Like a mighty beast slain by a hunter"s shot, the Glass Snake lies lifeless on the Palace grounds. David and Saliana stand back, shuddering in awe at the events that have just occurred. Then, hesitantly, they move in unison toward the beast to fully take in its charred image, but it disintegrates into a gaseous fog. When it clears, Jaycina stands in the beast"s place.
She has, indeed, changed. No more blood-red robe, ostentatious headdress, garish makeup or razor-like fingernails. This Jaycina wears a simple white sheath and a gracefully soft green cape. Her raven hair is braided gently with gold ribbons. And on her finger, the clear pyramid stone has turned the deep blue of a summer evening"s sky.
Do David"s eyes deceive him still? She is Jaycina, but is she? Saliana clings to David and
