"Toka, I hope you and Queen Kolano will be very happy." Roya quivered with the hurt.
The dank cavern curved—to reveal the distant glow of Kosanna. Joyous choraling came on the air.
The singing was a mockery to Toka. "Roya, look. I only—"
"I understand perfectly." Roya dismissed him.
Rok cut in. "See here, Roya—"
"Let it go!" Toka ordered edgily. He'd gotten what he'd paid for.
The canoe shot into the full light of Kosanna and closed to the wharf. Toka led his party ashore. The joyous choraling filled the air and trembled the stone underfoot.
Flanked by the impassive Old Ones, Kolano stepped forward. "We hail Great Prince Toka's triumphant return!" Flinging her arms around Toka's neck, she searched her eager lips for his.
Toka thrust free. "These others may now return to the Outer World?"
"In that very canoe," Kolano assured freely.