Narcissa looked out over the serene waters of the Sea of Power. She smiled as the wind caught her hair and thought the sun had never looked more beautiful. The water seemed to sparkle in the morning light, and Sahshir seemed more at ease. Winds kept things reasonably cool, and the clouds kept out the glare. He was sitting cross-legged upon the pier, polishing the Sword of Order. His armor had been shed in favor of his black garbs.

Still, even the day after the tournament, Narcissa was surprised at what had come after. "So, he freed them all?"

"Yes, and he gave them all an equal split of the treasure he'd won," said Sahshir. "After providing a stipend to Belosh, of course. Other than that, he took only a tiny amount to pay for repairs to his clothes.

"Isamu is wiser than I expected."

"Wise?" asked Narcissa. "He gave up a fortune worth of money. That could have been used to do all kinds of things."

"What is money?" asked Sahshir.

"It's how we pay for things," said Narcissa.

"Yes, but why do we use it for that?" asked Sahshir. "Do ordinary people need pieces of silver in their everyday life? No, food is far more useful, as is water. So why do men obsess over it?"

"Because you can get all kinds of things with it," said Narcissa, not understanding the point.

"Exactly," said Sahshir. "It has been declared by mortals to have a value that can be used to purchase goods. And those who own the goods may, in turn, do the same. Before the worshippers of Coinfurth forged money, men used to barter to get what they needed.

"But, not all areas had the same resources, nor did they have the same needs for resources. So, a man who needed cloth but only had grain could not necessarily trade grain for cloth. Instead, he would have to trade grain for other commodities that men with cloth needed. Or, failing that, trade grain for some other commodity. One those who had what men with cloth needed."

"Complex," said Narcissa, sitting beside him and putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Drastically so," said Sahshir, gazing at the ships. There were four of them, the swiftest vessels even now being loaded. Men and servants were there, and further down was Belosh's ship. It was a far grander affair, with much decoration and a fleet.

Sahshir had said he didn't mind being overshadowed openly. It was only his actions that would define how he was treated. Even now, were being loaded for their journey. "Which is why money provides an out. It becomes so by declaring that rare resources, which can be anything, are valuable. Silver or seashells, so long as we believe it has value, you have a universal good. Thus, the man can sell his grain, then use the money he gains there to gain cloth."

Narcissa removed her hand and sighed. Her thoughts turned to Sen Kaba and the gruesome second Sornian War. "You've been studying a lot about Sorn, haven't you? I'm surprised; I thought you hated Sornians."

"I thought to research Sorn, a society of merchants, to better understand that part of my kingdom. I have come to appreciate the value of all classes in my time as King," said Sahshir. He finished polishing the blade and sheathed it. "It is my responsibility as King to ensure the well-being of my kingdom in all ways."

"Well, why does it raise your opinion of Isamu?" asked Narcissa. Sahshir had seemed to hold the man in contempt before now.

"Because some men obsess over money," said Sahshir. "They forget that it has no inherent value beyond what is given to it by people. Gaining it becomes their life, and they become prisoners to wealth, even if they don't have any of it."

"I think Isamu could have made better use of it," said Narcissa. "He could have raised armies. Or built hospitals. Or he could have given it all to King Belosh to improve the kingdom.

"Instead, he just handed it over to random strangers."

"Perhaps, but he has gained goodwill for his heroic spirit," said Sahshir. "Certainly, those girls' families will forever sing his praises. A reputation for benevolence may do much for a man, especially if he falls far.

"Isamu lives and dies by the sword. Vast wealth would only be of use to him for luxury, debauchery, or leaving his present life beyond.

"Throwing it away to liberate others has a certain feral wisdom. He knows enough to know wealth isn't everything. More than most men know."

Narcissa looked at the ship as the sun came fully over the horizon. The twilight of the early morning passed, and now that full day was coming. And the ships were nearly boarded.

"...Are you sure about this, Sahshir? Going on this trip?" She'd known that the desire for a wife had meant a lot to him, but this seemed extreme.

"Yes," said Sahshir. "Not for Oresa; however, her value would be only as a means to ensure my alliance with Western Kalthak. The girl herself means nothing to me beyond what she can do to shore up relations."

"She is very beautiful, though," said Narcissa. Her people didn't discriminate between genders.

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"I hadn't noticed," said Sahshir. "I've never liked women in that way."

Narcissa shifted and looked at him. "You mean you're..."

"Yes, does it matter?" snapped Sahshir quickly.

Calisha, in general, despised homosexuality. It was considered a mental illness, though there were no outright persecutions. If it came out that Sahshir was homosexual, it could be a severe blow to his image. Prince Baelgost might have been the same, but he was Prince Baelgost.

"No," said Narcissa after a moment. She wouldn't be mentioning this to anyone.

"Then why should I obsess over it?" asked Sahshir. "Am I defined by how the meaningless shell of flesh I inhabit operates? Or am I a pure spirit, for whom such things are but an inconvenience?"

"Zigildrazia teaches us that the body is the source of individuality," said Narcissa. "That one should embrace who they are."

"Zigildrazia is wrong," replied Sahshir simply.

Narcissa smiled. "A typical answer. You don't see shades of gray, do you, Sahshir?"

"Shades of gray are nothing more than an excuse for moral ignorance," said Sahshir. "Men may choose to serve good or evil. Some serve one to a lesser extent but are ultimately one or the other."

"By that standard, why not kill all the evil people?" asked Narcissa.

"I am not such a fool as to believe I am capable of knowing as much," admitted Sahshir. "Baltoth has chosen to tolerate the existence of the wicked in this world. Who am I to question his choice?"

"But isn't Baltoth trying to kill or convert them?" asked Narcissa.

"That is a somewhat complex question to answer," said Sahshir. "There are two different manifestations of Baltoth. There is the God of Order, who resides within Ruscow. This Baltoth can be thwarted and defeated.

"However, the God of Order is a flawed avatar of the true Baltoth, who resides beyond this universe. That God is all-powerful, and nothing is beyond his sight or scope."

Narcissa found this to need clarification. "Then why are there people fighting Baltoth at all? Couldn't he just destroy them all?"

"It may be that by allowing us to fight amongst one another, Baltoth will bring more to a greater being," said Sahshir. "Or it may amuse him to make war upon those who would oppose him with self-imposed limitations. The answer does not matter.

"We were made by and for him; he may do with us as he wishes. For he is the one who defines both right and wrong. We may submit to him or submit to total oblivion of the spirit."

Narcissa only thought a little of this answer. Zigildrazia taught her faithful that they were all extensions of herself. Right and wrong did not enter the matter, and Narcissa did not see why it needed to. "That seems like a very elaborate explanation," said Narcissa. "Wouldn't it be simpler to admit Baltoth is a flawed god, striving for still greater power?"

"Simplicity does not always mean truth," replied Sahshir. "Moral laws exist; for them to exist, there must be a moral lawgiver. Such an entity as the Greater Baltoth must exist. You must have noticed that even among Zigilus, you hold the same basic morality at your core.

"Yes, Zigildrazia has twisted it, but she cannot fully drive the good from your people. She can only distort and mar it."

"And what makes you think Baltoth is the avatar of this greater being?" asked Narcissa. "Maybe it's Zigildrazia or Typhos."

"They exist in defiance of the universe," replied Sahshir. "While Baltoth reigns supreme."

They waited there on that pier for what seemed like an eternity. Sahshir seemed unusually somber as he gazed at the sun's light on the water. Narcissa did not really know what to say, but eventually, that time came to an end.

Sushaki came forward from behind, clad in red armor. His fair features were the same as ever, and his hair was longer.

Sahshir said nothing at first, as if he did not notice him. Narcissa wondered if Sushaki had ever really been Sahshir's friend at all. Sahshir had mentioned they had been friends many times, but nothing showed it. Sushaki seemed loyal, but Sahshir regarded him as only subordinate.

"What is it, Sushaki?" asked Sahshir, voice cold.

"The ship is loaded, King Sahshir," said Sushaki. "And everything has been set in place for your absence. Should you not return-"

"I entrust the defense of Kalthak to Asim and you, of course," said Sahshir, rising to his feet. He put his hand to the Sword of Order. "You must ensure our independence, should the need arise. We shall not become an extension of West Kalthak, whatever Tuor and Belosh scheme."

"I understand," said Sushaki.

Sahshir nodded to Narcissa and began to walk toward the ships on other piers. As he did, Narcissa shifted. Suddenly, she did not want him to leave. "Are you sure you don't want me to accompany you, Sahshir? I could help you on the journey."

"I am certain you could," said Sahshir. "You are among the best of my subordinates.

"However, I need you here to rule over your people. Alkela will more than suffice for our purposes. And having her absent will help in purifying the more barbaric traditions."

Sahshir was a sea of contradictions. He'd never been anything but respectful to Narcissa. Even as he regarded her culture as mere barbarism. Yet he had saved her people, led them here to salvation. Without him, the legions of Dinis should have killed them all. "Well, what about Isamu and his group?" asked Narcissa. "They're loyal to West Kalthak; what if they turn on you? We don't trust Tuor for a reason, why not-"

Then Sahshir laughed, and it was oddly mirthful as he turned to her. "Narcissa, you don't need to worry.

"I do not think I am coming back in any case."

He said it without resignation or fear; it was a simple statement of some minor fact. As if it wasn't important."What? What do you mean?"

"I do not think the Heaven's Eye will be able to heal me," admitted Sahshir. "And that is only if we reach it at all. The quest itself will be dangerous and may claim our lives."

"But then why go?" said Narcissa. Why was he so obsessed with these things?

"Because Baltoth commands I find it," said Sahshir. "The quest lies before us and must be completed.

"To do otherwise is to betray him."

"But how do you even know Baltoth wills this?" asked Narcissa. "Maybe Tuor is acting on his own."

"Baltoth no doubt knows the quest is underway even now. He has eyes everywhere," said Sahshir. "It is well within his power to stop the quest. So, he must mean to integrate it into his plan, assuming it is not his will. As for betrayal, I have set in motion precautions. That is why I sent Nayasha away to Tuor's dominions. She has her own task to perform.

"Sushaki, what progress has been made on that front?"

"The fortifications are well underway, as you requested," said Sushaki, rising. "It will take time, but soon, our coastline will be impenetrable. King Nagos has been helpful in this regard. The Chaminean Architects arrived last week."

"Good, all is underway then," said Sahshir. "It's time." He paused for a moment as if searching for something to say. Then, he seemed to remember something. "Narcissa, should I die, there is a box on my desk. This key will open it. What lies within is for your eyes only."

"Now hold on..." began Narcissa.

"Goodbye," said Sahshir before walking away.

Narcissa had had enough; the man was walking to what he believed was certain death, and for what? Moving forward, she barred his path. "Stop! How can you be so calm about this?! If you think you'll die on the mission, send someone else! You're too important to me, to Kalthak, to just walk off like this!

"If you die, everything will collapse! Asim will start going after merchants again; my people and yours will be at war!"

"No, they won't," said Sahshir. "The land has changed, and men understand one better now. More to the point, I am dying anyway.

"Soon, whether I go to Gel Carn or remain, I shall die, and my Kingdom shall pass to another. This is beyond my control if I remain here. If I achieve the Heaven's Eye, I may be healed and so be able to create a dynasty.

"If not, you and Kushina must see that my legacy endures."

"Is your legacy the only thing important to you, Sahshir?" asked Narcissa, and she wanted him to say something. She wasn't sure what, to declare his friends were the source of his motive, or that he loved her. Anything but his complete absence of self!

He deserved better than that.

Sahshir scoffed. "Of course not. But what we leave the world as when we die is all that matters.

"Goodbye, Narcissa."

And he was beyond her reach.

When the ships were gone, and none could see, Narcissa wept.