Crouching at his wife's side, Chief Long Knife pulled Dark Star into his arms, offering her his strength although he was painfully aware that it could never be enough. Yes, he was the children's father and yet, they had been her children much longer. His grief, surely, paled in comparison with hers.

"I want to go home," Dark Star choked when she felt the tender touch of his hands on her arms.

"I'm here," Chief Long Knife soothed, although his voice sounded ...