by Mark Piggott

Alyssa and Malcolm Seger—a dragonkin from Drogon and a human from Fawleen—were brought together on the night Malcolm died. As an Oracle of Delphis Kai, Alyssa used her magic to summon a willing spirit across The River of Souls to merge with his and restore Malcolm’s life. Reborn in a strange, new world, Malcolm hopes to make a better life for himself, Alyssa, and their unborn child.

* * *

Alyssa cradled her swollen belly in one hand while holding her favorite book of poems in the other, gently rocking on the front porch. The rocking chair had become her sedentary place in the last stages of her pregnancy. She would prefer cooking in her kitchen or tending to her garden, but the doctor ordered rest. Alyssa was a unique case, one of the rare pregnancies between a dragonkin and a human.

Alyssa and her husband, Malcolm, met and fell in love during the endless war between the dragonkin of the Drogon Empire and the human kingdom of Fawleen. As the battle raged on, the Oracles of Delphis Kai left Drogon and joined forces with Fawleen to end the war. They provided powerful healing arts and secret weapons to fight against the chaos magic of the Drogon Empire.

Malcolm was a magi-gunner with the 75th King’s Musketeers, and Alyssa joined their unit as a front-line cleric and healer. Since his rebirth, Malcolm had been tender, loving, and attentive to Alyssa, adjusting to this new world from his other life across the River of Souls. He crossed the timeless span to be with Alyssa. She loved him for that, sacrificing his eternal afterlife to spare her the grief of losing her husband. That bond that grew out of conflict and survival became one of love and understanding.

The result of that love grew slowly in her womb as the baby would soon be born, but it has not been without difficulties. A human/dragonkin birth would be challenging. Still, Alyssa had an excellent doctor and midwife looking after her, not to mention a doting husband.

The screen door creaked open as Malcolm returned carrying a tray with tea and sandwiches. He carefully stepped around Alyssa, setting the tray on the side table. Even with the gray flecked in his hair, Malcolm had the spring in his step of a younger man. He associated his youthful stride with the young man’s soul from the other world. It gave him a new outlook on his life with Alyssa.

“Juniper Tea, just how you like it, and a nut butter and cloudberry jam sandwich, also your new favorite.” Alyssa quickly grabbed half a sandwich and ate to satisfy her cravings. The sweet and salty morsel was heaven between soft bread.

“You know, we could have made a lot of money on this nut butter idea of yours,” she mumbled between bites of the gooey concoction. “I don’t know why you gave the idea to Mister Valderrama.”

“Because he’s the morcaba nut farmer, I’m not. Besides, his family needs the money more than we do,” Malcolm explained, “and he gives us free jars of homemade nut butter as a thank you. You can’t seem to get enough of that.” He kissed her on the forehead before he grabbed his long leather coat off the other chair on the porch. A silver shield flashed on the breast pocket, the insignia of a deputy marshal.

Malcolm became a deputy for the Lord Marshal of Fairhaven, continuing his service as a magi-gunner to the crown. He was adept at magic and shooting with his .357 Spellcaster sidearm and used it in the service of law and order.

“Now, I should only be gone a couple of hours. I’ve got to follow up on a lead to the Glassbow Highwayman. I think he might be a migrant worker from one of the outlying farms.”

“Ah, always the dutiful deputy at the Lord Marshal’s beck and call,” Alyssa said sarcastically. A bit of jelly ran across her lip as she took another bite of her sandwich. Malcolm went over and wiped the jelly from the corner of her mouth with his finger before playfully feeding it to her. She nearly bit off his finger for that.

“Now, don’t be that way, Lyssa. The Lord Marshal is giving me plenty of time off to care for you. Besides, this bandit nearly killed a man, scaring his family to death. I owe it to them to track him down.”

Alyssa knew she was being harsh, scoffing at how important his job was to the people of Fairhaven. It was that big heart of his that she fell in love with all those years ago. “I know, Mal; I’m sorry. I’m just worried I’ll go into labor while you chase after some criminal.”

“Which is why I have this,” he said, pulling a pendant inside his shirt. It was a gold-colored stone that glistened in the sunlight. “If you need me, you use your magic to call me on the seer stone, and I will drop everything to get home. Nothing will keep me from the birth of my first child.”

Alyssa kissed him, stroking his face lovingly before he left. “Lily said she’d be stopping by to check on you, so you can expect her this afternoon. In the meantime, enjoy your tea and sandwiches and catch up on your reading—stay put. I better not find a single weed plucked from that garden when I return, Mrs. Seger.”

“Then you better get to it yourself before my vegetables get overrun, Mister Seger, or you’ll be gnawing on pickled dandelions come winter.”

Malcolm gave his wife a polite wave before he stepped off the porch and straddled his etherzine land cycle. The machine stretched out with twin steel forks holding a single wheel in the front with two large wheels under the driver’s seat. Once he donned his goggles and started the engine, a whirring sound came from the intake. It sucked in ether from the air and converted it to energy to propel the cycle. The air around him vibrated with the power of this fine-tuned machine.

Malcolm gave a hearty wave before roaring away from the homestead, leaving Alyssa to her lunch and poems. During the endless war, surrounded by hatred and conflict, Alyssa found comfort in poetry to help her mentally and spiritually cope. She not only enjoyed reading poetry, but she also began writing her own. In fact, that was how Alyssa and Malcolm fell in love.

* * *

Ten years ago . . .

Alyssa crouched low in the trench, sitting on a box usually used by the soldiers to stand on when the fighting started. She sat quietly between the men and women of the 75th King’s Musketeers, reading a small book of poems. She had nothing to do at the moment. No one was injured, and the wounded had all been cared for. This was the difficult part of the battle—the waiting. Waiting for the next attack, the cries of the fallen and the silence of the dead.

She had only recently joined the unit as part of the alliance between the Oracles of Delphis Kai and Fawleen. Although they seemed to accept Alyssa without hesitation, the soldiers still had some reservations. The hatred toward the dragonkin ran deep in Fawleen, even with the king’s proclamation of the alliance and the chance to end the war.

Still, many appreciated her essential healing magics and elixirs. It kept the unit at peak performance in the face of the enemy. However, many still regarded Alyssa as an outsider. As they often did, she kept to herself to avoid any confrontations. It made for a lonely existence for her, but Alyssa knew what to expect when she volunteered.

“Are you reading that again?” a voice cried out, startling her. Master Sergeant Malcolm Seger stood over her and stared at her curiously. “I think that’s the third time I’ve seen you reread that book. Don’t you have anything else to read?”

“No, no, I don’t,” Alyssa said plainly, not even looking up at him. “Besides, it’s poems by one of my favorite poets. I find something new every time I reread a verse.”

Malcolm held out his hand, asking to see the book. Alyssa sighed as she finally gave in and handed it to him. He flipped to the title page to see what she was interested in. “The Prose of Seneca Freed: A Life of Quiet Song . . . Well, he is one of the more popular poets, especially with the ladies.”

“What are you talking about, Seger? I’ve never heard of him,” one of the female soldiers beside Alyssa spoke up.

“I said ladies, Helena. I wasn’t talking about you,” he joked, causing everyone nearby to have a good laugh. He handed the book back to Alyssa. “If you like Seneca, you should read Ingram Cole. You might like him. His words bring a new meaning to life and death.”

“I didn’t know you read poetry, Master Sergeant Seger.”

“Not since my schooling days, but a few of his poems stuck with me, like a song that gets stuck in your head. I don’t know; it’s like a chorus to help bring the mind into focus before the fight.”

“Really? Like what? Can you recite some lines for me?” Alyssa didn’t mean to embarrass her superior officer. Still, she wondered if he was honest with her or prodding the newbie. Malcolm closed his eyes to recollect the words before he finally spoke.

A few soldiers gave Malcolm a half-hearted round of applause at his rendition, but not Alyssa. She was enthralled by the beautiful words that captured her heart. It took her a moment before she realized she was staring at Malcolm, her mouth agape in awe. She finally caught herself and jumped to her feet.

“That was quite beautiful, Master Sergeant Seger. Where can I find a book by this Ingram Cole?”

“Well, as a matter of fact, my mother gave me one as a going-away gift when I joined the army. I think I have it in my trunk back at camp.”

“Oh no, I couldn’t take it from you. It was a gift from your mother—”

“And it’s doing nothing but gathering dust in my trunk. I don’t mind loaning it to you, Lyssa.”

Alyssa was surprised by the kindness of his offer but even more so at his sudden informality of calling her Lyssa. She became quite enamored by this human she barely knew.

“Master Sergeant, the Drogon forces are starting to move,” one of the scouts alerted them, bringing the focus of war back to reality.

“All right, Zephyr Brigade, get ready!” Malcolm ordered as he pulled his rifle off his back and stepped up on the box Alyssa was sitting on to get in the firing position. “Stay low, Alyssa. We don’t need you getting hurt. Be ready to move along the trench if needed.”

“Yes, Master Sergeant,” she replied.

“Look, you don’t need to be so formal with me. We’re all grunts out here. You can call me Seger or Malcolm like everyone else, OK?”

Alyssa smiled as she enjoyed these feelings for her newfound friend. “Sure, Mal—” she said coyly. He smiled back at her, the two of them knowing this was the beginning of a relationship that would blossom from friendship into love.

* * *

“Ah-h-h!” A sudden sharp pain brought Alyssa back to reality. It was not the normal kick of her baby but something more intense. Another contraction brought the severe pain back, and she soon realized she was going into labor. “No, it’s too soon.” Her mumblings went unnoticed as she slowly tried to stand until her water suddenly broke. The reality set in that she was about to give birth.

She gripped the rail to the front porch in one hand while cradling her belly in the other, using her tail to keep herself balanced and steady on her feet. She slowly made her way toward the front door when the sound of a cart rolling up to the farm relieved her.

“Alyssa!” Lily shouted. Lily Tomlin was the wife of the Fairhaven doctor and a practicing midwife and nurse. She had cared for Alyssa during her pregnancy, and her sudden arrival was perfectly timed.

She was a fit woman for someone of her extended age. Her mahogany skin and ageless beauty set off her stark white hair. Her carefree attitude was as infectious as her smile. Lily demonstrated her vigor by wearing short-sleeve dresses cut above the knees, showing off her muscular physique.

However, her cheery attitude disappeared quickly when she saw Alyssa in distress. As a midwife, she knew exactly what was happening. As she drove her cart to the house, Lily promptly tied off the horse and ran up to help Alyssa. She saw the mess on the porch and realized what had happened.

“By all that is holy, child, you are going into labor. How far apart are the contractions?”

“Not far, maybe a minute or more,” Alyssa said as another crept up on her, causing her to wince in pain. “But it’s too soon, Lily. The baby’s not due for a few more weeks.”

“Lyssa, honey, that child doesn’t go on our timing. They are coming right now. Let’s get you into bed and get ready. Where’s Malcolm?”

“He’s out on an errand. Let me call to him . . .” She pulled out the seer stone hanging around her neck and grasped it in her hand. “Galwaf ar y Golau,” she muttered breathlessly, trying to concentrate. “Arwain fy Nghariad adref Ataf!”

I call upon the light . . . Lead my love home to me! The stone glowed in her hand, and a ball of light shot out and flew across the countryside until it was out of sight.

Lily slowly helped Alyssa into the house and back to the bedroom. She helped her out of her dress and into bed, propping her up with pillows in preparation for giving birth. Alyssa breathed through the pain of contractions while Lily made the necessary preparations. She walked back into the bedroom with a cup of hot tea.

“Here, Alyssa, drink this. It’s a special ginger honey tea to help with the pain.” She held the cup to her lips as she carefully sipped the tea.

“What’s special about it?”

“Now, now, you don’t tell me all your secrets. I’m not about to tell you mine.” The women laughed at the joke. Alyssa supplied the doctor’s office with herbal remedies she made herself but was very protective of her proprietary mixtures.

“Well, whatever you added, it’s helping. Thank you, Lily,” Alyssa said as she huffed breathlessly. “Maybe some tetrahelios sap or permundy frog venom?”

Lily looked at her and sighed. She knew she couldn’t keep it secret from a talented healer like Alyssa. “Well, I won’t tell you which one it is. Now, hold still while I see how far along you are.”

Lily performed her examination carefully and quite delicately. Alyssa was the first dragonkin pregnancy that Lily ever dealt with as a midwife, so she’s been very cautious and thorough with her over the past several months. She tried to learn at every juncture of the pregnancy, knowing that this probably wouldn’t be the last one for them.

Once she completed her examination, Lily looked concerned for her friend and patient. “Alyssa, honey, the baby has not turned yet. It’s breech. We can wait a little longer to see if the baby turns on its own, but you are nearly ready to give birth. I might have to turn the baby myself, but with a child like yours, I’m afraid I might hurt you.”

All Alyssa could do was nod as fear for her unborn child overcame her. All she could think of was Malcolm. “Where is Malcolm? I need him. Where is he?” Her cries turned into tears as her emotions overwhelmed her. Lily reached out to calm her down, gently stroking her hair.

“Now, now, he’ll be here soon. You need to calm down, for your sake and the baby’s.” Lily’s reassurance had little effect on Alyssa’s emotional pleas until an etherzine land cycle’s roar rattled the windowpane glass. “See, I told you he would get here.”

Alyssa smiled as she tried to breathe through another contraction. She heard the front door slam open and the thundering footsteps as Malcolm charged into the room. He knelt next to the bed, taking Alyssa by the hand. “I’m sorry, Lyssa. I came as fast as possible.”

“It’s all right, Mal, but I called you more than an hour ago. What took you so long?”

“Well, I ran into someone on Dunwin Road and—” He was interrupted when a cloaked stranger entered the room. She pulled back her hood, revealing a dragonkin woman. She looked like Alyssa with flowing red hair and black horns. Even with the wrinkles around her eyes and lips, she was still a beautiful woman for someone her extended age.

“Mama?” was all Alyssa said when she recognized her mother. Malcolm moved out of the way as she walked up to the bed and kissed Alyssa’s forehead, stroking her hair lovingly.

“Alyssa, fy merch annwyl,” she said, greeting her beloved daughter.

“Mama, what are you doing here?”

“Do you think I would miss the birth of my first grandchild?” She took off her cloak and handed it to Malcolm. Her wings unfolded, and her tail freed from constraints; Alyssa’s mother made herself comfortable before she turned to Lily and extended her hand. “Hello, I am Cornelia LaRosa Fontina, Alyssa’s mother. You must be Lily Tomlin. Malcolm told me you’ve been caring for my daughter during her pregnancy. Thank you very much.”

“Oh, it’s so nice to meet you, and believe me, it was no bother at all. Alyssa is a good friend of mine.”

“Malcolm, be a dear, put the kettle on and make us some fresh tea, something soothing like elderflower or chamomile. This could take a while.”

“Yes, Mother Cornelia, of course.” Malcolm headed out into the kitchen while Cornelia sat on the bed next to Alyssa.

“Now, Alyssa, how far apart are the contractions?”

“About a minute, but Lily said the baby hasn’t turned yet.” Her breathing was heavy and labored as Lily rushed to the other side of the bed, wrang out a damp cloth, and wiped it across her forehead.

“Don’t worry, that’s natural in dragonkin births. I’m sure Mrs. Tomlin wasn’t aware that it’s common practice for dragonkin babies to be born feet first.”

“It is?” Lily asked, curious about this new information Cornelia was providing.

“Oh yes, there’s a chance the horns could injure the mother at birth, so we prefer it that way. Besides, once you see the tail, give it a good yank, and the baby will emerge much easier.”

“Are you an oracle like Alyssa?” Lily inquired. She was surprised at the revelation but happy to know more about dragonkin practices.

“My mother is an Orator—a high priestess of Delphis Kai,” Alyssa explained while gasping for air. “But I didn’t think the temple would let you travel alone from Dawntree Island to Fairhaven.”

“Oh, they fought with me over it,” Cornelia explained. “They couldn’t make up their minds, so in the end, I left. I’m sure they’re sending someone after me, but by then, the baby will be born.”

“Mama . . .”

“Don’t mama me. I may be the Orator, but I am a mother first and foremost. Besides, I never got the chance to meet Malcolm before you were married. I need assurance that he will be good to you and my grandchild.”

“I thought my letters would have been enough to convince you otherwise. With everything we’ve been through this past year, Malcolm has been my rock, my strength through it all.”

“I am talking about the Adferiad Enaid—” Cornelia started to say when she realized Lily may not know everything about Malcolm and Alyssa. “Lily, can you give me a moment with my daughter?”

“Yes, of course. I’ll go help Malcolm with the tea and bring it in.” Lily understood the delicacies of a mother/daughter relationship but also the secretive nature of dragonkin around humans. Once she left the bedroom, Cornelia turned back to Alyssa.

“You know the Soul Restoration ritual is supposed to be done with two or more oracles to ensure the sanctity of the soul being brought across the eternal river.”

“And you know I was desperate to save my husband,” Alyssa argued, holding back her anger as she fought the pain. “The man I love has a good heart—both of them. He crossed the River of Souls, giving up his place in paradise to be with me. If that doesn’t say enough about the sanctity of his soul, I don’t know what will.”

“Alyssa, merch fy nghalon, don’t be cross with your mother. I am only thinking of you and your child.”

“If you need to know Malcolm’s heart, talk to him, mama. You will see for yourself who he truly is.”

Cornelia could not argue with her daughter, especially at a critical time like this. She would set aside her reservations about Malcolm for the time being. Right now, her only concern was Alyssa and her baby.

* * *

Malcolm slowly poured the hot water into the kettle to avoid burning or bruising the tea. He learned a lot about how to make a proper pot of tea from Alyssa as he strived to take care of her during her pregnancy. However, he fumed at a low boil like the water in the kettle.

He was happy that Cornelia arrived in time for the birth. From Alyssa’s stories, Malcolm knew she was an exceptional healer and would help his wife through the delivery. He just wished she wasn’t so demanding. Cornelia would give some of the senior officers he served under a run for their money.

Lily could see the frustration on Malcolm’s face. Being brushed aside by his mother-in-law was hurting him as much as being unable to be by Alyssa’s side. She set the teacups on the tray while Malcolm finished brewing the tea.

“Have you met Alyssa’s mother before?” Lily asked, trying to make small talk.

“No, this is my first time meeting her. Alyssa told me about her mother through their correspondence during the war and since we moved here.”

“She seems like a nice enough lady for someone in her position amongst the Oracles of Delphis Kai.”

Malcolm said nothing. He just stared at the teapot. “You know, when Tony and I first got married, I could never do anything right in my mother-in-law’s eyes,” Lily said. “Nothing I did was good enough for her son.”

Her story piqued his curiosity, as Malcolm wanted to hear more. “Really? How did you resolve things between you?”

“I slowly and carefully wore her down with love and understanding. Before she died, we became the best of friends. I loved that old woman, even though she could be a pain in the ass.”

Malcolm couldn’t help but laugh as the two of them enjoyed a moment of laughter when Cornelia came out of the bedroom. “Did I miss something funny?” she asked.

“No, Madam Cornelia. I was giving Malcolm some advice on patience during childbirth,” Lily said as she picked up the tea tray. “I’ll take this in and keep an eye on Alyssa.”

Lily departed, leaving Malcolm and Cornelia alone. The two of them stood in awkward silence. “Can I get you anything, Mother Cornelia?”

“Do you have any brandy? It will be a while before this baby is born.” Malcolm was surprised by her request but thought it might break the ice between them. He went to a cabinet and grabbed a bottle of Sardinian Brandy and two glasses, pouring out the dark liquor before handing a glass to Cornelia. He motioned toward the sitting area where they could be comfortable. Once they sat down, Cornelia took a sip of brandy, savoring the sweet liquid.

“Delicious. We don’t get quality liquor like this on Dawntree. We still have trouble convincing Fawleen merchants to send supplies to our colony.”

“If you’d like, I can send you some, Mother Cornelia, along with anything else you need. It helps to be a deputy marshal from time to time.”

“Malcolm, can you please stop calling me ‘Mother Cornelia’ . . . You make me feel older than I already am.”

“I’m sorry. My father taught me to be respectful of my elders.”

“Which father? The one from this world or the other?” Her question caught Malcolm off guard, but he realized Alyssa must have told her what had happened.

“Does that bother you, Cornelia? My being one man with two souls?”

“The Soul Restoration ritual is supposed to be done with multiple oracles to ensure the sanctity of the soul and the convergence of two beings. The fact that Alyssa did it alone is a miracle in itself.”

“Is it? Why is that?”

“On the rare occasion when a single oracle performed the ritual, the outcome has sometimes produced monstrous results.”

“So, you’re wondering if I am a man or a monster, is that it?” Cornelia nodded before she took another sip of brandy. “Well, neither. I’m a miracle. I heard Alyssa crying as I lay dying in that distant world. I asked God to give me a chance to save her, to be there for her, and He guided me across the River of Souls to be here.

“Now, we’ve been blessed with a child—a child of two races in hopes of bringing peace and understanding to this war-torn world of ours,” he concluded. “I don’t know why the spell worked, only that it did, and I am eternally grateful. I love Alyssa and will do everything I can to protect her, our child, and anyone who needs my help.”

Cornelia said nothing. She was impressed by his answer, but more was needed. She needed to confirm things for herself. Cornelia put down her glass and moved closer to Malcolm.

“Would you mind, Malcolm?” she asked. Malcolm didn’t understand what she was asking, but he didn’t want to be rude. He nodded and sat up. Cornelia closed her eyes and placed her hand on his chest.

“Agor fy llygaid, datguddia dy gallon . . . Syllu Enaid!” She peered inside his body, looking at the merged souls coursing within him. Her hand erupted with warm light, and when she opened her eyes, they glowed with divine magic from her Soul Gaze spell.

Cornelia sensed his courage, honesty, and love for Alyssa. It filled every fiber of his eternal soul—both of them. It seemed her concerns for Malcolm were misplaced. After she dispelled the magic, Cornelia gently touched his face before kissing his cheek.

“I apologize, Malcolm. You truly are a miracle. I have never touched a human soul so pure of heart. I was wrong to misjudge you.”

“It’s all right, Cornelia. You were only concerned for Alyssa and our child. I’m glad she has someone like you looking out for them.”

“Yes, well, that’s what mothers are for. You should get comfortable and leave this to Lily and me. This might take a while.”

“Is Lyssa or the baby in any danger?” Malcolm asked. Cornelia could sense the apprehension in his question, worried about his wife and child.

“I do not have a lot of experience with hybrid births, so I can’t say,” she started to say before she reached out to Malcolm. “But Lily and I will do everything we can to help Alyssa through this. Trust in us.”

Cornelia finished her brandy and returned to the bedroom, leaving Malcolm to wait, as most new fathers do. He recalled a memory from his other life. Once, he thought he had gotten his girlfriend pregnant in high school. He was worried about not being ready when he talked to his father about it. That’s when he gave his son some advice.

Be patient. It’s OK if you don’t know what to do. Remember, your child won’t take over your life, but your child is your whole life.

As hours passed, all Malcolm could do was sit and listen to Alyssa cry out in pain. He wanted to be in there and help her, but Lily and Cornelia asked him to stay out for the time being. With the potential difficulties with this birth, they needed room to work. Malcolm would just be in the way.

He kept himself occupied by making fresh tea for them, preparing simple food, and running errands. He even plucked specific herbs from Alyssa’s garden for Lily and Cornelia to use. It was busy work to keep his mind off things, but it didn’t work. His thoughts were only of Alyssa.

Suddenly, the cry of a baby could be heard from the bedroom. Malcolm dropped everything and rushed into the room to see Cornelia and Lily cleaning off the newborn baby while gently wrapping it in a blanket. Alyssa lay in the bed, soaked in sweat. Her breathing was quite difficult as she tried to catch her breath. Malcolm sat on the edge and helped Alyssa sit up.

“Are you all right, Lyssa?” All Alyssa could do was nod as she leaned into Malcolm, holding onto him. “Is the baby OK?”

“He is a perfect little darling,” Cornelia said as she swaddled her grandson, cooing softly in his face. He had a single horn in the middle of his forehead—a common trait for male dragonkin—surrounded by a head of black hair. She walked over to Alyssa and handed her the newborn baby. The baby cried out but slowly quieted down once Alyssa embraced her son and began to comfort him. She kissed him gently and lovingly as she began to bond with her newborn baby.

Malcolm leaned in and kissed him, staring at his son. He saw movement underneath the wrapping, not from his feet but from the baby’s tail swishing. “He has a strong tail to go with those powerful lungs.”

“Yes, but no wings. I think that’s his human side, but I don’t think he’ll miss them,” Cornelia remarked.

“So, what’s his name? Have you picked one out?” Lily’s question was obvious, but Malcolm and Alyssa knew the answer.

“Henry Randolph Dante Seger, after our fathers,” Alyssa said, giving her son another kiss—three names for three fathers.

Alyssa bared her breast to give her son his first feed, a bonding moment between mother and child. As the baby suckled, Alyssa sang a dragon lullaby, eliciting memories of when her mother sang it to her as a child. Cornelia joined in as mother and daughter shared this moment.

Malcolm stared at his son in awe. He thought his rebirth was the beginning of a new life in a distant world, but Malcolm was wrong. His son’s birth brought two worlds and two races together. This was that new beginning.

THE END