The first part of their journey was uneventful. Serali enjoyed the flight, sometimes indulging in some modest areal acrobatics, diving and pulling up just in time to skim the treetops, much to the alarm of Janus, who was riding on her back. "Stop that!"

"Sorry."

"If you were really sorry you wouldn't do it again!"

Serali just laughed.

A few days later they reached Land's End. Summer had arrived to the high desert and the heat was blistering. Serali, back in her human form, entered the cool dimness of her parents' inn with gratitude. Falio looked up from pouring drinks.

"Serali! We didn't expect you so soon!"

"Papa!" She made her way quickly across the almost empty room and hugged her father. "I'm not staying long, but I'm glad to be back."

Her mother heard the commotion and emerged from the kitchen, followed by a young woman that Serali almost didn't recognize as her little sister Terla.

Serali hugged her mother affectionately and ruffled Terla's hair. "You sure have grown!"

Terla swatted Serali's hand away. "Stop that! Now you've messed it up!"

Serali grinned "Trying to impress the boys, eh?"

Terla's blush was all the confirmation anyone needed.

Turning back to Falio, Serali said, "I'm not planning on staying too long. In another week or so Id like to be on the road again."

"You're welcome for as long as you're here. With both your brothers out of the house, there's plenty of room."

"I knew Dentol had married, but what happened to Ohlito?"

"He's apprenticed himself to Breck. Turns out he's got a knack for smith craft."

"They're all growing up so fast!" Serali shook her head. "I've missed so much, and now I'm leaving again."

Falio smiled at his adopted daughter. "We all miss you, but you can't live here forever. It's enough that we can enjoy your company while you're here."

"Thank you, Papa. Whatever else happens, I'm glad that my family will be here."

"Don't just stand there you two," broke in Marilla. "Sit down, eat something. You too Janus."

Serali smiled, her mother's reaction to just about everything was to try to feed it. A reaction which was responsible for the fact that she was getting plumper every year. Serali and Janus were indeed well-fed over the next week, but at last the time came to go. Serali had enjoyed her stay with her family, but she was now looking forward to going. Out there somewhere was her real family. Serali still wondered why they had abandoned her. She feared that they hadn't wanted her, and yet she also feared that they had, and that they'd been killed by the mysterious enemies which they'd hinted were following them. Or maybe there was some other, more mundane explanation. But whatever the truth was, Serali was going to find out.