As the moon rose, the trees stretched a tracery of interlace against the midnight blue of the sky. From time to time something scuttled through the undergrowth. Farther off he heard the cry of a hunting owl.

"Don't torment yourself," he said after a while. "You freed the thralls. I couldn't even strike a blow."

"You may have been tied up, but you were doing something! I felt the chill when you galdored the runes!" she answered indignantly.

Deor sighed. "I don't know what I did or how. But my father died trying to protect me, and that's all anyone will remember once I get home."

Thora turned suddenly. "Then come to Montival! We'll find someone to teach you even if we have to go all the way to that seeress King Artos met in Norrheim." She stopped, then suddenly grasped his shoulders and kissed him.

Her lips were cool and friendly. He hugged her back, hoping he would feel something more, but after a moment she stepped away and sighed.

"Deor-have you ever kissed a girl before?"

"Not really. Unless you count Orsa-" He shuddered.

"Have you kissed a boy?"

"Yes . . ." He had always known the direction of his desires. "I thought it might be different, with you."

"I suppose I should take that as a compliment." Thora shook her head. "Just my luck. I've spent a year avoiding advances and the first time I find someone I like, he likes boys!"

"Thora . . ." His spirit strained to reach her as his body had fought his bonds. "I can't be your lover, but . . . I would give my life for you."

She stroked the tumbled hair back from his brow.

"Then come with me! Be my brother, my comrade. Valkyrie and vitki-we'll be invincible! There's a world out there, my friend-waiting to be seen!"

Suddenly it all came flooding back-his connection with the wights of stream and rock and tree, the blessing of the guardian who watched over this land-and Thora's spirit, burning like a tiny sun. He had feared to leave Mist Hills, but a world waited.

"Soul-sister!" he breathed, and some last barrier disappeared and set him free.

NOVELS OF THE CHANGE BY S. M. STIRLING.

Island in the Sea of Time.

Against the Tide of Years.

On the Oceans of Eternity.

Dies the Fire.

The Protector's War.

A Meeting at Corvallis.

The Sunrise Lands.

The Scourge of God.

The Sword of the Lady.

The High King of Montival.

The Tears of the Sun.

Lord of Mountains.

The Given Sacrifice.

The Golden Princess.