The stillness in the room was as though we had been jolted outside of time. Nothing moved; nothing, not even the eyes locked onto me. There was no sound; I could not even hear my breath. Water in a goblet near to me was silver laced ivory in the light and then it quivered once as Prescott pushed away from the table.  
          She slipped around it and in 3 strides neared me. She intended to strike me. Her fists were white-knuckled and she gathered her strength in her shoulders and thighs. I stepped quickly forward and slapped her hard across the face.    
           
     

The sound rang in the stillness. It echoed sharply from the walls.
          Vettra was on her feet, leaning on her arms over the table. Her eyes glittered with her formidable anger. Only her shock held her silent and at her seat. The children were stunned. I doubted they had ever seen another struck as I had struck Prescott.
        She was quickly on her feet again but squatting, shaking her head to clear it.		  
"Come here to me. Stand before me with the respect you owe to me."
        She sprang up, lashing out, and I struck her again. She dropped to the floor unconscious.		  
  "No...." It was Gallett's voice, soft but not, I knew, directed toward me. She alone of all of these would know that I would guard my blow and guide it to cause no lasting damage to Prescott. I pivoted seeking Gallett who stood behind me and met Vettra's rush.