Chapters (23)

Jenny realized that they could have done this anytime, but wanted to give the girls some experience on the ground, and with the spectacles, first. And perhaps they wanted to let the group get comfortable with itself, before risking such a maneuver. She was learning a lot about centaurs, already.

Chapter 15. Electra's Election

Electra watched the centaurs go. Gwendolyn Goblin was riding Cheiron and Jenny Elf was riding Chex, with little Che prancing along between them. Their family of three had become a family of five, and they all looked happy, and Electra was glad. She knew the centaurs would take excellent care of the girls; in fact, not only would they be happy and healthy, they would receive the best education available in Xanth.

And the siege of Goblin Mountain was over, before lives had been lost. Goblins were not Electra's favorite creatures, but she had come to respect long-haired Godiva. If a woman were to become a goblin chief, the goblins would become much better neighbors!

The winged monsters were departing. Some were evidently disappointed that they had not gotten to use their horrible weapons, but most seemed glad to be away from here before the arrival of the land dragons. That left Godiva and Nada and Nada's handsome brother, Naldo, and Dolph. Nada and her brother were talking, renewing their family ties, and Dolph was seeing the monsters off.

Electra approached the gobliness. "I guess it's hard to lose your daughter, even if it's for the best," she said.

"I would have lost her in a worse way, if this had not happened," Godiva said, but she did look sad. "At least they will be visiting." She shrugged. "But I don't see this type of solution for you, Electra. What will you do, this week?"

"What can I do? Che could be a companion to both girls, but Dolph can marry only one. Maybe if I looked like Nada—"

"You girls helped save Che Centaur, and that helped save my daughter," Godiva said. "Let me see what I can do for you."

"Unless your wand could make me beautiful—"

"Stop it, girl. Beauty is not the problem. It's just an aspect of it." She inspected Electra shrewdly. "You don't have a family here, do you."

"No. My family is centuries gone. But King Dor and Queen Irene have been very good to me."

"They have a conflict of interest. They have to look to the welfare of their son. I have no such conflict. Come into the mountain with me."

"But—"

Godiva smiled. "Not to stay, Electra. I want to try some dresses on you."

"Dresses? But—"

"My daughter is gone. I have to fuss over someone."

"Oh." Electra could appreciate that.

Godiva glanced to where the two naga were talking. "Naldo, may I have a moment with you before you go?"

"Of course, lady." Both naga slithered over.