My Name is Astra

The chief said, "I saw a vision just now. I saw her as a girl, and then a young woman, and then some sort of change took place, Viani. She is from a big fancy place with many horses and houses. Aqualaria, maybe? You have been there."

Viani said, "Radagaisic, let me try." Radagaisic stepped back. Viani motioned to a group of four horsemen. Two fell in formation to her right, and two to her left. She then approached Astra.

"The form of a beautiful young woman is a very pursuasive one for young men - and even older ones. A devious one would use such a form to get men to believe what they would not, or to do things that they would not. If you are who you say you are, let us join hands, and I will see if you are indeed truthful."

Astra looked at the horses. With the rider, they probably weighed nearly as much as she did. They might hurt her if they charged, although she thought that whatever stone she was made from would win out over flesh. She walked forward in measured steps, and held out her right hand, as if to shake hands with Viani. The riders stared at Astra. Viani walked slowly as well, with a blank stare on her face. Astra caught just a hint of Viani trying to swallow, and the muscles of her throat tightened.

Astra smiled wanly, her pale form matching her feelings as she tried to win the woman's trust. She did not know how to do this. She would try to tell her story, as honestly as could. Viani grasped her wrist as if feeling for her pulse, and raised her eyebrows. She regained her composure, though, and then said, "Do you have a name?"

Viani closed her eyes and bowed her head, and Astra mirrored this. Could Viani even read? She remembered, that during the winter solstice there was a formal celebration, and as a princess she had a chair reserved for her. In the upper slat of the chair on which she sat was a mosaic with her name on it. Astra saw five white letters on a red background.

Viani spoke to both Astra and the Dunchovian host.

"Yes, I am seeing a vision. I see a great camp, with stone houses. The days are cold. There is a line of thrones.

1. The one that she wants to show me clearly has a name on it in red and white - Astra. Is that your name?"
2. She is showing me some tiles on one of them. Does this have someting to do with your name?"

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