KARINA

Manna's chestnut mare was quiet as she lay her head in Karina's arms, allowing her to gently stroke her soft brown nose. Breathing in the comforting earthy sent of oats and hay, Karina almost imagined that the horse could sense her anxiety and was trying to sooth her. A distinct contrast to the Simar's animal who had happily abandoned her the moment Karina turned him free in the small paddock beside Manna's home. 

Waiting for the High Priestess to emerge, tumult of emotions had become so overwhelming as to cause Karina's mind to seem almost blank, too complicated to tease out any one feeling she might cling to. Instead she allowed herself to become lost in repetitive motion. As her hand slid along Merryweather's slick coat she tried to steady her breath and think of nothing.

"Karina"

Karina jumped at the sound of her name, turning her head to see Simar Temdin walking towards her. Her heart began to beat quickly in her chest as the High Priestess's presence destroyed the calm she'd tried to cultivate. It was time.

"Manna will see you now," Simar informed her, stating the obvious. Karina nodded, casting a hesitant look at the house.

 She hated how frightened she felt. She didn't even understand why. Manna had been the closest thing she'd had to a mother her entire life. How could feel anything other than excitement at the chance to see her again? But staring to the house she had once called home, Karina felt as if she were gazing upon a place that was entirely foreign.

 Perhaps it was because she now knew how much of her life there had been a lie. In the wake of the past week of revelations about her origins, her teacher, her childhood home, even reality itself, seemed to be false. She dreaded the potential of further destroying the cherished memories she'd made within those walls should she find it now tainted with all of the deception. The High Priestess however seemed to have no patience for her reticence.

"Go on then," Simar prompted when Karina did not move. "She is waiting and I'd suggest you make the most of the time you have."

"I..." Karina began, looking into the woman's impassive expression. "What do I say to her?"

"That is not my concern, " Simar answered coldly. "When you have concluded with your teacher I expect you to return immediately to my lodgings."

"I will, priestess," Karina answered dutifully.

The woman eyed her for a moment before opening the padlock and retrieving her horse who had come at the sound of his master's voice.

"See to it that you do," she said "I would stay till the two of you were concluded but there is more I must do to prepare for our journey, and I must fetch Mina Krin. She will stay with us this evening so we may depart before sunrise."

"Mina is to come as well?" Karina asked with confusion. "Might she still be named Nita in my place?"

"Do not be foolish, girl," Simar scoffed. "Mina is already a sworn member of our sacred Initiate. It is her wish to travel to Sithrah to further her training now that her teacher has left this world."

Karina felt an uncomfortable squirming in her stomach at the though. She'd already begun to dread making the long journey to the Initiate's home with the critical priestess, but to imagine making the trek with Mina as well...Though it was not her choice, Karina knew she had stolen Mina's future. Fiona's former student must hate her.

"Do not concern yourself with such things now." Simar said, checking Arrow's girth before climbing into his saddle.

Karina nodded, trying to push the thought from her mind as the woman suggested. She had enough worries to focus on already.

"Just be certain you are home before dark," Simar added, turning her horse and riding off, leaving Karina with no choice but to walk to the door of Manna's home and face her teacher.

As Karina came through the doorway, she saw the old woman bent over, tending the fire. Though her back was towards her, she felt certain that Manna could sense that she was there, yet her teacher did not turn around. Karina imagined that she was waiting for her to speak first but as she stood there staring at the back of her mentor, no words came to her mind.

"Manna, I have come," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

Her words sounded so awkward and formal. Karina was ashamed by them. She'd so hoped that in Manna's presence she would somehow suddenly know what to say, but in the wake of Karina's voice, only silence echoed back. Mocking her. She felt a red heat of frustration and embarrassment creeping into her cheeks.

"Manna?" she tried again.

The old woman turned this time, slowly straightening as she did. As she stood there, staring back, Karina felt as if their bodies were somehow farther apart than the mere length of the room. Manna seemed miles away, as if they were in different dimensions, gazing at each other like strangers.

Tears began to form in Karina's eyes. Here they were together, for the final time, and Manna did not run to her. She just stood there, her stillness seeming to confirm all of Karina's worst fears. Her teacher blamed her for the horrible death she would soon face. How could she not? If it were not for her existence, the woman would not be sentenced to die and she must be resentful. Why else would she not speak?

"Manna, do you hate me?" The tears slipped down her face as Karina asked the question, big, wet, and salty. She did not wipe them away. She knew her voice sounded impossibly small. Weak, childish, and scared. It didn't matter. None of that mattered if Manna would grant her forgiveness for her part in her death. But what if she didn't. Karina's heart beat unsteadily in her chest, terrified to hear the woman's response.

It can't be, her mind protested. She loves you! But everything Manna had ever told her was a lie. What if her love was too. What if the last remaining person in the world who might have cared for her really did hate her. Karina watched as Manna's eyes clouded with sorrow. Her mouth forming into something between a smile and a frown.

"I was about to ask you the same thing," she said.

Relief washed over Karina as the old woman held her arms open and she ran into them with abandon, pressing herself into her teacher's body, warm and soft. Manna's arms wrapped around her tightly, her embrace filed with undeniable love and compassion, speaking more than words ever could.

"I'm so sorry Karina," Manna whispered, stroking her hair. "I am so very, very sorry."

Karina said nothing. She pressed her body in closer, filling herself with Manna's scent, the smell of flowers and cinnamon. Drinking in the essence of her kindness. How could it be that this woman, this life would soon be no more?

"Manna," she said. "Please don't leave me."

She felt Manna's hands on her shoulder gently holding her at arms length. Looking into her teacher's lined face she could see Manna' eyes were wet with sorrow, but she was smiling as well.

"So you do forgive me?" she asked.

Karina stared in disbelief. How could she even question? Manna was sacrificing her life to save her. Karina bit her lip and tried to keep a fresh wave of tears at bay. I am supposed to be strong for Manna, she reminded herself.

As if reading her thoughts Manna grasped her face in her hands, stroking her cheek gently with her thumb as she had when Karina was a small child.

"You are so strong, my beautiful one," she said. "I know you never wanted this fate, and you should never have had to face the truth in such a horrible way. Perhaps I should not have hidden it from you in the first place."

Karina shook her head. "It doesn't matter," she said. "But now the Council," she stopped, tears choking her words, "The Council is going to..." she couldn't bring herself to say the words aloud. Execute. Karina shook her head again in frustration. "It's all because of me."

"No Karina," Manna said firmly. "My sentence is the result of my own actions. I knew the consequences when I swore my life away, and the Council had every right to reach the decision they did."

"But you will die," Karina protested, wishing more than anything that there was something that might erase the reality of that truth.

"We all die," Manna answered as she hugged Karina tightly again. "Our lives are so fragile. At any moment they might be ripped away. Accident, illness, age, any one of these could stop our hearts forever. From birth, the shadow of death is always by our side. I may face my end at the hands of an executioner at week's end, or I might take to my bed tonight and never wake. Tomorrow is never a guarantee.

"That is what makes the human race so remarkable, Karina. So brave. Each and everyone of us knows how short our time truly is and still we plan. We dream up impossible dreams and see them through. Those who are truly wise learn to embrace their mortality. The limited quantity of days we have makes our time on earth all the more precious."

Karina looked up at her teacher, trying to take in her words.

"In the end, it is not our deaths that define us," Manna said, "it is our lives. What we did, who we touched. I am not sad in my final moments. I am glad for all the moments that have come before. I am grateful for my life. Can you understand that?"

Karina knew the things Manna said were true, but it didn't seem to matter. The Council had forgiven and condemned her teacher in the same breath. How could Manna accept that so easily accept such an end when she had done nothing to earn it.

. "It's not fair," Karina said, pulling away slightly as she wiped at her tears in frustration.

"Life is not fair," Manna answered. "It simply is. At a certain point we must accept that fact. You must accept it.

Karina nodded, trying to emulate her teacher's bravery. Manna smiled.

"In truth, leaving you is the hardest thing I must face in accepting my sentence. I wish so much that I could live to see you grow into your future. To be there as you fail and succeed, make mistakes, and learn from them. I wish I could be there at your side to watch, to comfort, to support. But we must never regret the things we cannot change."

Manna took up Karina's hands in her own squeezing them tightly. "You have been given so many gifts. You are strong, and smart, and talented. Focus on that. The things you do have. Never dwell on what you do not."

Karina nodded again.

"And, at least for today, we are together still," Manna said. "Here and now we have each other. For that, I am truly  grateful."

"So am I," Karina answered, relieved that it was the truth. Manna gave Karina's arm a light squeeze. 

"Come and sit with me by the fire and let us enjoy this time Simar has graciously granted. Tomorrow you will begin your journey to Sithrah. How many times have you begged me to take you there? It is your destiny to see its beautiful halls, the mountains all around." Manna smiled wistfully at the thought of it. "And within that sacred space, you will officially take on the position of Nita. The greatest honor our people can bestow. Is that not something to celebrate?"

 Her face lit up, eyes sparkling. Karina found her own smile fighting to return to her face in spite of herself, for a moment caught up in her teacher's enthusiasm as Manna ushered her to her favorite spot by the hearth.

With Karina seated, Manna went to the stove, returning with a steaming cup of tea. Karina took it gratefully, inhaling the sweet smell of ginger, her favorite.

"I have another treat," Manna said, coming back once again, this time with a plate of cookies. Karina took one in in her hand and raised it to her mouth, tasting the soft, buttery, cinnamon sweetness melting on her tongue as she nibbled at its edges. Manna at down across from her taking her own cookie from the plate she set down between them.

Surrounded by the warmth of the fire, the taste of sugar, and Manna's flowery sent, Karina finally felt some of her fears lifting from her body. She could almost forget about what tomorrow might bring. Almost forget the fact that she would never see her teacher again. It didn't matter. Manna was right. What mattered was the present.

"I have something for you," Manna said. Karina's eyes widened as Manna unwrapped the cloth bundle she took from her pocket. Her mother's knife. The knife she now knew to be Fiona's.

"But..." Karina began. "Where did you? How did you get it? The High Priestess took it from me at the cabin. I knew I shouldn't ask for it."

"Simar Temdin should never have taken the athamé," Manna said, her lips pressing together slightly. "This object is yours by right and must never have another owner." Karina could hear the severity in Manna's tone, her eyes sharpening as she held Karina's gaze. "Do you understand?"

Karina nodded and Manna passed her the knife. Taking the dagger from its sheath, Karina stared at the glinting blade as it caught the light of the fire, moving her hands along its carved handle as if seeing it for the first time. And then she felt it as she never had before. Fiona's power. It was as if the knife was vibrating, humming with life.

"That knife contains strong magik," Manna said, "and only you can wield it. A ritual was performed before the Nita left for the Capitol and through this object her power was bequeathed to you upon her death." She sighed.

 "Your mother was involved in a great many dangerous activities. She was so very concerned with aiding our people that she did not always look out for her own best interest."

"Like you." Karina said, for an instant she felt the pain creep back as she thought of Manna's own sacrifice.

Manna smiled with a slight shake of her head, "We will not talk of that," she said gently. "As I said, Fiona took risks, but she was insistent that she protect you in the event of her death. That is why she bound herself to you through this knife. An object you both had called your own." Manna paused, her smile wavering as she met Karina's gaze.

"She loved you Karina," she said, tears forming in her eyes. "She wanted you to know that. She always had your best interest at heart and hated how cruel she was towards you. It was the only way she could protect herself from getting too close. That is how much she loved you. She was willing to make you hate her for fourteen long years. To do anything to keep you safe. This knife is proof of that."

Karina looked back down at the athamé. It was hard to imagine still, the truth of her mother's identity. As she ran her thumb along the shiny surface of the blade she tried to call up a picture of Fiona in her mind along side the image of this loving mother Manna claimed she had been. But Fiona was always so distant. Cold like the steel Karina now held in her hand. She couldn't quite reconcile the difference in her mind. Manna's insistence on Fiona's love seemed only to bring up the resentment Karina knew she still felt towards her teacher's lies.

"But how do I use it?" Karina asked, trying to push away the frustrated thoughts in her mind before Manna might see them. Her teacher eyed her for a moment and perhaps sensing Karina's desire to change the subject, she did not push her affirmation of Fiona's love any further. Instead she simply sighed.

"I wish we had more time," she said. "That we could live together now as we have, with no secrets between us and I could answer all the questions you might have. But this cannot be, and as I said, we must not regret the things we do not have and cannot change. 

"Here is what I can tell you about the blade in your hand. As you know, it is not an average knife. It must never be used to cut anything within this realm. It is instead, a conduit for all the power you might pull from yourself and the world around you. But more than that, in carrying the residual power of the Nita, the athemé confirms you as Fiona's chosen successor. Do you understand?"

"I guess so," Karina replied uncertainly.

Manna smiled. "You will," she said. "In truth, so much of learning can only be accomplished through doing. Imagine if Caleb had merely told you how to hold a sword or shoot an arrow. Until you tried it yourself, you would not have known how to use your tools. Magik is no different.

" I can only tell you to trust your instincts Karina Amoral. They are good. I have faith in them. Though you may not realize it, I am a hard woman to impress." Manna reached out and put her hand on Karina's lap. "You have never disappointed me." 

Karina nodded, trying to feel comfort in her teacher's words. She could not help but hear the High Priestess's harsh rebukes of the past few days. How dissatisfied she seemed to be in Karina's abilities.

"But there is something else you must know," Manna continued. "The elders of Sithrah may ask to see that knife to confirm Fiona's commitment to you. You must let them do so, but under no circumstances may they take it from you. I have warned Simar already. If any use that object without your approval, the consequences will be dire for them. I have made certain of that."

Manna's tone was frightening. Karina could not help but wonder what might happen to one who attempted to find a way around whatever enchantment her teacher might have put on the knife, but she didn't dare ask, merely sliding the athemé back into its sheath.

"The knife will also help in your ability to channel the denizens of the faery realm," Manna continued. "But considering the friends you keep I suspect you know that already."

Karina looked up from the knife in surprise. "You know about Serifina?" she asked.

Manna nodded.

"That spirit is very powerful Karina. You must be careful when you use her name. Though the fae are difficult to read I think she truly cares for you, but you must be cautious with their kind. They view the world quite differently than we to. It is useful to gain the favor of one so strong, but dangerous as well. Know too, that others might try to use your bond with the sylph for their own purposes. You must never reveal her name to anyone else without her permission, not in our realm or theirs. Do you understand?"

"But why?"

"Names are very powerful Karina. You should know that from the Great Book. You must also be careful with your own name. It carries both power and hidden dangers of which you might not be aware. This goes for your title as well. My biggest regret is that I leave you with so many enemies. 

"Those who are gifted are often targets for people seeking to gain their own power, but my actions have left the Council bitter. The Initiate too will be discontent with the secrecy Fiona and I employed in hiding you from them. For that I am truly sorry. As Nita you will need to work with the Council of Elders and the Initiate very closely, but you must never let your guard down among either."

Karina nodded her understanding, though in her heart she felt only despair. Even among her own people it seemed she would have no friends. She knew that Avery Trenton must still be angry with her and remembered Simar's word of warning clearly. TheCouncil had been so close to condemning her to death and still might should she disappoint them. Would the women of the Initiate be a danger to her as well?

"It is an unfortunate reality of human nature," Manna said, answering her unasked question. "People will always seek to use others in whatever way they can to achieve their own goals. It is an instinct of survival. But you cannot allow any to use you to feed their ambitions. Not unless the benefit is mutual. I have tried so hard to raise you to believe in the good in people and it is essential that you continue to do so, but you must never be naïve."

"But how will I know who to trust?" Karina asked, trying to keep the desperation from her voice. In her words Manna was confirming every one of her fears. How could she possibly protect herself?

"That too is something I cannot teach you. You must learn these things on your own. Here is what I can tell you. The spirit Serifina has your best interest in mind. Listen to her. She can see things in the heart of men that we cannot. 

"You know well that Avery Trenton holds a grudge still against your mother and myself. He might try to take his anger out on you. Do not let him. You are the rightful Nita and he must give you respect. The Council leader presumes to hold power he does not. "

"And Simar?"

Manna hesitated. "Simar will be your teacher," she answered cautiously, "but remember, once you have been installed as Nita, you will be above even her. Simar is good at heart but she is also one who is very much interested in her own dreams. Know that you have the power to stand against her if the need arises. Be an obedient student. There is still much you must learn before you can take on your position fully and the High Priestess can teach you, but always be weary of her motives."

Karina nodded, overwhelmed and frightened to imagine how vulnerable she would soon be without her teacher's protection. Manna put a hand on her shoulder.

"The life of the Nita can be a lonely one," she said sympathetically. "But perhaps there is hope that you can open your heart and be more trusting than I was in my lifetime. Maybe your instinct will be better than mine as well. I regret now that I did not trust the Initiate more fully. That I was not more honest with the Council. Perhaps if I had trusted, things would have turned out differently."

"But if you had been wrong."

"I may still have been condemned, and lost you and Fiona in the process. Still, now we will never know. This is why I say to you Karina, these are lessons you must learn for yourself. I do not have all of the answers. There may be no true answers to be had."

Karina nodded.

"There is one more person you can trust," she continued. "Your teacher Caleb Blackwell. He is my dearest friend and as long as he breaths he will defend you with his very life."

Karina felt as if a weight had been lifted from her heart. When she had seen Caleb's face at the sentencing, he had look so cold, so detached, entirely indifferent, as if he had not cared whatsoever whether or not she or Manna lived or died.

"But at the meeting..."

Manna held up a hand to stop her. "I feared greatly for Caleb," she said. "He has known all along your true identity and guarded that secret well. Before the Assembly I who asked him to remain silent ad the meeting and keep his distance. He could only have succeeded in threatening his own life. "

"He knew." Karina said in disbelief. "He knew all along. Simar had asked me but."

"What did you tell her?" Manna asked, cutting her off with a suddenly frightening intensity.

"I did not know the answer to her question," Karina answered quickly. " I couldn't answer. And of course I didn't want to get Caleb in trouble."

Manna nodded and Karina saw her body relax again. "You must never reveal that knowledge to anyone Karina," she said sternly. "Even now, the repercussions of such information could cost Caleb his life. I only tell you, because I believe you can keep such secrets and I want you know that even within the Council you are not without allies. There are others as well. Men who knew and respected your mother and myself. Men who respect the position of Nita."

Karina nodded.

"And I tell you something now because I wish us to have as little secrets from each other as possible as I leave this world," Manna said. "Caleb has been more than a friend to me. I have loved him."

Karina was shocked but did her best to hide it. Her teacher laughed, no doubt seeing her surprise. 

"I know it seems strange, for an old woman to speak of love, but I reveal this secret so that you can learn from me. To love is one of the greatest pleasures in life. I have loved so many things. I loved You, I loved Fiona, I loved my people. Love can bring you heartache. It can tear at your very soul, but without it, life is not worth living." Manna smiled at her. "Never forget that fact."

"Did my mother love my father?" Karina asked, Manna's words sparking the question in her mind.

The old woman hesitated. "I believe she did at one point yes. But things became complicated between them. It is very hard to love a Nita."

"But who was he? Does he still live?"

"Unfortunately Karina, that is one secret I intend to keep. It is not that I don't trust you, or do not believe it is within your right to know. If fact, I am certain that one day you will find out for yourself. But for now, knowledge of your father's identity will only complicate certain important decisions you will likely be force to make. Your father never knew that Fiona was pregnant. He dose not know of your existence. You may find that your paths will cross and you cannot allow emotion to cloud your judgment when they do. It is for that reason that I keep his name a secret still."

"I don't understand."

"I know," Manna answered. "You simply must trust me." She quickly changed the subject.

"I have a gift for you," she said. From her neck, Manna took the amulet she always wore.

"This was given to me by my teacher on the day I entered the Initiate," she said. "I want you to have it now." She passed the necklace to Karina. As the Karina's hands touched it, she felt a shock as power surged through her body.

"When I leave this world," Manna said. "My powers will pass to you through this amulet as Fiona's did through her knife. You must always keep it on you Karina. Do you understand?"

Karina nodded.

"With this amulet and your mother's athemé, you will have the strength of two Nitas to add to your own. I know you cannot yet realize what this means, but combined with your own innate abilities," she paused, "I do not believe another in the history of our people has ever possessed as much power as you soon will." The words sent a chill down Karina's spine.

"Manna," she said quietly, almost not wishing to ask her question. "The High Priestess told me something when she first spoke to me. She told me that there was a prophecy, that I could bring the destruction of the Senmin."

Manna stared into Karina's eyes. "No Karina. You will bring our salvation."

She spoke with absolute certainty, but Karina could not help but hear Simar's words ringing in her head. Manna seemed to sense her fears. She took hold of Karina's hand.

"When you were born," she said, "A great force came with you. It was fierce and powerful. I was frightened. I knew the language of the prophecy and I feared that Astar's words had brought a curse upon our people." She paused, a smile forming on her lips. "But as you grew, and the force failed to return I realized the truth. It was you Karina, your pure soul, your goodness, tamed that power on the day of your birth. Even as an infant you had that capacity, the skill to reign in the darkness and project light. That is how I knew. Karina Amoral, you are destined to lead the Senmin out of the darkness which has plagued us for so long."

Karina tried to feel comfort in Manna's words, in the warmth of her hands as they clasped her own, and she still could not quite believe, as her teacher seemed to, that she might be some sort of savior. She was only herself. Only Karina. That had never meant very much before.

"Come," Manna said as she released her grip. "We have talked enough of grave matters. Let us simply enjoy the time we have left together."

And so the hours past. She and Manna talked of nothing important. They sat by the fire, ate cookies, sipped tea, and Karina imagined that this was an ordinary day. It was her gift to her teacher and to herself. 

When Manna read Karina's favorite stories from the Great Book Karina drank in Manna's words, and voice like a person dying of thirst. It seemed as if she had only just arrived when Manna looked to the clock on the shelf by the fire, and a sadness passed over her features.

"Karina," she said gently. "It is time." With her words the illusion was shattered. The cold dread Karina had been keeping down since she had arrived washed over her with such force she wondered if she had the strength to stand.

"Please don't make me go," she said.

"You and I both know that there is no other path that that which the God has laid before us." Manna's tone was kind but firm. Karina forced herself to her feet.

"Merryweather is waiting outside," Manna said. "She is yours now. Promise me you will take good care of her."

Karina hadn't ever thought to ask how she was to get to Simar's lodging. The thought of taking Manna's horse made the finality of their visit all the more real. Her teacher didn't need a horse anymore. By the week's end she would be...

"Only smiles," Manna commanded, seeing Karina's expression. "For me" she smiled as if to cement her point. Karina managed to force her mouth to comply.

"That's my girl." Manna opened the door for her and gently nudged her outside.

When the horse saw their approach she pricked up her ears and gave a happy whiney.  Manna walked up to her and, reaching into her skirt pocket, retrieved an apple. She stroked the creature gently as the horse munched on the treat.

"You be good and look after Karina," she said to the animal. Karina watched as Merryweather's eyes seemed to focus on Manna, as if she could understand her words.

Her teacher lifted a saddle onto the horses back, securing it well before addressing the animal again. "Safe travels my friend." Manna whispered as she kissed the horse's nose. The animal nuzzled Manna affectionately and the old woman smiled, giving the horse's neck one final stroke.

"Alright," she said, turning back to Karina. "Are you ready?"

Karina hesitated. "I don't know if I can do this without you," she said.

Manna touched her cheek gently. "Karina, you still have not even begun to realize what you can do. But I have so much faith in you. You will understand how much power and strength you have soon enough. Not just magik. You are a strong woman in your own right." She kissed the top of her head. "Never forget that"

Manna reached out her hand, gently pressing the amulet that hung from Karina's neck into her chest. Karina felt the pressure of the cold stone through her clothing. As the old woman held it in place it almost seemed to warm with some comforting force.

 "Never forget the gifts you have been given by those who have loved you."

Karina stared into her mentor's eyes, trying to affix their clear blue gray intensity in her mind so she truly would obey Manna's command. She would never forget.

After a moment, Manna released her hand. "You have to go now," she said.

Karina nodded squeezing her eyes tight, trying to shut away the tears. It was no use. "Goodbye Manna," she said softly, letting the salt-water drip gently down her cheeks, scarcely daring to meet Manna's gaze again lest she lose control completely. Karina felt Manna's arms wrap around her in an embrace so tight, it felt unbreakable.

"I love you so much," Manna said. Karina let her face be crushed against the woman's warm chest, savoring her smell, her strength. When they separated, Karina could almost feel Manna's arms around her still, even as her teacher helped her into the horse's saddle.

"Remember, I will always be with you," Manna said, squeezing her hand in reassurance. "Nothing can part our spirits, not even the God himself." Karina forced a smile to her lips and tried as hard as she could to maintain it even as she felt Manna's fingers slipping from her grasp.

"Now off with you," Manna said, giving a little slap to the horse's rear. Merryweather started at that, and Karina had to pull up on her reins to turn the horse back one final time.

The old woman smiled as their eyes met. "We will meet again someday Karina," she said. "Have faith. No one we truly love is ever lost. But you must go now before it gets dark."

Karina nodded, turning Merryweather toward the road.  Riding off with one final wave behind her Karina felt the cold air press against her face as the horse picked up speed, for the first time forgetting Manna's fate enough to wonder what the road ahead would bring for her own future. 

When she had cleared the hill and Manna's cabin was far in the distance, she stopped for a moment, taking a final look at her old home. She touched her belt where Fiona's knife was sheathed before moving her hand to stroke Manna's amulet on her neck.

"May the lord give me strength," she said in silent prayer. Karina gave the horse a great kick, and galloped ahead to meet her fate.

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So...Karina is off on her journey and many of the loose ends have been tied up ( at least to some degree) One more chapter remains in the book. I know many of you have tons of questions about other characters, but hopefully you will see in the next chapter that this is a natural stopping point in the story.Leaves all the more stuff for book two;-) If you have specific nagging questions that are bothering you though, I'd love to hear them. Anyhoo... Thoughts on this scene? Its been a more challenging one to try to get right and I'm still not certain it is there yet, so I'd love to know what you thought of it:-)