Chapter 3Theo and Russell, the Fall Opening Convocation
The College of the Far North
Ciara, Far North Province
September 23
The next-door neighbor’s dog barking woke up Russell Augustus Cathey way too early. He could tell by the light the sun was just coming up.
Theo and Russell had gotten back late after two days celebrating Mabon in the mountains. They had started the celebration by renewing their vows inside the standing stones at midnight on Mabon, in the exact spot where they had been married ten years ago. They stood naked before the same priest who handfasted them again in green and white cords, and reminded everyone again it was illegal, but she knew love when she saw it. Afterwards, they added berries, fruits, and flowers to the altar, offerings for the dying bright god, for
