Having been Second for only a short while, Jandra was unused to knowing the duties and roles in these events. "Of course, Meera. I am certain that you and Keets know your duties well. I mean not to interfere with them."

"I understand, Second. It will take all of us many moments to accustom ourselves to all the new changes."

Jandra had never known that Meera could be so gracious. Perhaps what she had heard from The Highest had been correct, and she had been angered at Meera all these cycles for no reason.

"Thank you, Meera and Keets. You should be proud of your guards."

"It is not yet over, Second."

Jandra had returned to The Highest's dwelling as soon as she had gathered together her own finery. She was concerned about The Highest and wanted to be there if there were any word. Throughout the late after midturn, she had gone in and out of The Highest's room, checking in with May.

May was allowing no disturbance of any sort, but sensed that Jandra only - 89 -.

wanted quietly to check on The Highest. Everyone was stepping gently all throughout the dwelling.

Since May had seen that Jandra wasn't going to disturb The Highest, May had left Jandra in-charge and had gone off to supervise the cooking and preparation for the eve's affair. Jandra knew Lillon was in the sitting room but was overly concerned about The Highest to check on her. She also knew that Lillon would be attended to by others and thought that May would have seen to it. Jandra just sat next to The Highest, reflecting on her life and that of The Highest's.

Why are these feelings toward The Highest coming so strongly forward? This is not usual for me. I have never desired her, prior.

She looked at Sam and realized how glad she was that Sam was now The Highest. She hadn't realized how the former Highest had slipped in her ability.

Then she realized, Just a few moons ago, I thought Josin a good advisor.

She came to realize that Josin had been responsible for much undoing within the community. Why have I not seen the harm that Josin has caused? I might have prevented all this. And how could I have but allowed her in my bed?

Jandra studied Sam's face. Sam had made no movement since Oisin had brought her in, but her breathing had been steady. She thought Sam a beautiful woman. Jandra knew that everyone thought so, but Sam never indicated that she knew or cared about such things. Her hair, as disheveled as it was, yet looked beautiful. It was smooth and shiny, her eyebrows as blond as her hair, and Jandra thought her eyes so deeply blue that one could see all the skies in them when she smiled.

Noise outside the room was beginning to filter in as everybody began assembling for the delegates' visit. Jandra didn't know whether to wake Sam or to wait for May, and without thinking, began pacing.

As she paced, Sam stirred and rolled over. It was the first movement Jandra had seen from her all late midturn and early eve. Sam moaned a little.

So soft it could hardly be heard, Sam said, "Thirsty."

Jandra went to the guard at the door and whispered, "The Highest be thirsty."

The guard quietly left. Jandra went to sit by The Highest in case she awoke. Sam had turned on her side but not yet opened her eyes.

Again, softly, "Thirsty."

"Yes, Highest. Drink is coming."

Sam opened her eyes. She just stared at Jandra, not speaking. She looked about the room and seemed extremely disoriented. Jandra thought she had good reason to be.

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May came in, drink and nourishment in-hand, "Jandra, this be a good report, indeed. I never thought I would be so glad to hear that The Highest be thirsty."

Sam focused on Jandra. In that same soft voice, Sam said, "I owe you my life."

"Then it is as it should be, Highest. I am your Second."

So loud that it caused Jandra to jump, May said, "Jandra, I mean Second, would you mind going out to entertain all those who await The Highest? I will just give her some drink and nourishment, and make sure that she gets into her finery. I will send her out when I receive a message that those awful delegates have arrived."

"Huh? Oh, yes. Certainly May. I should have thought of that myself." Jandra left the room to go settle and organize the advisors and other leaders. She was delighted that Sam was waking, but was concerned enough to know that it would now take a long while for a complete recovery. She knew that she must work to help protect The Highest, now.

May looked at Sam, "Can you move, Highest?" She started to help her sit up.

"Thirsty, May."

"Here, drink this. It will help you regain your strength. Everyone is worried about you, you know. They hover around like bees, creating chaos in my life." She held the cup up to Sam's lips and helped her drink.

"Drink slowly, Highest. It will feel better that way."

Sam began to hold the cup by herself, and finished the drink.

May gave her a bowl of soup, "It seems that all I am feeding you of late be soup. But never mind that for now. Eat this down, slowly, and I will attend to your hair. Then we can get you ready for your delegates.

Sam nodded. May's constant talk helped Sam regain a hold on her own existence.

Yes, I am alive.

I am in my library.

I have been asleep for just the after midturn.

Yes, I will yet be able to meet with these delegates.

Something was missing, though. She couldn't place what was wrong.

"Lillon is here and safe, Highest. They had knocked her a good one on the side of the head, but she is quite well and awaits you in the meeting room."

Yes, that be it. Thank you, May. Sam had thought the statement, but May hadn't heard it.

"Hern?"

"Hern, Josin and four of the spiritual leaders have been captured.

Meera holds them in the holding cell. Only a few guards took minor inju- - 91 -.

ries and none were lost. Meera considers that part very successful. Oisin's crew and Briggon's guards be all on watch. Your hair seems to shine even more this eve, Highest. Finish your soup, and I will assemble your finery.

Sarra spent all after midturn making certain that it will present you well this eve."

"Thank you, May. I feel somewhat improved."

"Oh, Second, I mean Highest, I am so glad. You are speaking." May had tears in her eyes.

"Why must everyone cry when they see me? It is beginning to make me think myself dead."

May just smiled at her as wiped her tears.

Although the event had been scheduled to occur at the patio of Sam's dwelling, much arguing had taken place over the event's location. Keets had argued that it should be at the former Highest's dwelling as it was the official Highest's dwelling. Meera said that it should be outside at the patio so there could be increased protection. Margeria noted that Sam's dwelling was the furthest for the delegation to have to come. The arguing had halted when Karan reminded everyone that it would tire The Highest further to have to go even that short a distance.

May had overseen all the preparations for the eve's affair. She had made sure that the food and drink were well prepared, the flowers were fresh and placed in the appropriate locations, and that the tables were all set up. The patio had been constructed so as to be able to host large numbers.

On this eve, it was a good setting. The weather had remained pleasant, the flowers picked were at their peak, and the guards that had been assigned to help guard Keddi had done well refitting the patio stones.

As the advisors and leaders of Woden gathered in the meeting room, there was much talk over each other's finery. It had been several cycles since anyone in Woden had a need to wear their regal garments. The former Highest had all but closed the community to help ensure safety. Regardless of the seriousness of the affair, the women couldn't help be somewhat excited simply because of the festive nature. And each woman's colors only helped to provide a sense of pageantry.

When Briggon and two of his advisors arrived, the sense of excitement increased. Only recently had Hengist given in to the notion of finery, so this was their first affair in it.

Tehna asked, "Meera, do you know what The Highest will be wearing?"

"I have no clue, Tehna. She has always refused to wear her regal garments and has always let The Highest do this type of entertaining. I am sure that whatever she has will be attractive, though."

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As Jandra came out from Sam's room, everyone wanted to know The Highest's condition.

"Is she well, Jandra?"

"Second, tell us how The Highest fares."

"Jandra, is The Highest awake?"

Meera looked at Jandra, thinking to herself, Here stands the most beautiful woman in all of Woden, and now she is our Second. But what is it about her? She looks not like those of Woden. But by the mothers, she is striking.

Jandra finally found a space in their questioning to explain that The Highest had woken, and that May was in giving her nourishment and drink.

"May has requested that we inform her when the delegates arrive. The Highest will attend at that moment."

A guard walked into the meeting room. "The delegates have just left their ship."

Meera said, "Perhaps it be the moment we move to the patio."

They did so and began enjoying some of the treats. Some musicians were performing to help make the event more festive, the torches had been lit, and Meera noted that all the guards were in place. At some point, a messenger whispered to Meera that the delegates had landed and were now walking to the community's gates. Meera knew that if all went well, Oisin would be on her way to the eve's events by the moment the delegates reached the patio.

Shortly following that message, another messenger arrived announcing that the delegation had just arrived at the community's gate.

"How many delegates come, Meera?"

"We hear that there are seven. Seven men."

Jandra was nervous. She would be the main greeter, yet had no desire to welcome any of these men to her community. She knew that their cause was selfish and had no idea why The Highest chose to welcome them, but accepted that she must have her reasons. She recalled that The Highest and Oisin had argued over this issue, and that The Highest had said this was the biggest game of all. She didn't understand what The Highest had meant by that, but knew whatever it was, it was about to begin.

As the delegation arrived, Jandra welcomed each one to their community and introduced the advisors and community leaders. Meera had sent word to May that the delegation had arrived.

"We thank you, kind and most beautiful lady, and you are indeed most beautiful. I be Sir Devin, King Buron's assistant. Accompanying me are my kinsmen Sir Gowan, Lord Estray, Knight Notren, High Knight Med-win, Sir Glain, and Lord Umbar." He had indicated to each one, and each one bowed. The visitors were entertained and provided with food and - 93 -.

drink and entertainment while everyone waited for The Highest. Each of the advisors took turns helping Jandra serve as host.

The patio doors from Sam's room finally opened, and Karan stepped out, beautiful in her finery.

She announced, "The Highest of all of Woden Falls."

With that, she knelt and Sam slowly walked out. In truth, Sam couldn't move fast, but the appearance of regal bearing had been created by Karan so as to help mask Sam's weakness. As Sam walked out, everyone kneeled. Unknown to Sam, most everyone also gasped. Sam, dressed in her fine garments, was breathtakingly beautiful. Her light-colored tunics served only to accentuate her natural beauty, but they were striking in themselves. She wore a full-length tan colored gown with the royal tunic over it.

The royal tunic was white with soft-gold trims in the Spirit circle designs.

While her garments were elegant in their simplistic beauty and softness, it was Sam's overall bearing, grace and beauty that surprised everyone. Keddi and Meera were staring at Sam's splendor. Never prior had Meera seen Sam so striking. Jandra was most of all affected and almost frozen at such majesty. It was if Sam glowed, to Jandra. Keddi noticed that the visitors were awe-struck as well.

As she got to the center of the patio, she halted, "Please rise. There is no need of such formalities," and then she let the game begin.

As she came to Sir Devin, he bowed with a flourish, "M'Lady. I am Sir Devin, assistant to King Buron. You do King Buron and I great honor this eve. King Buron sends you gifts and words of great love and admiration. Give me leave, M'Lady, but you do but take a man's breath away.

Pray you to hear thy message."

"Gifts, you say? And I have taken away your breath as well? Sir Devin, you flatter me, yet I am but a servant of my people. I think perhaps you mock me."

"Oh, nay, M'Lady. It be not so. You are as my Liege has said. You are the fairest in all the land. He will be most pleased to know that the rumors be true. Pray, M'Lady, give me your leave to deliver thy message."

"I will hear your message, Sir Devin." She sat down in the chair that May had provided for her.

"M'Lady, you are most gracious." He bowed again and then said to Sam and all, as if in a theater: "King Buron sends you his most admiring and devoted love.

"He bids you know that his heart has halted beating until he can behold your beauty.

"He knoweth you as the fairest in all the land, and that you would doeth him the greatest favor by returning his great love and admiration.

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"He sends you great gifts as demonstrations of his deep love, and he asks that you permit him to court you onto marriage.

"He exclaims how happy you maketh his heart in knowing that this fair union will be happily productive in his heirs.

"And he bids you know how greatly his lands need such a Queen as thou.

"Pray, by your leave, M'Lady, these are my Liege's words. May I now present you with my Liege's gifts?"

Sam had noticed that Oisin had shown up and was presently speaking to Keets. She wondered how the plan had gone, but had to first play the game out with this Sir Devin man. She found his use of language tedious and difficult. Karan came up to Sam and whispered a message to her from Oisin. Sam looked over to Oisin and nodded that she had understood. She dismissed Karan and let Devin continue.

"I will see your Liege's gifts, Sir Devin."

"M'Lady, you are a good and kind gentlewoman. My Liege will be most pleased. Kinsmen, bring forward the trunk."

"First, my most gracious Lady, King Buron gives you this necklace to adorn your most stunning chest, as a show of his deep love."