"No, she has gone."
        In a way it was a relief. I don't know that I could have faced her then. She was sure to pin me mercilessly, rail at me, denounce me. She would remain outraged because I had acted without 1st consulting her. She was right but I could not have endured what I had had to do to Prescott, what was against the heart source of our culture and far more, against all I was as rider, I could not have done that if I had had to do battle with Vettra 1st. She was tenacious, unforgiving, shrewd, adamant. She would have worn me down.
        "Did she accept it?"

        Gallett finished her soup and placed her cup beside mine. "She was upset. She made considerable noise about being ignored, unconsulted, in something crucial to Prescott's life when she is 1 of her givers and, she stressed, the prime giver. But that's Vettra, you know that well, mage, how she is the most vehement when she is the most upset with herself. She is hurt because this reminds her of her failure to effect a solution which would have been easier for Prescott and far easier for you. She yells at you and picks at you because she does love you so, rider. You know that, don't you? As you have ever been special to her, so are you still."
        I nodded. I did know it.
        "She wishes she could have saved you and Prescott this situation. And she feels guilty."

        "She will." Gallett was undisturbed.
        I knew what that meant. Vettra had stormed out and she would be a very storm in her person lashing her tongue and her ams, striding about. Eventually she might look upon me without being tempted to spit.