Chapter one

Glenna n'ha Linnea had traveled in the Hellers many times in her life, and on every trip there was some kind of mishap. This time it was a snake that had scared Claithmor, her gray stallion, and caused her to take a nasty spill a ten-day ago. Her head had recovered nicely, but her temper hadn't. As she neared the town of Dalereuth, she remembered a previous trip to the Hellers in the winter after her housebound time was just over. She'd been forced to spend a ten-day in a cabin with a certain McAran boy. Her hand reached for her knife before she realized it was just a bad memory.

The bag of mountain mint and feverwort over her shoulder was heavy as she rode into the town. She'd been gone for over a year, working with the Terranans. What new would have changed, she wondered, as she approached the Guildhouse. And, more important, what would she do with her life now, she wondered, as she knocked impatiently on the Dalereuth Guildhouse door. Dalereuth didn't need another healer; they had some of the best already.

"'S good to see you too, Becca," Glenna replied, tossing down the bag of herbs. "Yes, I'm finished with the Terrans," she added in a slightly disgusted tone. "I... I finished my first year, then dropped out," she confessed. "They have so much knowledge, but they... they're... Well, I guess you were right about the Terranans. With all their technology, they can be all too inhuman sometimes. So cold, treating everything with needles and machinery. But how about you? What you have you and Ferrika been up to?"

Becca blushed slightly at the reminder of her former attitude toward the terrans. It was strange hearing someone summarize her own distrusting rational about them. "Believe it or not I've actually gotten a wider perspective on them in the last few ten days. I just returned from Thendara where I met several Terran women. In fact, two of them have just become housebound here. I wont tell you the whole story now. I am sure you are tired after your journey and would like a hot meal and a bath first. Let me just say, they are pretty amazing women and I think you will like getting to know them." Becca paused and after looking at Glenna for any reaction to her change of attitudes continued "Don't get me wrong though. I've not become blind to their many faults. I've just learned that some terrans do have redeeming values."

Becca felt her sorrow return but was glad her eyes didn't tear up as they had done at the house meeting but wondered how many more of their mutual friends she would have to tell about Ferrika's death. "She was killed in an ambush just before the trade caravan reached Thendara. She died instantly and painlessly thanks to Avarra's kindness.....And well, I'm doing better."

>> Becca felt her sorrow return but was glad her eyes didn't tear up as they had done at the house meeting but wondered how many more of their mutual friends she would have to tell about Ferrika's death. "She was killed in an ambush just before the trade caravan reached Thendara. She died instantly and painlessly thanks to Avarra's kindness.....And well, I'm doing better." "I'm so sorry. May she rest with the Goddess," <<

"Thank you. And speaking of rooms, why don't we get you settled into your room and then you and I can talk more. I might even introduce you to the two Terranans" Becca said with a grin. As the two women walked towards Glenna's room Becca continued, "Do you know what your plans are? Are you here to stay and to work as a healer?"

As she was heading up to her room, Lyssa heard Becca's voice in the hall, along with someone's voice she didn't recognize. Curious, she followed the voices until she came upon Becca in the hallway with another woman she didn't recognize. Lyssa wondered if she had been introduced to the woman and just didn't remember her. She hoped that wasn't the case. As the other woman finished talking, Becca noticed Lyssa standing there. Before Becca could greet her, Lyssa said hurriedly, "I'm sorry if I'm interrupting something, I just heard you talking, and I can leave if you want me to."

Glenna stood lost in the thought for a second. "Well, I suppose for the time being. That's my plan anyway, unless I find something else to do." She couldn't explain the hunch she had that her destiny lay elsewhere without the risk of sounding like a fool. "But I extend my heartiest welcome on your arrival, sister, and if you need my services, let me know. I've had courses in massage therapy, acupuncture, and more standard healing techniques."

"I am sure they would both be most grateful if you would. Sorcha gave me a list of what they would like delivered and if you can't take it all I'm sure I could arrange after the passes reopen in the spring a visit to the shelter house they are setting up. I know Sorcha is concerned about her sheep. Although they are getting excellent care here, she still worries since they are such an important part of her spinning business." Becca chuckled then added "Between you and me....I think she misses being able to sit in front of a warm fire and spin. I *never* could understand why she enjoyed doing that chore but then she's a spinner and I'm a trailguide."

"She seemed fine. When I was in Thendara I only got to talk to her briefly. She spent much of her time at The Castle and I was preoccupied with the safety of our two new sisters." Becca paused for a moment then continued, "I don't suppose you've heard that within the last few ten days that her freemate died or that she is the proud mother of twins?"

Becca grumbled silently to herself. She really should have introduced Sorcha by her full renunciate name. It was her identity now that she had given up all legal ties to her family and was now part of the guild of renunciates. "Its' Sorcha N'ha K'Tara. I think a few of us where surprised when she choose her oathmother. The two of them are different in so many ways. But in hindsight it looks like it was a good choice. They had temporarily planned to stay with Lord and Lady Storn but I imagine they will want to move into the shelter house as soon as arraignments can be made.

I've got the list of what they need somewhere in my room, and as soon as I rummage through my stuff I'll give it to you. As for the sheep, I believe they are allowed to graze in one of the outlaying pastures during the day but are penned up at night in one of the smaller barns. Glenna have you ever herded sheep before? They're not like Chervines that you can put a halter on and lead them where you want them to go."

"One of each. I think that was part of the reason K'Tara wanted to start a shelterhouse so she could continue to raise her son after he turned five." Becca sighed then continued, " I think we have all seen to many mothers suffer from broken hearts when they have to give up their sons to remain living in the guildhouse."

Lyssa looked at Becca confusedly. "You have to give up boy children if you live in the guildhouse? Why is that? I'm not intending on having any children any time soon, or ever, but you never mentioned that to me before. That seems kind of unfair. What if somebody joined the guildhouse who had a son, and all her family was dead, and she had no friends to take care of her son. Would the guildhouse demand that she turn him out onto the streets?"

Becca smiled as she thought of all the times she had heard that that question. "It's just the way things are. It is a very often debated question. I don't think anyone knows how old that rule is...possible from the very beginning of the Comhi-letziis. Within the guildhouses no women may keep a male child over 5 years of age within the walls of the house. You will hear *much more* about it during the training sessions." Turning to look at Glenna she added, "Isn't that true? And besides we want there to be a few surprised for you and Kiara during your housebound period. But in short, a lot of the women who join the guild want nothing to do with males of any age and even though they are just male children they do grow up to be the kind of men who often mistreat women." Becca shook her head and continued, " A lot of renunciates do have freemate marriages and have male children and they choose to live elsewhere so they can teach them new ways of thinking and the circle of male dominance can be broken.

"Before she could take the oath she would have to make some arraignments for her sons' care. I know it sounds harsh but a women must see to any outside obligations and responsibilities she has before she takes the oath. In the past, women have been denied entrance into the guildhouse because of that but I personally do not know of any situations where that has happened."

> >If you give me the list and tell me where to find the sheep. I've got the list of what they need somewhere in my room, and as soon as I rummage through my stuff I'll give it to you. As for the sheep, I believe they are allowed to graze in one of the outlaying pastures during the day but are penned up at night in one of the smaller barns. Glenna have you ever herded sheep before? They're not like Chervines that you can put a halter on and lead them where you want them to go."<<

Glenna blushed. Leave it to the ever-practical Becca to spot the rashness in her impulsive plans. Still, sheep are sheep, she thought. "If they'll follow each other, they should follow me. I'll wear white and look like the head sheep," she laughed. "Or get me one or two of those dogs that are always hanging around sheep. The kind that herd."

> >" I think we have all seen to many mothers suffer from broken hearts when they have to give up their sons to remain living in the guildhouse." Turning to look at Glenna she added, "Isn't that true? And besides we want there to be a few surprised for you and Kiara during your housebound period. But in short, a lot of the women who join the guild want nothing to do with males of any age and even though they are just male children they do grow up to be the kind of men who often mistreat women." Becca shook her head and continued, " A lot of renunciates do have freemate marriages and have male children and they choose to live elsewhere so they can teach them new ways of thinking and the circle of male dominance can be broken. <<

Glenna blushed again, somewhat uncharacteristically. She had used to adamantly oppose the idea of raising male children to adulthood in the guildhouse, but during her training with the more liberal Terrans, she had been forced to work through her distrust of men. "A body is a body," she said aloud. "Whether you're fighting it or healing it, I guess. And certainly, mothers love their sons as much as their daughters."

>>What if somebody joined the guildhouse who had a son, and all her family was dead, and she had no friends to take care of her son. Would the guildhouse demand that she turn him out onto the streets?" "Before she could take the oath she would have to make some arraignments for her sons' care. I know it sounds harsh but a women must see to any outside obligations and responsibilities she has before she takes the oath. In the past, women have been denied entrance into the guildhouse because of that but I personally do not know of any situations where that has happened." <<

Abruptly changing the subject she continued, "But you must have had some *interesting* experiences in the last year living and working so closely with them. There are times their ways can be so very strange." All signs of her former anger was gone as she asked, "Glenna, do you remember the time when we guided the Terranan scientists into the mountains so they could study how long it took for a colony of Scorpion Ants to dispose of a dead chervine. I can't imagine why anyone would want to know that but they just had to *know*. We sure made a lot of money on that trip managing the camp for ten days while they took pictures and wrote reports."

"I guess that doesn't extend to girls either," Lyssa said with a short bitter laugh. "Nobody would have given an arm or leg for me. But if the male child was screwed up enough psychologically, chances are nobody on Terra would want to foster him. He'd be too much trouble to care for, so he'd have a terrible childhood and would grow up to be somebody awful."

>> you must have had some *interesting* experiences in the last year living and working so closely with them. There are times their ways can be so very strange." All signs of her former anger was gone as she asked, "Glenna, do you remember the time when we guided the Terranan scientists into the mountains so they could study how long it took for a colony of Scorpion Ants to dispose of a dead chervine. I can't imagine why anyone would want to know that but they just had to *know*. We sure made a lot of money on that trip managing the camp for ten days while they took pictures and wrote reports." >

"Ugh, yes," Glenna answered. "It was hilarious at the time, but after reading the detailed reports of some of those ridiculous studies while in training, I wanted to pull my hair out. The Guild has always supported literacy, but the Terran redtape is something I won't miss. Imagine filling out a computerized notepad report every time I gave someone a cup of herbal tea." Turning to Lyssa, she added, "Literacy is important to us, though. Being able to read is vital to conducting a woman's own affairs. You will probably notice many of the novices need lessons in writing cahuenga, though they've spoken it all their lives."

"Well, I'll probably need help writing cahuenga, but it hasn't been very long since I first started learning the language. It's hard to believe that someone could be my age and not even be able to read, even on Darkover," Lyssa said wonderingly. "On Terra, I don't think I could get through a day without being able to read and write, much less a lifetime."

"Well, um, damisela..." Glenna looked uneasily at the younger woman. "That is... an unusual message." She looked helplessly at Becca and Lyssa. "I don't believe I remember Devorah at all." For a second she thought she felt the girl in her head, but the feeling quickly passed, and she chalked it up to her overactive imagination.

" I believe she first arrived at the house while you were training with the terrans. I've not seen much of her myself since I've returned to the guildhouse several days ago. Unfortunately Jaelle has had to go away on business so it may be a few days before she can be told. If it is an urgent message and can not wait you may wish to contact her through the relays."

Glenna kept a few feet of space between herself and the other girl and hoped no one would notice. She was never completely comfortable around the Hastur-kin, and this girl was obviously comynara of some sort. So she was surprised to hear Kallia add, "My mother was a Renunciate in Thendara, but she died in an avalanche in the Hellers.”

Becca noticed that Glenna slowed her pace ever so slightly after Kallia mentioned she was in training at the tower. Like Glenna, she was a bit uneasy around someone with Laran, especial someone she had just met, but since getting to know her two terran sisters she was trying not to automatically be wary of *all* terrans or Comyn.

Lyssa followed Glenna, Becca and Kallia in silence. She saw Glenna surreptitiously maneuver herself away from Kallia. Even Becca didn't seem eager to be around her. She wondered if the red-headed girl had that weird mind-power stuff she'd been told about. Probably so, since she remembered Marlis telling her about the red-haired comyn leaders who read minds. It was kind of unnerving to think that the girl could overhear her thoughts. She listened curiously to the conversation continuing around her, and wondered if Kallia could read her mind.

Kallia considered the question for a moment. "Well, legally, I'm in an awkward position right now. As the daughter of a Renunciate, my father should have no claim on me. But since, my mother is dead, perhaps he could make one. Being accepted at Dalereuth was a blessing from Avarra; as much as I want to visit Castle Ardais, I might be quickly married off if I do." Kallia shuddered. "But I feel I am doing an injustice to my father to renounce him and take the Oath if I know nothing more of him than his name."

"Lyssa have you been assigned chores this afternoon or do you have some free time? Since you are housebound you'll have to stay here but if you want me to bring you back anything let me know" Becca said hoping that Lyssa was not to miserable with her housebound time just starting recalling how much she had hated the restrictions on where she could go.

"Nobody's told me to do anything yet, so I guess I have some free time," Lyssa said cheerfully. "And I don't think I want anything right now. Thanks anyway." Lyssa relaxed back into her chair and half-listened to Glenna and Becca's conversation. As Becca started up the stairs, Glenna suddenly slammed Kallia against the wall. Lyssa jumped up from her chair and backed away from the two of them. She wasn't sure if she should interfere or not. Luckily, Becca stepped forward and stopped the two women, so Lyssa wasn't needed to do anything. The poor girl, Kallia, started crying and fled the room. Lyssa felt sorry for her. She watched Glenna a little warily as she and Becca left for town. *If some possibly imagined intrusion on her privacy is enough to make her attack that poor girl,* Lyssa thought, *Maybe I should steer clear of her. She seemed pretty normal at first. I guess you can't judge everything on first impressions.*

"I know that must have looked unprovoked. But that little wench was in my mind somehow. I think she was reading my thoughts--I can't explain it, Becca. I've never felt anything like it, but if they can't train their comyn-spawn better than that, they have no business allowing them to run about the city," Glenna burst out. "Poking about in the minds of the commoners... I know little about laran, but I know from our Sisters who've trained in the tower that abusing it is just as bad as drawing steel on another Renunciate would be. So tell Jaelle if you feel you must, but I feel justified." Glenna touched her long knife as the two entered the stable.

" I'm sure Kallia just needs more training in the etiquette of laran. And you are right it is not worth drawing steel over." Becca said as they entered the stable and noticed that Glenna had casually reached for her knife. Becca was about to add that the possible laran still needed to be discussed when she became aware of Mylla's presence. That conversation would have to wait until they could discuss it alone.

The three renunciates first stop was at the blacksmith's shop so Becca could see how he was progressing on reforging the blades. Becca was pleased to learn that two knives and one sword would not need to be totally redone but could be heated up and repaired the day and picked up in the morning. The rest of the blades however, were to badly damaged and had to be melted down and re-forged.

Glenna prickled with anger. "I see no reason for it myself. I don't want to end up stuck in some tower. Were you hoping to take the sheep to Storn yourself? Is that why you're trying to keep me stuck in Dalereuth?" Glenna's headache was growing worse and beginning to overpower her sense of reason. A delay in Dalereuth would ruin her chances of setting up a healing practice in an area that needed her services before winter, and everyone knew that between the tower and guildhouse, Dalereuth had plenty of healers already.

"Of course not" Becca replied. However she would love an opportunity to for one more commission again before the long winter set in. *This is not like Glenna at all* Becca thought to herself and wondered if her odd behavior was part of threshold sickness. Trying to calm down her friend and show she did not want to keep Glenna from going she added "If I had wanted to go would I have even mentioned to you that Sorcha and K'Tara wanted their stuff delivered?"

"I know you do. But it is not safe. What happens if you suffer a bout of threshold sickness while you are on the trail? .....You could end up laying dead somewhere." Becca paused to let her words sink in. She was really concerned about her friend even if Glenna did not believe her at the moment. "Glenna, I know you are a good guide from when we've worked together in the past but laran is not something to take lightly. Besides you have a responsibility not to take a commission if you are not physically able to do it and right now you may not be capable of completing the journey."

Angry now at Glenna's stubbornness Becca retorted, "Maybe I can not stop you but I am sure going to try. And if I can't, perhaps one of the older sisters in the house can make you see the folly of your actions." She watched Glenna walk away then called out "Glenna, calm down." After several rapid strides she caught up with Glenna and reached out to stop her. Glenna saw only the swift movement of Becca's arm reaching for her.

The stinging slap on Glenna's cheek startled her so that she unknowingly stepped backward and onto the slippery rocks beside the stream. She slipped, but as she fell, she made sure to grab a handful of Becca's cape and tugged sharply as she landed painfully on her ankle in the very cold water. The water cooled her down considerably, and she suddenly realized the ridiculous way she'd been behaving.

Becca watched at Glenna stumbled backwards and tried unsuccessfully to regain her balance. Rushing forward to try to steady her, Becca felt her cape being grabbed and the next thing she knew she was falling. Instinctively she drew her hands into her so they wouldn't be injured. The cold water was a shock to her. Scrambling to her feet she realized that Glenna was still in the water holding her bruised and swelling ankle. Hoping that the Threshold sickness had passed and that the fight was out of Glenna she asked, "Breda, can I help you up?"

>>Becca wrote: "It's ok, I understand. I'm just glad that you are feeling better. Threshold sickness can cause serious problems. " Becca paused for a moment trying to find the right words to say...."I'm sorry we fought also. It was my fault I should not have come up to you from behind. Forgive me breda? Lean on me and I will help you back to the wagon."

Excited at the thought of being on the trail again Becca seriously considered the offer. Finally she sighed and said, " I doubt I could go as far as Storn Village but I would like to go with you part of the way...if only to watch you try to manage Sorcha's woollies. " Becca said with a grin. " Perhaps in Serrais or Carthon you could hire someone, using my part of the commission, to help you the rest of the way ."

Seeing the disappointment in Glenna's face about her not being able to go as far as Storn Village, Becca sadly shook her head and continued, " I feel responsible for keeping on eye on Lyssa and Sierra during their housebound time. Plus I've told Jaelle I would help with the weapons classes." I was really hoping that Jaelle and the others would have found Liss by now and would have returned but I imagine they will in another day or two. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad if I did take off for a ten-day or so."

Amalie knocked on the door of the Dalereuth Guildhouse. She paused for a moment, apprehensive. After she walked through that door, she could never go back. She almost turned and ran away. Then she remembered why she was here. Someone had said that behind every Renunciate was a tragedy. Amalie counted herself lucky that that was not the case for her. She was a problem in the making. Her father had called her lazy when she had started swooning one morning two months ago. Her mother had thought that she was just trying to shirk her embroidery. Even though her family was of the Comyn her father had refused the assessment of her maid and companion that this was Threshold sickness. And he refused to send for a leronis, or to let her go to a tower. When Amalie recovered enough to learn of this, she made plans to leave. She knew that her father was being obstinate because he had plans to betroth her to the middle-aged Dom Aran. This would greatly enhance the family's status, but at Amalie's expense. Dom Aran was not known to be a good husband. She could have lived with that. But, for all her father's refusal of the fact, she knew that she would have powerful laran. Her father himself, and her mother did. And her only chance to train it would be to join the Renunciates. Her resolve hardened at this thought, and she knocked again on the door.

Briefly, she was told Amalie's story and nodded. "They are all here for one of those reasons. Here, take off you clothes and put these on." She rummaged through a trunk. "They are actually my old ones. You are not supposed to walk around in comyn clothes. And you name will be Amalie n'ha Cara from now on. Wait here. Jaelle - that's our Guildmother - isn't in but I'll go fetch Becca. She's in charge. Stay here in Jaelle's office while I get her.

Waiting in the office, Amalie began to look around. Desk, chairs, bookshelves, nothing especially remarkable. Then something else came into her mind. She had heard that Renunciates must spend the first whole year housebound. What if that included the Tower? She had come here so that she would be able to train her laran. What if it came to full strength while she was here, and she couldn't go to the Tower? That could be even more dangerous than if she had stayed at home! She was pretty sure already that she had strong Alton donas. For that past year she had been inadvertently breaking things near her, even if she hadn't touched them. Her father had done that from time to time when he got angry, and her father's mother had done the same at points. Her father had a partial Alton donas, and her grandmother the full thing in incredibly strong measure. Both larans had been almost out of control before they had been sent to the Tower. What if that happened to her here? And who knew what could result with all the other Gifts in her heritage mixed in. Marlis was right in saying she had the look of Comyn. With the stuff in her background, her laran would be worthy of her Comyn blood full measure when it came about. Her mother possessed the full Aillard Gift, and partial Ardais. Her mother's father had partial Ridenow. And who knew what else might be lurking recessive? Well, she would just have to wait and see what happened. Just as she had resolved this, Marlis walked back into the room with a woman probably twice her own age (**15**), and by her clothing clearly another Renunciate.

Minutes after that, Marlis returned with an older Renunciate by her side and disturbed Amalie in the middle of her musings. "Well, all the elders have gone off on some task or other" Marlis announced. "So we thought we can well handle that on our own until they return. This is Lyssa" she pointed, then waited for the slightly older woman to comment.

When nobody spoke, Marlis produced a pair of Amy's precious scissors from behind her back. "You look great in your new clothes" she addressed Amalie again "but as a Renunciate you'll also have to cut your hair. Are you ready?" She approached the young woman, adding: "Lyssa, maybe you can tell Amalie all the lecture they told you about oath and housebound time and such while I get to work?!"

Marlis took a last look at the beautiful mane Amalie had. "Nah, this Guildhouse is associated with the Tower and many women work there. Marja is training, too." she asured her. "They have somehwat the same housebound rules anyway, I hear." Twisting the hair into a string, she started working with the scissors. It didn't go as smoothly as she had expected. The expensive metal tool twisted and turned. After a while, she had not yet cut through half of the hair, the connection between the two blades snapped and the tool fell apart. Marlis swore and pulled out her knife. With a quick jab, she cut the rest of the pony tail and stepped back to admire her work. It wasn't all straight, it wasn't even all one length but the neck was free and that was the important part. Quickly, she hid the broken tool in her sleeve and held the string of hair out to Amalie.

Amalie laughed as she saw the girl attempt to hide the broken scissors by slight of hand up her wide sleeve. "Come on Marlis, I've got a pair in my bag just like those. We'll switch them, and no one will ever know." She walked out into the hall, and rummaged through her bags. She came up with a truly identical pair. "I knew that if I couldn't stay here, or if something happened on the way I might have to disguise myself. I couldn't risk dulling my knife cutting my hair. But why don't you take them. Thanks for helping me."

Lyssa barely managed not to burst out laughing as she watched Marlis hack away at the poor girl's hair. "Well, uh, you can't leave the guildhouse, but I guess the older renunciates I'll let you go to the tower," Lyssa said, as she racked her brain trying to remember what she had been told when she entered the Guildhouse. "You have to sew some clothes while you're housebound, and you have to wear them when you're done. And I'm sure some of the older people will have tons more to tell you, but I'm still housebound myself, and I can't think of anything else you need to know."

Marlis was awe-striken. "You have your OWN metal scissors? Wow!" She used the word she'd picked up from the two Terranan. "Thank you very much! I was bound to get some trouble if Amalie found out. Amalie n'ha Constanca that is. She's our senior midwife and healer in here. Those scissors are her most precious belonging." She carefully touched the brand new blades Amalie had just given her and slipped them into her tunic. "I'll put them back into place later. I'll hide the broken ones until I get rid of them. Meanwhile - the oath." She motioned the girl back to her chair and sat opposite of her. Marlis had heard the lecture so often she could repeat it by heart.

"You know you've joined the Guild of Renunciates now. We are bound to each other in sisterhood. No man may enter here, nor will we ever depend on any man any more. Your formal oath will be taken after half a year of housebound time. Meanwhile you just have to swear to obey the house rules and follow the orders of your older sisters and the guildmother. You will have fencing lessons and training sessions and learn about proper behavior and read and write - although I don't know what that should be good for...." Then, closing her eyes, she recited the oath by heart that would soon be her own. When she was ready, she took a ceremonial sword from the wall, pointed the blade towards Amalie and asked in a low, formal voice:

Lyssa joined into the cheer, although Amalie herself did not seem to convinced right now and here. From outside they heard the voices of more people which probably meant some more women had arrived home. Pondering the results of her actions, Marlis decided she was able to defend herself. This joy would not be taken from her, whatever came now. After all, she was an Amazon!

"Okay," Marlis answered, but she didn't sound like she was paying much attention to what Lyssa was saying. Lyssa ran down to the door. She paused for a moment before opening it to catch her breath. Then she opened the door slowly and peeped out. There were three women outside. She thought she might recognize the one with the renunciate hairstyle and earring, but she wasn't sure, and she was pretty sure she'd never seen the other two before. "Hi!" She said. "Would you like to come in?"

So after much a-do they all ended up in the kitchen and around the big table. There was cold meat, cheese, and rich bread, and as always jako boiling on the hearth. While everyone else got seated and grabbed some food, Marlis silently slipped out. She still had to replace the scissors and besides she'd already had a hearty breakfast. She slipped up to Amy's sickbay and returned the scissors to the wooden chest. *Pooh* that was it. Nobody had noticed - or so she thought. Now what about the broken ones? The metal was incredibly valuable, so she didn't even think about disposing of them. Take them to a smith to repair? Melt them down? She'd decide later, she thought, and headed out of the room.

Lyssa watched as everyone went there own way. She had been a little confused by the conversation they were having, and she wasn't sure if she knew what was going on. She looked over at Amalie. "It looks like you and I are the only ones left here," she said. "And I'm beginning to think that I'm the only one around here without laran." Lyssa looked around the kitchen again, suddenly realizing that Marlis was missing. "Did you see where Marlis went? I don't remember her leaving."

And of course they did not. When the two drenched figures crept up the stairs to the door, Marlis was in the hall and heard them come. She opened the door in hope for another newcomer of this day, but instead gaped at the two women. "What in Zandru's seventh hell happened to you?" she exclaimed. She didn't even think about opening the door wide and letting the women into the warmth nor did she remember any of her dignity and respect for the older women. She just stood and stared.

"Oh great" thought Becca. Of all the women to be on door duty it had to be Marlis. She suspected that within a candle mark details of what had happened to them would be all over the house. She looked at Glenna trying to come up with a reasonable explanation. "We were walking down by the mill waiting for wagon to be loaded when Glenna slipped and fell in. I tried to help her up but ..." her voice trailed off as she began to shiver again.

Pretending innocence, Marlis shrugged. "It seemed empty and quiet all day. Then a new girl arrived - Amalie - and asked for membership in the Guild. There was nobody of the elders in the house, so I took her in. She's in the kitchen now. Ah, yes, and Mylla returned from the market with a new girl also - Ylanna I think. They are all in the kitchen now, chatting and eating." All of a sudden, she didn't feel too safe with her idea of initiating Amalie. She quickly changed the subject. "That ankle looks swollen. Do you want me to fetch Jennah? Maybe she's in the still room" she offered.

Once Marlis had brought her the bag, she pulled out a Terran synthetic "ice" pack and laid it on her ankle. "It works with Terran chemicals somehow to stay cool," Glenna explained to the younger girl. Then turning to Becca, she confided, "I bought this in the trade city, but I also managed to sneak some Terran herbs and seeds through Spaceport customs--in ways I don't care to explain. I felt like a drug lord, but they are all medicinal."

"It sounds like it has been quite a busy day for you Marlis. Thank you for taking care of that. Now since none of the elders are around I suppose I should go and meet them both. Marlis, will you accompany me to the kitchen and tell me a little bit more about them?" Becca asked in a way that made it clear Marlis was expected to comply with the request.

Becca just shook her head knowing how the federation frowned on smuggling. During her years as a trail guide working with the terrans she had heard many graphic stories about smuggling and hoped Glenna had not had to do anything to drastic. "Really Glenna!! Since the terrans trained you I would have figured they would have given you access to their herbs also." Becca momentarily wondered *just what kind of herbs was she talking about* "You will have to tell me later of that adventure"

Almost as if on cue Becca, Marlis (and Glenna - unless you have gone to the hottub) walked into the kitchen and saw Lyssa and a new girl with badly cut red hair. Becca's first impression was that she had never seen anyone with such a horrible hair cut before ( OOC: Marlis doesn't get away with her hair cutting antics that easy *g*). Going up to the new girl she introduced herself and asked "Why have you come to Dalereuth guildhouse?"

Marlis made some weak movements with her arms as if for introduction, then thought better of it. Becca had already approached the girl. She shrugged and mumbled something about hot water and the bathroom, slowly backing out of the room. An impatient wave of Becca's hand motioned her back in, though. So she stood, hands folded, by the door, waiting for her release. *Ah, what's there to fear?* she told herself stubbornly. *Any of them would have exactly done what I did!*

Glenna had trailed after Becca into the kitchen, her desire to see the newest additions to the guild winning out over the aching ankle. When she did see the girl's hair, she tried to suppress her laughter. "Who did you say cut her hair, Marlis?" she gasped between giggles as she waited to hear the new girl's answer to Becca's question about why she joined the guild.

The woman was a bit stern, yet Amalie seemed to sense that she really was very kind. "My father wanted to marry me off to some old man from the hills. I couldn't stand the thought. And he kept calling me lazy. I know I sound like some whimpering little Comyn girl. But for the last six months I keep having falls and spells. My family just yelled at me and wouldn't listen to Karina my servant when she told them that it looked like Threshold sickness. Most of my family has strong laran, but my father refused even to let me be tested. I know that my only chance of going to a tower is here, with the Renunciates. My father wouldn't let anything interfere with the wedding plans. But I know that my laran will be strong. I'm not trying to brag, I just have the feeling that it will be. I wan to have tower training so that I don't hurt other people." She began to feel slightly defensive, and hoped that the other woman accepted her reasons.

"It's all right chiya" Becca began knowing how nervous she had been when she first sought to take the oath. "Each women who comes to the house has her own reasons and I was not judging yours. I just wanted to make sure you knew what you are renouncing in taking the oath." Becca said trying to make Amalie feel more at ease.

Lyssa listened to the whole conversation with great interest. She was glad that the questions and attention weren't directed at her, however. She was also sort of glad that now she wouldn't be the latest person to join the Guildhouse. There would be at least two people now that maybe knew less about the guildhouse than she did.

>>Lianne wrote: Some of the group's remaining provisions were in the cart with them for just such an emergency. Jaelle ate, and then the boys were hungry too, so they ate as well. Marja didn't seem interested in food, or in communicating, which was a bit worrisome. The group dozed some more, and before they knew it they were back in Dalereuth, being deposited at the guildhouse.<<

"We're home!" Jaelle exclaimed when she saw the familiar house in the narrow street somewhat off the town center. The tower could be seen raising high behind it and they heard the cry of the sea birds and smelled the scent of the sea. Jaelle climbed from the cart and helped Amalie and Liss down. They struggled to get unconscious Sybill up the steps to the front door, but before they knew, the door opened and helping hands took over. (CUT) She climbed up the front steps again. Home at last! What an adventure. She wondered what would await her behind the familiar walls still today.

As Becca and the others arrived she saw the injured Amalie, Lianna and the children heading towards the tower. The rest of the foyer looked like a post fighting staging area. The injured bodies of Sybil, Liss and a women Becca did not know were being tended to by others. Looking at Jaelle she quickly asked "Is there anything I can do? Is the house in any danger?" All concerns about the house events of the last few days would have to wait she thought.

Jaelle shook her head wearily. "No danger, just some hands needed. Thank you." Marlis stepped forward at Amy's words and volunteered for the Lady, so she and Leah led her up the steps and into an empty room to rest and be cared for. Jaelle herself helped to carry Sybill up into the infirmary. The injured woman had started to moan and come round, so they were glad she was on the way of recovery. Jaelle turned to Becca and nodded "Thank you, breda. I cannot even stay and care for her myself, let alone talk to you about what happened in the meantime, as much as I would. Would you mind taking care of Sybill until I return from the Tower? I have to speak to Marilla and I will try to get a healer to look after Sybill."

"Not at all, Jae. I'll see that she is taken care of. Glenna N'ha Linnea has just returned from her medical training with the terrans." Becca said looking to see if Glenna and the others had come into the room yet. "She may not be able to heal with laran but..." Becca began then abruptly stopped remembering what Kallia had said earlier in the afternoon. "We'll see that Sybil and the others are taken care of until you can return. And then when you are rested we can fill each other in about the last few days"

"Of course." Glenna became professional in an instant. She headed for Sybill's room as quickly as her ankle allowed and began to size up the woman's wounds. It didn't take long to realize one gash on her arm was causing most of the trouble. There had to be something unusual about the wound though, or it wouldn't have knocked the hardy Sybill out cold.

In the distance towards the Tower she spotted Amy limping with Ken on one and Lianne on the other side. Munching on a piece of bread she'd snatched from the kitchen, she tried to catch up with them before the Tower veil. Her wounds would be tended for later. What difference did some more scars make on a body like that, anyway? She'd take a bath in the hot spring. Closer to the sea it contained enough minerals to heal her cuts and bruises.

"Ah good. As soon as it is done make sure the injured are offered some. Sybill is resting quietly but I do not know about the others. And it appears that it may take a while until we find out what happened." Becca said hoping her impatience was not to obvious. Even though Jaelle had said the house was not in danger she was still very concerned about what had happened. "I'll be in the stables checking on the gear for Glenna's and my journey should anyone need me."

"We just decided it a few hours ago. While we were in town Glenna sprained her ankle and is gonna need some help with the woolies. I'll go with her as far as Serrias where she should be able to hire someone to help her the rest of the way." Becca responded convienently not mentioning how Glenna sprained her ankle. Becca rushed away before either of the girls remembered that they were supposed to tell Becca about Amalie's oath. Lyssa and Amalie continued to work on the soup

Once in the barn Becca mentally reviewed what the list of what was needed. Sorcha and K'Tara each had two trunks with clothes and personal items. K'tara had requested the twins bed and her favorite rocking chair. Sorcha loaded her spinning wheel, and the ten fleeces she had planned to spin over the winter months. She also wanted her five baskets of spinning supplies and dried dye plants, her three trunks of spun yarn that would be used to start their new business with and if possible her much prized 20 gallon cast iron kettle she used for dying. Additionally two separate sets of trail gear would be needed since Becca only intended to go as far as Serrais and would need the supplies for her return trip. Trail food for themselves and grain for the animals to supplement the grazing would also be needed. The food and grain could be resupplied in Serrais or Carthon.

Becca hoped it would all fit on her small wagon. In the morning she or Glenna would go to the livery and arrange for two draft horses. Becca decided on an impulse to let the new guildhouse keep the wagon. It would be easier then making arraignments for its return in the spring. Besides, she thought to herself *with ALL the money I made last season from my terran customers I had planned on buying a new wagon in the spring any ways.*

She then gathered up all the trail gear, harnesses, tarps and feed bags and made sure they were all in good condition and didn't need any last minute repairs. The wagon would be full of gear but she knew the road was well traveled and in good repair. The wagon itself could be packed tomorrow and they could be on their way the next day and with the Lady's blessings Glenna could arrive at Storn Village before the winter storms set in.

She then turned to Glenna and said, " I checked on the gear and wagon and everything is in good condition. We should be able to leave soon." Becca paused hoping the Glenna would not be angry and accuse her of trying to take charge of the trip as she had done during their earlier fight. "I didn't think you would mind since you were helping with the injured and need to rest your ankle. However, we probable should spend some time with the sheep tomorrow morning so they will get used to us."

When they were alone, Sybill smiles wryly at Ginnie. "Look at us two invalids, breda! My arm is hanging limp and useless and it looks all green, and you prop your ankle up at my bed and it doesn't look any better" she smiled. "But, hey, whatever the stinking mass is you smeared on my wound, it sure stopped throbbing and festering."

"Oh, I am. And you need not baby sit on me, I asure you. I will go back to sleep and if you leave that... that... whatever poison you've mixed there with me, I promise I'll apply it again when I wake up." She raised her healthy arm before ginnie could protest. "No! There are enough people who'll pop their head in so I can ask for help if I need any. Really! You go and do what you can for your trip!"

The next morning Lyssa woke up when she heard someone walking through the hall. She peeked out in the hall just in time to see Becca turn down the stairs. Lyssa quickly brushed her hair, got dressed and sprinted down the stairs to the kitchen. She entered the kitchen and found it empty. "Becca must've already left," she muttered. "She probably gone to check on her precious sheep." She considered eating breakfast, but decided she wasn't too hungry just yet. Besides, if she wanted to catch Becca, she probably needed to hurry. "You're not ditching me that easy, Becca," she muttered as she ran out the door.

"I thought we could take the sheep to the East pasture. I've helped Sorcha move them a couple of times and they seemed very easy to lead." *Hopefully, they will cooperate with us today* she thought to herself. "Glenna, I know the two of us have not had much time to discuss trip but have you given any thought as to how best to organize things?" Becca asked choosing her words very carefully. " I hope you do not mind that I did an initial gear check yesterday. I know this is your trip and I am just trying to help out because of your ankle.

With the shepherding, everything went smooth for the first seeral hundred feet until the wagon turned away from their usually pasture. Becca watched as the wagon changed directions and the 15 sheep continued to head to the west field. Spurring her horse on to cut off the woollies she muttered "stupid animals". As she drew nearer to the lead sheep her horse startled one of the yearlings and it raced off with the other sheep following at its heels.

Glenna hadn't noticed the sheep were no longer behind her at first and continued to drive onward. "Sad I wander by the water..." she sang as she drove. It was a wonderfully cool yet clear day to be outside. Then she noticed the sheep running from Becca--a long way from where she'd figured they were following along. She gave the horses a sharp command and turned the wagon around, trying to corner the running sheep between Becca's horse and the wagon's horses. She thought she saw confusion on one of the sheep's woolly little face.

Becca was chasing and cursing the woolies when she heard Lyssa call out. *Damn arrogant Terranan* she thought to herself as she continued to chase the sheep from atop her horse. Each time Lighting tried to get close to the sheep, they bolted in a new direction. Becca angry at the whole situation continued to try to head of the sheep until she felt lightning stumble but quicky recover her footing. Becca slowed her horse to a walk unwilling to risk an injury over a bunch of frightened sheep.

Becca seeing that the sheep had settled down again dismounted and checked lightnings' leg. Gratefully it was not hurt when the horse stumbled. She then led the horse to the wagon what was approaching her. Raising her voice so it would be heard but not loud enough to scare the sheep her yelled, "Lyssa get over here....NOW!!!!"

The sheep remained between the wagon and Becca and Lyssa and were lead to the far pasture without any additional problems. By the time they reached the field Becca's anger was spent. She went up to Lyssa and said "Forgive me,... I should not have snapped at you. We've all be under a lot of strain the last few days and I am worried about Glenna's trip into the Hellers at this time of the year. But I should not have taken it out on you" Becca smiled and jokingly added "even if you were being a pest.

But seriously, Lyssa what I said about you coming...." Becca paused to look at Glenna for approval then continued "if you want to go as far as Carthon, I think it can be arraigned without violating your housebound time....That is as long as you are willing to do as you are told and keep to yourself should we meet any other travelers on the road. Although I should warn you the trip will be much harder then the one we made from Thendara.

"Seriously?" Lyssa asked in disbelief. "Of course I want to come!!! Who in their right mind would _want_ to stay cooped up in a house with tons of people they don't really know?" Then Lyssa added in a teasing voice, "And I'll be a sweet little angel, just like I always am." At Becca's warning look, she added sincerely, "I really do promise I won't make any trouble. Honestly."

After meeting with Jaelle about the events of the last few days the Guildmother agreed that Lyssa could spend the next two tendays helping Glenna and Becca with the sheep. Once Glenna could get ditional help at Serrias or Carthon Becca intended to return to the house and resume her duties helping Sybill with the arms training and Lyssa would once again be housebound.

Becca had expected Jaelle to object to Lyssa leaving the house and had come up with several justifications why the new renunciate should accompany her. So far Lyssa had not expressed any great interest in learning a trade, her needlework skills were dismal although she could help in the kitchen. When they had traveled to Dalerueth Lyssa seemed to enjoy the trip and her time on the trail. Despite her discomfort of not riding before, she learned quickly and did not complain of the long hours in the saddle. Becca knew those were all good reasons but luckily she did not have to use any of them in her justification in taking Lyssa. Nor did she have to reveal her unspoken reason for wanting Lyssa on the journey. She was still slightly angry with Lyssa's disrespectful comments about her sheep handling skills and thought if she insisted that the girl accompany her help with the sheep it might change her impertinent attitude.

Amalie woke up as the sun shone into her room. Unsure of the house routine, she descided to stay in bed for a bit. Soon she heard footsteps in the hall. Then another set, and another. She got up, dressed, and headed for the kitchen. When she got there is was empty. She saw the remains of a breakfast spread on the table, and found what else she needed from hte cupboards she had explored the day before. As she finished breakfast and slipped out the door to look around the stables and yard, she could hear the rest of the house waking.

In a little while, Amalie noticed three women coming down the road on horses, with a wagon. She recognised one as Lyssa, and as they got closer, the others as Becca and Glenna, who she had met briefly yesterday. She heard a noise from the dorrway behind her, and turned around. There was a woman that she hadn't yet seen in the doorway. She looked like one of the elder renunciates, so Amalie descided to introduce herself. She

"Sure thing!" Lyssa replied enthusiastically. Lyssa left the stable and ran over the Guildhouse. She found Amalie quickly near the entrance talking to an older renunciate. Lyssa thought she recognized her as Jaelle n'ha Gilla, who'd been off on the rescue mission. She walked over to them and said, "I don't mean to interrupt, but Amalie, Becca wants to talk to you, she's in Sorcha's room, I'll take you there." Then she looked at the older renunciate. Lyssa figured that Becca probably wanted to talk to the Guildmother about her leaving for Storn, and about everything else that had happened. "And I think she wants to talk to you, also." Lyssa added tentatively, hoping that this renunciate was indeed Jaelle.

Finally she had everything ready except for the dye supplies which were stored in one of the outbuildings. Getting ready to go to the outbuilding she looked again at the pile and sighed at the amount of things Sorcha needed. She was glad K'Tara had a much smaller and lighter list of things she needed. All that wieght in the wagon would only slow the journey down and speed was important because the cold weather would soon set in.