Byrn sheltered for the day in a farmer's barn, beneath a heap of hay. As he settled in, he thought of Halin, waiting for him at home. Her blond hair, merry brown eyes, and quick smile. When he'd met her she was already immortal, changed over the sea before coming to the colonies. Traveling with her master and mistress, and her sister-in-blood, they were a group of four who'd set up house in the wilds. Byrn had been lucky and drawn an assignment there, when a vestige of the old clans had appeared nearby. While he investigated, Halin's coven had graciously hosted him, and, when he left, he'd asked permission to return, to see her now and again. Twelve years later, they were married, after the fashion of their kind, and had their own small den.
He smiled as he remembered Halin's soft sigh,
