Return to Eden

we turn our eyes from her and to Ugunenapsa as is only right. We turn our thoughts to the eighth principle. Daughters of Life, we bear the responsibility to help all others to know the Spirit of Life and the truth of the way of life. We must do as we have done in the past, go to the cities of the Yilanè and speak of the truths we know—"
    "And die the death you so richly deserve," Ambalasei broke in, her movements as cold as her words.
    "You called me the salvationer because I brought you from bondage and gave you a city where you could live without being killed for your beliefs. If you wish to reject this, then that is your choice. I ask only that Ninperedapsa, she who disrupts, formerly called Far<, be the first to go."
    Far< stood, slim and straight, and signed acceptance of all adversities. "I will do that." She turned to Elem with a motion of query. "Will you take me to the shores of a Yilanè city so I can speak there of Ugunenapsa's truths? Will you take me and those who believe as I do?"
    Elem hesitated, confused and uncertain, then turned to Enge and signed for guidance. Enge accepted the burden of responsibility as she always had.
    "This request cannot be ignored—nor can it be answered in an instant. Thought and consideration and consultation are required…"
    "Why?" Far< broke in, rudely. "We are all free, all equal. If you stop me from doing what must be done you are restoring the rule of the eistaa who orders all things. This is unacceptable…"
    "No!" Enge said loudly with signs of obedience and attention. "What is unacceptable is your coarseness of manner and degree of insult to she who made everything we now possess possible. We will give consideration to what you have said because it is of the gravest importance. But I order you into silence now for the manner of its presentation."
    "I will not be silenced, I will not be ordered. You have said you will consider this—then do so. I withdraw from your presence because that is my wish. But I will return to this place tomorrow at this time to hear your conclusions."
    Having said this Far< turned and left, followed by her acolytes. The silence that followed was filled with distaste and despair. Ambalasei spoke out quietly but with great intensity.
    "Had I been there I would have stepped upon that one when she was still in the egg."
    Enge signed weary unhappiness. "Ambalasei, do not speak so, for you stir a response within me that shames me greatly."
    "You wish her disposed of just as I do. Natural enough."
    "She spoke only the truth."
    "And brought night to us in the sunlight of the day," Satsat said. There were motions of agreement. "If she wishes to leave, perhaps to her death, is there reason to stop her?" The signs of agreement were stronger, perhaps even vehement.
    "That should not be done," Ambalasei said, to their astonishment. "I would be pleased beyond belief to see that one's crest vanishing in the distance—but it would be a deadly mistake. Think twice before you inform the world of Yilanè of this city's existence. What we have grown, they can take."
    "I understand your concern on our behalf," Enge said, "and thank you for it. But it was never our thought to hide from others. We are here and here we shall remain. We have nothing to fear. It is not the way of the Yilanè, the thought itself is unacceptable, to go to another city except in peace."
    "Under what might be termed normal circumstances I agree. But the Daughters of Life are a threat to the rule of any eistaa. Has your presence or your teaching been tolerated anywhere, by any eistaa? I see the answer in your limbs. Never. There are cities to the north that are now threatened by the increasing cold of winter. If one of these cities should learn of your presence here—would they not want to take this empty city for their own?"
    "But this city is not empty."
    "To an eistaa it is empty, for no eistaa rules here. Were I an eistaa who found this place I would consider it not as a possibility but as a necessity to bring rightful rule to disorganized chaos." Ambalasei raised her voice to be heard over the loud cries of disapproval. "I say this from the point of view of an eistaa and it is the truth as she would see it. So beware of this expedition of doubtful value. Instead of bringing back converts it may bring extinction. You have been warned."
    "And you have our gratitude, Ambalasei," Enge said. "But if Far< and her followers wish to leave they must be allowed to do so. We cannot