#3d#They stood in the shade of the mighty tree.  The two tall warriors contemplated the magical journey that lay just minutes ahead of them.  Michael came out from the forest, head hanging low.
#3d#“We managed to secure the bridge, but . . .” he paused, unable to speak.  “Fier didn’t make it.”
#3d#One of the warriors came forward, “How did he die? I thought the forest was safe.”
#3d#“It is.  It seems that the bridge contained built-up energy from eons of unuse.  When Fier attempted to climb onto the bridge, he was blown back with a blast of immense energy.  He broke his back on a tree.  I’m sorry Kayim, I know he is, I mean, was your friend.”
#3d#Kayim attempted to step forward but faltered, and began to fall, but the other warrior caught him in time.
#3d#“Thanks, Talor, I owe you one.”  Talor smiled.
#3d#“I owe you several, as you owe me.  Don’t mention it.”  He turned to Michael.  “Where’s Ramla?”
#3d#“On his way.  He was close to the bridge when the “accident” occurred.  He was badly burnt, but he’s okay now.  Panther genes or something, he said.”  Kayim managed to stand up.
#3d#“I’d like to speak with him, when he comes, if you don’t mind,” Kayim said.
#3d#“I don’t.”  The deep, if raspy voice came from the forest as the young panther-man came out from within the heavy branches and many leaves.  “I feel horrible.  I should have been the one to die.”  Kayim managed a slight smile.
#3d#“Then how would we infiltrate your world? At least we still have a guide, if not. . .” Kayim’s voice broke off as he choked.  Talor grabbed his friend’s arm.
#3d#“Are you all right?”
#3d#“I’m fine.”
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#3d#“Kayim, is that you?” Kayim studied the female conduit before him.  “They converted me too.”
#3d#“By Lyrna! Rakira! I haven’t seen you years.  Ever since,” he stopped.  He didn’t want to bring that subject up again.  “I was afraid I’d never see you again.”
#3d#“As did I.  I thought you died in the battle of Three-Tower like Landro.  They told us that.”  Her face twisted.  “Wait, that must mean...”
#3d#“Yes, they lied to you.  We, I mean, several of the soldiers, were on a secret mission for the king.  It was supposed to be a secret infiltration to this world.”  He frowned.  “But now that we’re together again, everything will be okay.”  They embraced and shared a passionate lingering kiss.  “I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed that.”  He grinned.  Then, his face fell and he broke down and began sobbing.
#3d#Rakira put her now pawed hand on Kayim’s shoulder and stroked his tail.  “What’s wrong?”
#3d#“It’s . . . Talor.  I left him for dead a long time ago.  I don’t think he survived, but if he did, I wish he could be here with us.”  Rakira stroked his cheek and kissed him on the nose.
#3d#She smiled.  “I hear that’s what they do here for affection,” when Kayim looked up in surprise.”
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#3d#“What, fifteen kids? You two have sure been busy.”  Rakira blushed while Kayim grinned widely.
#3d#“We sure have, Talor.  But what’s this I hear about you? How many women were you with? Twenty, fifty, a hundred, a thousand? You handsome devil, you!”
#3d#“Again with that phrase!” They all laughed a hearty and enjoyable laugh.  Kayim cleared his throat.
#3d#“Well, we best be going.  We have important plans to, uh, contemplate.”  He grinned at Talor.  “I can’t fool you, we just need to hop into the sack.  Number sixteen is on the way,” he said with a wink.
#3d#“I have to go too,” Talor said, before Rakira could respond.  “There’s important work to be done on my people’s planet.  There’s a lot of healing to done.”
#3d#“There sure is Talor, there sure is.”
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(Three books later)
#3d#“So Lord Kayim, how many kids did you have?” The reporter paused.
#3d#“Let me see.  Eighteen thousand kids, forty three thousand grandkids, two hundred thousand great-grandkids, and three million and twelve great-great-grandkids.  And I remember all their names.”