Sisko takes the ultimate journey to discover what he really loves most. Can he bear the truth?
 

Seth's face glowed in the light from the campfire as he pushed his food around his plate. He glanced at me and back to the fire. Crickets chatted away in the background, but Seth remained silent.

"Something bugging you?" I stuffed a spoonful of stew into my mouth and chewed. A rare treat for us on the road, so it seemed strange Seth didn't eat.

He glanced at me. "Sisko..." He paused as if collecting his thoughts. "We've been on the road together for almost five years now. We've been through a lot. You've taught me many things about life and I've seen you do some amazing miracles with your ring."

Light danced on the ring's golden surface, highlighting the inscription in Hebrew, "It is better to give than to receive." The words of the priest seemed a distant memory now. If I used the ring for other's benefit, I would be blessed. If for myself, I would be cursed.

Yet, in a way, I did feel cursed. Seth reminded me of his sister, Gabrielle, who I hoped one day to marry. But five years is a long time. Would she still be waiting for me? Yet, the memory taunted me, a curse I would bear until God released me from my task of seeking out people to help.

Not that I needed to find them anymore. Word had spread during the last few years and people would seek me to ask, even demand, a miracle.

Seth continued shoving food around his plate as he talked. "But, it has been a long time since I've seen Gabrielle and my father. I need to return, at least to visit."

I stared into the moonlit night. A vast and empty desert stretched into the horizon rimmed by soft light. "But my path takes me across the desert, not back to your house."

"I had a feeling you would say that." He focused on my eyes. "But, as much as I hate leaving you, I feel I have to. I'm sure of it."