To say that Hymneth was enjoying the effect the Visioness’s actions had on his visitors was to understate the delight he hardly showed. “As I told you, something of a transformation has taken place here in Ehl-Larimar.” Without taking his eyes from the stunned intruders, he murmured encouragingly to the woman standing by his side. “Tell them—my dear.”
As it had been in the vision, her voice was molten gold, each syllable a chord in an infinite celestial cantata. “I am sorry if you have gone to much trouble. It is true that when I was abducted by Hymneth I was overflowing with hatred for him and all that he might stand for. Brave men and women died on my behalf, trying to liberate me. For that I am now and forever will be sorry. At the time and for many months thereafter I grieved for them even as I hoped another might come who would deliver me.
“Imprisoned here, a ‘guest’ who was not permitted to leave, I was well treated. I kept my own counsel, and nursed my anger and loathing, until eventually it became a thing separate and apart from me. Once that happened, I was able to stand back from it and consider more dispassionately my surroundings. Only then was I able to bring myself even to speak civilly with my captor. Only then did I come to appreciate his profound qualities.”
“Profound qual—” Simna whirled on Ehomba. “Bruther, why don’t you say something? Are you hearing this?”
Glancing down, the herdsman nodded. “I am hearing it, friend Simna.”
Drawing herself up to her full height, the Visioness declaimed clearly. “I have chosen to remain here of my own free will. As his amenable consort, Hymneth has offered me the co-regency of Ehl-Larimar. I have accepted. I regret any personal inconvenience this may have caused you, but you may console yourselves with the knowledge that you are free to remain or depart, as you see fit. You will not be harmed.”