Her four companions immediately stepped forward and made the same pledge of loyalty and service. The rest of the women came forward more slowly, more warily, but they made the same pledge. While they did, Selena noticed the intense, whispered conversation between Gwynith, her companions, and some of the men who were with them.

When the last woman stepped aside, one man came forward. “Huntress…Lady Dianna is badly hurt and needs a healer to look at that arm as soon as it can be done.”

Dianna. So that was the name of the woman who had denied her right to be the Lady of the Moon after the power had already accepted her as such.

“It is your right to deny her access to any Clan territory where you are present, especially after…after she shamed her Clan by acting as she did.”

“Is there a healer in the Clan who is connected to this Old Place?” Selena asked.

“There is, Huntress.”

“Then take her there to get the care she needs.”

He bowed. “Thank you. She will not disturb you while she is there.” He hesitated, looking uncomfortable. “It is within your right to strip her of her gift. But, Lady, there is no witch in the Old Place that anchors our Clan’s piece of Tir Alainn. There hasn’t been since the Black Coats came and she was…lost. We don’t know why it is so, but Dianna’s gift can anchor the Old Place’s magic and hold our piece of Tir Alainn. Without her gift…”

They don’t know why it is so. Mother’s mercy. “I have no wish to harm your Clan. I will not take what your people need.”

“We are grateful for your mercy, Huntress.” He started to turn away, then turned back. “Tonight was the first time Dianna acknowledged that witches were the House of Gaian. Up until tonight, she has denied there was any connection.”

Selena stared at him, puzzled. “We have always been the House of Gaian. Why would she deny it?”

He gave her an odd look, started to say something, then changed his mind and hurried back to the other men kneeling beside Dianna, who was still on the ground.

She saw Gwynith approach her at the same time three men stepped up.

“We”—one of the men gestured to the other two—“are bards from different Clans. We are here as witnesses…and to send the news out to the rest of the Clans. May we ask, Lady Selena, what Clan you are from?”

“That can wait,” Gwynith said firmly. “The Lady is wet and tired and needs dry clothes and warm food. Your questions can wait until we’re back in Tir Alainn and she has been looked after properly.”