Kaphiri provided the two with a well appointed suite. Qoh immediately retired for a short nap before dinner while Rham spent his time on the balcony. The warrior sat and brooded as he stared at the multitude of greens that stretched as far as the eye could see. Haa was a sizable freehold, he could walk the breadth of the cavern in just under an hour, but he missed the endless vistas of Avis Abeh.
"You should get some good sleep too," Qoh commented from the door.
Rham smirked even though the aging priest couldn't see his face. "And have you accusing me of getting old, father?"
Qoh came closer and sat in the chair next to the brawny warrior. "I only need my legs to carry me, while we may need your whole body to keep us alive."
"A comforting thought," Rham said and sighed.
"We're heading for Jongkhar, the furthest bastion of the Child. It will be the last true Light we bathe in for some time." Qoh shifted so he could view his friend's profile. "We've encountered shades in our own caverns, and beyond the Light we'll have more than just the Other to worry about. Its not comforting, but it is the truth."
"My sword is sharp and I'll wield my mace with my teeth if my arms fail me."
Qoh shook his head and replied: "Your physical strength isn't in question Rham, but what of your determination? What of your mind and will? We'll be away from Avis Abeh for a long time. We're leaving its beautiful green; Karimah and Sabuhi -- your ravishing wives; your steadfast husbands; Falisha, Nadia, Rahil, all your sons and daughters behind and stepping into the Shadow."
"How is it," the warrior began, "you always seem to know what I'm thinking?"
"To those who know you best, your thoughts are written on every feature." Qoh placed a hand on Rham's shoulder. "Remember, all that you love is more than just something in your head. They're like your bones, blood, or muscle -- a piece of you. No matter the trials you undergo, or the wounds you suffer, they'll always be with you.'
'And don't fear. The path will be long and trying, but we will return to the Light, and all our brothers and sisters will gain from our discovery. We will bring our people one step closer to vanquishing the Other."
