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.