“Then the responsibility is mine for I have not been forbidden. Were you in the city when all this happened?”

“No.”

“I will need to know more of what occurred before I dare mention it to the Eistaa. Who will talk to me about it?”

“Talk to Ostuku. Behind the fat is a Yilanè of intelligence. She will aid you.”

They parted in friendship, leaving Vaintè with much to think about. She knew better than to hurry a matter as delicate as this one. By putting it from her mind completely she let none of her new knowledge color any of her speaking. But she was aware of Ostuku’s movements and one morning saw her opportunity. The Eistaa had been speaking to her advisers. After the conference Ostuku waddled from the ambesed. Vaintè left at the same time and was her friendliest.

“Ostuku closest to Saagakel. May I walk with you—or are you embarked on matters of great urgency?”

“Matters of importance but not urgency.”

“Then request of wisdom from one of greatest wisdom. With privacy of conversation.”

Ostuku considered this closely before she spoke. “The pleasure will be mine. There exists a garden grove of sunshine and shade where I take much comfort.”

“Gratitude magnified multifold.”

They strolled in silence to the grove which was indeed as Ostuku had said. Sunwarmed, ornately carved boards were there for sitting or reclining. Green grass and flowers surrounded the trunks of tall trees. They sought cool comfort in the shadows for the sun was getting high. When they were seated Vaintè went right to the point.

“I am in need of advice. I spoke to Fafnepto of my need and she said that your counsel was the wisest in the city—after the Eistaa’s of course. It is a matter of great delicacy. I understand that all have been forbidden to speak of it with the Eistaa in hearing. I have special knowledge I wish to report. May I talk to you?”

Ostuku had been listening in silence until this moment. She looked briefly around the empty grove, then back to Vaintè.

“Does it concern the Daughters of Life?”

“It does.”

Ostuku signed great worry, great distaste. “The Eistaa will not have them spoken of in her presence. But you and I may talk of them—if you assure me it is of the greatest importance.”

“It is. Fafnepto has information about them she wishes Saagakel to know. Since she has also been forbidden to talk of this matter I will speak for her. But there are some things I must know of first that will clarify what I must say. Will you help?”

“For the sake of the Eistaa I will help. It was a matter of greatest anger for us all.”

“I know that one named Ambalasei aided the escape of the prisoners that you had here. In an uruketo.”