Chapter 15

In the weeks after Odifas departure, Jeni dove into the task of raising an army for Tayan. Arthur and Belenaris took over most of her business affairs while she cared for Erica and went to meeting after meeting with her grandmother to get the whole district involved.

At the more formal dinner meetings, her mother and father would go together. Other than that, the only time they were within sight of each other was when they had to be. Her mother was always busy with something, and her father was watching after the quarries and keeping an eye on Belenaris and Redman Coachline. After many flowers and apologies on bent knee, Sally said she forgave Arthur, but not once had Jeni seen them hug or even hold hands. When they went to the Duke to help raise support, she cornered her mother in the coach and explained what had happened with Odif, how she was really trying to help. Her mother only gave her a sad smile and said she understood then changed the subject.

Jeni got a rapid response to her pleas for help. Cries of aSave the homelanda quickly spread in the district. Lord Parnal and Elder Lord Tolham started gathering men and supplies and promised to finance the Army of Elrad East. Through speeches and monetary help for poorer elven families, they drew large numbers of recruits.

At the Tolham estate, the grounds that once held gaming fields now contained obstacle courses, archery targets and racks of practice weapons. Where girls and women used to stand on the sides and cheer their team on, now they practiced applying splints and bandaging wounds. Farther down the field, knights taught groups of men the arts of war. Salinthiaas estate was the site of cavalry training and small group attack methods, as well as a staging area for the swelling herds of horses. It seemed every elf, and quite a few humans, had answered the call.

The response to her call to send men into the plains, however, was dead silence. She knew what was there--she had seen the hideous thing. For all her explanations, all she got in return was hard looks. Many told her the war was in Elrad, and some even suggested she was trying to make trouble with the north. No one cared what was on the plains, and they didnat want to waste time on anything but helping Elrad. Even her grandmother wanted her to keep quiet about sending people to the plains.

Jenias only positive response came from a visiting knight from Krundle. He told her about how General Cooper wanted to test his battlewagons and thought he might be willing to help her. Jeni didnat know much about war, so having a real general to lead men onto the plains would be very useful. When General Cooper arrived at the mid-eastern coach depot, she asked her father to go with her to see one of the steam wagons.

The thing they looked at reminded her of a junk pile on wheels. It was big--longer than a horse and wagon--and made completely of iron and steel. The back was squared off, with windows, sitting atop man-sized back wheels. The main body was a long, thick barrel shape with pipes running all over the surface of it. The front, waist-high wheels had the same thick spokes and wide, slatted contact surface the back ones did. Two small turrets sat on top like large bug eyes. Near the front of the heavy steel barrel, a round chimney billowed dark smoke. She saw the tracks it made coming into the coach yard, but it was hard to believe it could be moved, let alone move under its own power. There had to be tons of steel in this thing.

aThis moves by itself?a aThat is correct, Malady,a General Cooper said from beside her. He wore the red-and-gold uniform of Krundle. Puffing his chest up, he said, aWe get a full head of steam, and we can outrun horses.a Arthur waved a hand at the monstrosity before them. aCan you explain just how it does that?a aBe glad to.a Walking over to it, he slapped the cylindrical body. aThis is the water chamber--it stores water--and towards the back, there, is the boiling chamber. The water is heated into pressurized steam, which runs through the pipes, here, to the wheel cylinders.a Pointing to the large, outhouse-like box, he said, aThe driver sits in the top so he can see where heas going. Below him, the engineers feed the firebox and control steam pressure. The wood wagon connects to the back and has a hitch so it can pull other wagons behind it.a aWhat are those?a Jeni asked, pointing to the front turrets.

aThose are for defense. Each has a steam blaster the man in it can use. This wagon was made to pull other wagons behind it. It can be used for battle, but that is not its primary function.a aSo, this isnat a battlewagon?a she asked.

He shook his head. aNo, Malady, they are much bigger and have two boilers as well as steam cannons.a Arthur stared at him. aWhat in the abyss is a steam cannon?a Waving for them to follow, Cooper went to the front and climbed a ladder between the turrets. Opening a door panel in one, he stepped in. aCome up, let me show you.a Arthur and Jeni looked at each other. aYou first,a he said.

Inside the turret, a thick rod came from the floor. Attached to this was a tube with a lever on top. There was just enough room for her to squeeze in across from General Cooper, with Arthur standing on the ladder poking his head in.

aThis is a firing tube,a Cooper explained. Reaching into a bin fixed to the wall, he pulled out a fist-sized rock. The cylindrical rock was wrapped with a thin cloth. aThis is what the tube shoots. The cloth makes sure the rock seals in the tube. A rock this size will kill just about anything at close range and will penetrate four-inch-thick wood. Armor is smashed flat by the impact. At mid-range, say just beyond bowshot, it is still powerful. It might not kill a vlak, but it would get its attention.a Holding his hands to form a circle about the size of a head, he added, aThe rocks shot by steam cannons are this big around. One rock can smash holes in gates and most rock walls. We also have buckets of smaller rock that spread out when shot, for use against cavalry and infantry.a aYou do all this with water?a Arthur asked.

Cooper nodded. aHeated under pressure, steam is a very powerful force.a aCan we see it work?a Jeni asked.

Cooper thought for a moment. aNot in the city. The first battlewagons will arrive in two days. Iall set up a demonstration just east of town. Anyone who is interested can come watch.a aWeall be there,a Jeni assured him. aYou mentioned in your letter that youall need funds for this mission?a He nodded. Leaning on the tube, he looked at her seriously. aThese machines are expensive to operate. Besides the cost of the smiths, fitters and engineers, we use a lot of steel; and breakdowns are always a concern. I will send these wagons wherever you want us to go, but I need twelve thousand gold up front and five hundred each month we are in your service.a Jeni gaped at him, while Arthur let out a loud snort.

aYouare insane!a he spat. aHow can you expect us to come up with that kind of money?a Cooper shrugged. aCraftsmen and soldiers need to get paid. Our duke will no longer finance my project without proof these wagons work in battle. I need to win a few battles, but I canat do that without hard gold.a Taking a deep breath, Jeni nodded slightly. aIf you are willing to work something out with me, I will give you the gold.a aJeni, no!a Arthur snapped. Reaching in to hold her hand, he looked at her sternly. aYou are going to be ruined if you try that. Think, girl! You have a long life ahead of you; donat go broke now. Once youave lost everything, it is very hard to recover.a Turning to squat in front of him, she gave him one of her looks of determination. aDad, everything I have is also Ericas. Donat you think I should do everything I can to find him?a Arthur spoke slowly, trying to drive home his point. aJeni, I think Eric would not want you to destitute yourself and Erica, no matter what. Honey, from what you told me, he gave his soul so you would be safe. He wanted you to have a good life.a aHe wants me to have a good life,a she corrected. aAnd to have a good life, I need him back.a Arthur shook his head sadly. aHoney, sometimes we canat have what we want.a Her face hardened. aWe will see.a Arthur knew talking to her at the moment was useless. By her own admission, whatever it was Odif had pulled through the crystal had eaten Eric. She was refusing to believe he was dead. She was convinced that somehow he was going to come back to her. Belenaris had talked to him before about getting Jeni a consort to help handle her affairs and not let her do anything to hurt herself. He hated to admit it, but it looked like Belenaris was right. Since he already knew how her businesses worked, Arthur had to begrudgingly admit the elf lord was the best choice. He knew Belenaris would siphon some of Jenias money into his own coffers, but losing bits here and there was better than watching all of her hard work go down the well. He also knew that Belenaris would take care of Jeni.

Diverting his eyes to the ground, he said, aLetas get out of this thing, we still have a dayas work ahead of us.a He hung around the coach yard long enough to see the steam wagon depart, chugging loudly and blowing smoke. It creaked and squeaked, but the thing did leave under its own power. As transportation, it might have a chance at success if General Cooper could bring the cost down, but a deaf man could hear that thing coming miles away. In battle, the smoke and noise would give away their position. He had the feeling those behemoths would be more of a liability than any real help. He could not let Jeni ruin everything she had built for a useless cause.

Once Jeni had gone about her routine, he went into his office and sent a message to the young Lord Tolham. The message was simple: if he got Salinthiaas approval, they would go before the council and have Jeni given a consort. He felt bad doing this to her; but left on her own, she might destroy not only her life but Ericaas as well. He only hoped that, in time, she would forgive him.

He was getting ready to leave when a coachman rapped on the open doorframe. aArthur Cooper?a aThatas me.a Looking back into the hallway, the man said, aIn here, lady.a A green-skinned Slavonic girl came in and stood across the desk from him. She wore the simple light-gray shirt and skirt of a slave. He didnat agree with slavery, but he did know there were laws about harboring runaways. He already had to contend with Sallyas anger and Jenias foolishness; he didnat want to add the possibility of going to prison to his list of problems.

aWhat are you doing here?a he asked her.

The girl gave him a benevolent smile. aI have been given to you.a He cocked his head. aYou what?a aI am yours.a He was just starting to get back into Sallyas good graces after the catastrophe of that druid womanas visit. The last thing he needed was for her to think he was buying slave women. aI donat want you.a She moved closer to the desk, and her smile turned nervous. aPlease, it is very important that you take me home.a aWhat part of aI donat want youa donat you understand?a he growled.

aCan I have her?a the coachman asked. aBeing Slavonic, sheall go for at least three hundred gold.a Seeing Arthur shoot him a glare, he added, aOr so Iave heard.a He shrugged.

Arthur turned his attention to the girl. He decided to get to the bottom of this nonsense. aOkay, lady, who sent you?a aMy Master.a aAnd who is that?a Wringing her hands, she glanced at the coachman. aPlease, take me home then I will explain.a Arthur nodded. aFine, where do you live?a aWherever you live.a aWhere are you from?a aMy last Master lived in Spring Valley.a aAnd who is he?a aDuke Toma.a aGood,a he said and pointed to the door. aGet in a coach, and go back to Spring Valley where you belong.a aI donat belong there anymore! My Master gave me specific instructions--I must obey!a she pleaded.

aDuke Toma,a Arthur stated.

aNo!a She stomped a foot in frustration. Squeezing her hands together, she bounced them up and down as she spoke. aI was to come here and explain to you what happened, only to you! My Master said you would know what to do. I found your wife, and she only said she is eager for an explanation, also.a He stared at her for a few seconds as what she said sank in. aOhhh, no,a he breathed, dropping his head. aAnd what did you tell her?a aWhat I was supposed to. I belong to Arthur Cooper, who lives in Tolina.a He shot to his feet, red-faced. Walking briskly around the desk, he grabbed her arm and gave her a shove towards the door. aGet back to the coach!a To the coachman, he barked, aDrive me home, now!a ***

Sally walked around the table in the small study, making sure there were no wrinkles in the blue tablecloth. She had set the table herself, using their finest silver and crystal tableware. The gold-colored candles matched the real gold candlesticks, and the curtains half-covered the windows for a shadowed effect on the room.

There was nothing on the table that required adjusting, so she smoothed out her black silk gown once more. Close fitting on her torso, it blossomed out full from her hips to the floor. She shifted the low-cut neckline one way then the other, making sure the V rested exactly on the center of her chest. Only a slight hint of breast showed on each side. As she looked down at herself, it occurred to her that compared to the slave girl who had showed up and--defiantly--to Odif, her breasts were, indeed, small. Was that why he had bought that wench? Blocking out that thought, she went to the mirror.

She checked her silver necklace and teardrop earrings then scrutinized her hair for any strays. As she looked at herself, she tried to see what it was that was driving her husband away from her. Pulling a few strands down to cover the tips of her ears, she tried to make them look more rounded. That only ruined the look of her hair. Frustrated, she pushed it back in place and stared into her own eyes. She knew it wasnat the size of her chest, the width of her hips or the shape of her ears that was causing Arthur to look to other women.

It was her. When he came back to her that night, she smelled the sex on him. Right from the start, he had apologized with tears in his eyes. At the time, she was so hurt she didnat care about anything except for how she felt. Even when she accepted his apology just to shut him up, she still wanted him to suffer like she was. She had done her best to make him feel dirty and low. In time, she would have eased up and started to make amends. It wasnat until today, when that green-skinned slave showed up, that she began to think she was really losing him. This wasnat some druid seducing him with magic. He had gone out and bought the affection she was denying him.

She forgot sometimes that Arthur was human. He was just Arthur, her husband. He was also a man who wouldnat live as long as she would, one who had to pack all his emotions and desires into a few short decades. She could afford to wait ten years to make up and get on with their lives, he couldnat. He had worked very hard to make their home, and even when all that work was burned to the ground he kept trying. Not once had he complained about what they had lost but instead kept reminding her of what they had. No matter how bad things got, he always put her first and treated Pern and Jeni like they were his own. Even when she would have one of her occasional bittersweet memories of Verhan, he would hold her and coax her into talking about him. It didnat bother him that she still loved her first husband--or, if it did, he didnat let it show.

Aware her eyes were clouding, she grabbed a handkerchief and dabbed her eyes, trying not to ruin her makeup. She had to keep everything perfect. If he could beg for weeks for her to forgive him, she could make her one attempt worthy of the man she loved.

The door slammed open, making her jump and spin around, nearly knocking the mirror on the floor. Arthur shoved the slave girl in before him. The girl stumbled, only just managing to keep her feet. She backed against the wall, eyeing him fearfully.

Jabbing a finger at her, Arthur growled, aYou tell Sally what you told me.a Looking at him then Sally, she said, aI...was given to Arthur.a aNo! a he barked. "Who told you to say that?a Shrinking back from him, she cried, aMy Master.a aAnd who is he?a She stared at him for a few seconds then her face became stricken. aI forgot his name!a Eyeing her, his voice became dangerously calm. aYou what?a aI forgot his name!a she cried again, holding her head. aI know what he looks like, but I was only his slave for a short time, and that was weeks ago!a Arthur ignored her. Walking over to Sally, he jerked a thumb back at the cowering girl. His voice was stern. aI never knew about her before today. Whether this is a bad joke or she is really a runaway, Iave never seen her before. I have not, nor will I ever, stooped to buying women. I love you, even if you donat love me any more.a His anger vented, he began to notice the room and the way Sally was dressed. Looking at the toes of his boots, he tipped his head towards the door. aIall let you get back to your...meeting.a As he turned to leave, Sally grabbed his arm. aWait.a Turning him back, she hugged him tightly. She couldnat stop the tears as she cried aIam sorrya over and over.

His arms enfolded her as he nuzzled her ear. aIam sorry, too, sweetheart,a he whispered. They locked lips in a warm, deep kiss, breaking it only to hug each other tighter.

The girl watched them, waiting patiently until they noticed her again. Arthur was the first to look over at her.

aYou still here?a he asked harshly.

She gave a half-smile. aI have to tell you what happened. Master said you would know what to do.a aWhat is your name, child?a Sally asked.

aEllie.a Releasing Arthur except for a firm grip on his hand, Sally wiped her cheeks. aWhere is this Master of yours?a aHeas with me,a she replied, patting the waistband of her skirt. aThe woman he was with is with me, too.a aThey are with you?a Arthur asked with a raised eyebrow.

She nodded and pulled a black bag from under her skirt. Showing it to him, she said, aHe made her jump in here then jumped in himself.a Arthur and Sally looked at each other. Arthur inspected it then showed it to Sally. aThis is the bag I gave Eric.a Her eyes widened as she looked at Ellie. aTell me about your Master, what does he look like?a Ellie tried hard to think and tell them everything she knew. aLong red hair and beard. He had women guarding him because he killed all the men. Heas kinda odd, he makes me confused. Heas mean to people, even to the woman he tried to escape with. She was dancing, but then just after he told me to go they started beating people up. When they ran, I tried to keep up; and she hit me hard,a she explained, touching her ribs. aI couldnat breathe, it hurt so bad. Anyway, he yelled at her and carried me to the storeroom. He was looking for a way out and she made the pain go away. He came back and they started yelling at each other again. Then he made her get in the bag and got in himself before Duke Toma could break the door down.a aCanat you remember a name?a Sally asked.

Screwing her face up in thought, Ellie shook her head. aI canat.a Although she hated the sound of it, Sally voiced the only name she knew of a woman who could hurt then heal so quickly. aOdif?a Ellie looked at her and nodded. aMight be...yes, he did call her Odif.a Sally felt her pulse quicken. aDo you remember the name Eric?a she asked anxiously.

aNo.a Arthur gave a heavy sigh. aLetas take a look.a aI looked, but I didnat see them in there,a Ellie explained.

Taking the bag from her, he laid it down and had Sally hold the bottom. He reached in then pulled his arm back out. aEricas not in there.a Sally looked up at Ellie. aYou said he was escaping. Was he being kept a prisoner?a Ellie nodded. aYes, Duke Toma had to keep him locked up but couldnat do anything to hurt him.a aWas he ordered to do that...or he really couldnat hurt him?a Arthur asked.

aDuke Toma ordered that no one was to hurt him, no matter what,a Ellie explained.

Sally hung her head in thought then told Arthur, aTry Tayan.a As Arthur reached in, Ellie cried, aYes! His name is Tayan!a aGot him,a Arthur said and reached in with the other hand. He pulled Tayan out by the arms. As soon as he was free of the bag, Tayan shot to his feet and frantically looked around, poised to fight.

aWhoa!a Arthur said, hands up. aYouare in Tolina.a Tayan looked at him for a second as if to bring him into focus then shook his head.

aThat was weird,a he mumbled.

Ellie smiled broadly at him. aI did as you said, Master, I went from Spring Valley to here, all by myself!a He looked at her and gave her a half-grin. aGood job, but donat call me Master.a Pointing to the bag, Arthur asked, aOdifas not in there, is she?a Tayan shook his head. aNo, Sister Amber. I thought she was Odif at first because...a He decided not to finish that explanation. aShe will need some clothes, or a robe.a Sally gaped at him. aYou have another sister?a aSheas a priestess,a he explained then cocked his head slightly. aWhat do you mean aanother sister?aa aOdif was here, and Jeni has a baby. Her name is Erica,a Sally explained.

Hearing Odif mentioned so much, Arthur decided to leave. aIall get the robe.a Tayan nodded in thought as Arthur left. aWhy did Odif come here?a She clenched a fist as she thought about that harlot. aShe came looking for Eric. Before she left, she turned the whole house upside-down.a By the look on her face, Tayan didnat need to be told the specifics. Why Odif came looking for his father, he didnat know. He just hoped she wasnat going to try to force them together. He had seen all of Eric he ever cared to.

aOdif can be tough to live with. Sheall do something totally selfless then follow it with something to really ruffle your feathers,a he grinned. aTry to explain it to her, and she just doesnat get it. You donat know whether to hug her or choke her.a aThatas an understatement,a Sally snorted. aShe did tell us you would be coming. Mother and Jeni have gotten the nobles to raise an army for you. Lord Parnal is out on the grounds today with the horsemen. Elder Lord Tolham is training the infantry at his estate.a Odif was infuriating, but her heart was in the right place; he couldnat be too angry with her. aDid she say when Zodiac wants us to move?a aNo, only that you must be at the city on the plains, even if all you have is a bent stick to defend yourself with.a aI think Iall have more than a bent stick.a As he said it, he realized that, just like on the road to Paladnia, he was once again without anything but the clothes on his back. The white shirt and black pants were fine for now, but he had to get some supplies. Looking down at himself, he saw the formal black shoes. He didnat even have proper boots. At least here he could send for money at Old Castle; he had accumulated a sizable account in the vaults there.

Noticing Ellie watching him, he thought briefly about asking her to find a messenger service. She looked thinner, and a bit ragged, as if she had been sleeping outside. He didnat really want to send her. Anyway, there was one thing he had to explain to her.

aSally, would you be kind enough to find me a messenger?a aI can do it...Tayan,a Ellie piped up and started for the door.

aEllie, I want you here.a aYes, Tayan,a she replied obediently.

aMay I suggest you get some rest?a Sally said. aOnce people know youare here, youall have a small army near you day and night.a Tayan knew what that was like. His short time with the company as Tayan the Warrior was over, and it was back to being Lord Tayan. He began to realize how much he was going to miss being with his friends. Strangely, even fighting their way up through Longforest seemed like a vacation.

aYouare right. Give us the rest of the day before you tell anyone weare here?a aIall send word around that you will receive visitors tomorrow morning. To avoid people today, stay on the second floor in the west wing.a Glancing at Ellie, she said, aIall have three rooms readied for you.a The door opened and Arthur came in with a white bathrobe. aWill this do?a he asked, holding it out.

Tayan took it and passed it to Ellie. aWhen I pull her out, put it around her.a aYes, Tayan,a she said and squatted down, holding the robe open.

Thinking of Amber, he got a mental picture of her standing in the dim room, wearing only the brief shorts. Once again, the sight of her pillowy breasts dominated his mind. He stopped himself from reaching into the bag, afraid of what he might be grabbing, and concentrated on her hands. As soon as he reached in, he felt her fingers. He glanced at Ellie to be sure she was ready then pulled Amber out.

Ellie tried to wrap the robe around her. As with Tayan, for her the dark storeroom was only seconds ago, not weeks. With a squeak of fear, she twisted around in Tayanas hands and kicked at the robe as she broke free. She shot to her feet poised to fight, only to see Tayan and another man with their backs to her. The green girl had dropped the robe and backed off, gazing at her nervously.

The elf woman picked up the robe and handed it to her. aYou are in Tolina. That is my husband, Arthur. I am Saurenthansia--you may call me Sally.a Quickly donning the robe, Amber looked at the room. She was greatly relieved there were only a few people here and not the whole Company standing around. Mother Frieda would have her hide, and the ribbing she would get from the others would be endless! She was grateful to be away from that horrid place and in one piece.

Tayan had made it to one of his primary destinations. Before she went to see the duke with him, she had business of her own to attend to.

aIs there a church nearby?a she asked Sally.

aFive blocks down then two right,a Sally told her. aIt is a church of Odin, will that do?a aI would prefer Leighnaas church...a Feeling an itch, she reached up and picked a lumpy bit of makeup off her cheek. Looking at it, she added, aOnce I get this stuff off me.a Sally looked like she wanted to ask why a priestess was wearing heavy makeup and no clothes. Instead she only said, aWe should be able to find something to fit you. Iall have Lenath show you to your rooms so you can clean up.a Going over to a thick cloth rope hanging by the wall she pulled on it.

Lenath guided the three out. As Arthur went to leave, Sally stopped him. She shut the doors and turned the lock.

aI thought you were having company?a he asked.

Leaning her back against the door, she gave him a soft smile. aI just want a quiet date with my husband, to make up with him.a He touched her cheek then gathered her into a hug. Their lips stayed locked in passion as he slowly led her over to the couch and laid her down. When he broke the kiss, he stroked her forehead lightly with his fingertips.

aRelax, my love,a he whispered. aI want to do this right.a She didnat know what he wanted to do and didnat much care. She was with her husband, and that was all that mattered. He caressed her softly on her cheeks then traced the lines of her nose and lips. She held onto his shoulders as he rolled her dress off her shoulders then continued down her neck. By the time he started exploring her chest, she was in heaven. With his methodical kissing and caressing, she hoped he would linger in the right places.

He did, and lingered a wonderfully long time.

CHAPTER 16.

The church of Odin was one of the few wooden buildings in the elven district. Although it wasnat a grand structure, the sanctuary was adorned with stained maple and polished to a soft glow. Amber walked between the pews, looking for whoever might be here. The cream-colored blouse and long brown skirt she had gotten from Penny were a bit too snug. She had a thin shawl around her neck, draped to hide the fact her breasts were pushing against her blouse hard enough to threaten popping the clasps. She had foregone shoes, opting for plain sandals. At least her feet spoke of humility.

Passing through the small door at the base of the pulpit, she found a Brother washing the floor. He didnat know where a church of Leighna was, but directed her to the Fatheras office. On her way, she saw a Sister coming down the hall towards her.

The elf woman looked at her benevolently and smiled. aMay I help you?a aI was looking for a church of Leighna, I need to speak to your Mother.a aPerhaps I can help you?a Amber shook her head. aThe matter is...complicated, I really need to talk to a Mother.a The Sister pointed back the way she had come. aMother Catherine is not in. She will be back shortly if you wish to wait. May I ask what this is about?a Amberas first impulse was to say it was persona--what she had done was very embarrassing to admit to anyone. She was talking to a Sister, though; pride could have no place here. Her cheeks reddened as she said, aI wish to pay penance for my deeds. There is also a grave matter I need to discuss with the Mother.a Giving her an understanding nod, the Sister asked, aWho should I tell Mother Catherine is calling?a Amber braced herself. aSister Amber Tanner of Capetown.a The Sisteras jaw dropped. aYou are a Sister?a Amberas lip twitched. aThat remains to be seen. As I said, it is very complicated.a Forgetting her formality, the woman gasped, aWhat happened to you?a Amber took a deep breath. aI have just come from Spring Valley. To make a long story short, I was de-frocked by Father Wright. I had to dance...with hardly any clothes on...to free Lord Tayan of Elrad from Duke Tomaas castle. To get in, I had to consort with ladies of...pleasure.a She stopped, not wanting the gaping woman to faint in front of her. aAs I said, it is very complicated.a The woman just stared at her.

aYou understand why I have to see Mother Catherine?a aLord Tayan is here?a the Sister asked in a faint voice.

Amber nodded. aHe arrived with me,a She cracked a partial grin. aI have disgraced myself, but I did get him here.a aCome with me,a the Sister said and grabbed her hand. Leading her in a fast walk down the corridor, she deposited Amber in a small library then vanished.

Amber took a seat at the only table as she waited. Fidgeting, she looked at the image of her Goddess. Would she be able to be reinstated? With any luck at all, she might suffer through a year of penance and be barred from ever becoming a Mother. She knew women who had lived their whole lives as Sisters--such a restriction would not be too hard to cope with. At least she would still be part of the church.

She also knew that such light punishment was wishful thinking. She might just end up in a secluded convent as an altar girl.

Excited voices came up the hall. Amber couldnat hear well, but she did catch the Motheras name several times. The door opened as a raspy voice barked for the others to be quiet. An elderly elf woman slipped in, shutting the door on the group of Sisters outside.

Mother Catherine turned, not looking at Amber as she shuffled over to sit on the other side of the table. The sleeves of her dark-brown robe were frayed at the seams and cuff edges. Her face was deeply lined; even her ears had creases near the tops, making the sharp ends tip out slightly. Bone thin, she looked to be a shadow of a woman. She gazed at Amber with cloudy eyes. Her voice was a dry rasp, sounding like crinkling parchment.

aI understand you are a Sister. Where are your robes?a she asked.

Amber swallowed. She knew she had to confess, but sitting in front of a Mother brought home the fact she was going to be judged. This was not an irate priest who worked for an evil duke, this was a real Mother. aI no longer have my robes, Mother.a aAnd why not?a Amber clasped her talisman tighter. aThey were taken by Father Wright, in Spring Valley. He defrocked me for consorting with druids and accusing Duke Toma of being evil.a aAre these things true?a aNo! I mean, yes, Mother, but Duke Toma was holding Lord Tayan, I found out, and--a She stopped as Mother Catherine held up a frail hand.

aWho is your Mother, child?a aMother Frieda--we are with Zodiacas Company.a The corner of Catherineas mouth curled up in a grin. aFrieda, I remember her. Did you discuss your course of action with Mother Frieda?a Amber shook her head. aI was alone. All I had were Leighnaas words to guide me. I refused to believe that our Goddess would forsake me.a Tears clouded her vision. She wiped them away and continued. aI had to free Tayan; but to get to him, I had to disgrace myself and dance...with no clothes...in front of men.a Clasping her hands together in front of her, Mother Catherine raised an eyebrow. aSister, perhaps you should start at the beginning. Why were you traveling?a aLord Zodiac has found the source of evil, on the plains. Tayan was sent to gather arms to help destroy it. I was sent to help Tayan and watch over him. Mother, you have to believe I had to dance like that, there was no other way to get into that castle!a Mother Catherine tapped the table with her finger. aTell me details. Start from when you first arrived at Spring Valley and leave nothing out--what you did, or why.a Haltingly, Amber told her everything. She tried to hurry through the more embarrassing parts, but Mother Catherine would stop her and make her fill in every sordid bit of information. In Spring Valley, she had convinced herself there was no other way. Now, as she explained it, she realized how much like a common harlot she had acted. By the time she was done, Amber was ready to crawl under her chair.

Mother Catherine took a few moments to sit and digest what she had heard. Amber was on pins and needles, waiting for her to say something. Despite how rough it had been to confess her sins, waiting for judgment was even worse.

aMother, I am ashamed,a she offered. aI freely accept penance and punishment.a Taking in a deep breath and blowing out a sigh, Mother Catherine said, aNo amount of penance is appropriate for your deeds.a Amber felt her heart drop out of her chest. aI am cast out,a she breathed.

Tears welled up in her eyes. Why had Leighna turned her back on her?

Mother Catherine frowned at her. aThat is not what I said!a As Amber looked up at her with teary eyes, she asked, aWhy did you go into that castle?a aTo free Tayan.a aWhy?a aBecause he has a holy mission to fulfill.a aIs that the only reason? You could have continued on without him.a aI couldnat leave him there.a aWhy not?a Amber leaned forward, raising her voice. aI told you, Duke Toma is evil. I could not let Tayan stay there as a prisoner.a aWhy not?a Amberas brow furrowed in anger. aBecause I love him!a Right after she said it, her mouth hung open. She had felt it many times, but this was the first time she had ever voiced her feelings.

Mother Catherine nodded in satisfaction. aThere is your true test, Sister. You are standing at the junction; soon you must choose your path. The decision will not be easy, and once you start down the road, Leighna will expect you to complete your journey. No one can help you decide--that is between you and Leighna.a Amber didnat understand. aI thought every Sisteras goal was to become a Mother. Leighnaas bible says that once Sisterhood is granted, Motherhood is the only path for the faithful.a aEvery woman who follows Leighna must at some point choose a path--Motherhood to Leighnaas children or motherhood to her own. If you have your own children, care for them and raise them to know Leighnaas light; that is just as important as if you gathered and ministered to a flock,a Mother Catherine explained. Pushing herself to her feet, she waggled a finger at Amber. aNow, before we discuss anything else, go see Sister Leytanitha for some proper robes. I will not have a Sister dressed in commoneras clothes in this church!a She couldnat believe that was it. There had to be some punishment for what she had done. aWhat about...my actions?a Frowning, the lines in the Motheras face became bottomless. aIf you think for one second that you might be relieved of your holy duties as a Sister, think again. Leighna will not let you off that easily!a Relief flooded through her. aThank you, Mother,a she sighed. Prodded by a wave from Mother Catherine, Amber ran to find the Sister. She had to resist the urge to jump with joy.

Mother Catherine shuffled out to find Sister Nalani waiting anxiously by the door. The good Sister had only one fault--gossip. Trying to sound forlorn, she asked, aHas any Sister ever been so bold? Perhaps we should pray for her.a Mother Catherine nodded. aIt is always proper to pray for your fellow Sisters. Now, to your duties!a She gave a whisk of her hand. She knew the answer to the good Sisteras question. In the history of the church, only two other sisters had stiffened themselves to face the seemingly impossible. Sister Frieda had given up the chance at a family with the man she loved dearly to give Leighnaas light to heathen druids. Her converts were not many, but she did get the druids to acknowledge Leighna as Goddess of the home and family, as well as bring a formal marriage ceremony into their world. For these deeds, she had been raised to Motherhood. The other Sister had nearly been defrocked numerous times and had the audacity to demand, even of kings, that they follow Leighnaas word. It wasnat until after her death that Maria had been raised to the most holy recognition as Prophet.

The mounted elf charged the target, face set in concentration as he tried to keep the lance even with the dummyas chest. As he closed on his objective, the thundering gallop of the horse bounced the tip in circles despite the elfas attempt to keep it level. He met the target, striking the hard brace of the sawhorse the dummy was mounted on. The lance flexed and catapulted him through the air as his horse ran on.

Watching from his second-floor balcony, Tayan grinned as the elf got up and hobbled after his horse. At least this one had made it to the target and not launched himself earlier or tripped up his own mount. He had never before seen elven cavalry with lances, and he was beginning to see why.

aTayan, is there anything I can get you?a He turned to see Ellie standing in the doorway, hair still wet from her bath. aI thought you were going to rest.a aI am fine, Tayan,a she assured him with a smile. aOne of the servants told me the kitchen is ready if you would like something to eat.a aEllie, come sit down,a he said, waving toward the chair by him.

Scurrying over, she squatted down by his chair, looking at him expectantly.

aSit in the chair,a he sighed.

Casting a nervous glance to see if anyone was watching, she asked, aIn the chair?a aYes.a She got up and slid slowly onto the seat bolt upright, ready to drop back to the floor at any second. Once again, she flicked her eyes towards the door.

aYou can relax,a he told her.

aIt this going to be confusing again?a she asked nervously.

He nodded. Sliding his chair so he was facing her, he leaned his elbows on his knees. aThe trip you made from Spring Valley must have been very hard.a aOh, yes!a she breathed. aOther men thought I was alone, and one tried to steal me. I got away, and after that I stayed in the coach. The driver told me it was safe to go get a room, but I knew it wasnat. He was kind enough to bring me food and lock the doors at night so no one could get to me while I was sleeping.a Although her tone made it sound like it was no big deal, he figured she had spent weeks of hell getting him here. He had to free her anyway but making it look like her freedom was earned would give her pride.