To Battle The Gods

3 Inspection—and a cause for challenge

I had little stomach for walking about with those males, yet had it come to me that I had bought back my word with the agreement which had been forced from me. I stood beside the wall for no more than a moment or two, hardening myself to the necessity, only to discover that the males were not yet prepared to depart. Ceralt and Mehrayn had apparently failed to feed earlier, and now saw to the omission in company with Lialt, Telion and Chaldrin. At the doors to the hall stood only Galiose, Aysayn and S’Heernoh, and the first of them looked upon me with a mixture of satisfaction and annoyance as I came up to them.

“I congratulate you upon having learned at last to bow to reason and necessity,” Galiose said to me, his tone somewhat dryer than I cared for. “Had the thing occurred sooner, surely would there have been far less difficulty between us. Now there is but one further matter I must remark upon, and that is the dagger you continue to wear in your leg bands. As we, your guests, must walk about unarmed, I consider it no more than fitting that you do the same.”

“The dagger shall remain as it is,” said I, stiffening somewhat at the reminder of the weapon—and the life sign wrapped about it. From Mida and Sigurr had my altered life sign come, and truly had it proven itself a device of the gods.

“For what reason do you refuse to remove the dagger?” asked Galiose, eyeing me in a curious manner. “Do you perhaps contemplate ridding yourself of a certain number of unwanted guests?”

“The life sign wrapped about it must be touched by none save myself,” I replied. “It was given me by the gods as a sign that I ride in their names and is capable of performing wonders, yet is it also capable of performing horrors. No other must be allowed to touch it.”

“Such is foolishness, girl,” replied the male with an amused snort. “There are none about with signs from the gods, therefore do you merely seek to excuse the reason for retaining your dagger. If this were not so, you would need do no more than replace the life sign about your neck, where it was worn when you resided in my city. Give over the dagger now, and no further foolishness from you.”

“It is scarcely foolishness,” said Aysayn where he stood, a sobriety upon him which Galiose clearly had not expected.

“The lady war leader may not give up possession of the sign, nor may it be demanded that she wear it,” said S’Heernoh to a now-frowning Galiose, his manner as sober as Aysayn’s. “The sign of the gods is a jealous possession, allowing no other to touch it, keeping the war leader in its thrall when she wears it. It would be best to allow it to remain as it is and speak no more about it.”

“S’Heernoh’s words are true, Galiose, ” said Aysayn. “We who have seen this truth wish we had not, therefore must you consider yourself fortunate that you continue in skepticism. Allow the dagger to remain as it is.”

“Very well,” said Galiose with a sigh, scarcely pleased with the need yet unwilling to press the matter. “I understand naught of this, yet shall I say no further about it. We shall depart as quickly as the others have seen to their hunger.”

I turned as he did to look upon Ceralt and Mehrayn, yet was I filled with considerably less satisfaction than he. I had no wish to continue in their presence, but I had to rid myself of a more restrictive circumstance. When once the walk was done my oath to Chaldrin would be done as well, and I need not give heed the while to the maunderings of the two males. Should they continue as they had earlier done, I knew the thing would not be difficult; to that moment, I had not the least idea of what they had attempted, nor the reason for it. Indeed are males strange, and truly is that strangeness best kept well away from warriors.

I had expected Mehrayn and Ceralt to indulge in a leisurely feeding, yet did they heal their hunger quickly, and seemingly with careful scrutiny of one another. Neither of them looked upon the other directly, yet they were done at nearly the same instant, quickly swallowing the daru they had poured. It was clear all were at last prepared to depart, therefore did I move to the doors and begin that departure without further delay.

There was little to be seen upon the floor which held my chamber, therefore did I lead the males to a stairway which led below, yet not to the nearest stairway. It had come to me that much time might be spent upon no more than moving from place to place, allowing Galiose to look his fill at empty halls, and then would I have fulfilled my commitment to accompany the set. I had little wish to take those males among warriors, most especially as my sword remained behind me in my chamber. In honor I could not refuse them guest-protection, and that despite the fact that should need of it occur, it would likely be brought about by their own actions.

“What has become of the slaves who are meant to see to guests upon this floor?” asked Galiose, his gesture indicating the abandoned platform once surrounded by slave females which stood in the corridor near to the stairway. “Also were they absent upon our arrival.”

“What slaves remain likely have duties elsewhere,” said I with a shrug, then did I recall something. “Earlier was a slave sent to me by Aysayn, none came to offer you their services?”

“The servant who came was male, as was the slave who passed my door in search of Aysayn,” said Galiose, his gesture this time discounting those he spoke of, his eyes upon me rather than upon the steps we descended. “I would know what became of the collared wenches once to be found here, the slave females who served men. Your own wenches would have little need of them, I know, therefore do I find myself curious as to their—disposition.”

The male looked upon me with little expression, yet were his dark eyes anticipating my response with something akin to upset. Galiose clearly considered it possible that the slave females had been done away with in some manner, perhaps put with the former High Seat in that place called dungeons. Truly were city males without the least concept of honor, for what true warrior would do such a thing to so low and helpless a creature as a slave female?

“The slave females have been freed,” I informed Galiose stiffly, attempting to deny the insult I felt at thoughts which had been, in truth, unvoiced. “You must recall, male, that Midanna are warriors possessing honor, not males who steal forever the freedom of others. Sooner would we give the kindness of death.”

“Those who look upon death as a kindness have not yet learned how precious life may be made to be,” said Galiose, his hooded look of relief mixed well with an appealing oddness. “Also does it seem that freedom concerns your warriors only when it is that of wenches; had that not been so, there would be no slaves of any sort about. To keep men imbonded is clearly acceptable to you, for men bring you pleasure which wenches do not. A pity you have never learned that men are far more than the bearers of that which brings pleasure to females.”

Those who moved about the lower floor looked with curiosity upon those who had just descended, yet they all continued about their business rather than intrude. Perhaps what warriors were there and those called servants had pressing tasks elsewhere—or perhaps they were able to see how the words of Galiose had affected me. I would not speak of the reasons for retaining some few of the males as slaves, for Galiose was not one to whom a Midanna must account, yet had I another matter upon which I would not refrain from speaking.

“Jalav has been given many opportunities to learn of those things males are capable of aside from pleasure,” said I, sending to him a look filled with memory. “Would Galiose care to see the leavings of some few of those doings?”

“Enough, wench,” said the male at once, his eyes quickly leaving me, his voice heavy with something very like defeat. “I have spent too many reckid hearing first from Ceralt and then from Aysayn of those things which have been done to you by men. I, myself, stand as guilty as those others, and knowledge of this fact sickens me. There is no apology which might be offered for such a thing, save possibly to give aid where I might, such as with Ceralt and that other. Perhaps, should the Serene Oneness smile upon us all, you will become deeply enough enmeshed with them that you will find yourself with no spare moments to give men challenge. Certainly such an end is worthy in itself.”

Again his eyes were upon me. Well did Galiose know that I deeply wished to give him challenge; the male thought to distract me with foolishness in the hopes of thereby extending his life, yet were his thoughts as badly formed as those of all males. When once the matter of the strangers was done he would be the same, but it was idle to repeat the thing again at that time; the male would not believe till my sword point stood at his throat, and then would all save ending be behind him. This I spoke of with a look of my own, then did I turn to continue us on our way.

Galiose walked quietly beside me for some small distance, his silence seemingly filled with inner agitation, and then did he appear to take himself in hand once more. He looked about at the pink stone of the dwelling, as though seeking a sign of familiarity in the midst of strangeness, and then gestured toward the cross-corridor we approached.

“We shall take the left-hand turning there, rather than continue straight ahead,” said he, much as though he walked the halls of his own dwelling. “There is likely to be little of interest in the direction we now move in, and also little to inspect.”

The male spoke with a conviction born of knowledge, and it came to me then that he likely knew the dwelling well, for he had surely been within its walls upon other occasions. I had no wish to abide by his desires, yet was it now clear that to refuse would be to speak of the delaying tactics I had attempted. Galiose would take the direction he desired, and I would find it possible to do no more than regret again the sword left behind me.

The turn to the left was far too easily accomplished, those others with us following after without comment. I strove to recall what might lie in the direction we now took, then found it best to silently admit that I no longer knew, even had the knowledge been mine to begin with. To take a dwelling of such size had proven far easier than to learn its twistings and turnings, most especially for one who had spent so little time within it. Likely even Galiose knew the place better than I, which turned my former intentions to no more than foolishness. It would be best to merely accompany him as had been agreed, all the while looking not once upon . . .

“Do not seek Aysayn for a short while, wench, for he will not be with us,” came a voice nearby, a voice which seemed pleased to have a reason to speak. “He has asked me to inform you that he goes to inquire about the availability of blunted weapons, and will return as soon as he can. Should practice weapons not be available we will need to fashion them, therefore does he feel it best that he begin now while you are otherwise engaged.”

“Otherwise engaged,” I echoed in a mutter, finding Aysayn’s message near as annoying as Mehrayn’s satisfaction. Others moved about at necessary tasks, while I did no more than accompany males through corridors I had no knowledge of, so that one of their number might look critically upon those who had accomplished what his own force would surely find beyond them. Great fools were males, and Jalav scarcely different for endlessly permitting herself to be thrust into their presence.

“What is it that you seek, Galiose?” came another voice at my side, the speaker stepping smoothly between myself and the High Seat of Ranistard. “This place seems well-kept and efficiently run, much like your own palace. The servants are numerous and pleased to do what they might, and even the warrior wenches seem alert.”

“To seem alert is not to be alert, Ceralt,” replied Galiose, his eyes narrowed as he looked ahead. “Neatness and servant efficiency do little to protect a palace, and this place may well be under attack very shortly. I would see what precautions have been taken, and how well they have been maintained after so many feyd of quiet and peace. That doorway just ahead to the right is the armory, yet does it stand open and unguarded. Apparently any who wish weapons need only enter and take them.”

“Surely there are none about these halls who have proven themselves untrustworthy in such a way,” said Mehrayn, his intention to lodge a protest somewhat dampened by the obvious truth spoken by Galiose. “What need to guard weapons in the midst of one’s own?”

“What better way to find victory over a sleepy-eyed force, than to appear unexpectedly in their midst?” countered Galiose, his eyes unmoving from the open doorway we had approached and stopped before. “And, adding insult to injury, using their own weapons to best them? Only wenches would gift their enemies quite so well and so thoughtlessly, yet what else might one expect? To teach them better, I may well enter and arm myself from that which fails to be properly guarded.”

Galiose had found an inarguable point of contention, and fully intended using it to replace that which had been taken from him.

“You have not my permission to appropriate what you will from that place,” said I to the look he bestowed upon me, showing no more than the mild refusal I spoke with. “Not till you have been given that permission may you arm yourself.”

“And I say a man who finds the soft underbelly of a guard beast, may pierce that underbelly at will,” countered the male, his full-grown determination now bringing him pleasure. “The sword I strap about me will speak more fully of your lacks than a thousand words, and not soon will you forget such a lesson. When I have chosen the sword I wish, you may then send for wenches to guard this place.”

With such words did the High Seat of Ranistard turn from me and begin to stride into the chamber, a chamber invitingly open and unguarded. Ceralt looked toward me with a faint air of hesitation, likely considering how he might join Galiose without bringing anger to she who stood beside him, and also did Mehrayn seem of two minds. As Galiose sought a weapon, they also wished the same—and their hesitation alone kept them from sharing the lesson their brother male had earlier spoken of.

Galiose was no more than three steps within the chamber, his gaze already moving about the rows and stacks of weapons, when the net fell upon him. Large and heavy was that net, meant to be used upon more than just one, and its weight and the surprise of its abrupt drop sent Galiose down to the stone of the floor with an outraged shout. Even as the net settled about the male and bore him down, brown-clad Harra and gold-clad Hulna appeared to surround their captive, some armed with spears, some with unsheathed blades, all grinning widely. Galiose attempted to struggle beneath the net, furiously seeking to free himself, yet was he no more successful than I had been in a similar circumstance. When it was clear he could not escape, I walked slowly forward to stand over him.

“When one is surrounded by those who may be blood enemies, one takes certain precautions,” said I, the patient explanation drawing a dark-eyed glare from beneath the net. “What is barred may be unbarred, and clearly seen guards standing a post become no more than targets for those who attack. Far better to keep those guards well out of sight, and use what may be coveted to draw enemies out from behind dissembling obedience and friendliness. Before riding to Sigurr’s city, I offered prowess standing to any warriors who were able to take a guarded point from those who guarded it. Any warrior caught unawares by her sisters loses a great deal of standing, therefore would I venture to believe that they remain alert. Have you concluded your inspection of this chamber?”

“Yes, I have concluded my inspection of this chamber,” replied Galiose with jaw clenched tight, fingers curled to claws in the netting, skin darkened in response to the sounds of muffled chuckling to be heard from those who had remained outside the chamber. “Perhaps you would be so kind as to order me released.”

“Sooner would I indulge in the kindness of city males, and keep what was captured as it is,” I said, nevertheless gesturing to my warriors to remove the netting. “A pity males have not the capacity for honor possessed by warriors.”

I turned away then to leave the male to be freed by those who had netted him, and returned to the others who awaited an end to foolishness. Mehrayn and S’Heernoh grinned openly, Ceralt, Lialt and Telion attempted to swallow down their amusement, and no others stood about with them. Two were gone from our set, then, and earnestly did I wish that those two had been accompanied by the rest.

“Your security arrangements seem well thought out, wench,” said Mehrayn as I came to a halt before them, reluctantly awaiting the release of the last of them. “I find them no less than what might be expected from one such as you.”

“Indeed are your safeguards impressive,” said Ceralt with a glance for Mehrayn, yet otherwise taking note of none save this warrior. “It gives a man a good deal of pleasure, to see a woman with so great an amount of talent as well as beauty.”

“And skill,” said Mehrayn, refraining from a glance toward the other, expending much effort in maintaining an air of pleasantness. “Talent, beauty and an unmatched skill, things one finds but rarely in a wench.”

“And grace,” said Ceralt, his smile strained yet attempting great warmth, his gaze remaining upon me. “The grace of a woman who stands far above all others, and who is . . .”

“Who is the image of a superb child of the wild,” said Mehrayn warmly. “All grace and suppleness, and filled with...”

“There was little need for so humiliating an incident, girl,” said Galiose in a growl as he came up to my left, apparently seeing naught of the manner in which I had closed my eyes. Soon would Ceralt and Mehrayn be at one another again, and I had no wish to watch. My patience was also wearing thin, and even as I rubbed at the weariness in my eyes, the voice of S’Heernoh came between the two at the brink of challenge.

“Forgive me, Prince, Lord High Rider, yet must I speak,” said the gray-haired Walker, the smoothness of his tone offering no more than apology. “Should it be the intention of either of you to find approval in the eyes of the lady war leader, such constant bickering will not accomplish the aim. Surely the wench look upon a man who is the master of his emotions with more favor, will she not? Few find interest in uncontrolled boys—would you wish a woman who desired such a one?”

My eyes had opened to see the manner in which the two had looked with little friendliness upon the Walker who stood between them, then they glared at each other. It seemed that they wished to argue more, yet had S’Heernoh’s words given them pause.

“Is there not truth in what I say, Blessed One?” S’Heernoh continued to Galiose, disallowing the second male the pursuit of his previous anger. “Is the wench not more likely to look with favor upon those who court her interest, than upon those who are constantly at each other’s throats? And also would she not find more interest in men when not in the midst of being berated?”

Galiose, who had seemed rather intent upon voicing his grievances, also paused, looking first upon S’Heernoh, then upon Ceralt and Mehrayn, and lastly upon me. Clearly the male was not pleased, yet did it appear that he was again trapped in the coils of a net.

“Most certainly would a wench prefer the courting of gentlemen to the roistering of brigands,” said he after making a sound in his throat, his glance to S’Heernoh much like that bestowed upon the Walker by Mehrayn and Ceralt. “A man incapable of properly paying court is a man who deserves to forfeit what he seeks. Let us now continue with the inspection, and those who wish to leave us may do so.”

With a hand to my arm Galiose then led me through the others, who gave ground with rather peculiar expressions upon them. Perhaps Ceralt and Mehrayn had garnered as little from what had been said as I, yet their faces showed more determined frustration than bewilderment. S’Heernoh, as ever, seemed more amused, and Telion and Lialt strove to appear uncaring despite the deep interest shining in their eyes. The Harra and Hulna warriors we left continued chuckling their amusement, a thing which failed to lighten my humor; I had hoped Galiose would grow angry enough to stop his charade, yet were we now to “continue.”

Galiose held silent for a short distance, as though he considered some matter in his thoughts, and then was there the sound of a noise in his throat once again.

“So your wenches are encouraged to constantly test the alertness of each other,” he said, his glance to me in some manner disturbed. “Slackness after victory then becomes impossible, as does the loss of battle-keenness. Those who know an attack will surely come cannot be surprised.”

“Surprise remains possible even then but requires quicker response,” I replied, at last understanding that the male strove to appear unimpressed. “Surely the same is done among your males.”

“Ah, most certainly, most certainly,” agreed the male, once again finding great interest in the corridors about us, attempting to conceal the fact that he spoke a falsehood. Likely victory brought a slovenliness to city males who found it, as though none would then attempt to take that victory from them, and these were the ones Galiose would see in the place of my Midanna.

“I understand that the gardens of this place are quite lovely,” said another voice, and then was Ceralt again between Galiose and myself to the left, his light eyes looking down upon me. “Perhaps you will be kind enough to show them to me when this inspection is done.”

“I, too, would find great interest in such a stroll,” said Mehrayn from my right, a smile accompanying his gaze. “Second, of course, to the one whose original suggestion it was.”

“And I, of course, would have no more objection to a second stroll than another objects to the first,” said Ceralt, also smiling. “The wishes and desires of the woman of my heart are foremost in my thoughts.”

“As is the pleasure of that woman foremost in mine,” said Mehrayn, the utterance which was so filled with warmth an apparent agreement with that of Ceralt. “Harmony is what she wishes, therefore is harmony what she will receive.”

Both males, greatly pleased with themselves, then joined Galiose in looking about, apparently unaware that each took one of my hands in his own, nearly simultaneously. So large were the hands which took mine, in proportion to the males themselves, seeming as vast as the confusion which had returned to descend upon me. I knew not what those males were about, yet was it unlikely to bode well for the warrior who walked between them.

The time I had hoped to see greatly curtailed lengthened itself instead, growing and growing as we walked from one corridor to the next, Galiose peering into each corner it was possible to approach. The chamber which held a great number of sleeping males puzzled him, yet only till he was informed by a Homma guard that the males rested and gathered their strength against the time they would be summoned by warriors. Then was the male greatly indignant, most especially when the Homma suggested he might wish to join them. None were captives, she assured him, she and her sisters present only to be sure the males were not disturbed before they were well-rested. Her grin was wide when Galiose stalked from the chamber, and the manner in which she closed one eye to me behind his departing back brought a good deal of amusement I had not earlier felt. Galiose huffed and muttered for a number of reckid thereafter, apparently berating himself for having looked upon the Homma warrior with interest before she had spoken. The interest of a male in a warrior was acceptable; the reverse evidently was not.

That the incident was amusing was undeniable, as undeniable as the fact that the balance of the time was not. Mehrayn and Ceralt continued with the newest of their strangenesses, uttering not a single word in anger to one another. Indeed did they strive to be most pleasant, praising this or that doing or appearance, this or that guardpost or gathering. That I gave almost naught of words in return disturbed them not at all, they were able to parade their intentions and observations before me, with none to halt the flow.

Had the two restricted themselves to words, perhaps the barrage would have proven more bearable; they began, however, to do more than just talk.

It was Mehrayn who started it, an opportunity presenting itself which he chose not to overlook. Galiose had paused to enter a large chamber where warriors of many clans loosened their swordarms in practice duels, and had called Ceralt to his side to share his observations. The others had entered the chamber as well, eyes narrowed as they sought points for criticism, therefore were none save Mehrayn and myself left in the corridor. Without warning was I suddenly in Mehrayn’s arms, my body pressed to his, his lips warmly upon mine. The kiss was not given but taken, surprise holding me still, and then were his lips beside my ear.

“Best not to mention this wench,” he said in the softest of whispers, gently kissing my ear. “That I found myself no longer able to keep my hands from you would likely be insufficient reason to keep further difficulty from occurring. I would welcome such difficulty, however for your sake I shall attempt to avoid it.”

I was then directed into the chamber by the hand of the male, no indication upon him of what had occurred, no more than the thumping within me as a sign that there had, indeed, been a thing to consider. My anger was great that the male would dare do me so, then bind my actions against all protest; had I attempted to remonstrate with him, Ceralt would likely have made himself a party to the dispute, and I did not want that. Also I was annoyed that the male had stirred my blood at a time I might not see it cooled again, unless I pulled him into a quiet corner as he had done with me. The glint in his glance said he would not be averse to such a happening, yet his attitude did nothing to alter the situation. I might not choose between the males, and that despite the urgings of heat.

Shortly thereafter was it Mehrayn who stepped within a chamber which would likely house a number of his Sigurri warriors, accompanied by S’Heernoh and a now-returned Aysayn, followed by Galiose, Lialt and Telion. Before I might also follow, I was quickly pulled into wide-muscled arms with my back to the stone of the wall, and then were warm, hungry lips upon mine. How long it had been since last I had tasted Ceralt’s kiss I knew not, and I could scarcely pull away with my back to the wall. My paltry attempt was completely unsuccessful, and deep was the kiss the male took before his lips left mine.

“Forgive me, Jalav, yet I could no longer keep from taking a small taste of you,” I was told in a soft, pleasure-filled voice which caressed my ear. “Likely it would be best that we keep this between ourselves, however, for the sake of the peace you desire. Should your desire at any time change, speak to me of it and I will do the same again, with eager heart, before the others.”

And again was I assisted after those who had gone ahead, unable to speak a word of complaint, even more aware of the demands of my body. Never before had I denied myself so, and I found the experience one I could easily have done without.

Nearly another hin passed then, and it quickly appeared that Mehrayn and Ceralt now sought all opportunities to put hands to me. A query upon something observed brought an arm about my shoulders or to my waist, a compliment drew a hand to my hair, and the departure from one post to another most often required a pat on my bottom. As the time passed my anger grew even greater than the stirring of my blood, for had I not been forced into their company by another, the two would have had little opportunity to do me as a city slave-female, theirs for the stroking. Though they gave no outward sign of it the others about us were well aware of the doings of the two, their glances constantly revealing amusement, and at last I was able to bear no more of it. Galiose had led us outside the dwelling through a small side door, checking what would be faced by those attempting entry past the Happa who stood their post there, providing me with the opportunity to merely turn and walk away. Turn I did with no effort whatsoever, yet no more than three steps brought me to Aysayn, who stood unmoving in my path.

“Where do you go, sister?” he asked, seeming all innocence. “I feel sure Galiose does not mean to take this direction next.”

“I care naught for what direction Galiose means to take,” I replied, disdainfully. “I go now to see to other, more pressing matters.”

“You go now to avoid further time with Mehrayn and Ceralt,” he corrected, the pose of innocence dissolved as he folded arms across his chest. “You err in seeking to avoid them, girl, for now is the time best suited to choosing one above the other. They have made you desire them, and in deep desire does one learn one’s true feelings.”

“My true feelings are indeed known to me,” said I with a nod of stiffness, folding my arms as he had. “I wish neither of those males, therefore shall I not choose between them.”

“You have so little wish for them that you nearly moaned with each of their caresses,” said Aysayn with a snort of ridicule. “That you are a wench made for the use of men and one who finds too great a pleasure with them is known to me, yet does this go far beyond the heat needs of a wench. Remain with the two a short while longer, and then you will know which of them you must have to ease you.”

“I go now to see to pressing matters,” I said again, the fury rising so high within me that I well-nigh choked upon it. “Step from my path, male, before I hurl you from it.”

The Happa warriors, who had not heard the balance of the exchange between us, nevertheless heard the last of my words and stepped forward to stand at my back. Aysayn looked first upon them and then upon me, at last understanding that the fury I felt would send the eager Happa against him without hesitation, no matter the closeness which had previously been ours. With great reluctance he stepped away from me, far too wise to put himself, weaponless, against armed and skilled warriors, and with a gesture which returned the Happa to their posts, I at last managed to slip away, filled by fury. I should have set my warriors upon him no matter his capitulation, for daring to speak so to me, a lack I regretted as I made for stairs which would return me to my chamber. A wench made for use by males indeed!

So great was my anger that I had stalked well within the chamber before it came to me that others awaited me there, others who were not male. Rogon, war leader of the Hirga, and Palar, war leader of the Hunda, stood by the board with cups of daru in their hands, their brows raised at the manner of my entrance. Rather than speak I stalked to the board, poured daru of my own, then swallowed it down without pause. The drink did naught to cool the flames which raged within me, and this the others were able to see.

“War leader, may we assist you in any manner?” asked Rogon, her head to one side in unspoken curiosity. Not so large as other Midanna was this Rogon, yet was her sword swift and deadly, she having bested all who had ever stood to face her. She accompanied me when first we had taken that city and had proven her courage and strength without question. Now I attempted to keep the heat of my anger from her, as I attempted to relate in some manner what had occurred.

“Never, Rogon, never allow those who are male to speak with you upon any subject,” I growled, reaching to a pitcher to refill my cup. “Should you fail to heed my words, you will surely regret it.”

“Jalav, never have we found more than a single use for males,” said Palar, amusement to be heard in her voice. Both taller and broader than Rogon was Palar, hair of a brown touched less with red, eyes as dark, sword as quick. “Should those who returned with you be too great a bother, my warriors would be pleased to see to them for you.”

“Indeed,” said Rogon with a grin, exchanging glances with Palar. “We are warriors of Mida, are we not, and it was at the behest of Mida that these males were brought here, was it not? What, then, would be more fitting?”

“To see them strung above a slow fire would be more fitting,” I replied, speaking the words with such distinct vehemence that the two war leaders laughed. “Should the strangers take much longer in arriving, surely will I greet them as sisters, rather than lead attack against them. Their appearance will cause the males to ride out immediately, and how might one attack those who take so great a stone from about one’s neck?”

“The males seem much involved in courting you, Jalav,” Rogon observed, her amusement continuing as she sipped at her daru.

“Males have little reason,” said I, taking my cup of daru as I seated myself cross-legged upon the floor cloth. “They seek to have me do what I would not. One would believe they had no knowledge of the coming battle.”

“They are males, Jalav,” said Rogon, “and ever do males seek to avoid thoughts of battle.” She seated herself before me as she spoke, Palar also doing the same, and only then did I see that she waited to speak with me regarding some matter. Custom dictated that a warrior not attempt to speak before her war leader was prepared to listen, and although Rogon herself stood as war leader, also was she a warrior of Mida under my command. I had done little for those who followed me since my return; now I must lay aside my own concerns for a time.

“How may I assist you, Rogon?” I asked, looking upon the small Hirga war leader. “Has something gone amiss here in the city?”

“Our doings here in the city proceed with little difficulty, Jalav,” said she, naught of concern to be seen in her smile and headshake. “Palar and I were asked by Rilas to give sword training to those males here who wished it, and gladly did we assist the Keeper. At first were the males rowdy and ill-prepared to benefit from instruction, yet Palar and I soon saw them settled down.”

“Rogon bested the loudest of them with the swords of wood we had made,” said Palar, with a grin of amused remembrance, “and then I drew my edged blade and asked if any there dared to face me. The males looked from Rogon, to the male who sat upon the ground cradling head and arms, to the gleam of Midas light upon my blade, and then were we no longer disturbed by rowdiness.”

“Those who are prepared to give difficulty rather than accept it seldom have the bother,” said I, nodding in approval. “As city matters cause no difficulty, for what reason have you come to me?”

“I have come, war leader, so that proper form may be observed,” said Rogon with sobriety. “These males who accompany you are free, I know, still do they indeed accompany you, and I would not have you believe that I sought to take what was yours without first speaking of it with you.”

“You would have one of the males?” I said, surprised. To seek out one of those males when one had no need to do so, struck me then as a doing fit for one who was bereft.

“Not for converse, Jalav, merely for use,” replied Rogon, a twinkle in her eyes. “The male came to speak of those training weapons which we had made for the city males we taught, and when he had gone I thought upon what pleasure he might be able to give. Large was he and exceedingly well made, broad of shoulder and chest, well-muscled—a male fit for a war leader, I think. Do you object?”

“Not at all. I’m relieved,” I returned, then did I look upon Palar as well. “Should you also wish to be a true sister to me, war leader, you may also take one of the males. Or, perhaps, two or three. It had not occurred to me to rid myself of them in such a way.”

“I regret, Jalav, that I may not be of such aid to you,” laughed Palar, Rogon chuckling beside her. “I have long since chosen three of those whose use I most prefer, and have not the time for another. One may not spend all the hind of each fey in one’s sleeping leather.”

“Certainly not with battle in the offing,” I agreed, joining their amusement. How good it was, to be returned to the midst of one’s own! “Which of the males will you have, Rogon?”

I would have the light-haired one, Jalav, he who is also dark-eyed,” she replied, sipping the daru she held. “The covering he wears is black, and I believe he is called Arsan.”

“Aysayn,” I corrected, a sudden, unexpected delight filling me, my own daru sliding down my throat nearly unnoticed. So the male would see matters done according to his own will, would he? So he would speak to Jalav of what she might be and do? The Sigurri felt secure with his warriors so near at hand, however they had not yet been allowed entrance into the city. He who had spoken so well of my power in that place would learn the truth of the words he had uttered.

“Rogon, how do you mean to use him?” I asked. “Do you mean to have him, or is he to use you?”

“Much do I prefer the taking of males, Jalav,” said she, surprised. “Why do you ask?”

“I ask for the reason that I am acquainted with Aysayn,” said I, unfolding my legs and leaning down to one elbow so that I might consider the matter more comfortably. “Should you approach the male as one who is free and request his use, he will either refuse you or see the thing done to his own tastes, he taking use from you. Far better that you visit him with a number of your Hirga, approach him closely, then ring him with daggers. Take care that he not be allowed to move, however; the male is possessed of great speed, and is skilled in a form of battle which requires no weapons.”

“You would have us make a use-captive of one who has been given assurance of his safety?” asked Rogon; she and Palar both looked bewildered. “War leader, I do not understand.”

“War leader, the male was given no such assurance,” I replied, looking upon Rogon and recalling the use once taken from me by Aysayn. “What assurances there were, were given by him to the other males who accompany us. Naught was said concerning his own safety.”

“Much does it seem that Jalav would have more of the Hirga take use from the male than merely their war leader,” said Palar, amused again. “Is there, perhaps, a thing owed this male, Jalav?”

“Indeed, Palar,” said I, again raising my cup to my lips, feeling gratified. “Indeed is there a thing owed the male.”

“Then it will be my pleasure to see to the matter for you, Jalav,” said Rogon, raising herself to her feet so that she might return her cup to the board, Palar following suit. “Should it be your wish to see any other without assurances done so, you have only to speak of it.”

“And so I shall, Rogon,” I said, then allowed them to take their leave. So pleased was I with that particular turn of events that I rose and went to the board, finding that a good appetite had returned to me. I fed upon what tempted me, primarily nilno, wrettan eggs and a slice of baked grain, then finished what daru I had left before putting the cup aside. Too much of the daru had I swallowed that fey, and done too little thinking upon the strangers.

Thought of the strangers took me from my chamber once more, to seek out my war leaders and speak to them of those things which had occurred to me, yet was my choice of direction surely Mida-sent. The males I had left should have been elsewhere than the corridors I took, yet did I round one turn and find myself before them.

“Ah! So there you are, wench,” said Galiose, halting before me with a look of satisfaction. “We felt it likely that your task had already been seen to, therefore have we come to seek you out so that we may continue. The others have gone in another direction in pursuit of you, and we shall come upon them by going that way.”

He touched my arm, the look in his dark eyes silencing my protests. My word had been given, his look had said, and to be forsworn was the sole manner in which I might refuse. I had required a time alone and had been granted that time, now was it necessary that I resume the place brought me by a vow. I sent Galiose my own look, one which spoke of a vow of another sort, then moved off in the direction he had indicated.

“It seems, Jalav, that I now have you to myself for a time,” said Ceralt, appearing near me and matching my pace with no difficulty, referring to the presence only of Galiose, Lialt, and Telion. “Had the gods favored that other over me, surely would it have been he who found you first. With the aid of the gods, then, I best him now as my men and those of Galiose shall best him and his upon the morrow.”

“You believe your village and city males will best Sigurri warriors?” I said with great incredulity, at once annoyed and amused that he considered such foolishness. “No more shall you best them than you would best my Midanna, for the Sigurri are every bit as well-trained warriors as we. You will have naught to do with the battle, male, and for this you may thank your invisible god.”

“The Sigurri,” growled Ceralt, suddenly angry. “I grow exceedingly weary of hearing the virtues of these Sigurri extolled. Warriors are the Sigurri, and welcome at the side of Midanna are they, and ones to sit with and speak to as equals! Even does one stand so high in your favor that you agreed to this looking about as a boon to him! Come the new light, the Belsayah will show them for what they truly are: boasters and braggarts who prefer wenches beside them for wenches may be used as men may not! No true man would allow a wench to stand beside him in battle, nor will you be allowed to do so when once my men and I have won.”

“To count a meeting won even before it has been begun is the sign of one who either rides for the gods or has no true knowledge of battle,” I said. “As the new light will show the truth to all, we need no longer discuss it.”

Surely would I have preferred leaving the male entirely, yet I could not, for I had given my word. Also I felt an undeniable attraction to this male that caused me only annoyance and bewilderment. The large hand that took mine returned to me memory of the manner in which he held me to his body, his lips fiercely taking mine, his caressing hands bringing to life the roaring flames of desire. I thought upon what would occur if I were to emerge victorious from all I attempted, free, then, to accept what males I would. In what manner might a Midanna accept one such as Ceralt, and continue to be what she was? How might she deny the strength of him without giving challenge? Such a thing did not seem possible. What need of burning thirst for victory, then, when victory will not bring what one desires most?

“Tell me of your time among these Sigurri,” said Ceralt of a sudden, as though leaving off thoughts of his own which had grown unpalatable. “You seem quite close to the one named Aysayn, he who informed us of the task you left to see to. For what reason does he consult with you so closely? Has he an unvoiced desire to taste you?”

“Aysayn and I have stood in battle together, and I am the messenger of his god,” I replied, glancing over to see that those light eyes rested upon me once again. “When his enemies sought to bring him down with the coward’s stroke, I agreed to stand with him in defense of his place, and all of our lives were nearly lost. To share such a thing is to share more than a common beginning, more than may be described to one who has not experienced it. He would not be possessed of an unvoiced desire to taste me, for he has already done so, thoroughly and at length. Should he ever wish the same again, he need only speak of it.”

“I had nearly forgotten that Midanna are wenches able to see to the needs of any men who desire them,” said he, chuckling lightly as his hand closed briefly tighter on mine. “This—sharing you speak of, the sharing which must be experienced. Have we not a similar sharing between us, one which we found during the journey to Sigurr’s Altar? Did we not all face battle at the end of it, a battle which was only barely survived?”

No longer did Ceralt’s voice sound amused. Upon the corridor wall was an excellent rendering of the beauty to be found in the forests, yet was it unable to cause me to believe I stood any place save within a dwelling. There were those, I knew, who took the rendering as the forest itself, however the truth was that to appear as a certain thing was not to be that thing in reality.

“The battle beneath Sigurr’s Peak was not a sharing, Ceralt,” I replied after a moment. “Those who share stand beside one another, facing together what comes, each willing to accept the fate of the other. When one stands himself before another, the presence of that other unwelcome beside him, what might there be of sharing between them?”

“Perhaps it is joy alone he wishes to share with that other,” said he, his words soft. “Perhaps he stands himself before that other so that danger and difficulty might be kept from her, to spare her what need not be?”

“How might there be true sharing between two, when one experiences nothing other than ease and joy?” I asked, somewhat surprised that so self-evident a truth need be mentioned. “To share danger brings a greater joy to shared pleasure, for have the two not then shared the worst and the best? In such a way is a deep bond forged, in pain and pleasure both, else is the bond too weak to withstand the rigors of time.”

“And is this what you share with that other, the one called Sigurr’s Sword?” Ceralt asked, his hand coming to my face to turn it toward him, allowing me to see the painful fear which now filled his eyes. “Is there a bond between you forged in pleasure and pain? Has he, too, stood beside you in battle?”

I looked upon him as he awaited my answer, and much did it seem that he would have been far happier were I to speak no words at all. I knew not why he would put a question he would prefer remained unanswered, yet were all males touched with a similar lack of reason.

“Mehrayn has no difficulty in seeing the warrior who is Jalav,” said I, attempting to put from my notice the warmth of Ceralt’s hand upon my face. “More than once has he stood himself before me, yet not when my own blade was free to leap from its scabbard. To aid one who is unable to aid herself, takes naught from that one; to give aid when it is unsought and unwanted is to take the pride from she who is aided, as though she had not the skill to do the thing herself. Aid which becomes insult is no aid at all.”

“I—cannot understand what insult a wench might find in protection,” said he, confusion now holding him as tightly as it most often did with me. “Ever have I been taught that a man must put himself between his woman and that which would bring her harm, no matter what that thing might be. How am I now to see the doing as insult?”

The final question he spoke was not addressed to me, and strongly did it hold him as we continued up the corridor. The others had made no attempt to quicken their pace and join us, therefore were we the first to come upon Mehrayn, Aysayn, and S’Heernoh as we turned into yet another corridor. Sigurr’s Sword frowned at the abrupt picture presented him, yet was Ceralt far too withdrawn to take notice. He released my hand as I halted and continued on alone, his eyes seeing naught of what occurred about him.

“Now that we are reunited, the inspection may continue,” Galiose greeted the Sigurri and S’Heernoh with expansive good humor, striving to keep his eyes from a deeply withdrawn Ceralt. “We have so far seen naught of the east wing, therefore shall that be our next objective. Follow me.”

The male then took himself off, drawing Ceralt with him by an arm about the shoulders, causing the others to follow. But I was not alone. Mehrayn had allowed the others to go before him, and when he fell in beside me to my right, he lost no time in taking my hand.

“I find myself greatly surprised that you accompany us once again without the use of chains,” he murmured. “Had I known how demurely agreeable walking about would make you, I would have seen it done much the sooner.”

“I find little amusement in this state of affairs, male,” I informed him coldly, immediately seeking to take my hand from his. “This walking about does no more than try my patience, a thing which would be seen by any but the greatest of fools.”

“Your description of me clearly indicates keen insight,” said he with a nod of agreement, gripping my hand so I could not free it. “Also is it undeniably accurate. I am indeed a fool, yet not so great a fool as to release what portion of you I now hold. Later I shall seek a much greater portion.”

“Later I shall be happily engaged with another,” I said, finding it more pleasant to look upon the corridor walls than the male I walked beside. “Both you and Ceralt would be wise to seek out warriors for this darkness, else shall you find no more than sleep in your furs.”

“Another,” growled Mehrayn, no longer calm and amused. “For what reason must you embroil S’Heernoh in this? Such behavior would be fitting in a child, and ill becomes one who stands as leader to warriors. Leave the man be, and we shall speak no more of it.”

“Indeed shall we speak no more of it,” I said, meeting his annoyance. “In point of fact there is naught to be spoken of, for this leader of warriors has already heard enough from one who leads males. Greatly more than is sufficient.”

“For what reason do you continue to seek other men, while I seek only you?” he asked, a softened reply to my anger. “Do you feel so little for me, then, that you would do such a thing?”

“Why would I do otherwise?” I demanded with great exasperation. “I am a war leader of Midanna who has ever taken what males pleased her, and shall ever continue to do so. For what reason should I not?”

“For the reason that there is one about who would have all of your attention,” said he, exasperated as well. “You have never known such a thing, I know-men having so often handed you about, yet am I not the same as they. I would keep you to myself alone.”

“There have been those, in the past, who wished the same,” I replied with a shrug. “But no male may keep a warrior from seeking out those who interest her.”

“And her interest may extend even to one who follows a god of abominations?” he asked very softly, finally releasing my hand, green eyes showing no hint of amusement. “Have you not had sufficient ill from those who bow to the Oneness? The matter will, at the last, stand between this other and myself, yet would I have you know what I mean to do. Even were he a follower of the true god, I would not allow him to touch what is mine.”

“Jalav belongs to no male,” I growled, fully out of patience with these males and their beliefs and graspings. “Jalav rides for the gods and will do battle with their enemies, and in no other manner might she be claimed. To believe otherwise is to believe foolishness.”

“To believe men will allow the matter to lie so is even greater foolishness,” said he, again calm. “The battle to come will not last for all time, and when it is done those who survive will return to the lives they led before it. I choose to believe we both will survive, and afterward I will stand before you and demand my due. Should any attempt to halt me, they must face my blade.”

The eyes of the male were now fully calm, his straightened shoulders a challenge in themselves, and again I thought upon victory and the fruits it brought. All saw victory as a means to ends of their own, yet was Jalav not to have an end but be one. Ever would males pursue her to suit themselves, unaware of the fact that Jalav was a Midanna who would see to her own suiting.

“With the battle done, I will then be free to accept challenge,” I said, the shrug I made full clear as we continued up the corridor. “I will not again be taken by a male to be done as he sees fit, to be allowed no say of my own. Sooner will I see my blood upon the ground—or the blood of another.”

“It was not you I envisioned when I spoke of facing opposition with my blade,” said he sternly. “You I will deal with in another manner, one which may be avoided should you come to see the sense in joining with one who is a warrior like yourself. As you have said, no warrior may be denied.”

The male then strode ahead of me, rapidly closing the gap between himself and the others, ending the discussion which had nearly sent me away instead. Now had both of them spoken of their intentions, their determination refusing all attempts at denial, their blind stubbornness set to the path which was meant to destroy them both. Surely would I have been far wiser to allow them that path and thereby rid myself of two who were no more than breathing mounds of vexation to a warrior, yet was I unable to do so. Jalav, ever a fool, ever one to wish for that which she might not have, would face a goddess and likely fall, yet would the males thereby find survival. It was vastly important that they survive, no matter that neither would ever be mine. Should victory come, that was what it would see accomplished, the survival of two I could not bear to have ended; my life had become no more than a burden, yet theirs were precious to me beyond words.

Sunk in the morass of wishing for what might never be, I followed silently and sightlessly after those who followed a confident Galiose. Indeed did the male know the dwelling as though it were his own, yet the accomplishment did naught to raise the spirits of one who would have far preferred losing herself in unending corridors for all time. I knew naught of their discovery that I was not more fully in their midst till I returned to myself to find Ceralt and Mehrayn in their now customary places to either side of me, the one no longer distracted, the other no longer filled with annoyance. Both blue eyes and green looked down upon me with something very like guilt, their concern reflected clearly upon the faces of the others.

“I ask you to forgive my outburst, Jalav,” Mehrayn said at once when my eyes were upon him, his big hand coming to smooth my hair. “It was not my intention to cause you pain, which clearly shows how great a fool I am. A wise man sees more carefully to his intentions.”

“Should he be a fool, then I am surely the same,” said Ceralt, drawing my gaze in turn to his sobriety. “I, too, should not have spoken as I did, yet was I too deeply wrapped in my own thoughts to consider the one those thoughts concerned. There are two now who must be forgiven.”

“There is naught to forgive when males behave as males,” said I, looking away from both, truly in no humor to hear further from them. “Where is it that we go now, Galiose?”

“Our destination lies just ahead,” replied the male, his words gentle as though he spoke to one sorely wounded. “Perhaps fortune will favor us and I will be netted again, which surely will return the smile to your face.”

The others chuckled their appreciation of the comment, even Aysayn, who had undoubtedly been told of the thing, with an amusement I could not share.

“Sooner would I have an end to this inspection of yours,” I informed the male, my impatience sounding clearly in the words. “There are many other things which await my attention, things of far greater import than . . .”

“No, no, wench, this too is of great import,” the male hastened to assure me, unwilling to hear words in contradiction. “Your reluctance to continue in our company is understandable, for rather than amusement and diversion, you have found sadness with us. For shame, you men! Is there naught you may do to brighten the mood of this wench you both seek to pay court to?”

His final words were to Ceralt and Mehrayn, who looked upon one another with expressions of consternation, which more properly should have been ones of blankness. I had not the least understanding of what Galiose was about, save that it was not his intention to allow that foolishness to end. With a sound of further impatience I began to move more swiftly in the direction of the male’s objective, seeking to hasten the arrival of my own, and thereby found that such an end was not soon to be.

“Would you hear an amusing tale, wench?” Ceralt asked as he regained my side, an odd eagerness upon him. “Once there was a warrior who roved all about, and one fey he happened upon a farm in the wild. Tending this farm was a man and his wife, aided in their efforts by their three lovely daughters. The first of these three had hair of gold, and so large were her . . . ”

“No!” hissed Mehrayn from where he walked to my right, looking upon Ceralt as though he were bereft. “What amusement is there likely to be in that tale for one who is female? Would you next have her stalk off in search of a sword?”

“Clearly did I fail to think the thing through,” Ceralt agreed in a mutter filled with heavy self-annoyance, glancing first at me then Mehrayn. “What, then, are we to tell her?”

“What of the daughter with the hair of gold?” I asked Ceralt after seeing a look of vexed puzzlement take Mehrayn, a sudden curiosity upon me. “What was it that she possessed that the male found so great in size?”

“Ah—her hands!” replied Mehrayn when Ceralt merely looked upon me without words, his gaze suggesting that I had put a sword to his throat the while he remained weaponless. “The wench had hands so large that surely did the warrior believe she, too, was a warrior.”

“Indeed,” said Ceralt with an immediate nod, his look of relief beside the one of gratitude. “The wench had hands so large, that well might she have been a warrior.”

“In what manner might the size of hands indicate a warrior?” I then asked, finding naught of reason in the tale the males attempted to tell. “There are those with hands far larger than mine, yet am I alone war leader to all Midanna who ride. What has hand size to do with skill?”

“The tale is no more than foolishness meant to amuse, girl,” Ceralt said with something much like desperation, Mehrayn filled with equal upset. “Likely I should not even have begun such a tale, and will therefore take it no further. Perhaps there is an amusement you would care to relate, man.”

“I?” asked Mehrayn in even greater upset, for it was he whom Ceralt had addressed. “What tales I am acquainted with are of the sort you began, far too foolish to be related.”

“But what of the female with overlarge hands?” I asked again, this time addressing them both. “In what manner might such hands be amusing? Were they far too large for the size of her, therefore making her an object of ridicule for the male?”

“No, wench, no,” said Ceralt, desperation having entered his tone, yet was he kept from further words by the intrusion of Galiose. The High Seat of Ranistard seemed barely able to keep sobriety upon him, and then did it come to me that the others fared far worse. Lialt and Telion hung upon one another with tearful eyes, struggling to keep their laughter soundless, the while Aysayn stood with back turned and shoulders ashake. Even S’Heernoh, so often amused yet never beyond control, had halted with head down and one hand to his middle, the other hand pounding upon his thigh as he laughed with the silence of Lialt and Telion. For what reason all seemed so amused I knew not, yet was I of the opinion that Ceralt and Mehrayn were the objects of it rather than myself. Apparently the two males drew the same conclusion; once they had glared about, they looked upon Galiose with little which might be construed as brotherhood.

“Forgive my interruption, yet have we now reached our destination,” said Galiose hurriedly, indicating a doorway just ahead, bringing to the attention of all the four Hitta warriors who eyed the males with expressions of incomprehension. “Perhaps the tale of amusement would best be left for another time.”

“A pity the suggestion of it was not done the same,” growled Ceralt as he looked upon Galiose in some manner increasing the second male’s amusement. Mehrayn, however, was more taken with recognition of the doorway we had nearly reached. He, as I, now knew the place, a chamber filled with memories.

“For what reason did you wish to come here?” he asked Galiose as we all resumed movement toward the doorway. “Had I known that this was our destination, likely would I have found other tasks to occupy me.”

“The place is where slaves were formerly kept,” Galiose replied, again proving his knowledge of the dwelling. “Merely did I feel curiosity as to what purpose it now served.”

“The purpose it serves now is the same,” said I, aware of the sudden silence of the males as we crossed the threshold past the four Hitta. Within were a large number of males in collars and without covering, their doings watched over and directed by many warriors. Some of these males were seated or lying flat, some restlessly upon their feet, all appearing weary as though they only now rested after having seen to many tasks. In a far corner a small number of them labored over the cleaning of a large pot of metal, likely a pot which had recently allowed them all to feed. The torches upon the stone of the walls were many and bright, clearly illuminating the empty enclosures of metal which filled more than half of the place.

“I had thought you had no love for slavery,” remarked the High Seat of Ranistard in an uninflected voice, looking about at those who also looked upon us. “Apparently the belief indeed holds true for females alone, for I see none of them about. ”

“The forces of the High Seat of this place contained few females,” I replied, nodding acknowledgment to the greetings of the warriors who guarded that chamber. “Many of these are of the metal and leather ilk, others they who guarded the slaves held here, all familiar with the use of weapons. To return their freedom was not possible, therefore were they given the choice between slavery and individual combat. Some few accepted the offer of battle, and were thereafter allowed to face my war leaders. I was no longer present when the meetings took place.”

“And what was the outcome of those meetings?” Galiose asked, somewhat subdued.

“The outcome, I must assume, was the one which was expected,” I replied with a shrug. “All of my war leaders remain in the places they held before my departure. When we have left this place, those who dwell within the city will decide the fate of the balance of these. Should it be their decision to free them, it is they who will need to live beside them.”

Galiose nodded in silence as he again looked about, and then was his attention taken by some occurrence to my right. I, also, turned about to look, and saw that Mehrayn had left my side to wander some small distance away, to stand below a suspended bar of metal which had once had chains hanging from it. The male looked up in contemplation of the bar, as though considering it through newly uncovered eyes, and then was a decision of sorts made. Mehrayn crouched a small amount and then leapt, catching at the bar with the backs of his hands to those of us who watched. The muscles in his arms stood out as he slowly raised himself till his chin appeared above the bar, then did he just as slowly allow himself to sink down again. When once he hung flat he dropped lightly to the flags once more, then brought his eyes to us with a grin.

“Once was I suspended from that bar to be whipped,” said he, rubbing his palms one with the other. “To shout out the pain would have been humiliating, therefore did I set my thoughts to what effort it would take to chin upon the metal I hung from. It pleases me to learn that chinning requires less effort than the acceptance of leather across one’s back.”

Mehrayn’s grin had not faltered, most especially in view of the manner in which I had not been able to keep myself from looking upon him, and then was he suddenly not alone. Ceralt abruptly appeared beside him, looked up to the bar, then looked upon Sigurr’s Sword with the faintest of smiles.

“Indeed does the thing appear tempting,” said he, and then had he, too, leapt up to grasp the bar. Again muscles surged in arms as a large body was raised and lowered, and then was Ceralt again upon his feet beside Mehrayn. “Also is the execution of it pleasing,” he added.

Mehrayn had glanced to me as I had watched Ceralt, and no longer was he possessed of a grin. Annoyance had once again taken the Sigurri, and with that annoyance he looked about himself, at once seeing a large, heavy rack of wood, one which had formerly held whips. No word did he speak as he moved to that rack, bent to settle his broad shoulders beneath the inner top of the thing as he held to it with his hands, and then he straightened again. With a creak of effort from the wood and the straining of arms, legs and shoulders, Mehrayn raised the weighty rack from the flags, held it till he was fully straightened, then slowly lowered it once more. This time had it been Ceralt who had glanced to me as I watched, and when Mehrayn stepped away from the rack with a renewed grin, Ceralt stalked over to take his place.

As the Belsayah raised the rack as Mehrayn had, I looked upon him with the puzzlement I felt, understanding naught of what his and Mehrayn’s intentions might be. A number of the warriors who stood guard about the chamber watched the two males with broad grins and deep chuckling, evidently enjoying the exhibition, yet was I unable to comprehend what it was that they exhibited. I moved somewhat nearer the two as Ceralt replaced the rack and straightened to send a look of grim pleasure toward the Sigurri, then did he turn and take himself toward a long, heavy chain which was secured to the ceiling a few paces off. The thing hung nearly to the floor, and once Ceralt had pulled upon it with strength to be certain that it was well fastened in place, he immediately began to scale it. Up the chain he went as though he scaled knotted leather, and even as I watched I saw that Mehrayn moved slowly in that direction as I did.

Needless to say, once Ceralt had descended it was then necessary that Mehrayn ascend, and once he, too, had descended the two stood upon the flags and regarded one another with straightened shoulders and heads held high. I continued to have no understanding of what they attempted, yet was I just as well pleased to have watched them without understanding. How stirring to the sight of a warrior are the doings of healthy, vital males, how pleasant to stand and observe them in their strength and arrogance. I might have stood so for considerably longer, save that the males had approached one another a good deal more closely and then began an exhibition of another sort.

Till then each had matched the efforts of the other, and apparently such a state was unacceptable to both. Now as they stood toe-to-toe they raised their arms so that they might lace fingers, left hand to right for each of them, the grips upward and firmly intertwined. Again I had no notion as to what they were about, and then were they abruptly in the midst of it, arms and shoulders straining, legs braced and locked, their efforts swiftly making clear of their intention. Hand-to-hand did they test their strength, each attempting to overcome the other, the object of the match clearly being to drive one’s opponent to his knees, his hands bent backward at the wrists and helplessly trapped. No more than soft grunts of effort came from the two as they strained, yet had those very efforts turned the chamber more bleak than even my memories shadowed it. They had found a way to face one another without weapons, a manner in which they might give each other hurt, and no longer had I the least desire to look upon them. My presence was surely the cause, and that was easily remedied.

I turned about and immediately left the chamber, paying no mind to Galiose’s attempts to halt me. I had pulled my arm from his grip with practiced ease, and was not even long delayed by the slave male who attempted to take advantage of the distraction of nearly all in the place. The slave’s arm came swiftly about my throat as I passed him, his intention of taking me hostage clear, yet was I not of a mind to allow him the opportunity. An elbow in the side loosened his grip, I slipped swiftly out from beneath his arm the while bringing it back and to the side with me, and then did I put my knee with the strength of anger into the back of his own elbow. He screamed wildly as the arm broke, a not-quite-innocent victim of the churning within me, and then was it all left behind as I strode up the corridor and away. Males must ever be males, good and evil alike, and no more than great agitation did they bring to warriors.

I had returned to the upper floor and the doors to my chamber were just ahead, when I noticed the appearance of another, one I had not thought would dare appear before me again. Beside the wall not far from the doors did he wait, immersed in thought. At sound of my approach his dark eyes came to me, and a gentle smile softened the features of he who was called Chaldrin.

“I have come to see when you would have your next lesson, sister,” said he, straightening from the wall as I halted not far from him. “Should the walking about occupy you too fully, however, the practice may be left for another time.”

So easily did the male address me, as though naught had occurred to change what had stood between us. That he had told the others my agreement to the inspecting was done as a favor granted to a brother meant naught; it was truth which rose above all else, and well did I know the truth of the thing. No matching smile did I send him, no warmth of any sort to be thrown away upon one who had betrayed me.

“The walking about is done, the learning is done, and these are the last words which shall ever pass between us,” I said, seeing the smile depart from him at my cold, distant manner. “The debt which stood between us is now met, all vows complete and all words returned. No others save Midanna may address me as sister; I shall not have the calling from one without honor. Never again are you to approach me, male, save with sword loose in scabbard; should it fail to be so, your life will surely be forfeit.”

Having said all there was to say I began to turn from him, yet did his hand come to my left shoulder to halt me.

“I sought no more than your happiness, yours and Mehrayn’s,” said he, his voice truly soft, nearly a whisper. “There is naught I would cavil at to keep pain from touching you, naught I would not face to save you from hurt. I have given my vow to stand beside you always; you cannot send me from you.”

For answer I merely walked from his hand, telling him his words were no longer heard, the sight of him no longer accepted. Honorable had I once thought him to be, and honorable had he been—till honor became too cumbersome a burden. Sister he had called me, and I, like a fool, had believed; never again would I believe such a thing, most especially not from a male.

I pushed through the doors of my chamber quickly, once again seeing little of what stood about me, and therefore was I nearly to the board before I became aware of those who this time inhabited the place. Rilas and Ennat sat upon the floor cloth, clearly awaiting me, cups of daru in their hands, the intent to see deep within me in their eyes. The penetrating gaze of a Keeper had ever been a marvel to me, an ability never made the most of, yet was I just then more in need of solitude and daru than marvels.

“You seem disturbed, Jalav,” said Rilas, truly concerned. “What has occurred to cause you disturbance?”

“How might I not be disturbed,” I asked, “with so many free males about?” I took a cup and poured the daru I desired, then turned again to the Keepers. “You have come to speak with me?”

“Indeed,” said Rilas, her calm only then pointing up the agitation in Ennat. “The Keeper Ennat and I have exchanged information, and there is a question we would put to the war leader to all Midanna: why was Ennat not told that Mida has demanded the slaying of the Sigurri once the strangers are seen to? You told me of this charge when first you returned from her domain; surely the command remains?”

I looked upon Rilas with consternation, well aware of Ennat’s dismay. I did not recall that command of the goddess—a command which I had acknowledged and agreed to—but clearly Ennat did.

“Jalav of the Midanna, may such a thing truly be?” asked Ennat, unable to remain silent any longer. “The Sigurri— Our freedom and lives remain ours through their efforts; to repay them with death would be the height of dishonor! Are we truly bidden by Mida to slay them?”

“Such a command was indeed given me by Mida,” I admitted with reluctance, finding Ennat’s beseeching words well-nigh painful. “She, however, clearly judged them by those who attend the dark god in his domain, males of low doings and no hint of honor. The command was given in the belief that the Sigurri would attempt to see the Midanna done in such a fashion, a doing I truly believe would be beyond them. There is little honor in raising sword against those who mean you no harm.”

“What honor is there in denying the will of the goddess?” asked Rilas, frowning, as Ennat showed relieved agreement. “Are we not sworn to follow her every command and decision, sworn in blood to see her will completely done? Scarcely is it our place to speak of what was meant rather than what was commanded, Jalav. Was the slaying of the males commanded of us, or was it not?”

Again did I regard Rilas in silence. Ennat had returned to the grip of deep disturbance, for she, too, was a Keeper. No Midanna was meant to defy the will of Mida, Keepers least of all, none, perhaps, save she who thought to challenge a goddess. As I had begun, so would I continue, and give nodding thanks to she who had forced me so often among those who twisted truth to suit their own ends.

“Would you have me say the goddess has commanded dishonor, Rilas?” I asked in turn, swallowing down the distaste of the doing as I had swallowed down the drink. “Is a Midanna warrior to say such a thing concerning the mother of us all? More likely does the error lie with me, for having misunderstood the words spoken to me. Mayhap it was the males of the cavern we were commanded to slay, those who stand ready to heed the dark god’s commands. Surely would Mida find herself able to best him, were we to account for those who would come to his aid.”

“In place of those called Midanna who are no more than pets,” said Rilas, startled. “Then would she and the god of males no longer stand in contest, for Mida would be supreme. Now do I see the reason for your wish to give challenge, Jalav. You erred in understanding the command of the goddess, and in such a way did Mida seek to return you to her. You are indeed meant to stand in challenge, yet not before Mida and not alone. All the clans of the Midanna will stand behind you, and the one to be challenged will be the god of the males!”

Truly pleased did Rilas appear, the glow of her gladness taking kalod from her shoulders, Ennat also eager and filled with pleasure. The two Keepers rose from the floor cloth to finish their daru and put hands to my shoulder in farewell, then did they take themselves from the chamber, deeply immersed in a discussion concerning the necessity for searching long and well before finding the true will of Mida. I waited till the doors had stilled their swinging, staring the while into the depths of the cup I held, then did I throw the daru, cup and all, into the wall behind the board with all my might.

Mida! The fury I felt was so great that surely would I have faced even the dark god without hesitation at that moment. To hear again that my thirst for challenge was no more than the will of the goddess, and to have the thing proven with the words I had spoken as lies! I began to stride about the chamber, seeking to cool the rage which flamed so high within me, feeling no other thing than a screaming ache to rend and tear. Again was I to be denied, this time of the need to ride from those who wished to follow, the need to seek alone a reckoning with she who cared naught for the anger of a war leader of Midanna. Also was there fear beside the rage, fear that Rilas was indeed right, that all I felt and thought and said was solely at the behest of she who had chosen me to ride in her name. Such a complete captivity would truly be unendurable, for after the strangers and the cavern followers of Sigurr there would be others, tasks without end and demands undeniable. Never would Jalav be free of the will of Mida, never would she be shut of the demands of duty— The thought was one which could not be home, no simple denial sufficient to keep the lash of its likelihood from rending my flesh. No other thing than the absolute refusal of she who was war leader to all the Midanna might best it, and such a thing did I then raise as shield before me. With head held high did I throw such refusal to believe in the face of the fear which sought to back-stab me, and then did I return to the board and what daru it continued to hold.