a part of the Sedash culture, where they tried to display their superiority over the one-sexed humans. Trephor, as the ruler, usually molested the first prisoner of his choice, so opening the week-long celebrations. Throughout the regular times of the month, violations took place regardless, since the Sedash had found great pleasure and entertainment in the inflicting of discomfort on their subordinates. The reports of their non-hostile ways were less than accurate. Gallant gentlemen as they were, self-taught in the presentation to those who are royal, they both went down upon one knee as they bowed to Mas Trephor. "Stand!" Trephor's voice cut like a blunt knife through old leather, and although it had an underlying female quality, its hoarseness made both Lloyd and Boyce assume that the voice was practised into being more masculine over the years. They rose and faced Trephor, still remaining quiet. "You are handsome men. We welcome you to our court of Sedara. We ask you stay and rest with us before you continue on your journey." Trephor stopped for a moment then leaned forward on one elbow, letting a portion of his wrinkled breast show through the lynx wrap that he wore. "Where are you two lovely men going?" "Gothal, your majesty! We are scholars from the Blaisaman at Besten, called to Gothal to teach the children there -- in the ways of alchemy and medicine." said Lloyd. Boyce stood there quietly not reacting to anything that Lloyd said. Lloyd continued. "And may I, also, modestly add that we are quite proficient in the arts and in literature." Dam Lehnar was seated to the left of Trephor, at all times, and she stared at Lloyd with a warm and affectionate eye. She was displaying attraction to him since the first time that she saw him. Now, with her believing that he was a scholar for the Bestenese Blaisaman, she was sure that she loved him. "We were to be allowed safe passage through your lovely city, Mas Trephor. There is an agreement between our two nations." Lloyd continued. "Yes, friends. There was an agreement but we were not told who was to pass through here, or where they were going. You may rest here for a day or two, if you care to, and you will be escorted to our southern perimeter." Trephor was being quite congenial. "Until then, anything that you desire you may receive at your request!" Boyce bowed his head slightly to Trephor never removing his eyes from the leader's face as he thanked him. Lloyd bowed also and Trephor gave them a dismissing nod. "Escort our friends to the state-room!" he commanded to the guard. When they exited the royal hall, Trephor called to another guard and whispered to him. "Do not let them out of the state-room. I want them here for the festival the day after tomorrow!" Dam Lehnar's comely face lost its radiant gleam when she realised that her father was truncating the agreement signed with Besten.