They went to Gwenny's chambers, Godiva's firm hand making it easy for Jenny. Godiva opened the door, moved them in, and closed it behind them. "Here are Che and Gwendolyn, and your cat seems to be settling down on a cushion," she said.

Jenny appreciated that, because the room was just a blur with vague shapes; she couldn't recognize any of them.

"Jenny—where are your specs?" Che's voice came.

"I ran into Gobble," Jenny said.

"That explains it!" Gwenny's voice came. "I didn't see they were missing, until Che commented, but I know what Gobble is like. Now Che will have to help you too."

"I shall be glad to," Che said.

"Give him your message, dear," Godiva murmured to Jenny.

"Che, Chex says Gwenny can come to your home with you," Jenny said. "So you can be home, and still be her companion."

"Oooo!" Gwendolyn exclaimed, delighted.

"Why that is very nice, Jenny," Che said. "It does seem to solve our problem nicely, if the Lady Godiva is amenable."

"I have agreed to allow this," Godiva said. "With the understanding that the same strictures apply to your family, Che."

"Oh, my sire and dam would not betray a confidence,"

Che said. "But do you wish to do this, Gwenny?"

"With you, yes," Gwendolyn said. "I would be afraid otherwise, but already you are helping me to see, and if your folks are like you—"

"They would not have extended the offer, were they not prepared to meet the attendant commitments," he said. "They will treat you well and prevent your private situation from being known. I assure you that you can trust them in this regard as you do me. They are centaurs."

Gwendolyn must have looked at her mother, for Godiva spoke. "This is true, dear. You will be secure with them."

"But you, mother—won't you be lonely?" Gwendolyn asked.

"Yes, dear, I will. But I would be more lonely if anything were to happen to you. I think you will be safer with the centaurs than you will be here, until you are of age and experience to handle the magic wand. Perhaps you will visit regularly, with Che."

"Oh, yes, mother, of course we'll visit!" Gwendolyn said. "Just the way Che would have visited his folks. Oh, this is wonderful! I must pack some dresses."

"I don't think there is time," Jenny said. "We have to be back at the surface within an hour or the attack will begin again."

"I will bring your dresses out later," Godiva said. "Once you emerge, the siege will stop, and it will be easy to complete arrangements."

"Oh, good. Then we can go now."

"Give your other message, Jenny," Godiva murmured.

"Oh, I forgot! Che, your dam says to remember the Night Stallion's creed."

There was a pause. Then Che spoke, subdued. "I shall do that. That aspect had not occurred to me."

"What does it mean?" Gwendolyn asked.