osed with a decisive
statement. The w'woman stepped aside, and Dana found herself
confronting the image of a stern-faced clan-chief.

He let her wait a few seconds, then spoke in Imperial English. "The
lady Arden tells me that your thakur has dismissed you and that you
require a clan-chief's aid to atone."

"Yes, Chief, to both." Dana turned her face so he could see the raw
spot on her cheek, and raised her cast-enclosed arms. "As you can
see."

"The lady Arden mentioned extenuating circumstances."

Dana hesitated, but she had spent so long trying to be Sandeman in all
but body that her response was more by reflex than by thought. "I
claim none, Alanna," she said formally. "Custom says none exist."

"True." Killian's expression became remote, almost frightening. "Very
well, I accept the responsibility of acting for the clan-chief you do
not have. Alanna warriors will be there as soon as I can contact ones
nearby, and they will bring you to our clanhome. You will be treated
as befits the oathbreaker your thakur's actions proclaim you; if you do
not understand what that means, ask the lady Arden. I will see you in
approximately six hours."

Six hours, Dana thought as Killian's image disappeared. That meant she
might live seven or eight, depending on how badly the beating had
weakened her.

"Do you understand?" Arden asked.

Dana turned to the w'woman, fear growing as her shock faded. "What's
in the text-tapes, yes. Not the details of the . . . execution."

"Those can vary; they depend on the clan-chief." Arden looked almost
sympathetic, Dana thought. "You know, then, that you will receive no
more pain medication, that no one will speak to you unnecessarily, and
that when your escort arrives you will be placed under restraint."

"Yes." The restraints were a formality, especially in her case--a sign
of condemnation, like the silent treatment--but the lack of medication
would have her uncomfortable, at least, even before the execution
began.

"Chief Killian has granted one concession, since you were hurt before
your thakur dismissed you. If you wish, I can give you a stimulant to
compensate for your injuries."

Dana thought about that offer briefly before she spoke. "Let me try to
stand and walk. I'll take the stimulant if I can't."

"Reasonable." Arden moved to help as Dana sat up and swung her legs
over the edge of the bed. That brought on a wave of dizziness, and
when she cautiously