The man struggled against the rope that pinned his arms to his sides. The woman stood wary and alert in her bonds, dark eyes flashing.

“He has coins, Noble Lady!” cried one from the village. “And fine clothes! We followed and captured! We demand bounty!”

“You demand?” The tube had one target now and the blue eyes held only madness. The one who had spoken sparked fear and flung himself belly down on the dirt.

“Forgive me, Noble Lady. I spoke hastily.”

“Count your wretched life as bounty.” The tube averted its stare with reluctance. “And the rest of you! I’ll decide your bounty—if any! Go! Now."

They abased themselves and went, Arto following. Kat came and stood behind the captives, grinning.

“Coins?” wondered Lady Drudae, eyeing them. “Fine clothing? And not so bad looking a woman, eh, Kat? We’ll give her to Arto, to atone for the one who wouldn’t have him.”

The man froze, horror pouring out of him. The woman’s head went up.

“I am well content with the man I have. We are travelers and sacred. In Her Name you must release us.”

Lady Drudae laughed. “Oh, well said! In Her name, release us. Oh, yes! Arto!”

MREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

A noise loud enough to stun the mind burst into the room: all save one were startled.

Now there was a rush of wind filling Moonhawk’s head as the room telescoped away, becoming tiny, tinier… This was the whole of the Power, as she’d tasted it but twice before: The Mother Herself was looking through Moonhawk’s eyes. Before the room was gone entirely from her human sight, she looked for Lute and saw him at the table, one hand on the magic bag, and one hand perhaps in it…

* * *

THE GODDESS DID pour Herself into the earthly form of Her daughter Moonhawk. Rising up, She snapped the puny bonds of hemp.

With a glance, She caused the ropes to fall from the two captives and cried out in a Voice like the Wind That Scattered The Stars: