Hayes smiled. 'Nor will I.'

'Congratulations,' Gared said, slapping Arlen on the back when he turned the baron's way. The slap would have knocked most men across the room, but Arlen stood his ground. 'Honoured to be yur witness. Don't deserve it.'

'Honour's ours, Gared Cutter,' Arlen said. 'Hollow's got good men looking after it now.'

Gared looked suddenly sad. 'Ent been as good as I should. Even after you come to the Hollow. Made ... mistakes.'

Arlen smiled, reaching a hand high to put it on the giant Cutter's shoulder. 'We all make mistakes, Gared. But those that can see 'em are halfway to being better men. Whatever you done, I forgive you.'

The light that came over Gared's face was unmistakable. He straightened to his full height, towering over even the Inquisitor a step higher on the altar then bowed low. 'Gonna make the other half of that trip, startin' now.' He glanced at Hayes. 'Creator as my witness.'

'Love you, Arlen Bales,' Renna whispered. Arlen took her hand and led her back down the aisle.

Gared rushed ahead of them, pushing the great doors as if they were weightless. They slammed open with a boom, revealing hundreds of people swarming about the Holy House with a steady stream coming from every street, filling the Corelings' Graveyard. Folk stood on balconies around the square for a better view, and children sat atop their parents' shoulders.

Renna froze. The only time she had seen such a crowd was the night the whole of Tibbet's Brook had gathered in Town Square to see her staked out for the demons. A thousand souls, come to watch and not lift a finger while the corelings tore her apart.

She felt her heart stop, and before she knew it she was reaching for her knife.

'Man and wife!' Gared roared, and the cheer that arose from the crowd was deafening, shocking Renna back to her senses. She stood stunned as hastily picked flowers began to rain on them and the Jongleurs in the sound shell struck up a reel.

Arlen bowed, offering her his arm, his voice too low for any without their enhanced hearing to catch. 'They ent here to hurt you, Ren. Just wanna give their regards and dance.'

Renna took his arm as he led her out into the crowd. An older woman appeared, a nervous smile on her face as she curtsied. 'Meg Cutter,' she said. 'My family was proud to stand with your husband at the Battle of Cutter's Hollow. None of us would be here, not for him.'

She pressed a beautifully painted pot into Renna's hands, adorned with a few half-wilted flowers. 'Pot's been in my family a hundred years. Don't know if it's true, but my grandda said he bought it from a Messenger said it come from before the Return. Know it ent much, but I'd love for you to have it, to bless your wedding.'

Renna froze, not knowing what to say. The woman was acting as if the gift was nothing, but it was clear in her eyes she treasured it. Such a thing was not given lightly.

'I ... Thank ...' she began at last, but the woman was swept away by the crowd as another took her place. Renna knew the woman's face but not her name. She loved the rosebush in the woman's yard and had once told her so in passing.

'Sandy Tailor.' The woman curtsied awkwardly, thrown off balance by the huge bundle of roses she held in her arms, tied together with red silk. Renna could see the cuts and scrapes where she had torn her sleeves and flesh hurriedly pulling them. She must have denuded her entire bush to make the bundle. 'Know you like roses, and a bride should have a bouquet.' Her face flushed redder than the flowers, and she turned to go, then looked back, pointing at the bow. 'That's real Krasian silk,' she noted before vanishing into the crowd. Renna tried to add them to the pot, but they would not fit and was left holding both awkwardly.

She felt drunk as people came on. Her night senses, instincts that kept her alive when she was out among the corelings, screamed at her, expecting them to rush forward grabbing, clawing. But folk kept bowing and offering hastily chosen gifts. The Hollowers did not have money, but again and again they came forward with things Renna knew were more precious by far.

'Stood with your husband ...'

'... please accept ...'

'... Mairy Blower ...'

'... please accept ...'

'... husband saved my life ...'

'... my son's life ...'

'... every last one of us ...'

'... please accept ...'

'... please accept ...'

'... please accept ...'

Even with her night strength, it became hard to hold all the baskets and bundles. Before long she felt like a Messenger's pack mule, and still the well-wishers came on, hundreds in the line. Thousands.

Amazingly, it was a Krasian woman who saved her.

She appeared from the crowd, covered from head to toe in black cloth in the southern fashion, but her eyes were kind. 'What is this?' she said loudly. 'A bride should not carry her own gifts on her wedding night!' Around her, everyone froze, and the woman, her tone one of comfortable command, pointed to a few of the women who had already given her gifts. 'Find tables to lay them on, that such precious things not touch this ground, hallowed by the blood of your people in alagai'sharak.'

The women nodded eagerly, drafting still others, and the gifts were pulled back from Renna's hands. The Krasian woman looked at her, and from the crinkling around her eyes, Renna knew she was smiling. 'Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Shamavah, First Wife of Abban, son of Chabin, of the line of Haman of Kaji.' Arlen looked up sharply at that, and she met his eyes. 'My husband was always a true friend to the Par'chin.'

Arlen looked at her a moment, then smiled and nodded. 'It is good to see you again, First Wife of Abban. I hope your sister-wives and daughters are well.'

Shamavah bowed. 'And to you, son of Jeph. It is my fondest wish that you and your honoured family have prospered in these years.' She turned back to Renna. 'If you will allow me to facilitate, it would be my great honour to assist the Jiwah Ka of the Par'chin on this sacred night.'

Renna blinked, then nodded, stuttering, 'A-ay.'

Shamavah bowed again, producing a small writing board, paper, and a pen. When the next woman presented her gift to Renna, Shamavah recorded her name and the gift, then instructed her to lay it on the tables that the folk were putting together and covering in white cloth.

'I can set guards on the tables if you wish,' Shamavah said when she caught Renna looking.

'No need,' Arlen said. 'Ent no one gonna steal anything here.'

Shamavah nodded. 'As you wish.'

It went on for some time, and Renna felt herself slowly unclenching as the Krasian woman handled everything with smooth efficiency. Whoever this Shamavah wife of whatever was, she was a lifesaver.

There was a shout, and a group of Wooden Soldiers broke through the crowd, their lacquered armour and polished shields shining as they pushed the revellers back. Renna felt Arlen tense a moment, and even Shamavah stiffened. But then the soldiers split, opening a path for Count Thamos, looking as dashing in silk and velvet as he did in his armour. His heavy medallion of office hung at his chest, and he wore a golden circlet of ivy in his hair, a mind ward moulded at its centre.

The count walked right up to Renna, dropping smoothly into a court bow that had one knee hovering barely an inch off the cobbles.

'Congratulations to you on your wedding night.' He kissed her hand. 'Please accept this small token from the people of Hollow County.' He waved behind him, and Arther ran forward, looking a bit breathless. He, too, wore finery, but it seemed more hastily thrown on. He held out a box of black velvet that the count took, opening it as he turned, still bowing, to present it to Renna.

There, on a bed of silk, was a necklace of delicate gold, at its centre a cluster of gemstones surrounding an emerald the size of a dog's eye. Renna was still getting used to the idea of money something they had little use for in Tibbet's Brook but she knew a fortune when she saw it.

She reached out, brushing the sharply cut stones with her fingertips. 'It's beautiful.'

Arther came smoothly forward once more, taking the box as Thamos lifted the necklace high for all to see. 'It will look more beautiful still about your throat,' he said loudly.

It was an incredible gift, worth more by far than all the others, but something about it rang false. The Hollowers were giving the most personal things they had. Thamos, his fingers bedecked with gem-studded rings, was just giving her money. Did he really care she was married, or was this just politics?

With the pad of her thumb, Renna rubbed at the woven band about her finger. The necklace was indeed beautiful, but she had all the jewellery she would ever need.

She smiled, raising her voice to match the count's. 'Thank you, Your Highness. I would be honoured to wear it tonight, but I cannot accept such a gift while folk still go hungry in Hollow County.'

Shamavah hissed, and there was a slight twitch at the corners of Thamos' smile, but he recovered smoothly, bowing again as he fastened it about her throat. 'It is yours to do with as you please, Mrs Bales. Sell it on the morrow, and you will fill many an empty belly.'

Renna smiled and nodded, and the crowd cheered again. Arlen took her hand, squeezing. She could feel his love in that simple gesture.

Leesha looked up as Wonda came to the door, knocking at the same time she opened it as was her habit. She and Rojer were back at the table, having spent the better part of an hour staring at their cups, lost in thought.

'Sorry to disturb, Mistress Leesha,' Wonda said, 'but there's a commotion down in town. Dunno what's goin' on, but you can hear it all the way out here, so I doubt it's good.'

Leesha set down her cup and reached for the half-warded cloak she had been making to replace the one she had given Ahmann. The ever-present headache, faded for a moment, flared back to life. 'Creator, is a quiet night too much to ask?'

Rojer was out of his chair in an instant, grabbing his cloak and fiddle case. 'Amanvah and Sikvah are down there' was all he said, going for the door.

'Rojer, wait!' Leesha cried, but he was already gone, running like all the Core was at his heels.

Wonda watched him go and sighed. 'Hope those Krasian girls know what they've got. Give anything for a man to feel like that about me.'

Leesha put a hand on her shoulder. 'Magic's put you in body of a woman, Wonda, and I know you've been with boys in the ... heat that follows a demon hunt, but you're only sixteen. There's time still to figure out men and try a few on for size. And you don't need a man to run and save you like most girls.'

Wonda nodded. 'Ay, think that's the problem.' She waved a hand over her scarred face. 'That and this. I'm good for a sticking, ay, but no one's looking to bring me to the solstice dance.'

'If any man looks at you and only sees the scars, he doesn't deserve you,' Leesha said.

'Might be better off stuffing a sock in my trousers and chasing girls than waiting for one who does,' Wonda said as they started out along the path to town.

'Nonsense,' Leesha said. 'You keep your head held high, and they'll be fighting over you before long, Wonda Cutter. You mark me.'

They set a strong pace, but Leesha resisted the urge to break into a run. Years of keeping pace with Bruna's slow shuffle had taught her patience. 'If folk can't live long enough for me to get to 'em, there isn't much I could do anyway,' her teacher used to say. 'No good to anyone if I fall and break my hip.'

There was a large rock beside the path about halfway to town, and a silhouette stood atop it, barely visible in the wardlight. Wonda trained her bow on it as they approached, but as they drew nearer they saw it was only Rojer, listening intently.

'Whatever it is, it ent trouble,' Rojer said, hopping down beside them. 'Sounds like a party.' His relief was visible, but never one to miss a party he pressed for them to quicken the pace even more.

The music and cheers and laughter grew louder as they approached the Corelings' Graveyard, creating an ever-present din. Leesha could see poles waving in the air as men hurriedly put up festival pavilions, and there were Jongleurs in the sound shell with women dancing on the stage.

'What in the Core ...?' Rojer wondered.

Smitt's young granddaughter Stela ran by, carrying a basket of freshly cut flowers. 'Ay, Stela!' Wonda called. 'What's goin' on?'

Stela slowed and turned to look at them, but did not stop. 'Ent you heard? Deliverer just got married!' She turned back and took off, vanishing into the throng ahead.

Rojer and Wonda's eyes snapped to Leesha. She could see them holding their breath, waiting to see her reaction.

'Wonda,' she said, 'be a dear and run back to the cottage and fetch the festival flamework. Careful with it on your way back.'

Wonda looked at her a minute, then unstrung her bow, tucking it over her shoulder before setting off at a run.

'You all right?' Rojer asked.

Leesha shrugged. 'He's made his choice, Rojer. How I feel about it doesn't really matter. Arlen Bales saved us, and this town, and if this is what he wants, what gives him peace ...'

Rojer looked at her. 'Then we shut up and dance.'

Leesha smiled. 'Ay.'

Stela rushed by them again, and returned a few moments later with more flowers. This time Leesha stopped her, pressing a coin into her hand and taking a handful.

'This way,' Rojer said, moving towards a collection of Krasians, standing apart from the rest of the throng. At their forefront were Amanvah and Sikvah, a knot of dal'Sharum around them. Rojer quickened his pace, and Leesha had to lift her skirts to keep up.

Amanvah saw their approach and immediately went over to him, Sikvah a step behind. 'Greetings, husband. It appears we have returned on an auspicious day for the Hollow tribe. It is said the Par'chin and his new Jiwah Ka gave no warning. Your tribesmen were not prepared, and were ... chaotic in their joy. I sent Shamavah to facilitate for the bride before she was overwhelmed.'

'That was very kind of you,' Leesha said.

Amanvah bowed, but she did not take her eyes off Rojer. 'It is an honour to observe your Northern wedding customs.'

Rojer shook his head. 'Wedding celebrations aren't meant to be observed, Amanvah. They're meant to be enjoyed.'

Amanvah shook her head, and even Sikvah looked taken aback. 'This is not our tribe ...'

'The Core it isn't,' Rojer said. 'Are you my wives or not?'

Amanvah blinked. 'Of course we are ...'

'Then ...' Rojer took her arms and drew in close to her, smiling as their noses touched through the thin white silk of her veil. '... please honour me by shutting up and dancing.'

With that, he took them both out into the wide space cleared in the Corelings' Graveyard. People were reeling, spinning wildly into one another's arms with practised efficiency. Amanvah and Sikvah watched the dance warily. No doubt there was nothing like it in Krasia. Any unmarried men and women so casually touching one another was against Evejan law, and no doubt touching a dama'ting who was not your wife would get a man's hand cut off. Out of the corner of his eye, Rojer could see Enkido lurking nearby.

'Look at me,' Rojer commanded, and the women both turned to him. 'I know this dance looks daunting, but it's really quite simple. Watch my feet.' He traced a quick series of steps, moving in a figure of eight. 'You try,' he said, continuing to move in the repeating pattern.

'Good!' Rojer cried as they did. 'Now clap your hands and stomp your feet to the beat of the music.' He began to clap as his feet beat a steady pattern on the cobblestones.

'Ay, now you're getting it,' Rojer said and moved his pattern to intersect Amanvah. 'When we swing close, lock my arm, and I'll use your momentum to spin you about and back into place. Then you just keep on.'

'Like in sharusahk.' Amanvah nodded. She caught his arm smoothly, leaping slightly to assist as he spun her. She kept the beat easily, and a laugh escaped her as she touched down and kept on.

'Now Sikvah!' Rojer said, turning to his other wife and bowing as he danced her way. Sikvah squealed with delight as he lifted her.

And so it went, as they fell into a pattern with him alternating between them. Both women were laughing openly now, and Rojer felt his heart swell.

'This way!' Rojer shouted, and caught both their arms, dancing them into the crowd. The women both shrieked as other men came at them, but then a thick-armed Cutter swept Amanvah off, setting her back just in time for Rojer to catch her arm next.

'Everam's beard,' Amanvah gasped, breathless, but there was joy in her voice.

'You honour us by sharing in our traditions,' Rojer said before she was swept off by the next man in line. He turned just in time to catch Sikvah from one of Benn Blower's apprentices.

'I can't believe I just did that!' Sikvah shrieked with glee.

It went on for some time. The sight of a dama'ting dancing drew other Krasian men and women into the crowd, clapping and stomping. They kept to families, but began to imitate the dance, laughing as they spun one another about.

One of the Jongleurs on the stage spotted Rojer and pointed with the bow of his fiddle, shouting, 'Halfgrip!'

It went through the crowd with a roar. 'Halfgrip! Halfgrip! Get up on stage!' The dancing stopped cold, and all eyes turned to him. Rojer bowed to his wives, pausing to whisper briefly in Amanvah's ear, then pulled out his fiddle case and leapt up the steps into the sound shell as the women moved away. The Hollowers cheered as one as he walked centre stage.