InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Demon Slayer Sango ❯ Chapter 29 ( Chapter 29 )

 

 

Chapter 29

 

The room felt cold. Alone, Sango sat on a stool shivering in what appeared to be some sort of dressing chamber within the palace. Wearing only a thin set of underclothes, she longed for some heat and rubbed her stiff fingers together to create friction.

 

'Why has Hisako left me here half naked? I wanted to get outside for a while, maybe give Hiraikotsu a throw or two. Gods know I'm not happy about going to this damn ceremony tonight!'

 

She looked around. A variety of kimono in different colors, fabrics and states of construction draped the chamber's oval-shaped walls. The garments' many intricate designs and textures told of the great skill possessed by the clothmakers who'd fashioned them. Sorely tempted to get up and run her hands over some particularly lovely examples in delicate silk, Sango remembered Hisako's admonition to wait until her return and sat back down.

 

"Ah, good. I believe we have found just the right ensemble for you," murmured Hisako who swept back in, loaded down with bolts of fabric. Behind her trailed two servant youkai girls also carrying armloads of supplies-- hair ornaments, combs, paints and silk.

 

"Attend to her hair, Saki. You, Asuka-- help her out of that old juban."

 

Sango's eyes trailed over the finery the girls placed on a table beside her stool. Incredulous she asked, "Is all of this for me?"

 

"Yes. This is a highly important event you will attend. Usually humans are not allowed to witness such things, but Lord Sesshomaru has made an exception in your case."

 

"Kagome and Inuyasha and Miroku are also attending, aren't they? He has made an exception for them as well, hasn't he?" She sat still as the young women began tackling her, working on her hair while stripping away her juban and whatever other defenses she had against the cold.

 

Hisako made a slight noise in her throat. In her opinion it was highly out of order for anyone other than the highest members of youkai society to attend the master's claiming ceremony, but recalled Sesshomaru's specific instructions. Inuyasha and his mate and even the monk were to be allowed at the ceremony.

 

"Yes, my dear I believe they will," she said, her tone vaguely displeased.

 

Sango decided not to ask the next obvious question, sensing that the proud youkai noblewoman was not at all keen on elaborating any further. 'Why dress me up like some kind of a porcelain doll for this thing?' She watched as Asuka began to lay out the many layers of silk that would constitute her costume for the evening and shrugged. 'No one will even notice me.'

 

Hisako gave her a serious look. "There are some things you must know huntress, things about what will take place tonight. I tell you this only because it is necessary for all present to know the rules. Since you are an outsider, you must be tutored." Sango nodded and continued to listen.

 

"If you are spoken to, you must keep your voice low and remember to show respect," she ordered. "This is an affair of consequence and you must not risk offending the community. Do not look directly at any of the males, especially lord Sesshomaru. The females will be separate from the males, so this shouldn't be difficult."

 

"A-alright, Lady Hisako. I can remember that." Despite her perturbed mood the professional taijiya in Sango always welcomed getting new information about youkai behavior, and she sat still in rapt attention while Hisako went on to describe more about that night's events.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

'I wonder what Inutaisho-sama would think of these goings on,' mused Tamaku as he stood at attention. Looking on as Sesshomaru allowed himself to be dressed for the claiming ceremony shortly to follow, he critiqued in his mind. 'The entire business is highly unorthodox. His father would have at least given the court time to absorb these matters.'

 

"What is the status of the southeast sector now?" asked Sesshomaru. He raised an arm to let the master of the robes to adjust a sleeve of his ceremonial kimono.

 

Having recently lost its clan lord at the demon lord's hands, Jitsuo's former territory stood in danger of falling into chaos and disarray with none to hold it together. Sesshomaru realized steps would need to be taken to re-organize its government sooner rather than later.

 

"They are managing just barely sire," the older demon replied. He shifted his weight, remembering that he had been on his feet for several hours. He was tired and wanted to sit down. 'I'm not getting any younger.' Tamaku did not dare to sit in Sesshomaru's presence without permission, however. He put aside thoughts of fatigue and continued his report.

 

"Apparently most of those opposed to the central authority were killed in the war. What remains are inu looking to us to restore order. It is my recommendation that we take steps to normalize the situation as soon as possible. Those wild dogs in the southeast are more likely to rip each other to shreds than to organize themselves in an orderly fashion as long as they are without leadership. I suggest we send someone as soon as possible."

 

Sesshomaru nodded. "Is Ryuchi returned from the front?"

 

"Yes my lord. The last battle was concluded late yesterday, and he was notified of the impending event. His company returned this morning to attend the ceremony."

 

"Satisfactory."

 

Tamaku was worried about something. "My lord if I may inquire, with respect-- have you considered the implications your move this evening will have for the territory? Lord Inutaisho--"

 

"Inutaisho is dead."

 

"Yes my lord." Tamaku bowed low. "I only meant that this is a highly unusual step--"

 

"You raise objections now, Tamaku?" Sesshomaru cut his eyes at the older demon. He knew exactly what his advisor was thinking. 'He thinks it a rash and ill-considered decision, I suppose. He is mistaken. I have made it and so it will stand.'

 

"No. No my lord. I do not object." 'Damn obstinate demon. Not everything is said to second guess his decisions-- I just want to know his reasoning!'

 

Tamaku felt Sesshomaru's cold keen eyes scanning him.

 

"You may sit."

 

"Thank you, Sesshomaru-sama."

 

Relieved he could finally get off his feet, the elder demon contemplated while seating himself. 'So like, yet so unlike his father this one is. Inutaisho was impulsive, yes-- his liason with Izayoi and the hanyou are proof of that. But all of this is very much a departure for Sesshomaru...There are signs he is yielding his harshness somewhat, I must give him that. His affection for the huntress has changed him, and significantly it seems. There was a time he would have let me fall over from exhaustion before even noticing I might want to sit down.'

 

A servant brought tea into the room. Sesshomaru waved away what was offered but allowed Tamaku to partake. He wondered about something but waited for the elder youkai to drain the liquid in the fine ceramic cup cradled in his palm before continuing the interview.

 

"What do you know of my mother's death?" he asked. The words spoken by the witch Koto had not left Sesshomaru's mind. Had Nayame indeed been killed by the vile old woman?

 

He continued to wonder why his mother's name was so seldom in the conversation of those around him. Certainly his father had been a larger-than life figure and therefore brighter in the memory of those who'd known both his parents. This would account in part for the relative dearth of discussion about her. Still, it struck Sesshomaru as odd that those who had known her spoke so little about his mother, and he was left with just bits and pieces of information about her life. Tamaku regularly invoked Inutaisho's memory, but never that of Nayame.

 

The elder youkai looked up with a wary gaze. He recognized the particular glint in Sesshomaru's eye as deep contemplation. 'What has brought this on I wonder...perhaps something transpired at Mt. Koragi?'

 

"You ask about your mother now, my lord?"

 

He nodded. "It was recently brought to my attention that she might have been killed by a mortal. Is this a fact?" He drummed his fine claws on the table next to him, calmly awaiting Tamaku's response. The gray-haired demon shifted and seemed to consider the question with some trepidation. To Sesshomaru it looked like he wanted to couch his words carefully before responding. "I want the truth, Tamaku."

 

He began slowly. "Sesshomaru-sama, your mother...well, she was a singular character."

 

"Meaning?"

 

"She was beautiful and strong. Willful and intelligent. But there was something else."

 

Sesshomaru leaned forward slightly. He waved a hand to dismiss the robe master who departed with a respectful bow although his work so far had been only half completed.

 

"The lady Nayame-- she was a ruthless demoness. She disliked all those she considered her inferiors. And she acted on that dislike."

 

"In what ways?" Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed to amber slits.

 

"Well..." Tamaku was becoming openly uncomfortable. His hand shook, and he placed the drinking cup back on the tray in front of him unsteadily. To his master it appeared something unsavory about Nayame's past bothered him. "Well my lord..." his voice trailed off.

 

"Speak up, Tamaku. I have things to do." The usually stoic lord was becoming impatient.

 

He nodded. "Yes, sire. Your mother, to be blunt-- she was a killer."

 

Sesshomaru did not blink an eye. Tamaku continued. "That is why no one speaks of her, she killed without regard and without mercy. Yes, she was a great and fierce warrior-- she certainly had the bloodlust for it. Many a youkai fell at her hands. None had ever seen anything like it."

 

"What do you mean? It is the way of the inuyoukai to defend our territory, to protect what is ours. What is unusual about that?" Sesshomaru shifted his weight slightly, intrigued.

 

"Yes, that is so." Tamaku swallowed. He never thought he would have to have this conversation, at least not now. "It seems that Nayame was particularly indiscriminate, my lord. Once she led a band of warriors on a raid of the northern lands-- they destroyed entire youkai settlements, and she ripped some of them to shreds with her own hands. Your father could scarcely believe the reports that would come back about the vicious things she did, her ferocity. Even he thought it excessive."

 

"And how did she die?"

 

Tamaku sighed, resigned to tell the whole story. "It was a spell, my lord. Nayame went on a hunt for humans after catching some of the pitiful creatures attempting to steal grain from a youkai storehouse. She and her warriors found the target village and began their usual destruction and killing and burning. And then something happened. One of the villagers-- a woman priest of some sort fought like mad when the demoness got a hold of her mate and killed him before her eyes. The woman ended up destroying her with some sort of supernatural device, but it was never found."

 

'That sphere weapon,' thought Sesshomaru. 'And Koto must have been the priestess.' "What happened to her, the human female?"

 

"Inutaisho dealt with her. It was thought he didn't kill her outright, but ensured that she would never see the light of day again." Sesshomaru nodded, remembering Koto's invection against her imprisonment at Mt. Koragi. "My lord, forgive me for not sharing this with you before but Inutaisho-sama asked me not to. Apparently he did not want you to grow to manhood with exceedingly negative ideas about your mother, but now that you are an adult..." he paused and looked away. "There is something else."

 

"What is that?"

 

"There is something she left you. Your father entrusted it to me, and I have held it all these years wondering when would be a good time to pass it on to you. I believe now is that time." He got up and left the room, and Sesshomaru called the robe master back in. The ceremony would begin shortly and he had to be ready.

 

"My lord." Tamaku reappeared a few minutes later carrying a small package wrapped in black silk. "This belonged to lady Nayame. It was a relic of her people and she inherited it I believe from her paternal grandmother."

 

Sesshomaru took the wrapped object and opened it carefully. Inside lay a glorious jeweled bracelet set in yellow gold. Garnets, diamonds, emeralds and sapphires liberally decorated its shiny surface. Although bright, the object looked as if it would perfectly suit the delicate wrist of a highborn demoness-- small of size overall, the individual jewels on the bracelet were of a careful, understated cut.

 

'A great deal of skill has gone into the making of this object,' he observed. "A trinket, Tamaku?"

 

"It was her favorite possession, my lord. In life she wore it always. It is the one thing of hers that your father kept after her death."

 

Sesshomaru understood the import of Tamaku's gesture in bringing it to him now. He nodded and thought, 'Yes, she will have it. My future wife.'

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

'I feel like a calf being led to the slaughter,' observed Kaiya sullenly as she trailed behind her father and sister into the Grand Hall. Flanked by several palace guards, the party made its way steadily to the area where the young demoness would wait to be called forward by Sesshomaru.

 

The sun had only just set and to Kaiya everything seemed to take on a gloomy, melancholy cast in spite of the light given off by the numerous torches set along the walls at intervals. The slow pace of the procession, the serious, even mournful stares from the onlookers gawking at her-- it all sorely depressed the young noblewoman. She couldn't even begin to contemplate the mating itself, and thinking about it made her shudder.

 

'How can I do that with him? Gods this is some sort of terrible test, isn't it? Please let me just wake up from this bad dream somehow...'

 

Meanwhile Kagome, Miroku and Shippo had been led by Shiro into the Hall from another direction. Inuyasha had scoffed at the idea of attending, and so Kagome left him with Takeo back in their rooms. She agreed with him that soon they should return to their village now that the rebellion had been concluded and the threat to their son eliminated.

 

"Kagome-sama, you must sit with the women-- that way." Shiro pointed to one side of the long rectangular space. Rows of noble demonesses, their attendants and children were assembled several meters away from the males who stood closer to the central dais.

 

"I want to go with Kagome!" begged Shippo.

 

"Alright little fox, you go with her. Miroku-sama you must come with me." The monk nodded and followed. He noticed the somberness in Shiro's gait, and the sullenness in his voice. Usually he could count on the cheerful young demon to make a witty observation or laugh at his own jokes at a time like this, but noticed that now he seemed preoccupied. They had all come to find Shiro's cheerful behavior refreshing if somewhat unusual considering he was a youkai. Most of the other inu demons they'd encountered at the palace had a very different, even hostile view of the humans temporarily living inside their ancestral home.

 

After a time several hundred came to fill the great space of the hall. Kagome looked around-- except for a few murmurs, the room was surprisingly quiet despite the numbers present.

 

'These youkai all look so somber, but then Sesshomaru getting married isn't something that happens every day I suppose.' Feeling a bit uneasy at not having anyone in the vicinity she knew besides Shippo, the miko could only imitate the youkai females surrounding her by sitting quietly and folding her hands in her lap. 'It's as if everyone is praying. Why do this now? Nothing has started yet.'

 

"Show your respect, human!" hissed a sharp voice behind her. The startled miko lowered her head and blushed. Shippo slipped his little paw into her hand and did the same, bowing his bushy head. Just then the sweet notes of a flute filled the air, and to Kagome the tune sounded lovely if a little sad. Then at some invisible signal the women got to their feet as one body while the males turned to face the central platform. Kagome did her best to keep up.

 

 

"What is happening, lord Shiro?" whispered Miroku to the youkai beside him. They stood together in the rear of the assembly, only just able to get a glimpse of the platform through many rows of youkai heads in front of them.

 

"I cannot explain that now, just follow my lead." Shiro turned with the others to face the dais, and the monk copied him. All eyes came to focus on the center where a ceremonial table stood covered in a pristine white cloth. Various wax candles, a laquered tray containing a number of beautifully decorated vessels, and some parchment scrolls lay on top. Miroku took note that everyone bowed their heads, again at a silent signal. He did the same and launched into a silent recitation of his own prayers.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Sango could barely walk with all the layers of fabric wrapping her body. "I feel ridiculous, Hisako-sama. I can hardly move."

 

"You look quite splendid, huntress. For a human you are not half ugly. And now that your hair is done properly you could compete with most any demoness in this palace for beauty." Hisako stood back to admire her work and that of her assistants.

 

Indeed the taijiya's appearance had changed drastically. Her hair had been pulled back from her face and braided in the usual youkai women's fashion. A long tail trailed down her front with a silk ribbon tied in for decoration, as were various delicate lacquered ornaments and flowers. Her face had been painted, and Hisako thought the soft rose shade of her lips and the similar shadow accenting her eyes the perfect complement to her costume. It consisted of layers of gossamer silk in various shades of blue, from white to pale ultramarine to deep royal blue, and a rich brocade obi in yellow-gold graced her middle. It instantly reminded Sango of the colors in Sesshomaru's elegant sash.

 

"Indeed, these are the colors worn by the master," said Hisako, able to read her thoughts. "He specifically requested that you be in them tonight...Well my dear, we must depart now. The ceremony is surely under way at this point." With that the elder demoness, herself robed in a rich looking ochre-colored kimono with appropriate decoration, called for the guard to escort them to the Grand Hall.

 

 

Youkai after youkai bowed deep from the waist at their approach. Sango looked around, thoroughly baffled. In truth she felt numb, unable or unwilling to register the fact that soon she would watch the love of her life take another as his mate. It tugged at the back of her mind and provided the first inkling of an ache as she followed Hisako into the Hall.

 

"This way, Huntress-sama," suggested Hisako in a distinctly deferential tone. The taijiya could swear she'd been addressed as a superior. Certainly the demoness had never used the honorific with her before.

 

After reaching their destination Hisako sat next to her and proceeded to give further instruction in how to properly observe the ceremony.

 

"You must not gaze around, you must show respect and be silent," she whispered.

 

"Alright." Bewildered, the taijiya did as she was told.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

He appeared as if from thin air. Sesshomaru stood before the dais, his back to the gathered population. All in the room knelt and waited. A voice from behind a screen began to intone strange words that the newcomers could not understand, including Sango, Kagome and Miroku.

 

"What is happening, Shiro?" Miroku asked, somewhat uncomfortable in the half-kneeling position all were required to observe.

 

"The ceremony has started. A reader is calling out the introductory words to begin the service. Next the purification ritual will start and Kaiya-sama will be called forward."

 

The monk managed to sneak a gaze at Sango who was oddly separated from the rest of the assembly-- he hardly recognized her in the mass of finery that covered her body.

 

"Why is Sango seated over there?" he asked.

 

"I do not know. Quiet now, houshi-sama."

 

"...of ages long past, of the history of the great inu race. Our lord and master, Sesshomaru, son of Inutaisho, Demon Lord of the Western lands, the great commander of us all, will join Kaiya, daughter of lord Akria this day forever..."

 

Liveried guards escorted the demoness forward. Sango could not help but to glance at her progression even though it drew a look of reproach from Hisako.

 

'She looks so sad. I feel bad for her-- she clearly doesn't want him.' The officiator waited until Kaiya stood next to Sesshomaru before recusing himself. From this point the ceremony would be conducted by the demon lord himself who now turned to face the assembly with Kaiya.

 

"Inuyoukai," he began in a smooth, regular voice. "Tonight I, your lord, will join myself with this female, the lady Kaiya, daughter of Akira in observance of traditions common to our people." He took her hand.

 

'Lets get this over with,' Kaiya thought, her grasp limp in Sesshomaru's.

 

"...I accept her as the sister of my flesh, the friend of my intellect, the companion of my spirit for the rest of our days on this earth. She is my sibling-- a sister to this Sesshomaru, not more and not less..." He let the words sink in for a few moments before continuing. Kaiya looked up at him. She had not expected to hear this. The usual words were 'I take her as the mate of my body, as the partner of my life.' This was different.

 

A slight murmur went up among the crowd. A few even ventured to look up at the dais, something that was normally forbidden during the service.

 

He continued. "The excellent lady, her family and kin are regarded as the special wards of this fortress. They will receive all favor and protection from this office within our power...I join with you now, lady Kaiya, as my sister in affiliation." The murmur became louder, growing into conversation.

 

Sango did not understand. "Lady Hisako, what is happening?"

 

"Did you not listen, girl? Lord Sesshomaru has adopted the lady Kaiya as his sister."

 

"Sister?"

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

The miko was confused. She shifted on her knees. Shippo looked up with questioning eyes. "Kagome-- does this mean Sesshomaru isn't marrying Kaiya?"

 

"I don't know...maybe," she whispered, unsure if she'd heard correctly.

 

"I hope not. Sango is--"

 

"I know." Inside her heart raced. 'Is he going to do what I think he's going to do? Please to the gods let it be!' Kagome prayed for a happy ending for her friend. She strained her neck to get a better look at what was happening-- damn the rules.

 

"...do you accept this Sesshomaru as your brother for life, your protector and friend?" He spoke calmly but loud enough to be heard in the room.

 

"Yes, my lord." Kaiya could hardly believe it. He wasn't going to mate with her after all! She broke a slight smile and her eyes shone with happiness. She caught a glimpse of her father nearby who wore a look of resigned complacency-- he had obviously known beforehand what would happen.

 

The demon lord had struck on the solution one night while laying awake next to Sango. To save face on all sides, he realized that it would be possible to elevate Kaiya by adopting her as his sister instead of mating her, thus preserving Akira's dignity while leaving the demoness (not to mention himself) free to marry someone else.

 

'Perhaps that wastrel Shiro if that's what she wants.' Akira had not seemed happy when told of the arrangement at first, but remembering his daughter's deep distress at the match had come to understand it would be the best solution under the circumstances, especially knowing Sesshomaru had no interest in taking Midori in her stead. And so finally if reluctantly he'd agreed to the arrangement.

 

After sharing a drink of a special bittersweet tea to symbolize their joining together as brother and sister, Sesshomaru led Kaiya away to her father and then returned to the dais. Wanting to proceed, he raised a clawed hand to silence the whispers and murmurs that filled the room. "Inuyoukai. I have made a promise to you-- to provide an heir to the territory. It is a promise I intend to fulfill."

 

He stepped away and began to walk to one side of the hall.

 

"Get up girl," whispered Hisako.

 

"What?" Startled at the sudden nudge, Sango looked over at Hisako who nudged her again. She then looked up to see the grand figure of the youkai lord approach and gasped in wonder.

 

'Why is he...coming...to me?' Her legs felt as if they could give way at any moment but a deep breath helped steady her balance and she managed to remain upright while Hisako continued to kneel.

 

"Exterminator." Sesshomaru's eyes locked onto hers, claiming boldly what he sought with a riveting stare. He seemed to be asking something with his look but Sango wasn't sure what. Trembling, her heart pounded hard in her chest. She longed to hold onto him for support, but under the circumstances realized it probably was not appropriate to do it, so she took another breath to help steady herself.

 

"Sango. I would ask the honor of being allowed to acquire your company. Is it something you are prepared to grant?" He asked it so casually and softly that Sango could hardly believe he'd spoken to her. He repeated it again but slowly. "May I have the honor of acquiring your company, Sango?"

 

She still could not find her tongue as his eyes did not waver from her own.

 

Hisako nudged her once more. "He is courting you. You must give an answer," she whispered harshly. The elder demoness knew the normal practice would have been for the demon lord to approach the huntress' father, but under the circumstances understood such was impossible. After Sesshomaru explained the situation during their meeting Hisako had found the direct approach permissible, if highly unusual.

 

Sango contemplated him with a look full of adoration and surprise. She finally nodded and then said in a clear voice, "Yes, my lord." Lowering her head, she bowed with as much grace as she could muster. He then held out an elaborate object for her to take. Sango marvelled at the sublime beauty of what she guessed was a bracelet.

 

Taking her hand, he spoke softly. "Will you accept this article as a symbol of my intentions toward you?"

 

The taijiya still had trouble forming words. The delicate, richly jeweled treasure he held was the most glorious thing she had ever laid eyes on. Even in the dim light it flashed with a brilliant fire, each gem glittering elegantly against its rich gold setting.

 

"I-I couldn't possibly--" she stammered.

 

"It belonged to my mother. I want you to have it," he whispered. Sango felt Hisako nudge her yet again, and she accepted the beautiful object with a trembling hand. She managed a trembling smile, and Sesshomaru gave her his own private look of joy.

 

He spoke again, questioning with a hopefulness in his voice. "Now I would like to know, will you consider becoming my mate, Sango? Will you marry me?"

 

A pause. She closed her eyes, hardly daring to believe. 'Does he really have to ask?'

 

Taking a deep breath, she spoke again, resolved. "Yes, my lord Sesshomaru. I would be very happy and honored to become your mate." Wanting to fall into his arms, Sango managed to hold herself in check hoping the look in her eyes could tell him what was in the depths of her heart.

 

He leaned in to lightly brush his lips against her cheek. "This pleases me," he whispered.

 

He pulled away and returned to the dais. Addressing the assembly, he called out and gestured to present his new bride. "The Lady Sango."

 

Hisako stood and indicated where her new mistress should stand next to him.

 

'I can't believe it.' The overwhelmed young woman took the outstretched hand of her beloved and smiled at him. She looked out over the crowd of assembled youkai and marveled as collectively they all fell to their knees in a show of submission and respect-- nobles, ladies and servants alike all touched their foreheads to the floor. This human girl, this taijiya was their new queen.

 

Managing to spy Kaiya who sat nearby gazing in Shiro's direction, Sango smiled as the young demon lord returned her hopeful look with a grin.

 

Walking side by side, Sango and Sessshomaru exited the Grand Hall.

 

"You are a bastard for keeping me in the dark this entire time," she murmured as they went along. He glanced at her and sighed but maintained his composure.

 

"I could not tell you. You would have spoiled everything," he said quietly.

 

Sango wanted to pinch him but the challenging, warning glare he shot at her caused a change of heart. Longing to snicker at his mischief, she held back for the sake of decorum.

 

Kagome however was unable to contain her joy and called out in her exuberance before losing sight of them.

 

"Congratulations Sango!" The taijiya turned around and made a face indicating she'd heard, making her friend giggle.

 

Finally, several shocked youkai began a wave of whispering and comments, and rushed an unprepared Hisako who soon found herself surrounded by a bevy of chattering noble demonesses demanding answers.

 

Kagome took Shippo's hand and headed for the exit.

 

"Wait until I tell Inuyasha. I was right all along. He should listen to me more, the stubborn hanyou! Too bad he missed it."

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

There is one more chapter left. Thanks to all who have slogged through this story to this point and hopefully to the end.