the sounds of battle that had echoed through the darkness of night had finally ceased. The house guards carried out their search for other combatants and to the house security. Others attended to the wounded, searching every corridor and surrounding grounds. Joman lay nearly motionless. His hand lay clasped over a deep wound in his side as blood continued to slip between his fingers and to the ground. His young son and top Generals were by his side in an instant. "I shall seek the healer." Kafka announced in his deep gruff voice as he started to turn. "No," Joman glanced up, a stern glare in his eyes. "No time." "My lord." The three warriors instantly dropped to their knees. "Your words." K'mpek." His voice had started to grow weak. "You are House Master now. Learn from your top Generals. They will not stir you wrong." "Father." The small voice filled with pain stared from the wound to his fathers face. "You are the House." "No more. I will sit at another table soon." He smiled faintly and his voice softened. "Be strong. You are K'mpek, son of Joman." He then raised his eyes and voice. "My most loyal and trusted Generals. See to it that he becomes the best House Master and warrior possible. You know what is to be done." He looked back to his son. "Lead, live, and someday, die with honor." "What do I do?" The boy sniffled. "Find Navarra. I bestow the Dancer to him." "I knew you would." The boy nearly broke at that point. "Yeah. You did, didn't you." Roman grinned. "Already a good start for you." His expression grew stern as he glanced back to the generals. A dishonorable thing happened here tonight. Make it right. Go to house Mo'kia." "That is the house of the traitor, My Lord?" "Once. Listen to him. He is a good friend, great warrior, and true to his word of honor. He will help.We have always been allied house," He paused to muster up as much strength as he could. "And it will be so now." "Yes. My Lord." "Learn and lead, my son." He reached over, but as his fingertips touch his sons hand, his arm went limp and dropped suddenly. "Father?!" The boy called out and then stared up into eyes that no longer saw him. Father!" He screamed in terror and rage.