"Your leg. Why do you yet limp? I thought you would be healed."

"I will be. Worry not. I awoke just prior to my healing being complete. I be out of danger now. My back is yet sore as be my leg and arm, but now it be not so serious if I move. I am unable to do any fighting for a long while with these breaks, though. I be your invalid."

- 468 -.

"Good."

She spoke even more softly, "What of our dwelling?'

"They rebuild it. It is to be a surprise to us. Karan, Tadan and Lillon all schemed on it." She smiled her first real smile in many moons, her heart finally relieved, "Oh, Sam. You are finally home."

They held each other once more, then Sam turned to Woden, "I am returned. Where do we begin?"

Elsewhere, across The Realm The High Queen paced, "So, she has finally awoken?"

"Yes, my Queen."

"But she remained with the Spirits for three moons."

"Yes, Highness."

"They tried to find out how she survived the battle?"

"So it would seem, Highness. I don't believe they could though, so finally allowed her back into The Realm."

"They used her to rid themselves of Buron?"

"So it would seem, my Queen."

"She has returned to Woden?"

"Yes, Highness."

"And her lover? She is well?"

"She will have this child soon, my Queen."

The High Queen frowned, "Our moment begins, then. We must bring this child here so as to protect it from those Spirit Mothers. They have lied to her, to Me, and to The Realm. And now they lie to our unborn that has been vowed to us. Does the lover know of this?"

"She has never trusted them, my Queen, even when she was with them. She hid her thoughts well from them, frustrating them."

The High Queen laughed lightly, "She is a bright one, as you have stated. How fares her pregnancy?"

"She loves The Highest well, so her three moons away fell heavily upon her. But she bears up well, and is strong. In truth, Highness, I have never prior seen such a strong one. She faces any challenge straight on with no fear."

"She sounds most interesting."

"She is a most excellent Highest, my Queen."

"Highest? Ah, yes. I recall this. She was The Second. So when The Highest was injured, she must have become acting Highest. How good is she?"

"The Highest is not as good as her lover, my Queen."

"Why do you say this?"

- 469 -.

"The Highest is excellent as a Highest, my Queen, and is most attentive of her town, but her lover makes better and stronger decisions. She is more like you, my Queen."

"How fare her looks during this pregnancy?"

"If it were possible, I would say she is now even more beautiful."

"It would seem we will meet her soon enough."

"Yes, my Queen, but there may be a small issue."

"Tell Me."

"They may wish for her to have the unborn with the Spirits of the Falls."

"Then we must intercept her as they travel to them. Make this occur, Force Leader."

"Yes, my Queen. You may count on this. I will inform you when I leave."

"I will go with you. My powers may be needed."

"Yes, my Queen."

- 470 -.

About the Author.

Robbie Collins lives with her High Queen and menagerie near a small town and a very large lake. She has a rather unbelievable background in a preponderous of esoteric knowledge. Upon occasion, she dabbles in Celtic folk music, hiking, snowshoeing, writing, kayaking and gardening. She has always followed the road north.

end.