It was the third day of the seige of Kherem. The shades were howling in the air but had not yet pierced the barrier. Serenna was glad her watch would be over soon. She took the letter from Ewan from her pocket.

“What have you got there?” said Mara, come to relieve her.

“Nothing,” said Serenna, but Mara grabbed the letter. She glanced it over and nodded knowingly. “If you want my advice, which I know you don’t, forget him. I fell in love like that once, before the last war. By the time I came back he’d married another. I’m sure your love will do the same, if he’s even alive.”

“Ewan’s different,” said Serenna. “He’s the most loyal man I’ve ever known.”

“You can believe that if it makes you happy,” said Mara as Serenna left.

“The war will be over soon,” Serenna told herself as she headed for her bedroom. “I will survive. I will see Ewan again.” She wasn’t sure she believed it, but the memory of Ewan’s warm and beautiful smile allowed her to sleep that night despite the howling shades.