In the winter cherry tree arching beyond them, a lark began a serenade of long, liquid notes.
Epilogue
Away and near, above and below, in time and out of it, the hundred-year-old laird and his wife watched the conclusion of their story play out in gentle words and tender touches, watched their beloved children embrace and kiss and begin those things that mortals did, the sharing of their bond of love.
“It is the end of the curse,” rejoiced the laird.
“Aye, the savior came,” replied his wife. “Our beautiful family is redeemed, treuluf. The new golden age has begun. And we are free at last.”
As one, the two spirits rose, and if such a thing as heavenly laughter could have been heard, it surely would have been then, as they melted into each other, indistinguishable, and dissolved into sparkles of bliss, joined together forever, just as their love had always promised.
Author’s Note
To the best of my knowledge, medieval Moors did not use the art of tattoo for decoration, religious or otherwise. Both the Coptics and other Christians of this era would have almost certainly viewed such things as pagan. Yet Balthazar spoke to me from the very beginning with his elegant markings, and I could not resist him.
The practice of Asian martial arts would have been uncommon indeed in medieval Scotland, even after the cross-cultural influence of the Crusades. Truly it would have taken a legend to bring about Avalon’s skills in this area, but fortunately, I had one.
Even though this book is a work of pure fiction, I beg the reader to indulge my lapses into the dramatic on these issues, and any others you may have found that vexed you. The telling of the tale necessitated it all.
I hope you enjoyed the journey of Avalon and Marcus to true love as much as I did.
—S.A.
DEDICATION
For the lovely and talented Gwen, who very generously took me with her on her tour of Great Britain and Ireland, and who insisted that I have the window seat the whole time. It is thanks to her that this story was written. I love you, Mom.
Also my deepest gratitude to my father, Ted, who gave up his ticket so that I could go; to Adriann for the names; and to Darren for his devotion.
This book never would have been finished without the unending patience and help of Ruth Kagle and Stephanie Kip. A thousand thank-yous to you all.
Bantam Books by Shana Abé
A ROSE IN WINTER
THE PROMISE OF RAIN
THE TRUELOVE BRIDE
A KISS AT MIDNIGHT
INTIMATE ENEMIES
THE SECRET SWAN
THE SMOKE THIEF
THE DREAM THIEF
QUEEN OF DRAGONS
THE TREASURE KEEPER
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shana Abé lives in Southern California with her husband and four—yes, four—pet house rabbits in a small home on a hill overlooking a freeway. Shana strongly wishes people would neuter their pets. She may be reached through her Web site at www.shanaabe.com.
Shana Abe Page 30