They were sitting outside a hospital room.

Kaama came out and turned to them.

" ... Since the trial was won, the rules state that winner may choose to be Lyena," He said. " ... So then, now, Lyena has chosen to be Lyena. And Nova has become Lyewa for the first time."

" So what now?" William asked.

" Lyena is barely conscious, from the blood loss, and has gone into surgery," Kaama replied. " ... He will take some time to recover. And then, he said, he wishes to speak."

Nova leaned back.

" ... I see."