I Looked around at the adoring faces of my family and could not say no. We were risking everything by me staying here, but I couldn't bear to leave them. Curled up between Christof and Evan I couldn't say I'd ever felt more at home.

Rose and I ran from the men's quarters together the next day. We bolted to our rooms and made it before anyone saw us. Our hearts were both pounding as we stoked our own small fire and congratulated one another on our victory.

“Basin and his Brothers are so different!" Rose marveled. "I knew they'd changed, but we never had time to experience it before. We talked together. I've cared for them for a long time and they really appreciate me..."

“Best feeling ever," I agreed with her as our rooms warmed up.

We were both wonderfully keyed up and talked to one another about how our respective families had been. The sound of talons hitting the floor outside stopped us both.

"Mama?" Kennedy called out softly.

“In here," I said smoothing my dress out and looking frantically at Rose.

The flap for our door was lifted to reveal Kennedy's face. She smiled as she entered with her Sisters and commented how early it was. The girls had thought we might still be asleep.

I could not lie and I could absolutely not look frantic.

“We try to be up early every day," I said noncommittally.

Rose seconded the statement and said she had always been an early riser.

“The men you saved yesterday," Dara said, “Abram's family, they have been asking for you. Their Brother is recovering slowly. The Healers, as well as other men, have spent all night in their rooms. He is not dying, which is what they expected. He Lifted a finger this morning and has been taking several breaths himself. They want to thank you."

"You are a hero, Mama," Kennedy said stoically and eyed me critically.

“The other men wonder what you said that made Abram feel you could approach his Brother. They think you must have amazing sway. The men from the tunnel yesterday refuse to say how you convinced Abram's family. They say you spoke too softly for them to hear."

I didn't agree or disagree. I just stared at the girls and knew they must have assumed at least part of the truth. Kennedy and her sisters were smart girls. It would not have escaped them that something strange was going on.

Lucky for me they didn't force the issue and only walked us quietly to the rooms Abram shared with his Brothers.

Abram's rooms were a good walk from ours. They were closer to the kitchens, since that's where they spent most of their time. Outside their door was a mass of men sitting and lounging around a lit fire pit. Several dozed in the chairs, but woke as we approached. They greeted us politely and with some reverence. Kennedy told me many of these families had assisted with the breathing during the night.

“Instructions for rescue breathing,” Dara said in Paterian, “have been sent to every other camp. No man must die from the attack of a scar. We are all very grateful, Mama. Your name is known across the world now. You are quite well respected."

As we drew closer Kennedy dropped her voice and spoke in English. "There are many things you could ask for now, Mama. If it were me I would not ask for what you want most. Let the Administrators see the change themselves, don't force the issue...We know how the men really feel, but the others will not be so forgiving. It will take time, you must be patient and not rush things."

I wondered how many times Kennedy and her sisters had come to our rooms last night. They knew where we'd been most Likely, but kept it a secret.

“Thank you," I said softly and received a knowing nod from Kennedy and both of her Sisters.

Abram's Brother, Ruse, Lay on their bed unmoving. Another man knelt beside him and blew breath into him at each count of seven. When someone announced our arrival Ruse's hand lifting off the bed and then flopped back down.