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Elektra smiled at them both. We ll find each other. She hugged Abby, then gave her a gentle kiss on
the forehead. Over Abby s head, her gaze met Mark s. His was hopeful, hers was forgiving. The
reconciliation was complete& but they both knew it would never go any further.
Elektra left the estate feeling better about life and herself than she had since the death of her father and
her parting from Matt. She stopped outside for a while, looking at the ruins of the maze and the remains
of the overgrown grounds. What would become of this place now? Whatshould become of it? She had
so much history here, but Elektra wasn t sure she ever wanted to return, or what she would do if she did.
Yes, she had some decisions to make, but she would take her time about it. They would not be made
lightly.
Please, she finally said to Stick. Don t let her be like me. She d known he was behind her for at
least three minutes.
Stick made his way carefully forward until he was standing by her side. Why not? You haven t turned
out so bad.
She glanced sideways at him, surprised at the tone of approval in his voice. They d crossed attitudes so
often that it was something she d never thought she d hear. I& just don t want it to be so hard for her,
she finally said.
But her mentor simply shrugged. That s up to her.
Elektra could only lift a corner of her mouth ruefully that was all too true. Anyway, she added,
your second life s never like your first, is it?
Stick smiled vaguely. Sometimes it s better.
Elektra looked at him and knew that even though the man didn t have his vision, he could see her.
She turned and walked away, knowing that he always would.
Epilogue
DEADLOCK.
Roshi sat back and studied the Go board. You played well, as usual, he said.
Stick leaned forward and let his fingers touch lightly across the board, feeling the pieces along the
playing field, finding and mentally recording his white ones. Not too shabby yourself. Unfortunately, I
lost that treasure you so coveted.
The little one she died after all? So sorry. Roshi paused, then nodded sadly. His eyes glittered in the
mellow light of the room. And I have lost my greatest warrior, the magnificent Kirigi.
Who tried to displace you as leader, Stick pointed out.
Roshi grinned and raised one eyebrow. And somehow failed to kill the girl you try to convince me is
dead. He turned to a small table off to the side and ceremoniously poured two cups of sake. Stick
accepted one and they lifted their cups toward each other.
Yet once again, Roshi added, for all our skill, we end in a stalemate. What is the point of playing if
no one wins?
Now it was Stick s turn to smile. Just to keep playing, I suppose.
They finished their sake without saying anything else, then both men reached out calloused fingers and
began meticulously gathering their stones. Oddly enough, it almost seemed as if they were unplaying
their game, reversing all the maneuverings and situations that had already taken place.
Roshi looked down at the board when it was finally cleared. He seemed vaguely puzzled, as if he were
still asking himself why bother. Another game, then?
After a moment, Stick reached out and carefully placed the first white stone on the board.
THE END & ?
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