But in that deep sleep all that vanished, a boyish expression coming to the fore. The air of innocence was heightened by the silky hair, leaving the weather-beaten skin, the lines showing life in and around his forehead, eyes dug, forgotten.

Again he found himself lost in the sight he had longed for, longing to wake the other but unable to interrupt his sleep. A look out of the window showed him that the sun had almost set, its mild light bathed the room in warm colors, set golden accents in Jiyo Kael's hair, and deepened the shadows that surrounded him.

Suddenly he stiffened, winced as if he'd heard something,...