They returned to Azor through the ga’lif system, arriving at Adoniah sometime after midnight - twelve beohsa ae Kathian time. Jeiel had wanted to stop off at the command base and check on matters there for a spell before returning home. He wanted to be completely alone with Jenny and wanted no interruptions. At this late hour, even the servants would be abed and not aware that he had returned.

Once home, Jeiel took her through his chamber, down the stairs and outside, heading in the near darkness to the glade he was so fond of.

“Where are we going?” Jenny asked, uneasy now. The moons were out, but the...