She and Lillon had discussed that the women would need their opportunity to say things to her previously left unsaid.

"Lillon, I cannot speak for others but I can say this: Hern betrayed your loyalty and love. It is a difficult thing, as you and I spoke often about, to care deeply about someone and learn that it is not returned. You have felt it your fault that she hit you. You have felt it your fault that she did not love you. You felt if you had loved her more, she would have remained a true companion and loyal member of the community. You are young and could not see the evil Hern had in her heart. I do not like saying this, Lillon, but I do not believe Hern ever loved you. I believed she used your position to steal her way into the advisor circles. The community knows this as well. They wanted you to act more forcefully against Hern, but I spoke with you often and I know how difficult that would have been. It be not within your character. We all learn from our experiences, and I hope you learn much from this experience about mutual and shared relationships where both companions trust each other." Sam looked at Jandra and wondered how she could ever live up to those words with her, silently hoping she would never betray her, so. "But you did not betray the community in any fashion, and you are an excellent assistant. If I but had the last word, I would tell you to remain as assistant. But this be between you and this group. What is it you would like to do, Lillon?"

Lillon was all but crying, but trying to remain strong, "I would like to prove myself, Highest. And I very much enjoyed working with you prior.

If I am but given the opportunity, I would like to be your assistant and prove my loyalty."

Sam sat down. It was the moment Lillon faced the advisors' words on this.

Meera stood and looked at Lillon, "The Highest is our most revered figure in Woden. Sam is my most revered friend in all The Realm. I want an assistant for her that would throw herself into danger rather than see The Highest harmed in any fashion." She sat down, but looked angered.

Keets stood, "The assistant to The Highest must be strong and must be able to face down adversity for The Highest. You did not betray the community, but did you face down adversity?" She sat down.

- 182 -.

Karan stood, "Lillon, The Highest has done much for this community.

She too has lost a companion, but she remained strong and steadfast. How will you demonstrate that you are worthy of this position?"

Liley rose, "I will speak for Lillon. It be truth that Lillon stood by while Hern betrayed all of us. But did we act any faster? When it came the moment to for justice, Lillon attended the execution and spoke not for Hern. All of you were there. You heard Hern crying for Lillon to speak on her behalf. She did not. She has learned, and will prove a worthy assistant to The Highest or The Second."

Govan rose, "I know Lillon well. I know of the many moments she tried to speak to Hern, trying to halt her betrayal. In her way, Lillon fought against what Hern was doing. None of you may have been able to see it, but Lillon fought with all her might to keep her companionship, as be our way, and to halt Hern from betraying the community. I would like to be Jandra's assistant, as we have worked together as the prior Highest's advisors and assistant and know each other well, if she would so accept. And I believe that Lillon was an excellent advisor for The Highest when she was Second." Govan was the oldest woman in the room, and all thought that she had much wisdom and patience. She seldom spoke, but when she did, all would listen.

Jandra looked at Sam and could see that Sam wanted her to make the decision, as Second. Sam thought that since Jandra was going to run the community sessions, this would be good practice.

Jandra rose, "You all speak with much wisdom. Lillon, I myself would have wished more from you in this instance with Hern, but I have also been through many bad relationships that I should have removed myself from sooner. It be not an easy thing. Govan, you are but a light in the fog for us and I think you most patient. Since The Highest seems to be letting us make this decision, I think we should allow Lillon the opportunity to continue with The Highest and prove herself. Govan, I am most indebted to you for offering to be my assistant, but I feel, in truth, the roles will be reversed."

Sam rose, "Then so shall it be. Lillon, please attend me beginning in the morn."

Lillon smiled slightly, "Thank you, Highest. You will not be sorry for this decision."

Meera rose, "Lillon, know this. I will give this my leave without malice and will accept The Highest's and The Second's decisions gracefully. And I will willingly work with you. But if any such thing occurs that endangers The Highest and you have not acted with the most profound haste, you will face me but once."

- 183 -.

Sam thought these overly harsh words but also believed it good that Lillon heard what the women had been thinking throughout the event but had remained silent.

Lillon nodded to Meera, "I understand your words. And know that if I cannot do as I need, I also accept the final punishment. But, Meera, I will prove to you my worth and thank you for your truth and acceptance."

Meera nodded and sat down.

Sam thought they had accomplished enough for one eve, "I have but one last item. All of you well know of my daily rounds. I am uncertain if they will remain daily, but I will continue these rounds as The Highest. I also expect Jandra to do rounds. I have learned much from these rounds: I have met with each woman in this community and know their needs, desires and fears. I know who gets along with who, whose dwelling needs repairs, how the water system is working, and every detail in the community. But I am concerned: You, as my advisors, know not these things.

And I believe it vital to our community for our leaders to hear of our women's needs and concerns, first-hand." She stood up. "I would like each of you to begin doing rounds. It need not occur every-turn, but I would like you to have a solid presence in the community. I would like our decisions based on the community's needs. You will learn many good things along the way and you will be given many excellent meals and products. I need not Liley or Jenna to do this, however. They see all the women in the gardens and the animal farms. Any objections?" She knew that no one would object to her wishes, but hoped they would want to do this.

Karan said, "I do this but slightly, Highest. I did not wish to take your "rounds" from you in any fashion, so am well pleased you would like all of us to do this."

"Thank you, Karan. I hope all of you will enjoy this as I do. If it comes to be that it is a wasted effort, I hope that you will find a way to share this truth with me. Thank you all for attending on such short notice. We will meet when Jandra sends notice of the next meeting. I will see all of you in the morn as we go to visit Hengist. Good eve."

Everyone said good eve to Jandra and Sam. Sam was amazed that the advisors yet remained unknowing about her and Jandra.

After the last advisor left, Jandra turned to Sam, "So be the rumors true?"

Sam was confused and couldn't remember any rumor mentioned during the meeting. "Who spoke of a rumor this eve?"

"The rumor, Sam. That no one has been able to satisfy The Highest in her own bed."

- 184 -.

Sam looked puzzled, and then slowly smiled, wickedly, "Oh, it be not a rumor but highest truth indeed. And it be a grave and sorry tale it tells."

Jandra smirked, "Even Oisin?"

Sam looked at her again, even more impishly, "Even Oisin could but last until early before sun's rise and had to retire to her own bed. Many have tried, but all have failed." Sam shook her head as if in dismay. "It be a sad, sad tale indeed."

Jandra took Sam's hand and began to lead her to the bedroom. "I think this tale of woe and this rumor end this eve."

"Oh? But it be a standing legend I be most proud of."

"Then you must create yet another legend," and Jandra began to unbutton Sam's shirt, "as I aim to satisfy your every need this eve."

"And how will you know?" Sam began to unbutton Jandra's shirt.

"You will finally tell me to hold," and she began to caress Sam's breast.

"Me? Say hold?" and she leaned into the caressing.

"It will be a safe wager," and she made Sam to step out of her garments.

Sam moaned as Jandra pressed harder on her breasts. "What wager would you place?"

Jandra put a hand between Sam's legs. Sam moaned again. "I wager that if you say hold, you will vow to always tell me your inner most concerns," and she pinched Sam's breast lightly.

Sam closed her eyes, wanting only to feel what Jandra was doing to her. "And if I do not say hold?"

Jandra kissed Sam long and fully. "You tell me, then," and she moved her hand more in-between Sam's legs.

Sam was dizzy with pleasure. "You will not accompany me into battle."

And Jandra moved Sam to the bed, laid her down and slowly moved her own body between Sam's legs. "It is a deal. Too bad you will lose it, Sam."

Sam moaned and could hardly speak, "We shall see."

The morn came too early once again, but Jandra was sleeping well, as she had won her wager. Sam had finally told Jandra 'no more'. Sam woke first when it was yet early morn. As Second, she had gotten used to many late eves, so morns were not moments Sam did well. As Highest, she thought the same pattern would hold true. She sat up and looked at Jandra.

She thought it astonishing to have someone in her life now. This will take much getting used to.

She bent down and kissed Jandra's cheek, "Jandra, are you glad you are here?"

- 185 -.

Jandra looked through a half-opened eye, "Most likely not at this moment, Sam. Be it the moment to rise already?"

"No. We have a few moments yet. I was but thinking on life."

"You are just regretting that you lost your wager last eve."

Sam ignored her jest, "Do you become concerned over being here, with me?"

"Sam, you are so serious. What be this about?"

"I am not perfect, Jandra. I have lived long alone and have developed most independent ways. It is difficult, I think. Perhaps not so for younger ones, but it be a strange feeling. I worry about being able to be a good companion."

"You mean it feels strange to wake and see someone here yet in your bed?"

"Yes."

"Do you want me to leave?"

"No. I like you here in my bed, our bed. That be not the issue. I most like you being here. It be just strange. There will be much to learn, but I keep doing it all wrong. I thought I used to be a good companion, now I but wonder. It seems to be much easier to give advice than to do the thing yourself."

"It is much change for me as well. You, at least, have remained in your dwelling."

She hadn't thought of that, "Oh, Jandra, do I but make you miserable?"

"No, Sam, I like your dwelling much. It will just take me some moments to get but used to the strangeness, and for you as well."

Sam held Jandra and kissed her gently. Jandra began to touch Sam.

"Hold Jandra. I can take no more. I think I will not walk straight for a moon."

Jandra smiled, then laughed, "I jest. Let me help you prepare for our visit to Hengist. This is exciting for me as I have never been to a Hengist community talk."

Sam tilted her head sideways, "Be that the agenda? I knew not of this."

Jandra was startled, "My apologies. I thought I but informed you.

The men of Hengist would like to honor you at a town meeting this turn."

"It be not a problem. It is only that I knew not. I thought we were just visiting their craftsmen this turn. It be good, though. We can but tell them that we would like to make them more a part of our advisors."

- 186 -.

Hengist was joyous with excitement, much of the community waiting at the gates for her arrival. As she came, several could no longer contain their excitement.

"The Highest comes."

"She has arrived."

"She is here. The Highest is really here."

It had been long since the former Highest had visited Hengist. Sam had known that The Highest seldom visited Hengist, but thought it due to Hengist's wishes. Sam, Jandra and all the advisors had walked over across the bridge, and were now waiting at Hengist's gates.

They were met by Briggon, "Highest." He knelt, then bowed his head to Jandra, "Second."

"Briggon, this is a fine turn for a visit. Thank you for allowing us this opportunity."

"Highest, it is our pleasure, indeed. Please follow me through the gate and you will but see. We hope this begins a new era for us with Woden and but hope you will come more often."

The gates were opened and Sam saw the path lined by the men, many holding banners. When they saw The Highest, they knelt and the musicians began a welcome fanfare. Sam was fully surprised, as were all the advisors.

She leaned over toward Jandra and whispered, "Why all this ceremony ? It be just us."

"We have not visited Hengist in a very long while."

Sam looked at Jandra with surprise, "I but thought that The Highest and her advisors visited every moon."

Jandra shook her head, "No. The Highest had some difficulty with Hengist, so chose not to visit with them often."

"How did I not know of this? Hengist be our friend and ally, are they not?"

"Of course, Sam, but The Highest had her desires that we followed."

She saw Briggon looking at them with concern, "We will speak of this later."

Sam wasn't happy with this knowledge, and upset that she hadn't known of it, but decided to wait until later to pursue it. Sam bowed and smiled slightly to the men and followed Briggon down the path. She saw that the men were dressed in their finery as if this a celebration.

Briggon turned to Sam, "Your presence has made this a special turn for us and we have many events planned for you. I hope you will but like and enjoy them."

- 187 -.

As they continued down the path, the men began to follow after them.

Sam wondered why The Highest had chosen to ignore Hengist.

Briggon led them to Hengist's outdoor theater and showed them their seats, "Our actors would like to present this play for you in your honor.

They have worked hard on it and hope you most enjoy it."

"A play, Briggon? I have not seen a play in a long while. I will most enjoy this."

"I hope so, Highest. The former Highest disapproved of plays."

Sam held her tongue but thought that also the reason why there had been no plays presented in Woden for many cycles. She hadn't ever seen a play presented in Hengist's theater and began to wonder as to why.

The play was a reenactment of the recent betrayal by the spiritual leaders in Woden, the attempted murder, The Highest's suicide, Sam's rise to Highest, the execution of the traitors, and a concluding speech of Sam speaking to a return of benevolence between Woden and Hengist. Sam recognized the play for what it was: Hengist's view of Woden's most recent events and a political message, but she had enjoyed it and thought it an excellent way for her people to have voice. As the audience was clapping and shouting their approvals, the actors, Hengist's advisors and Briggon all watched for Sam's reaction. They went unnoticed by her, but were well pleased when she clapped and genuinely smiled at the actors.