The Golden Hind

Viani understood enough to announce, "Astra wants to go back home, amongst her kin in Aqualaria. We will retire, and discuss this amongst ourselves."

Viani, Radagaisic, and three people mounted on horses moved away from Astra to discuss what to do. The rest of the tribe surrounded Astra, who waited to find out the results of their conference. During the long wait, she had some time to think. If the Dunchovians were fearful and attacked, then she might have to hurt them, against her will. She thought that in that case all she needed to do was to keep her balance and avoid being trampled.

Now if the Dunchovians were inclined to help in some way, what could they do? They could not speed her journey, as she was too heavy to ride one of their horses. However, there was one thing that Astra did want. Even though she was confident that she was going in the right direction, she did not know how far it was to Aqualaria, and did not yet know the way. Having a guide who could assure her that she was on the right path would make the journey seem shorter. For was it not true that a chase across an unknown country seemed much longer, and much more difficult, than that a chase across an identical distance through a familiar country, even if the terrain were more difficult? In the unknown country, when a woman became winded, or felt a pain, the temptation to rest or quit was much greater than when she was in her own homeland, where the hills and the patches of easy ground were known. Just one guide to Aqualaria would be a great help to her.

After a time, Radagaisic spoke. "Astra, we, the Great Marconian family of the Dunchovians, have talked about this. You are a wonder and a miracle. Now, not all miracles are nice. We feared that if you wanted to hurt us, you may have been sent to us a means to draw the anger of the Aqualarians. They might blame us for turning you to stone, and hold us to account. However, after talking with Viani the shaman, and Ravagestra her servant, we understand that your presence here is certainly a good sign for us. We will help you as a fellow creature lost on the plains."

He continued, "In return, we ask for your help and prayer for us in our quest. We have been chasing a famous beast - the Golden Hind of the Plains. Viani is our shaman, and our fate during her time has already been ordained. But when Viani passes on - and may that not be for many more years - Ravagestra will be in charge of her burial, and then become the new shaman. At that time, the details on the coat that she wears at her initiation will ordain the fate during her time with the tribe as the shaman. And it is known that a coat of gold- coloured hair is a very great omen. It signifies a time of mild winter, little sickness, and abundant antelope. There will be a golden age."

Astra's mouth hung open a little, and Radagaisic continued, "The mere fact that you are here brings us closer to the Golden Hind. It is a great omen. If there is anything that you do or say that will give us more direct help, we will gratefully accept it."

Astra did her best with this unusual request. It was impossible to convey that she would help if she could, so she just nodded, and imagined a busy group of Dunchovians field dressing a large antelope with a golden fleece. The Dunchovians seemed to be happy with this vision, and considered it further evidence of future good luck.

Radagaisic continued, and said, "We said that we will help as much as we can. We have concluded that it is best if we

1. give you the best directions that we can, and wish you good luck."
2. send Ravagestra and her husband with you. Ravagestra needs to see what Aqualaria is like in any case, and this is as good a time as any."
3. send Viani with you. She has actually been to Themyscira itself, as a young girl."
4. go with you to the border in full force. We would protect you from any danger, and maybe gain the most good luck."
5. go with you to the Dragon's Valley, and free your companions from the bad place where the dragon's servants are. Viani says that is why you were going to Aqualaria."

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