too," Alec added. He wasn't sure which had been the more grievous loss.

"Damn, and I wanted another match!" Kheeta said, overhearing, as