"When Toka and I kissed last night," Kolano explained sincerely, "his spirit--the spirit of a mighty warrior of the Outer World--mingled with my spirit and left something of that warrior spirit in me." She gazed frankly at Roya. "And that is all it was--purely spiritual." Toka met Roya's relieved gaze. "So," Kolano continued quietly, "when I next wed one of the men of Kosanna--one who found the spirit to do battle against the hordes of Ophid--our sons shall be worthy of becoming Kosanna's new leaders." Toka held Kolano's eyes. "What about this marriage of ours?" Kolano quietly held his gaze. "It is time to proceed to the altar--that our marriage may be dissolved." The cortege forming the entire party marched for the Hall Of Life--where the final victory over the hordes of Ophid was portrayed in huge scenes. But there remained space there still for many more scenes. Going down the sacred stairway, Toka glanced to Kolano. "How about the hordes of Ophid?" "There are no men of Ophid or dragons left alive," Kolano assured. All Kosanna looking on silently, Toka and Kolano stood on the fore edge of the altar below the gigantic statue of him and, to the anciently quavering chant of the Old Ones, removed each other's ring and placed the brilliant bands on the pillows. Kolano's smile was unsteady, her silvery eyes misty. "Great Prince Toka and his friends shall be forever revered by Kosanna." Toka quietly voiced his sincere wish. "May peace dwell forevermore in Kosanna." As Kosanna broke into beautiful choraling, Toka beckoned to his black spike-back. Mounting the great creature with Roya and the others of his party, Toka headed down the main avenue. The surviving Big Snakes fell in behind with happy eyes and peaceful features. Meeting Roya's eyes, Toka pressed her hand in gentle expression of his feeling. He thrilled as Roya returned the pressure. The up-river cavern yawned to receive them and the Outer World waited.