Fight for Freedom

Han nodded, "Yes, and they can be unpredictable. They only want a man around when one of the younger women needs to have a child. There are always three of them, when one is close to death, one of the youngest will get pregnant. When the child is born, the oldest of the women dies."

Ann was finding all this fascinating. Why would three be an important number? She asked Han this.

"I believe three is the maximum that is allowed for their natural talent. That talent is controlling sound. They use their voices to produce sounds to protect themselves. I have heard that together, they could shatter rocks."

Ann was amazed, "They must be a force to be reckoned with?"

Han nodded, "I know what you thinking. The Draken’s and the women tend to stay away from each other."

Ann frowned, "Why. Do the women think the same way as the royals?"

Han shook his head, "No. Infact when I was little my father told me of a conflict between the women and one of the royals. I think the king at that time felt one of these women would make good breeding stock. He was killed in the conflict, and since then the two families of stayed away from each other."

Ann continued eating her food thinking about what Han had told her. Presently she asked Han "Why are you so concerned about me meeting them?"

Han laughed, "I can’t hide anything from you can I?"

"If they do decide to help you there could be consequences."

Ann’s gave him a confused look. He continued, "They might open doors for you Ann, that you can’t close."

Ann nodded she understood, he was trying to warn her. Sitting back she closed her eyes, she was too tired to think about any dangers she might face now. "Lets just see what tomorrow brings."

Han nodded, and started to spread out the blankets they had brought. "Best get some sleep," said Han.

Ann agreed and they both settled down for the night.

* * * * *

The next day was again sunny and warm. Ann was finding the warm spring weather invigorating. She also noticed that Han had more colour in his face too. She was relieved to see he did not look so stressed.

"The course into the valley is over that hill," Han indicated. Taking the lead, he led Ann up the hill. At the top, they saw a magnificent view of the valley below. Mountains surrounded the valley, with trees lining the edge at the bottom. Ann noticed that the mountains continued for miles behind them, she could just about see the peaks in the light clouds above.

In the valley, she could see fields carpeted with colour. It looked very beautiful. She appreciated why the women wanted privacy when they lived in such a scenic place.

Han continued onto a rough path. Ann noticed it looked overgrown, indicating lack of use.

An hour later they had reach the valley floor. Han stopped and turned to Ann, "We should be able to find some wild fruits down here, this valley is self sustaining for the women."

They started search around the wooded area, to her surprise, Ann came across some apple trees. Calling to Han, they picked a few and after that found some berries. Ann was relieved, as she had started to feel light headed with the lack of food.

"Do you not find it strange that there are fruit growing this early in the season" said Ann.

Han nodded, "I feel there is magic working in this valley. It is probably the women’s work."