aWhy arenat you people dead?a she blurted out.

Jeni laughed. Quelling her mirth, she patted Odif on the arm. aIall take you somewhere clean and decent, okay?a She could not imagine anyplace here that fit that description.

aWeare leaving the city?a she asked hopefully.

aNo, silly!a Jeni giggled. aThe Trollas Lair has a rooftop restaurant. Itas not far from our house, and it has very good food.a Rooftop--maybe it was high enough to catch a fresh breeze. She was beginning to feel as if shead spent the day in Zodiacas cesspool. aAll right, but no fish.a aNo fish,a Jeni agreed.

The Trollas Lair was a large, three-story inn. As they approached, Odif noted that this building was one of the tallest in the area. The upper floor had balconies and curtains, while the middle and lower floors had shuttered windows. The front door was set in with a canopy extending over the walkway to the street. Instead of a sign proclaiming its name it had three troll statues, one on each side of the doors and one on a platform above the canopy. The carvings were very good, but not too accurate, if one knew trolls. The shape of the furry bodies was right, as were the squarish heads with thick, wide ears; but never had she seen a troll stand perfectly upright, let alone cross its arms over its chest or appear so regal in the face as these did.

Inside, they went up the wide, carpeted stairs past well-dressed people who looked at her with distaste. Most greeted Jeni with a pleasant aGood afternoon, Mrs. Redmana and tried to act as if she were alone. The only people to even look at Odif were a few young men who grinned and whispered to each other.

The rooftop smelled much cleaner, to Odifas relief. They were shown to a small table near the waist-high wall that marked the edge. Someone finally spoke to Odif--the waiter asked her what she wanted. After hearing the options, she decided to let Jeni pick one of the many names for meat they had and a afresha fruit salad.

As they waited for their orders to come, Jeni asked cautiously, aIs your mother alive?a Odif nodded. aShe lives in the Jude. For the last few years, sheas been studying the wildlife there, including vlaks.a Jenias eyes went wide. aShe studies vlaks? How does she do that?a The only thing she knew about vlaks were that they were big, bone-covered lizards that attacked anything that came close.

Odif grinned. aThese vlaks are no longer controlled by wizardry. You see, a vlak in its natural state is a scavenger about the size of this table. They don't bother anything bigger than themselves; and if confronted, they curl up into a ball and wait for the intruder to go away.a Tipping her head north, she said, aThe vlaks left behind during the Great War are starting to revert back to their natural state. Each generation is a bit smaller than the last. When I visited Mother last year, they were used to her enough that we just walked into their nesting area. The closest we came to harm was when a mother vlak hissed at us to warn us away from her hatchlings. In another two or three generations, we think they will be back to normal.a Jeni shook her head in wonder. aIam surprised they didnat kill you.a She took a sip of water and commented, aI thought druids killed monsters like vlaks and dragons.a aWe destroy unnatural creatures. Vlaks seem to be returning to normal over time. Dragons, monsters made from a winged lizard called a kila, will never return to normal. Theyave been deformed too badly to even breed.a aSo, a form of dragon exists in nature?a Odif leaned on one elbow, tapping the table as she spoke. aKila are nothing like dragons. They only grow as long as your foot, and theyare prey to many things, mainly eagles and falcons. Dragons were made to combat Alnargons. When the Alnargon population started to diminish, elf and human wizards started making their own dragons to fight with. As you can see, this has all but wiped out the kila. Only a few kila are left in their natural habitat, and we are guarding them closely.a Jeni tried to keep from grinning at how upset she was being over what happened to a flying lizard. Like most people, she didnat see how the loss of one creature could affect anything. There were so many different kinds of animals, what did one matter?

aOdif, have you ever thought that maybe itas best the kila are almost gone? If what youare saying is true then with no kila there will be no more dragons.a aDo you have bats?a Odif asked crossly.

aYes, too many. Weave tried to get rid of them--they stink, and Art got sick from spending too much time up where they live under the roof.a aAnd I've noticed there aren't too many large birds around here, either.a Jeni shook her head. aNo, just seagulls here and there.a Counting on her fingers to stress her point, Odif told her, aAs well as large insects, kila eat bats--they are one of the few things that do. Fewer bats means the ones left are not so numerous that they stink up their lair. Birds of prey eat kila. The bats eat the insects, kila eat the bats, falcons eat the kila. That is the balance, one species checks another. Kila in your roof also warn you of strangers. They know what kinds of things regularly go near their lair and get upset, making a high-pitched sound, when they see something they arenat familiar with.a Sitting back, satisfied her point was made, she added, aYou have no kila, so you have too many bats and not enough birds. Even in the city, if nature is out of balance, we suffer for it.a Jeni gave an understanding nod, cringing inside at what Odifas response might be if she asked why they needed more birds in the city. Changing the subject, she said, aAfter lunch, I have to stop a couple places before we look for another seer.a Odif nodded slightly as she hooked an arm over the back of her chair. aThese businesses you have, is one of them the Redman Coach Line?a Odifas pose wasnat one a lady should take, but Jeni decided not to mention it. aYes. We only own twenty coaches, but there are many more drivers who pay us to put the name on their own coaches. I keep visiting the depots to make sure the coachmen are keeping up the standards Iave set.a aWhy would someone want to put your name on their coach?a Jeni sighed. aAt first, it was because of Ericas reputation. When I opened our stone quarries, we had three wagons. One of our drivers was stopped by bandits; but when they found out it was Ericas wagon they were going to rob, they backed off and let him pass. The driver bragged about it, and soon independent coach drivers came to me wanting to work for Eric so they, too, would not be bothered by bandits. I set up the arrangements, and soon every driver in the city was asking to join our company.a Picking up her glass to take another sip, she said, aI know that sooner or later the fear will fade, so Iave concentrated on making Redman Coach Line stand for quality. We have regular routes, and every coach has to have a full roof and cushioned seats. Iave set up the depots, and all the dispatchers work directly for me.a Odif raised an eyebrow. aPeople are that afraid of my father?a Jeni nodded. aTerrified. We donat even need guards for the cross-country runs. Most of the bankers and nobles use our coaches on a regular basis; they know they will be safe.a Waving a hand at the headwaiter standing by the door, she added, aThatas why I can bring you here; the owner doesnat dare say no.a aIt sounds like you're living well off his reputation.a Jenias face went blank then turned dark. aWhat do you mean by that?a Odif shrugged. aJust that if he wasnat so feared, you wouldnat be making so much money.a Jenias face reddened. aI have never tried to--a Her voice was low but stern. aYou want to know the truth? I wish he wasnat so feared! I wish the tales would not grow so cursedly tall!a She sucked in an angry breath, swelling her small frame. aEver single copper the quarries and coaches bring in belongs to him! I am running his businesses. Donat you dare accuse me of taking advantage of Eric!a Odif raised her hands in surrender. Jeni had taken her comment very personally. aI didnat mean to say you were.a aExcuse me...ladies?a the waiter asked meekly. He was eyeing Odif closely, noting not only her bosom but her well-muscled arms. As soon as she looked his way, he diverted his eyes to the table. aYour fruit salads are here.a Carefully, he put them down then retreated off to other tables.

Sensing wariness from him, Odif asked, aHow long was he standing there?a Jeni followed him with her eyes as he wound his way back to another table to pick up the used dishes. aI donat know for sure, but I bet there are going to be more rumors around town shortly.a Odif picked a grape from the mix of sliced fruit. It wasnat the freshest she had ever seen, but it was edible. She popped it into her mouth. aHow many more professed seers are in this city?a aQuite a few, though not one has turned out to be the real thing yet.a aVery few are. Iave only met one. Tayan took me to this guy in Krundle who was a fortuneteller.a A smirk crossed her face. aHe told us we were very close, but combative towards each other. He said it was a bond that could not be broken. If we only knew...a Quietly, Jeni asked, aDid you and Tayan...you know...a aHave sex?a Odif asked. Jeni nodded slightly, looking to see if anyone else was listening. Leaning closer, Odif had a gleam in her eye.

aWe sure did. Tayan is the best lover Iave ever had.a Picking pieces of fruit up, she started eating them one by one as she talked. aHe is a hot, passionate man. He got me so excited I lost my voice--I mean, it was like we were animals! No words, just moaning, grunting, yelps and screams. Whenever we werenat fighting something, or each other, we were wrapped tight together trying our best to make a baby.a All Jeni could do was gape at her. This was her own brother she was talking about! Sisters werenat supposed to love their brothers, not like that. Blushing, Jeni put a hand up to hide her face from the table nearest them. aDo you have to be so graphic?a aThatas how it was.a Pausing a second, she asked, aI think sex is great, donat you?a Jeni gave a half-nod. Quietly, she said, aYes, but we donat talk about things like that.a aWhy not?a Right after she said it, she remembered her talk with Ali. aOh, I understand. Discussing lifeas functions is considered barbaric here.a Jeni was frustrated with her. Odif didnat seem to purposely make it sound like she was talking down to people. By the way she acted--suckling Erica, standing up for Art--and with her open way of speaking about anything, Jeni was starting to feel that she should have been doing these things all along. In short, Odif made her feel inadequate.

aYou are free to do as you wish. You donat have to worry about what people think or stay within what society determines acceptable.a Looking at her pleadingly, she said, aI wish I had the time to suckle my own baby. Many times, I wish I could just smack someone who desperately deserves it! I canat do as I please; people depend on me to do certain things and act certain ways. Can you understand that?a Clasping her hands together, Odif rested her chin on her knuckles. Regarding Jeni for a moment, she sighed. aJeni, what is the most important thing in your life?a aErica,a she said without hesitation.

aAs it should be.a Sliding her hands down to cross them in front of her, she said, aThe most important person in my life is Tayan. I know itas not right; but for over a year, I was really mad at Lucinthia for dying on him. I thought she was a snob, but Tayan thought the world of her. I would do anything for him, even die for him without thinking twice. Lucinthia did die for him--I guess thatas part of the reason I was mad at her.a aYou really love Tayan, donat you?a Jeni asked softly.

aMy point is,a Odif continued, athat no matter what, the most important thing in your life should be just that. Everything else is secondary. I love being a druid, I love my Goddess, I look upon the creatures of nature as my children; but if Tayan needs me, he comes first. If you know that suckling your own child is the right thing to do then donat let anything stop you from doing it.a Jeni tried to imagine going into a meeting nursing Eirca and maintaining control. Even if no one said anything to her, shead turn every shade of red. How did one talk business while having a baby at your breast?

aI meet with all kinds of people every day. I canat take her into meetings or when I go on visits.a Odif shrugged. aAll I can tell you is goatas milk is a poor substitute for yours. She will sleep better and be healthier if she has your milk.a Again she felt criticized, like Odif was telling her she wasnat doing enough for her child. Looking away, she saw the waiter coming with their lunch. At the moment, he looked like a troop of knights coming to rescue her. aAhh, here come our steaks.a After lunch, they went to the mid-city coach depot. She was hoping Odif would at least be glad the horses were well taken care of. Odif only shrugged and noted that a few of the harnesses were too lose, chafing the animalsa hides. Leaving Odif to the horses, she went inside to talk to the head dispatcher.

The rest of the day, they rode through the city, stopping at another aseera and visiting the other two city depots. Besides there not being enough coaches to fill the demand for the Krundle route and a list of coaches to go for repairs at the wainwrightas, business was going well. She put in an order for five new coaches along with the repair orders then tried one last time to find a seer in the northern part of the city.

Night was falling as their coach rolled up to the gates that marked home. By this time, Jeni was sure that every seer was a fake, and there was nothing she could ever do to gain Odifas approval. Coming home was not a relief, for they had no more than walked in the door when Penelopy, Ericaas nanny, found her.

Pennyas face was screwed up as she wrung her hands. aMrs. Redman, I have tried to give Erica her bottle when she woke up, but she refuses to eat. Iave tried sugar in it, warming it, everything! She drinks only a few swallows when she gets very hungry, but not enough to last. I am at witas end as to what to do.a When Jeni quit nursing, she had gone though a week of hell getting Erica used to a bottle. Now, she was going to have to go through that all over again. She glared at Odif, wishing she had stayed in the damn woods.

aPerhaps you will stay and be her wet nurse?a Calmly, Odif said, aI would love to, but I canat. Erica needs her mother.a After all day with this woman, Jeni snapped. aAre you sure I will be able to do it?a she yelled. aYou really should stay in case I donat get that right either!a Stomping off a few steps, she turned and laid into her again. aI have no idea why what you think means anything to me, I really donat!a Tears welled up in her eyes. aI do the best I can, Mom and Dad help me; but most of it I do by myself!a Wrapping her arms around herself, she burst into tears.

Odif handed her staff and the bent armor to Penny and walked up to her. Enfolding Jeni in her arms, she gently said, aI know you do. From what I see, you do the work of three people, and do very well. You canat be but--what, fifty? A pretty young elf to have such a heavy load. If Eric could see you now Iam sure head be very proud of you.a The kind words threw her off-guard. They also swelled her anger. Jeni pulled back and raised a fist. Swinging it hesitantly back and forth a few times, she finally popped out one finger at her. aYou...are impossible!a She wiped her face with the palms of her hands. It was easy to see why Tayan fought with her--she couldnat imagine anyone living near Odif and not want to dash her brains out from time to time.

aSome women in Capetown wear nursing bibs to conceal what they're doing.a Odif offered. aThey're loose, so you can slid Erica up and under comfortably.a aMy milk has dried up.a aI can help you start producing again.a Jeni didnat know whether to laugh or start crying again. When Erica was first born she had delighted in nursing her. It had been her workload and pressure from her grandmother that had made her stop. Turning to Penny, she asked, aWould you find me a nursing bib?a Penny nodded. aYes, Malady. Will you be needing these?a she asked, holding the staff and armor up.

Odif took her things back. Looking at Jeni, she nodded to the stairs. aShall we go feed your daughter?a The tone she used wasnat a demand, but close enough that Jeni felt like she was trying to order her. Rubbing her tongue over the inside of her teeth in irritation, Jeni waved for her to follow. As she started up the stairs, she was sure Odif had put on all that muscle to keep people from beating the crap out of her.

Chapter 11.

Jeni started to get used to her visitor over the following days, not that Odif made things easy. Most of their time was spent searching the city for a seer as Jeni tended her business. The only difference now was that Erica and Penny came along for the ride. The nursing bib worked well; she fed Erica as they traveled, all the while Odif snorted and complained about the cityas stench. After a full day of running around the city doing business and finding more false seers, they would return home. Salinthia kept quiet about Jenias nursing but insisted Odif join them for dinner and not eat in the garden by herself.

Jeni wasnat the only one having difficulties with Odif. The third day of her visit, Arthur and Sally got a shock when Art came walking through the main hall buck-naked. Upon their demanding what he was doing, he simply stated Odif had told him it was too hot to wear clothes. United in parental anger, they found Odif sitting on the edge of the fountain without a stitch of clothing on, soaking her feet in the water. Saurenthansia tersely explained to her that she could not walk around naked. Arthur tried to maintain his anger and keep his eyes on her face, both of which seemed difficult to do.

As for Odif, she quickly found she hated the city--and wasnat too fond of the people, either. She surrendered her normal habits and sat at a formal dinner table and even promised to keep herself covered at all times. She could not, however, bathe in the small rooms with tubs of stagnant water. Waiting until the rest of the family was asleep, she went out to the fountain and bathed properly. A couple male servants were very eager to bring her towels, and nearly all of them came by to wish her a good night.

Ali visited her twice, asking questions she should have already had the answers to by her age. Odif noted that as she explained lifeas facts to Ali, the girl became more at ease with herself. She no longer refused to name parts of her own body, and her manner was more self-assured. The girl was still afraid to let anyone know about their talks; and given the environment she lived in, Odif had to agree.

After the fourth day of what was becoming a routine, Odif went into one of the backyards covered in smooth, trimmed grass to do exercises. Clean sweat from exertion was the only way she found to get the smell of the streets off her. To her surprise, Sally was there, wearing only shorts and a bandeau of cloth around her chest, doing her own exercises. She was working up a sweat, practicing blocks and kicks. The elf woman moved with grace and a fair amount of speed.

aMay I join you?a Odif asked, propping her staff against a low wall.

Sally straightened up, shaking her arms loose. aYes, please do. Itas been quite some time since Iave had a partner.a Raising a cautionary hand, she said, aLight contact only--Iam not as good as I used to be.a aCity living?a Odif grinned.

aArthur used to practice with me, but heas not up to it anymore.a She sighed.

Bringing her arms over her head, Odif began stretching out the stiffness from sitting in the coach most of the day.

aHe looks like heas slowing down. Thatas one thing I have yet to figure out.a Bending down, she locked her knees and laid her hands on the ground in front of her. Then when she felt her legs and back free up, she grabbed her ankles and brought her face down to her shins. Staying like that for a moment, she rose back up and bent slowly backwards until she had her hands on the ground behind her.

aArthur is human,a Sally explained, aand heas sixty years old. Heas been aging very quickly these past few years.a Straightening up, Odif bent to one side then the other. aThatas what I canat figure out. Iave studied elves and humans closely. Despite minor differences, elves live most of their potential life cycle, and humans do not. There is no reason why Arthur should not live to be at least one hundred-fifty if not two hundred years.a Sally shook her head. aI have never met any human even close to a hundred years old.a Sitting down, Odif brought her legs out to the sides in a full split. aYou met my dad; he has to be close to two hundred, if not older.a aHeas different.a Odif wasnat sure what she meant by that. aIn any case, there are human villages north of the Great Lake where hundred-year-old humans are common. Why they live so long, and others donat, is one of the mysteries Iave been working on.a Planting her hands in front of her, she lifted herself up and leaned forward as she straightened her legs behind her. Tilting even farther to maintain balance, she shoved herself up with her arms and flipped back to land on her feet. aI have found that in some the aging can be reversed to a point. Take me, for instance. I put myself through the ritual every ten years or so.a Sally cocked an eyebrow. aHow old are you?a Odif looked human. If she were to guess Odifas age, even with elven blood in her, she couldnat be more than forty.

Odif shrugged sheepishly. aIam not exactly sure--right around Arthuras age.a Picking at her lip with a finger, she mused, aLetas see--I was eighteen when I first met Tayan, and he turned seventy-five that year...a Pausing, she gave a grunt. aIave never kept track of what year is it very well.a aThis year is 3367.a Odif snapped her fingers. aYes! Tayan gave me a thirtieth birthday party a couple years before the Great War started.a aThat would put you at sixty-one.a Sally told her. For a sixty-year-old human, Odif looked incredibly good. aHow much elf do you have in you?a aNot much, I donat think. My grandfather was short and thin, I know he was part elf. We really donat pay much attention to those things.a Odif bounced lightly on her toes then settled into a defensive stance. aOne-fall skirmishes?a Sally nodded, setting her own defense. aAny time youare ready.a Odif had planned on testing her with a few feints to let Sally learn a bit of what she was in for. It only took a few seconds for her to realize the elf woman knew what she was doing. She caught two slaps in the side and nearly got her feet swept from under her. Sally got the upper hand from the start and pressed her hard with lightning-fast hands and feet. Odif had to use all her speed and skill to block the attempts. Finding an opening to counter wasnat easy--the few times Sally did leave openings, she jumped back quickly then came in again. Every counterattack Odif tried was either blocked or ducked.

In what looked like a frantic dance, Odif and Sally panted, faces set in concentration as each tried to land a blow. After what seemed forever, Sally extended too far when she thrust with a punch. Odif quickly grabbed her hand and sent her own open palm into Sallyas ribs. Sally twisted with grunt, bringing her leg up for balance. Odifas hand brushed her side on its way past. Seeing Sally on one foot, Odif snapped hers out to topple her. A split second before Odifas foot contacted, Sally jumped just high enough to avoid the blow then spun low, using Odifas grip on her hand for extra leverage. Odif knew what was happening too late. She had just let go when her other foot was kicked from under her. She landed flat on her back with an oof.

Breathing heavily, Sally bent over, hands on her knees as she looked down at Odif. aThanks for taking it easy with me,a she said and extended her hand.

Odif took it. Getting up, she gave Sally an appreciative nod. aYou are very good. I think Iave been spending too much time teaching slow, muscle-bound men.a She grinned.

Seeing Odif regain her stance, Sally lifted a hand. aA moment please, let me catch my breath. I havenat had a workout like that in a while.a aMe, either. Maybe I should visit from time to time...after Iave gone through a renewal ritual.a Giving a light laugh, Sally told her, aYouare giving me a tough enough time now.a Straightening up, she shook her arms and legs out and took a few deep breaths. Settling into her stance, she motioned Odif closer. aIam ready.a This time Odif didnat feint. She attacked Sally vigorously, using every ounce of speed she could muster. As before, Sally ducked and blocked expertly; but now she was more on the receiving end. Slowly, Odif backed her towards the house as both furiously sought a decent opening in the otheras defense. This time, Sally spotted Odifas side wide open and snapped a foot up to tag her just under her shoulder. Odif twisted and slapped her hand into the foot then shot her arm straight up. Seriously off-balance, Sally attempted to flip backwards and recover. By the time she had committed to the maneuver and was dropping back to the ground, Odif was waiting. She had squatted and already sent a leg sweep to where Sally was going to land. There was nothing Sally could do--the instant her feet touched the ground Odif knocked them out from under her. Sally went down hard on her side.

Odif knelt by her, laying a hand on her shoulder. aYou all right?a Sally gave a grunt of aFinea as she gasped for breath.

A male voice called out, aWhatas going on out here?a They had moved into view of the backyard terrace. Odif looked up to see Arthur by the railing, hands on his hips. Beside him, Jeni was holding Erica. aJust practice,a she explained.

aYou were fighting,a Art yelled from farther to the right.

Sally struggled up with Odifas help. aNo, dear, we were just practicing.a Raising her arms, she said, aSee, Iam not hurt, and neither is Odif.a Art didnat seem to believe them. aWow, wait till I tell the guys at school my mom was fighting Odif the Druid!a Sally put a hand to her head. If stories like that started to spread shead never hear the end of it. aArt! We were not fighting. You've seen me exercise before, right?a She waited until he nodded then added, aOdif is exercising with me. We were not trying to hurt each other.a aSally, Salinthiaas having one of her bad spells, you better come up,a Arthur told her firmly.

Casting a worried look at Odif, she said, aI have to go.a Odif didnat know what a aspella was, but it didnat sound good. aIall come with you.a Salinthia was in her bed. The first thing Odif noticed was that she was very pale and her lips were bluish. As she came closer, she noted Salinthiaas hands, which were over her chest. Her fingernails were turning blue. Her mouth was open as she tried weakly to take gasping breaths. Sally went to her side with Arthur. Odif slipped in and touched her hands--they were ice-cold. The woman was suffocating to death.

Touching Sally on the shoulder, she said, aBreathe for her.a aWhat do you mean? Breathe into her mouth?a Odif nodded. aHold her nose shut and blow a normal breath into her. Keep doing it until her lips get some color into them.a Sally bent to do as Odif told her. Salinthia turned her head away, shaking it weakly. Sally hesitated, not sure if she should continue.

aDo it, she doesnat have much time.a Odif warned.

Bracing herself, Sally grabbed her motheras nose and held her head still then put their mouths together and blew. Salinthiaas chest rose up and her hands fluttered. As the breath escaped, she cried out in a moan. Sally kept going, blowing in then letting the air come back out. Salinthiaas moans of pain became louder after a few breaths. As some strength returned, she lifted an arm to stop Sally.

aEnough,a she rasped weakly. She was breathing on her own, but her chest only made slight motions. She was taking in just enough air to stay alive. Looking like she was forcing herself, she sucked close to what was a normal breath and whispered, aSauri, donat do that again.a aMom, you were dying.a Salinthia looked up at her through worn-out eyes. aSauri, dear, it is...a She stopped to force down another breath. a...very painful, and Iam tired of the pain.a Taking her hand, Sally squeezed it in hers. aYou canat give up. We need you.a Salinthia looked for Jeni. Seeing her, she said, aJeni, dear, take Art out, please.a As Jeni led her brother out, Odif concentrated on Salinthiaas body where the breathing muscles divided the chest and stomach. Her diaphragm was shriveled and weak. In a large area the size of an open palm there were only strings of tissue that had long ago lost any function. aYou must be in agony every time you draw a breath.a Salinthia nodded to her. aYou...tell...your father...I forgive him.a aMy father did this to you?a Even as she asked it, she noted a thick line of scar tissue that cut through the middle of the old elfas breathing nerves. From the shape, she had been stabbed deep, directly under her sternum.

aYes. You tell--a Her words were cut off by a gasping fit. Odif cringed as she felt the remaining torn muscles quiver as they tried to obey and bring in air. Sally bent to try to breathe for her again but flinched back as Salinthia half sat up then fell back down.

Odif was accustomed to death; she had seen it many times. Death was part of nature. When it happened to her friends she mourned their loss but accepted that it had to be. She didnat accept the suffering this woman was going through. Planting her hands at the top of Salinthiaas belly she felt for her nerves and breathing muscles at the same time. Deadening the nerves was easy; the hard part was using her energy to make Salinthiaas body respond and breathe.

It was working. Salinthiaas face relaxed as she sighed in relief. She tried talking and only made sucking sounds as Odif drew air into her.

Odif met her eyes. aListen closely. Iave taken the pain, but also control of your breath. Speaking will be hard, so just blink. One time if you want me to try to heal you, two to let you go. If I lift my left hand, you will stop breathing. It will not hurt, but you will pass out and die...a aDear Odin, no!a Sally cried with horror in her eyes.

Odif glanced at her. aItas her choice. From what I see, living is agony for her. I might be able to help her, or I can let her go if she wishes. I cannot let her suffer like this.a aWhat right do you have to decide her fate?a Arthur asked harshly.

Odif explained as well as she could. aShe was stabbed a long time ago. The pain from that wound is still with her, every time she takes a breath. Maybe you can ignore suffering, but I canat.a Sally looked at her mother sadly. aAfter all this time?a Salinthia nodded. Looking at Odif, she motioned to her mouth.

aSpeak only when you breathe out,a Odif told her. She worked Salinthiaas muscles to take in as deep breaths as possible.

Salinthia raised her hands to clasp Sally and Arthuras. aI am weak...Odif may be able...to help, if she...cannot then...you must let...me go.a Arthur dropped his head, giving a slight nod. Sally covered her mouth, tears welling in her eyes.

Reaching up to pat her daughteras cheek, she said, aMy dear Sauri...it is only...right this way.a Sally bent down and drew her into a hug. aI love you, Mom.a Odif appreciated their situation but continuing to make Salinthia breathe was taking its toll on her. Every second they hugged she was using valuable strength. aI canat keep this up very long,a she reminded them.

Arthur took Sally by her shoulders and gently pulled her up. aHoney, let her do what she has to.a He got her clear of the bed and held her tight. Sallyas arms went around him as she cried softly. He turned his attention to Odif and gave her a nod.

aWhen I work on your nerves, you will feel pain--there is nothing I can do about that,a she told Salinthia.

Salinthia slid a hand down to cover hers. Timing an exhale, she said, aPromise no pain...in the end...one way or the other.a aI promise,a she mouthed then went to work.

The nerves were the problem. Fresh cuts had raw ends--the tissue was parted but easy to put back together. Salinthiaas nerves had been severed a long time ago. The ends were shriveled and pulled away from each other with thick scar tissue capping them. Not that the muscles were much better, but muscle was easier to regrow. Once nerves were destroyed it was tough bringing them back.

She began by starting on the inactive nerves attached to the muscles. Growing the tiny strings, she made them curve around the mass of scarring. It took a while to get the nerves where she wanted them. It became difficult--she was having trouble keeping up the breathing as she used more energy to grow nerves.

aSally, breathe for her,a she said as she shifted her hands. Salinthia twitched as she started growing the main branch of nerves to meet the endings. With Sally keeping the elderly woman alive, Odif concentrated on bringing the ends to less than a hairas-width distance. This was the part that was going to hurt.

aBrace yourself.a she said then peeled back the scar caps from the tender nerve tissue.

Salinthiaas eyes flew wide open. She gripped the sheets with her fists, arms tensed. Her exhales came out as screams. Odif tried to ignore the sound and brought the nerves together then sealed them in place. Staying focused, she noted enough nerves were now whole. Muscles that had lain dormant tried to move. The remains of the weak ones still working, flexed and spasmed as Salinthia now cried out on her own.

aYou can stop,a Odif told Sally. Her energy was all but drained. All she could do with the thin membrane of muscle was to make sure it didnat tear. The parts that were shriveled beyond hope she solidified into scar-like tendons. Forming them into a net, she connected them to the ones still working. That done, she paused to rest. Sally watched her intently, waiting for the news. aIam almost done. The pain should start to lessen, although she will be sore for a while.a aThank you,a Sally whispered.

Odif gave her a brief smile then began concentrating again. She grew the surviving muscles strong enough so they would not tear under the pressure of taking normal breaths. Searching Salinthiaas abdomen, she saw the damage done to the rest of her body was just as bad. Organs needed air as well as blood and nourishment. The effect of insufficient air for so long had weakened her insides. Sensing every organ separately, she found that they were smaller and lacked efficiency. Despite their deterioration, however, not one had been strangled so badly it had stopped functioning.

Satisfied she had done all she could do, Odif sat up. aYou'll be weak for a while yet. I would suggest staying in bed a day or two, even though you might feel better.a Salinthia smiled broadly. aI feel like jumping up!a Taking a deep breath, she blew it back out and did give a giggle. aItas been a long time since I was able to do that. I feel...tight, but no pain, none!a Greatly relieved that her mother wasnat going to die, Sally hugged her tightly. She then turned to Odif and crushed her in her arms. aIf there is anything we can do in return, let us know.a Odif considered that for a moment. aBest two out of three?a she teased.

aItas almost dinner time,a Arthur pointed out.

Odif could see in his eyes he wasnat fond of the idea of her exercising with Sally. It was like he was afraid she might really hurt her. There was something else in his eyes she couldnat quite place, but it looked like sadness.

Sally got up, casting him a smile. aArthuras right, letas go get cleaned up for dinner. Weall practice again tomorrow.a Odif put up with a stagnant bath in the tub beside Sallyas. Sally seemed radiant now, like in that old painting Tayan had in that bag. She thought about mentioning it as Sally happily complained about aches and pains she would feel in the morning then decided to wait. Tayan and Amber were coming; they could show it to her.

Thinking about that got her thinking about Eric. Cupping her hand, she pushed some water up her arm and watched it run back down. aSally, does Tayan know our fatheras alive?a Sallyas face dimmed a bit. She nodded. aEric tried to keep it from him, who he was. There was a victory celebration, where Jeni was betrothed to him. Everything went well until Art blurted it out in front of everyone.a She blew out a tired breath. aIt was quite a scene. Tayan didnat take the news well. He stopped short of attacking Eric then left with Lucinthia. Almost every important person in the city was there. Eric felt terrible about it.a aI can imagine.a She knew Tayan well enough to know he hadnat taken it well, especially with a large room full of people listening. aThe bag Tayan has--Dad must have put him in it to keep him alive. Thatas why he hates the sight of it.a aI would say so, but no one knows what happened out there--or at least no one is willing to say.a Sally told her. aWhen we found out they had been attacked, Jeni knew she was pregnant but wanted to go look for him anyway. It was tough convincing her he would turn up. As time has gone on, it has become harder and harder to keep her at home.a aWho retrieved that armor plate Jeni has?a aA knight named Sir Parson. Heas one of the few alive that knows where Eric was last seen.a One of the maids poked her head in. aMrs. Cooper, dinner is ready.a aThank you, Nance.a Getting up, she got a towel and another for Odif. Giving her a half-smile, she said, aI donat know if you coming here is a blessing or a curse. Jeni has been doing well, all things considered; but thereas been talk of giving her a consort. Young Lord Belenaris Tolham is spending a lot of time with her. I know he has an eye on her businesses, though he claims to be only concerned with her.a aYoung Lord Belenaris will get his ass whipped if half of what I have heard of Dad is true,a Odif told her. aAnd if Dad's not available, Iall gladly take his place.a Sally suppressed a chuckle. Raising an eyebrow, she said, aWhy do you think he hasnat been hanging onto Jeni these past few days? Heas been nursing his pride after you belted him.a More seriously, she added, aHe's known for taking advantage of situations, and he plays our customs and laws like a harp. He can be dangerous.a Odif said matter-of-factly, aNot as much as I can be.a Studying her for a moment, Sally gave a slight shake of her head. aYou are your fatheras daughter.a Odif smiled. aThank you.a At the dinner table, Salinthia was more animated than she had been in a century. The color was back in her cheeks; and even though she was still weak, she was merry and took pains to keep Odif involved in their conversations. Odif told her about the forest; and soon she was having an interesting debate on city living versus living in the wild, as all creatures were meant to do. Salinthia got Odif to concede that cities were founded on the principle of safety-in-numbers and therefore were a natural habitat for people. In turn, Odif got her to accept that motheras milk was the best thing for babies, even working mothers who lived in the city.

The discussion slowly turned to religion. From the grimace on Odifas face as Salinthia asked if she believed in Odinas word, it was clear she did not.

Odif smirked as she asked, aDo you believe the world was created in a week?a Looking at Odif sternly, Salinthia nodded. aThat is what our bible tells us. You do not believe in Odin, or Leighna?a aI know they exist.a Odif stated. aOdin and Leighna stand for all that is good. There is more than just good in the world, though. Lucifer the devil also exists as the ultimate evil. One checks the other. It is the Goddess of Nature that holds the balance.a aWhat of the beginning of time?a Sally asked. aSurely you know that the years are counted from when Odin first crafted us in his own image.a Odif waved her fork in Sallyas direction. aThe marking of years is as we, as a civilization, know it. The world is very old, much more than a few thousand years. We may never know how old it truly is.a Salinthia gave her an irritated huff. aThen what was here before time began? There are no records, no writings that speak of any time earlier than three thousand years ago when Odin first laid down the holy laws.a aGrandmother is right,a Jeni added. aHow can you explain the creation of everything, even your plants and animals, as anything less than a divine act?a Odif shook her head. aIf there was a divine act, it was long before we were here.a Arthur grunted. aIad like to hear this!a aYes, please explain,a Sally said with an amused grin.

Folding her arms in front of her, Odif looked at Salinthia, who also gave a slight nod. Leaning forward enough to rest her bosom on her arms, Odif said, aAll right. First of all, there was no abeginning of time,a as you put it. Our world goes through cycles. The one we live in started roughly four thousand years ago. Before us, there was another civilization here. Our stone readers tell us that they were very advanced and covered the whole world. Before them was another--we do not yet know how far back variations of the human species goes. We do know our ancestors go back at least forty thousand years.a Jeni let out a squeak of disbelief. aHow can that be?a aYes, I am eager to hear this, also.a Salinthia grinned.

aYou know the desert on the other side of the Elradian Mountains?a Odif asked. Without waiting for anyone to reply, she continued, aThere are ruins out there of things we cannot comprehend. Buildings made of steel, others made of what appears to have been massive carved stones. Devices that seem to serve no function yet were common in every dwelling. Books and parchments made of material we have no idea what to call, strange stuff that is as flexible as cloth yet clear as glass. All these things were made by someone, very long ago. By what our stone readers have found, we think the ancient humans knew how to build flying machines.a Salinthiaas eyes widened. aSurely you do not believe these things.a aI have seen them,a Odif told her. aWhen I was given my test, I was sent to the desert for one moon to survive on my own. To help deal with the boredom I visited one of the dig sites of the stone readers. There, I saw for myself some of the relics. I made my day den under the tail of what I can only describe as a huge metal bird. It was not built as a normal bird--the surviving wing and tail were fixed in place--but from a distance you can tell what it was.a aWhatas a day den?a Art asked, eager to get his question in.

aIn the desert you have to find shelter in the day because the heat of the sun can kill,a she explained.

aWow,a Art breathed.

aWhat did you do for water?a Jeni asked.

aInsects and plants store their moisture. When I ate, I got my water as well.a Jenias face screwed up. aYou ate bugs?a aAre they as crunchy as they look?a Art asked.

Glancing down at her plate, Sally cleared her throat. aPerhaps we should talk about that after dinner.a aWe do seem to be drifting,a Salinthia noted. aNow, what of this notion about balance. Are you saying we should not strive to be good people?a Odif shrugged. aSome people choose to be good, others to be bad. Whichever you decide to be, both are inside you. Anger is bad, yet who can live their lives and not be angry from time to time?a Raising one finger to stress her point, she said, aThat is what makes us whole. Opposites weigh against each other, but each side must be present. Anger and joy, sadness and happiness, love and hate, we feel all these things at one time or another, yet not one should rule your life. That is part of the balance.a aBut you do admit we should try to be good to each other,a Sally prodded.

aOf course.a aAs well as help each other.a Odif tipped her head slightly. aThose we care about, as well as our own clans, yes.a aWhy shouldnat we be good to everyone?a Salinthia asked.

Odif sighed. aSometimes you just canat be.a The only one not getting heavily involved was Arthur. He was pleasant but stayed more into his own thoughts. Beside him, Sally did her best to keep him active in the conversation. Odif sensed there was something he wanted but was holding back.

Their discussions went on after the plates were empty, and the servants were taking away the dishes. Sally and Arthur drifted off by themselves as Odif and Jeni helped Salinthia to the unused harpsicord she insisted on trying to play. Not having played for a long time, she mis-struck the notes as Jeni, Art and Odif tried to sing in halting words that ended up as laughter. From Jenias lap, Erica waved her arms, giving supporting agoo-gasa and giggles.

About the time Erica grew cranky, Salinthia became too tired to play. Jeni bade them goodnight, and Odif walked Salinthia to her room with Art, who opened doors for them on the way.

Odif then went to the fountain and washed her clothes, as well as giving herself a good rinsing off. Her wet clothes she laid over low-hanging branches of the ash then snuggled into the bed she had hollowed out of the hedge bushes.

As she lay curled up, she sensed someone coming near. At first she paid no attention--servants came and went at all hours, and the butler and the gardener always seemed to come by to wish her goodnight. As she listened, though, she noted the steps were slow, as if whoever it was searched for something. She reared up to see whom it was.

Arthur scanned the darkness as he walked carefully along the path. He knew Odif came out here, but it seemed she could vanish when she chose to. Glancing up at the house, he noted the bedroom was dark--Sally was still sleeping. He wasnat even sure he should be out here. What if what he thought he had heard wasnat right? What if Odif wouldnat listen to him? What if Sally caught him out here and started to think the worst?

He stopped a few yards from the ash tree. A pair of odd shapes hung from the limbs. In the dark, all he could make out were shadows, but they looked like clothes. It figured--Odif would be naked. She had no modesty and, seemingly, few morals. He decided he shouldnat be out here. He turned to go back inside, giving a quick scan around the base of the tree to see if he could make out her shape lying on the ground.

aCan I help you?a Odif spoke just as he turned to find her standing behind him. With a startled yelp, he took a step back and tripped, falling on his behind. Years ago, such a fall was nothing. Tonight, he swore head broken his tailbone. He winced; his heart was racing, which was sending spears of pain through his chest. He took a few breaths to calm himself and let the aching recede.

aYou scared the shit out of me!a he gasped.

aSorry,a she replied calmly. Squatting in front of him, she asked, aAre you hurt?a In the moonlight, her outline was clear, as was the rise of her breasts and her thighs where light seemed to concentrate. Her hair looked different, as if it were a silver-coated hood that kept the features of her face in deep shadow. Her nudity somehow looked right, as if she belonged here surrounded by wild things. He knew she was human; but as he gazed at her, he was also sure she had to be a completely different species. He felt like he was intruding in her world.

Swallowing he said, aI...ahhh...I was just taking a walk.a aYou want something,a she stated. Resting her arms on her knees, she asked, aWhat is it?a Her words surprised him. aCan you read minds?a he asked, hoping the answer was no.

The way she leaned towards him, the moonlight now cast a glow on the orb of one breast and her V-shaped torso. He had never thought that a slim, well-muscled woman could look so...desirable. He forced himself to look at the shadow where her face was and try to make out details.