Author's Disclaimer: I do not own the Black Jewels Realms or any of the characters created by Anne Bishop, only the original characters created by myself and the adventures that follow. Enjoy!

Prologue

Weaving a web of dreams was an art. Listening to the dreams as music- melodies flow and blend with harmonies. The Arachnian Queens wove them together into a song that became a Dream. Some came once and never again. Others repeated themselves in a familiar refrain. And some...some songs were never forgotten.

Weaver listened to the web before her and closed her eyes. A very old song in this web. She listened awhile longer until she was sure. No. This couldn't be. The web she saw forming in the threads terrified her; it stirred a memory.

The history of the very first Dream was passed down from Queen to Queen of the Arachnians. It took place after a troubled time when the Blood were just beginning to grow strong enough to rule the Realms. Her task ended, Witch came to the Arachnians to speak with their Queen.

"Why- why did you make me this? What purpose was great enough for me to be the way I am? No one deserves to live this way."

*The Dreamers shape the Dream. You knew that when you were made*

"Well, apparently they weren't so pleased with the result. Look at what they did to me!"

*You were warned about the Court, Lady. And about the Consort. It was the price of wielding the power given to you*

"Everything has a price," Witch replied bitterly. "And the price of being me is that I'm not allowed to have the things normal people want. Why allow me to want them in the first place, then?"

*It couldn't be done, Lady*

Witch leveled a severe look at the Arachnian Queen. "I won't do this again."

*But the Dreamers!*

"Find some other way. Change the threads if you must. But I expect that this Dream- my Dream- will never be woven again."

*Can weave other Dreams- may not be what is needed*

"It will have to be enough."

*Your strength is necessary*

"I won't allow this to happen again. If you bring me back this way again, I will stop you."

So much pain in that memory. Weaver wouldn't think of the reason why. Too much pain there. Too much rage. But she did remember what happened next.

*Will be needed again someday*

"No- never."

*Lady, if there is no other choice*

Witch considered the plea of the Arachnian Queen for a moment. "Only if there is no other choice. And never again as one of the long lived races. Once is quite enough."

*Maybe no choice...* The Arachnian Queen hedged.

"If I'm brought back in this form as one of the long-lived races, I promise that I will come hunting in Arachnia. And if I don't hear an explanation to satisfy me, there will be nothing left of this place. Not a single stone."

*Understand- not unless there is no other choice*

But the Weavers in those days hadn't understood. Or they forgot. They wove the web again, and the Dream failed. Weaver shivered at that memory.

Fortunate that it hadn't been worse. It hadn't been among the long-lived races, and so Arachnia was spared. After that, the Arachnian Queens were very careful when weaving the web of Witch. Twice before they changed the web before it was too late. The last time was not long ago- the web of Kaeleer's Heart. Weaver examined this web again. Too late. Too late to change this web to become another Dream.

She could not let this web take its final shape. Could not let the Dream fail again. She needed advice. Her Self traveled beyond the place where her body was- into the Abyss. For a few moments, she floated there and waited for the Lady that was the Song in the Darkness to find her. Finally, she felt the Song answer.

*Sister, what brings you here?*

*A web*

*Surely you have plenty of those* Amusement darted in and around the words.

*Not like this- was told never to weave this web again*

The amusement vanished. *It must be done*

*But what about...*

*Weaver* The voice was gentle but resolute. *It must be done*

Weaver was thoughtful. *The web cannot become flesh. Threads are still missing. Missing for very long time. Perhaps...*

*The final Dreamer is coming. He will complete the web*

Weaver thought of the web. She knew the shape the Dream would take- Witch would be of the long lived races. Weaver remembered the promise Witch made.

*She will be angry*

*She is what Terreille needs*

Weaver bowed her head and trembled. Yes, they needed Witch to be strong to deal with Terreille. But would the Blood be strong enough to deal with Witch? No choice.

*I will weave the web*