Bennu wandered through the primal jungle, searching for - something, he wasn't sure what. He knew he needed to find it, whatever it was, or he would never have any peace. Suddenly, the jungle disappeared and he was wandering through a maze of city streets. Someone was following him, hunting him, and he didn't know why.

"Why do you want to capture me?" he yelled aloud. "I haven't done anything wrong! I'm only searching for something. Leave me alone!"

No one and nothing answered him.

A woman approached. She was every woman, and no woman. She looked familiar, and yet was a stranger.

"Don't struggle so hard, Bennu," she said. "Your destiny will find you without your searching for it. Follow your heart, your instincts and the Golden Light. If you remain true to yourself, you will always be on the right path."

The dawning sunlight streamed through the windows of the boarding house room into Bennu's pale blue eyes as he awoke, puzzling over the strange dream. He had not realized before that he was beginning to question his presence on Earth, and whether he could truly help the people of this world.

By mid-morning Bennu was still troubled by the dream, but he had put it out of his mind while he worked at the small Indian museum on the outskirts of the town. While he worked, he looked at the exhibits. Most were common pottery shards, flint knives and bowls that could be found almost anywhere. One exhibit, however, was a reproduction of a geological dig site near the town where some unusual objects and markings were found. No one at the museum had much information about the strange items when tourists asked about them. Bennu studied the exhibit as much as he could while he cleaned.

Bennu left the museum about mid-afternoon. He headed out to the dig site, dream all but forgotten.

Dr. Craig Wardel greeted Bennu absently as he approached the tent where tables were set up to display and study artifacts dug up from the pit. Dr. Wardel's head was bent over a pottery shard found that morning. Bennu watched him for a moment, opening his mind to 'hear' Dr. Wardel's thoughts.

Dr. Wardel was a man in his mid-thirties, prematurely going bald with thin blonde hair cut short and combed neatly in place. His pale blue eyes peered through thick glasses and his tall, thin frame was covered with loose shorts and t-shirt. This dig had a habit of coming up with unusual artifacts that didn't belong. Just now he was pondering how a piece of pottery with Egyptian markings could have found its way into a burial site in Wyoming.

Bennu turned away quietly. Picking up a nearby shovel he jumped down into the pit.

"Hey, Bennu! Finally come to join us, huh?" a young, athletic-looking man turned from the side of the pit where he was carefully removing pails of loose dirt.

Bennu grinned. "I decided not to let you have all the fun, Mick. Anything interesting turn up today?"

"More of the same. I tell you, Dr. Wardel is really confused."

"If he had any hair, I think he'd be pulling it out," laughed an attractive red-head from above.

Mick and Bennu laughed in response. "Did you come to get dirty, Sandy?" Mick called up.

"As dirty as possible," she responded with a suggestive leer.

Blushing slightly, Bennu reached up to help her into the pit. Jumping down, Sandy seemed to loose her balance and fell into Bennu. She clung to him for a moment, pressing her breasts into his chest, before allowing him to help her stand upright.

"Clumsy of me," she remarked casually. "Thanks for your help, Bennu."

"You're welcome," Bennu replied uncomfortably. He turned away, picked up his shovel, and shifted to the far side of the dig.

Sandy eyed Bennu's tall, muscular frame and blonde hair appreciatively as he walked away. Swinging around, she found Mick's eyes on her.

"Leave him alone, Sandy," he whispered.

"Why?" she retorted.

"He's no match for you, that's why. And he's a nice guy - I don't want to see you hurt him."

"I won't hurt him. I just want to have fun."

Mick grabbed Sandy's arm. "I'm warning you, Sandy. Stay away from him."

Sandy wrenched her arm free. Glaring at Mick, she pointedly waltzed over to Bennu's side.

"Bennu," she purred, "some of us are going out for drinks later. Why don't you come with us?"

Bennu shook his head, feigning disappointment. "I really can't, tonight. Thanks anyway."

"Come on, Bennu," she coaxed. "You spend too much time by yourself. It'll do you good to get out."

"I don't drink." Bennu continued to shovel carefully.

"That's okay. You can have soda or something." Sandy laid her hand lightly on Bennu's arm. "I'd really like you to come along," she implored.

Bennu looked down into her dark green eyes. Even though he knew he shouldn't, he nodded his agreement. "I'll come, for a little while."

Sandy's eyes glowed. "Thank you," she whispered soulfully.

The rest of the afternoon passed relatively quietly. Sandy continued to work near Bennu, never missing an opportunity to touch him. Bennu tried to concentrate on the dig, and didn't respond to any of her suggestions. After spending several hours in this manner, Bennu said goodbye and climbed out of the pit.

"Meet us at Shanagan's at eight!" Sandy called after him.

Bennu waved and continued walking. Sandy turned back to see Mick giving her a look of disgust. She smiled broadly at him and went back to work.

Bennu stopped by the tent to talk to Dr. Wardel. "Have you found anything out?" he asked.

Dr. Wardel looked up. "Ah, Bennu," he held a piece out to Bennu. "Take a look at this. This appears to be Incan, but it has some elements of Egyptian. How on Earth would those two cultures have interacted? How could it have found its way to a grave site in Wyoming?"

Bennu studied the small piece in his hand, trying to remain calm. It was a plaster casting of a grave symbol. Inscribed on the surface was an Eldebran sun symbol exactly matching the fragment he carried in his pouch. Shaking his head, Bennu handed the piece back to Dr. Wardel. "I don't know, sir," he answered. "It seems impossible."

"Yes, but we have proof right here that it must have happened."

"Where was this fragment found?" Bennu asked offhandedly.

"On the north side of the pit, directly under that totem we found." Dr. Wardel studied the fragment. "Look here, the rays on this sun have a most curious pattern. I must study this some more." He had forgotten Bennu before he finished talking.

Bennu left his room at the boarding house at 7:45, after cleaning up and meditating. He intended to meet Sandy and the others briefly and then head back to the dig. He wanted to check out the north side of the pit.

Shanagan's was already starting to fill when Bennu walked in. The Irish-style pub had a pleasantly warm and inviting atmosphere. Many of the inhabitants of this small town converged on the tavern for an evening of gossip and companionship.

"Hey, good-looking," said a voice in Bennu's ear. He turned to find Sandy smiling up at him.

"Hello, Sandy. Where's the others?" Bennu looked around without seeing anyone familiar.

"Oh, they'll be here," she responded vaguely. Sandy slid her hand onto Bennu's arm and gently pulled him to a booth by the wall. As they passed the bar, she called to the bartender, "Hey, Paddy, how about a couple of drinks over here?"

Paddy nodded and called one of the waitresses over.

"You really ought to try the Irish Coffee," Sandy told Bennu. "They call it 'Mother's Blessing'. It's really delicious." She slid into the booth, trying to pulling Bennu after her.

Bennu disengaged his arm and moved into the seat opposite Sandy. "I told you, I don't drink," he insisted mildly.

The waitress came up just then and set a bowl of chips between Bennu and Sandy. "Hi," she said, "my name's Carol. What can I get you?"

"I just want a club soda. I think she wants an Irish Coffee." Bennu cocked an eyebrow at Sandy, who nodded agreement.

Half an hour later, Sandy and Bennu were still alone with their drinks. Bennu was beginning to suspect that no one else was coming. Sandy leaned across the table, giving Bennu an excellent view of her cleavage, and laid her hand on his.

"Bennu, why don't you like me?" she questioned.

Bennu tried to move his hand, but Sandy held it in place. "It's not that I don't like you, Sandy," he countered uncomfortably.

"Well, then are you gay? Or maybe you've taken some kind of vow of celibacy?"

Bennu smiled slightly. "No, neither. I'm just not interested in a relationship just now."

Sandy giggled provocatively. "Who said anything about a relationship? Why couldn't we just enjoy each other's bodies?"

Before Bennu could answer, a new voice greeted them. "Hey, guys. Sorry I'm late," Mick announced as he slid into the booth next to Sandy.

Sandy turned a venomous look on him as Bennu stood.

"That's okay, Mick," Bennu answered, "but I've got to go. See you tomorrow." He waved as he quickly exited the pub.

"Nice going, Mick," Sandy spat. "What'd you go and spoil it for?"

Mick sighed. "I told you this afternoon -- stay away from Bennu. He's not your type."

"Where do you think he's going?" she speculated, looking toward the door.

"Probably anywhere you're not."

Sandy glared at him, then gathered her bag as if to leave. "Come on, let me out," she said when Mick showed no sign of moving.

"Nope. You can stay right here until Bennu is well gone. You might as well sheath your claws, girl. They won't work on me, and you know it."

Bennu quickly made his way out to the dig, Sandy's suggestions all but forgotten. Once there he walked around to the north side of the pit and began to examine the area carefully with a flashlight he pulled from his pocket. The dirt evidently covered an outcropping of granite. The symbol where the casting had been made was carved into the stone face at about shoulder height. Bennu grabbed a shovel and began digging out the rock face to the right of the symbol. It wasn't long before he uncovered the Phoenix sign carved into the granite. Laying the shovel aside, Bennu pulled his medallion out of his shirt. Removing it from its chain, he placed it against the Phoenix in the rock - it fit perfectly. Slowly, Bennu turned his medallion clockwise. When he had turned it a quarter of the way around there was a muffled explosion. An area farther along the rock face was blown clear of dirt and an opening was exposed. A smaller explosion obliterated the carven Phoenix as Bennu removed his medallion from the rock. He returned it to its chain and placed it back under his shirt. Taking his flashlight in hand he strode to the newly uncovered opening.

A cloud of dust slowly settled on the ground as Bennu approached. The black mouth of a narrow cavity gaped before him. Taking a deep breath, Bennu entered. The cavity wound down and into the rock, occasionally narrowing enough to force Bennu to turn sideways. Finally, the passage opened into a small cavern. Bennu played his light around, slowly walking the circumference of the chamber. Disappointment welled up as he realized that the room was empty. Sighing, Bennu turned to leave when suddenly someone behind him laughed. Bennu swung back, expecting to face Yago even though he couldn't feel her evil presence. Instead, he saw a small person, no more than 2 feet tall with fiery red hair, sitting on a boulder.

"So, Prince of the Golden Light," laughed the small one, an Irish lilt in his voice, "foiled again, are ye?"

Bennu was stunned. "Who are you?" he demanded. "How do you know who I am?"

"I'm Shaun Patrick Michael O'Shanagan," the little man answered with a bow. "But you can call me Paddy. I am a leprechaun - which explains how I know who you are."

"It does?"

"O'course! I'm after having been on this Earth as long as you have - longer, actually. I know more about what happens between heaven and the deep, blue sea than any other living being, except maybe another leprechaun or two."

Bennu blinked at the him, feeling a little dazed. The self-proclaimed leprechaun watched as Bennu took in what he had been told. Suddenly, something occurred to him.

"I thought leprechauns belonged in Ireland. What are you doing in Wyoming?"

Paddy slapped a hand to his forehead. "Aie, the old stories strike again. How many times must I dispel this myth?" He turned back to Bennu, hands on his hips. "Listen up, Prince. Leprechauns belong wherever their Pot o'Gold may be. The Irish are a lovely people, and we have spent much time with them, but that doesn't mean we're restricted to that fair isle." Paddy hesitated. "Nobody but the Irish seems to have the ability to believe in us, though. Bloody unromantic, the rest of them are."

He paused to ponder a moment, head tilted to the side. "You know," he continued almost conspiratorially, "I've often thought that all it would take to bring them around is a tiny drop o' the pure. Whiskey, you know. Wonderful drink it is." He stopped, regarding Bennu with his bright green eyes, waiting for a response.

Bennu felt as though he was feeling his way through a dense fog. Nothing was making any sense. This little man - leprechaun - had him thoroughly confused. He almost wished he was back in Shanagan's. Sandy would have been easier to deal with.

Wait a minute. Shanagan's? Hadn't this leprechaun said his name was O'Shanagan? "Is there any relation between you and the pub owner?" Bennu queried.

Paddy laughed. "Relation, no. How could I be related to one of the Big People? But his great-grandfather, he believed in me. Managed to steal my Pot o'Gold, he did. So I had to grant him three wishes." Paddy shook his head in retrospective. "Wily old coot, he was. Managed not to fall into any of me tricks. After he got his wishes, and gave me back me Pot, he started calling himself Paddy Shanagan. The name has stuck with the family ever since. O'course, nowadays, they all laugh at the stories of old Paddy seeing a leprechaun. None of them believe, more's the pity."

"So why are you showing yourself to me?" asked Bennu.

"Ah, me bucko, now you come to the crux of it. If me riddle you can answer, three wishes will I give ye."

"And if I can't answer?"

"You will ne'er see me again."

"Alright, ask your riddle."

"As I was going to St. Ives," Paddy chanted, "I met a man with 5 wives. Each wife had five sacks, each sack had five cats, each cat had five kits. How many were going to St. Ives?"

Bennu thought for a moment, carefully going over the riddle in his mind. Suddenly, he smiled. Mimicking Paddy's lilt, he answered, "That one is easy, me boyo. Only one was going to St. Ives. The rest were going in the opposite direction."

"Ah, found me out, you have!" exclaimed Paddy. "Now, what might your three wishes be?"

Bennu eyed Paddy. "How long do I have to decide on my wishes?"

"As long as ye want, me lad. All you need to do now is say 'I wish', and whatever it is will be granted." Paddy jumped to his feet. "And now I must be going. If ever you need me, just call out me name. I'll be there." With a sprightly hop, Paddy jumped into the air and disappeared.

Bennu stared after him. Shaking his head, Bennu retraced his steps along the crevasse.

Dawn found Bennu in a small, tree-filled park, meditating. As the sun rose, Bennu raised his head, eyes closed, to drink in its energy. Yet, even while enjoying the peace of the morning, Bennu pondered the proper use of his wishes. Suddenly, the quiet was broken by a woman's laughter. The glowing aura surrounding Bennu disappeared as he opened his eyes to look around. He couldn't quite believe what he saw.

Sandy was stalking toward him.

"I've always known you were unique, Bennu," she declared, "and I've heard some claim that they could see auras around people. But you were glowing!" Sandy stopped in front of Bennu as he stood up. Her cheeks were flushed with excitement. Impulsively, Sandy threw her arms around him and kissed him hard, full on the lips.

Bennu was shocked. He remained stock-still in her arms. Then he was surprised to realize that he liked it and began to kiss her back.

Bennu abruptly pulled back as he heard a distant voice calling, "Sandy!" His bright blue eyes met Sandy's dark green ones. She was regarding him with amazement.

"Wow!" she breathed.

Bennu gently pushed her away. "Stop, Sandy. I know what you want - I'd be an idiot if I didn't. But I can't give it to you. I'm not a toy for you to use and then throw away - no man is. Find yourself a man you can love and be happy with and stop playing games with people's emotions."

Sandy had the grace to blush, slightly. "How do I find someone like that?" she challenged.

"Look around you. You'll know him when you see him."

Sandy started to look around, taking Bennu's words literally, when Mick abruptly rounded a tree.

"So, there you are!" he exclaimed. "Hi, Bennu. What're you doing here?"

Sandy stared at Mick, as if seeing him for the first time. For once, she was speechless as she reached out to slip her hand into his. Mick looked back at her, astonished.

"I was here meditating," Bennu replied. "But I'm glad to see both of you. I wanted to say goodbye."

That penetrated Sandy's concentration. "Goodbye?" she questioned, while Mick echoed her with a look.

"Goodbye. I've completed what I needed to do here and it's time for me to go."

Mick held out his hand to shake Bennu's. "We're going to miss you," he said.

"Michael Shanagan, you can't let him leave like this! He hasn't even seen a proper Irish wedding!"

"Do you mean it?" he whispered. "Are you sure you're ready?"

"I'm positive," she affirmed.

Mick's face glowed as he turned back to Bennu, who was slowing trying to back away. "Wait a minute, Bennu. She's right. You've got to stay for our wedding."

Bennu slowly nodded. "I'll stay," he said. "I still have a few things I need to figure out, anyway."

Mick and Sandy left him there, after expressing their thanks. Bennu watched them walk away, totally involved in each other. Mick had waited and watched for so long, it was nice for him to finally get his heart's desire. And Sandy would finally be able to stop playing games and settle down in happiness.

Speaking of heart's desire, Bennu still had three wishes to use. He decided he needed some more information.

"Shaun Patrick Michael O'Shanagan!" he called.

With a jaunty step, the leprechaun walked out of the air, a green hat resting on top of his bright red hair.

"What is it I can be doing for you, me lad?" he inquired.

"You can answer some questions - without any tricks," Bennu responded.

"I'll make ye no promises like that. Maybe I'll answer straight - and maybe I won't."

Bennu nodded. "Good enough. Why did you give me three wishes?"

Paddy winked. "Because ye answered me riddle."

"The riddle was much too easy. You wanted to give me the wishes. Why?" Bennu pressed.

"My riddles are ne'er too easy! Ye just happen to be a very bright lad."

"What kind of wishes am I allowed?"

"Anythin' your heart desires. And," Paddy winked, "if you call upon me after your third wish, I'll grant ye another."

Bennu laughed. "Oh, no. I'll not fall for that one. If I were to accept your offer of a fourth wish, the first three would become null and void."

Paddy sighed. "Right ye are, my boyo. Alright then, I'll tell ye a little. Follow your heart, ye've got a good one. Ye canna go wrong that way. Your destiny will find ye without ye havin' t' search for it."

Suddenly Bennu remembered his dream. He had heard a woman's voice - Mira's, he thought now. "Your destiny will find you without your searching for it," she had said. "Follow your heart, your instincts and the Golden Light. If you remain true to yourself, you will always be on the right path." Now he knew what to do.

Bennu looked back at Paddy. "Thank you, my friend" he said with heartfelt gratitude. "I know what I need to do now. I will hold your wishes until I meet someone who needs them more than I. I will continue as I have been - traveling around, helping people."

Paddy nodded solemnly. "Ye're a good man, Bennu. I wish you luck in all you may do." Bowing with a florish, and ending with an impudent wink, Paddy again vanished.

The ceremony had been perfect, and the bride and groom couldn't have been happier. They were gathered together with all their friends for a party at Shanagan's. The owner of the pub, Paddy Shanagan, put his arm around Sandy and raised a glass to Mick.

"A toast!" he roared. "My one and only son got married today. To him, and his lovely wife, I wish a lifetime of success!" Paddy drained his glass as the crowd echoed, "Success!" and drank with him.

Bennu quietly stood. "I, too, want to toast the newlyweds," he said. Raising his glass of club soda, he continued, "I wish you health and happiness, for you and for all future generations to come, so long as the name of Shanagan does not die out."

As the crowd cheered and echoed, "Health and happiness!" Bennu heard a lilting Irish voice exclaim, "Granted!"