MIRO was terrified. His hands shook and his heart beat so loudly in his ears that he wondered that Amber couldn't hear it. His palms were sweaty even though the air was cool, and his lips seemed to dry no matter how many times he moistened them.
"You're not afraid of heights, are you?" Amber said with a grin. "You look anxious." She gazed out over the expanse below. "Lord of the Sky, I can see why you brought me here. It's beautiful."
Miro had never been to this place but Ella had given him directions. She'd told him words couldn't describe the valley's beauty, and as soon as Miro saw it he knew she was right.
The view was incredible. Below them a turbulent river twisted and turned its way through rocky chasms and glades of emerald trees. Its source was a majestic waterfall, sprouting from the cliff face and pouring out into the open air before disappearing in a cloud of spray. In the distance, three other waterfalls cascaded down the smooth shining rock, and the roar of the water combined with the sound of insects to form a soothing hum. Miro could see butterflies the size of a man's hand, fluttering around the lush trees like brilliant jewels.
As preoccupied as he was, Miro's thoughts were on anything but the rainbows dancing on the spray. His thoughts were on the carefully rehearsed words, and the great flurry of activity his actions would precipitate. Most of all, his thoughts were on the woman by his side.
"I can't believe how warm it is here," Amber said. "Back in Sarostar there's still ice on the Sarsen."
Miro silently thanked Ella again. He'd feared rain and icy cold, yet here in this valley they could feel the sun against their skin.
It had taken Miro and Amber most of the day to find a path down from the heights, and they were now on their descent into the valley. "Look," Amber said. "There, can you see it? There's a thin line, hanging down from the top of the cliff."
Miro searched for a moment. "A rope?"
"That's how Ella said she climbed down the cliff. I can't believe she did it. She must have nerves of steel."
Miro smiled. "Sounds like Ella."
"And to think, she never would have found this place if the Lexicon hadn't been stolen."
"Good things can always be found out of the bad," Miro said. "Should we keep going?"
"Lead the way."
The path they'd found was meandering but not treacherous, but still Miro was nearly bowled over when a small form swept past him, squealing with delight.
"Tomas!" Amber called. "Slow down!"
The child grinned back at them, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Papa!" he cried. "Race me!"
Running in chase, Miro felt a root grab hold of his foot, and before he knew it he'd landed face first on the dirt. Tomas paused in his game, the toddler stopping in astonishment.
"Are you all right?" Amber said, and then laughed when she saw Miro's expression. "You're never normally this clumsy." She started to help him up.
Crestfallen and evidently believing he was the cause of Miro's fall, Tomas came over and tugged on Miro's clothing. "Up!" he said.
"How can a two year old be so quick?" Miro muttered, dusting himself off.
"Two and a half," Amber said. "You don't have to tell me, though. I can hardly keep up with him anymore."
"Two and a half years. I can't believe it's been so long," Miro said. He looked down at the boy who was now his son, and was currently absorbed with pulling lichen from a tree.
"We've been busy."
"I know, but it doesn't mean we shouldn't find time for each other. I… I'm sorry Amber, if I haven't always been there for you."
"Miro," Amber sighed. "What are you talking about?"
"Every time I go to Halaran, or Tingara, when I return I feel like Tomas has grown so much, and I know I've missed it. Every time I sleep in a strange bed I wonder why you're not there beside me."
Amber smiled and squeezed his arm. "We've got today. Come on."
Amber led the way along the narrow path down to the valley floor, and following her Miro cursed his tongue. Why could he never find the right words? Amber and Tomas had made him happy, happier than he had ever thought he could be. Yet there were always more demands on his time.
In the years since the Primate's death the Empire had settled, but it was an uneasy peace. The world economy was in ruins, with the price of essence so high trade between the houses had completely dried up. Countless people were unemployed and underfed, from Altura to Aynar, and Miro was constantly fire-fighting, dashing from one explosive situation to the next. Tingaran soldiers now worked alongside Alturans, but there were many who spoke of the despotic rule of the Emperor with nostalgia. At least then there was food on the table, they said.