Looking out from the patio of Daniel's home, Nolan admired the afternoon view of Bailemor. Directly in front was the Akkadian mountain, spiraling up through the Upper City. Swiveling his head to the right, he could see the second mountain tip referred to simply as the Summit. Thinner, but higher than the other two peaks, it was reserved exclusively for government offices and residences of the highest ranking officials. As such, he considered the Summit appropriately named.

Nolan, sitting back in a colorful blue and yellow cushioned chair, shifted his feet and crossed his ankles, resting them on the small table in front of him. Behind him, out of his view, was the third peak of Bailemor, occupied primarily by the Gwynedd faction. He found the story of Gwyneddmen and Akkadians interesting. At first he thought it silly, similar to gangs on Earth wearing their colors, but as Germaine explained, it made sense.

The warrior had frowned when Nolan referred to the two factions as gangs. Germaine explained there were many things in life which were unavoidable. Rather than spending exorbitant amounts of futile energy and resources trying to curb the activities, why not work with the vice, guiding it to a better purpose? As such, the so-called gangs were not only tolerated, but promoted. With structured guidance, the traits of teamwork, trust and honor were the lifeblood of the Akkadians and the Gwyneddmen. The younger men and women were not allowed to wear their colorful earrings until their 18th birthday. This avoided most of the violent conflicts a young spirit brings, but not all. There were still some outbreaks of violence, Germaine had explained, but they were much less frequent than what would have occurred if outright abolition had been adopted. Nolan considered the argument from Germaine compelling.

Nolan did not hear the door open. The sun was square in his eyes, reflecting off the plate glass doors behind him. The changing patterns of light reflecting back against the flower box and railing in front of him indicated the door had been shifted. Someone was there. He picked up his orange colored fruit drink, pulling it to his lips as he waited for the person to speak.

"Hello, Nolan." The familiar voice of Daniel glided down to the younger man.

Nolan's head snapped around; with a wide smile, he replied, "It's about time you showed up. I have missed you." His words were sincere. It had been five days since Nolan's arrival on Crann Bith. Although he was concerned Daniel had left him as soon as he arrived, the heart-felt, honest friendship he held with the older man shone through the shadow of doubt.

Daniel lowered himself into the chair next to Nolan. Outwardly, the weathered appearance was lost. His hair was neatly trimmed, as was his moustache. The faded clothes were gone, replaced by an expensive looking outfit. The jacket and slacks were both of a dark, copper-colored material which matched well with the loose fitting black shirt. Highlighting his appearance was the blue-stoned earring sparkling in his right ear lobe. "Unfortunately, there was some urgent business to attend to as soon as we arrived," he offered apologetically.

"Hopefully it does not always take you this long to get cleaned up," Nolan chuckled.

The mirroring laugh coming from Daniel's lips was as much from relief as the reaction to the humorous comment. "I left you in very capable hands. I trust Germaine with my life, so it is obvious I would trust him with yours." The jovial facade did not reveal Daniel's feelings of guilt, leaving as he did, but it had been very necessary. He was thankful and quite impressed with Nolan's reaction. The Earth man had changed in the short time he had known him. He did not make poorly guided assumptions and he showed the patience to let events play out before jumping to conclusions. Daniel kept these thoughts to himself, including the hope that the younger man was indeed the First Key, but more than that was the basic hope that he would continue to learn and grow.

There were a few moments of silence as they watched the sun move lower on the horizon. It was finally broken by Daniel. "How are things at the Skills Academy?"

Nolan's face brightened as the question automatically brought the vision of Deahna into his mind. He saw her over and over in his thoughts and dreams since they had met and had not felt like this for a very long time. It was silly, not knowing the woman well, yet feeling a very strong connection.

Nolan's daydream was broken by the smack of Daniel's hand on his shoulder. "Nolan?"

Pulled from his fantasy, the younger man's grey eyes turned to Daniel. "Everything is set. In four days I begin my term. I have been told I will be staying there for four days, and then allowed out for three. The schedule will continue until I have graduated."

"Who is your partner?"

"A man named Lukas. We spent a little time together and he seems a good man, and has a pride which will make him a good mate. The two of us are teamed up with six others assigned to squad 33." He turned his head nonchalantly away from Daniel. "Captain Deahna Welland is the tutor for both Lukas and I."

"You have made excellent strides since I have been gone."

Nolan's fingers rolled along the rim of his glass. "Where did you go?"

Daniel's sigh told Nolan it was not an altogether pleasant trip for the older man. "I went to visit my bond brother."

"I haven't heard the term bond brother before."

Daniel was lost in thought for a few seconds before he responded. "Our population on Crann Bith is not healthy. Right now, it is a little over five hundred thousand inhabitants. Fifty years ago, our population was eight hundred thousand. You can see the war takes it toll as it has for centuries. With that in mind, there are many men and women who were mothers and fathers who have died. Consequently, there have been many children who, although not abandoned, have been very much alone without a caring ear for their thoughts or to hear their hopes and aspirations."

Nolan listened. He knew well enough the tone Daniel was speaking in. This was important to him.

"So many years ago, the citizens of Bailemor developed an alternative. When a child turns ten, his parents make an arrangement with another family for the two children to be bonded. The two boys are not told the name of the other until they are 16. This is to maintain the confidentiality of trust which is considered very sacred by the people of Crann Bith. The bond brother is someone the man knows he can confide in with the utmost trust. It is unheard of for a bond brother to be revealed. The secrecy of the relationship is what allows the discussions and sharing of feelings between the two to be so open and honest. It has helped our race in this time of war. There are many young men growing up without the guidance of parents who benefit from having a bond brother."

Nolan knew better than to ask who Daniel's bond brother was, but the words did make him think. His parents weren't here. If something happened to Germaine, but especially Daniel, he would be very much alone in this world.

Turning again to look at the older man, Nolan said, "I have some other questions."

Daniel chuckled. "Of course. Some things do not change."

Nolan gave Daniel a friendly scowl. "Our escape from Earth was interesting. One of the Toltec helped you."

"Yes, it seems he was instrumental," Daniel replied.

Nolan lowered an eyebrow. "Don't you find that odd--A Toltec, sworn enemy of the Celtae for centuries, helping a Celtae prisoner escape?"

"Now that you mention it, it was unusual. The Toltec was a nice fellow." Daniel generously offered with a playful smile on his lips.

"Okay, cut the freaking crap! I saw the same tattoo on both your chest and on the Toltec who helped us. What is it that I need to know?"

Through the grin Daniel said, "Very well. The tattoo has a meaning, but it is something better understood if I show you, rather than tell you."

"Very well. Nolan waved an arm in frustration before crossing them on his chest. "Don't let me hold you back."

"Not now," Daniel said. "Tomorrow we are going on a field trip to another plane. There you will learn all there is to know. Until then, be patient."

Nolan opened his mouth to protest, but Daniel had already risen and was moving back into the apartment. The discussion was over.