Once back at Lockwood, the unicorn knelt and allowed two elves to lift Alice from its back. They carried Alice to a bed set out beneath a flowering cherry tree. “She’ll love that,” Isa murmured. Besides her work at the nursery, Alice spent much of her time outdoors, running, hiking, climbing.

“Come,” Ysel broke in on Isa’s thoughts. “We will talk and wait for Alice to awake.”

Isa followed the goddess to the tree. As they sat an older woman in a white robe brought them tea. Ysel held the cup to her nose and inhaled. “You fought well, Isa. The high cleric, his spells would have felled a lesser woman. I would see your notebook.” She held out her hand.

Isa’s hand was on her bag before she caught herself. “I don’t - I mean, that’s personal. Why do you want to see it?”

“I don’t need your notebook. That was me being polite. Unlike what you’re doing, which is being rude.”

“Me rude?” Isa sat forward on her chair. “You pull me here, accidentally let my girlfriend get taken, tell me a bunch of mumbo-jumbo - which I am not sure I believe, by the way. And now you want to look at my personal notebook?”

“Yes. I was…. impulsive before. Before I bestowed my gifts, I should have checked your abilities. Being a cleric means being wise.” She sipped her tea and held out her hand once more.

With a sigh Isa pulled out her notebook. “I’m plenty wise. But I’d be fine if you take away those so-called gifts.” She handed her notebook to Ysel. “I haven’t even had time to look at it since I’ve been back, but please help yourself.”

Wordlessly Ysel took the notebook and leafed through it. She lingered, sipping her tea, and slowly turning pages.

Finally Isa couldn’t take the suspense. “Well,” she said, “what do you think? Am I wise enough for you?”

“I thought you said you didn’t care. I could take back my ‘so-called’ gifts. Isn’t that what you said?” Ysel arched an eyebrow.

“Wisdom is highly valued in my world; I want to measure up.”

“Is that true?” Ysel looked into Isa’s eyes.

“No. I don’t know. It should be.”

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Ysel smiled. “I perceive that each of those answers is the truth.” She handed back the notebook. “I want to make sure that you can understand, and, with your adequate wisdom, you should be able to understand why we must protect Varana from your world.”

“Adequate? Adequate?” Isa opened her notebook. “You have got to work on your bedside manner.”

Just then Fara walked up. She looked horrified at Isa’s words. “My Lady, do you require vengeance for this insolence?”

“No, no. This is a…. spirited exchange. No harm done. You have brought the rewards of our conquest!”

Fara took off her bow and laid it aside. Then she knelt and unwrapped a large bundle. She set aside a small chest and laid out several rings, a necklace, several small bags, 3 sets of clothes, 2 daggers, and a quarterstaff. “These are for Isa and Alice,” said Fara.

“You were really handy with that bow,” Isa said. “I saw more than one flaming arrow hit that cleric guy. And the way you took out that lookout. It was impressive.” She pointed at the bow. “May I? I haven’t held one of these in - I don’t know 10 years?”

Fara cut her eyes to Ysel, who nodded. “Any gifts that I have,” said Fara, “come from the Lady. It is for Her to say, and She says yes.”

“You have some skill with a bow?” Ysel asked.

“I used to,” said Isa as she picked up the bow and pulled on the string. Immediately she laughed. “It’s been a very long time. How do you even draw this?”

Ysel said, “I leave you to review these things. You will want them on the journey. These and perhaps…. Yes.” With that she turned to leave.

“What about Alice?” Isa asked. “You were going to be here when she woke up.”

“She’s fine. I explained everything already.” Ysel strode away.

“But….” Isa looked at Ysel’s receding form. “Alice is still asleep….”

Fara held out her hand for Isa to return her bow. “She is a goddess.” She jogged after Ysel.

“She really is, isn’t she?”

Isa jumped to hear Alice’s voice. “Alice! Hey, you’re awake. It’s OK - you’re safe here.” Isa ran her hands through her hair. “I don’t even know where to begin. This place--”

“She explained it - Ysel did. Sort of.” Alice closed her eyes. “There’s a lot I don’t understand, but I know about the rift; I know it needs to be healed, and that it’s your job to do it.” Alice looked at Isa. “I wish you’d told me. I would have helped.” She gave a small laugh. “I might not have gotten into such trouble, huh?”

“I didn’t know!” Isa knelt beside Alice’s bed. “I just found out.”

“But you’ve been here before. I can’t believe I didn’t sense something.”

“That doesn’t matter. We’re safe, and I’m going to get you home. Right away.” Isa glanced over her shoulder trying to see where Ysel had gone. With everything that had happened, Isa hadn’t thought to ask about getting Alice home.

“I’m not going anywhere.” Alice sat up and took Isa’s hand. “Now that I understand, and until that rift is repaired, I’m staying with you.”