Full Circle

Corwin sat vigil in the seal chamber of Dragon Keep when he heard the cry of pain. "Taiba!", he said right before he disappeared. His hurry was so great he did not even notice the visage that appeared on the other side of the portal.

Corwin appeared in his chambers running to Taiba's side. The midwife looked at him," There is a problem my lord. She is in far too much pain and in the wrong place." Corwin looked at Taiba then took her hand into his. "And can't help her. My wife you must carry through this I can't be alone again."

Blackthorn waited outside the room for Corwin to bring him news of how Taiba was doing. His excitement was almost unbearable at the thought of being an uncle again. "It has been hours now", he said impatiently as Skye watched him pacing. "Ian love, this does tend to take a bit of time. Come over here and sit before you wear a groove in the floor." Ian sat down and almost as he did he heard the cries of the newborn child and was back on his feet.

Corwin kneeled beside his wife, a single tear rolled down his cheek falling onto her now lifeless hand. He looked to the midwife who was holding the child and nodded, she went to clean and tend the newborn silently. Closing his eyes he released his power and Taiba's body began to glow. As the light grew the body seemed to float above the table and as it faded from site so did the first princess of Amber.

Ian spun around as the door opened and Corwin stepped out," About ti...... Brother what is it?" Corwin looked at him oblivious to all else and Skye stood gripping Ian's hand. " Not the child Corwin?" He shook his head and walked to his study looking over his shoulder before entering," Ian I will need some time." Ian did not know what to say and simply nodded before he heard the door close.

A dark shape stood inside the portal silently laughing," Now you know what it is like to have all your power and feel helpless. Now it is time for your punishment to begin." "No, it is time for you to return to where you belong brother." , a voice echoed in his mind. Suddenly the chamber lit up with a bright golden glow and as it faded the two dragon statues were once more whole and the seal intact once again. " A final gift for you my husband, I will always love you", then it was gone leaving only a memory in Corwin's mind.

Corwin stood holding and old scroll in his hands reading it to himself, " The prophecy has come full circle my love, thank you for all you have given me and have given the world." He rolled up the scroll put it on his desk and turned looking out the window. As the sun rose he thought," This day is given to the world for love alone."