Chapter 60

Succession advanced…

Francos called Megal and Sarita as they entered the patio. “If any men of Refugio still believe that all our women are brain damaged, they are deaf and blind.” He lay back on his cushion and laughed. He had rebelled at spending most of his time in bed.

Megal had been wheeled out to the open air by Sarita. “Papi, what has happened?” She quickly found a cushion. The walk from their room was exhausting.

“When word got out about the study by the Poh of the Keepers of the Blood,” Francos said, “Marta and several other senior wives organized a protest to get the men’s attention. Marta told me they decided it had to be very public because of how the men reacted earlier. Their grandmothers devised the idea that going into a trance would protect the woman’s brain from damage, and the men refused to accept it. That is why they have perpetuated that lie for all these years.”

Francos looked happier than Megal had ever seen him. “They have gathered at the air car hanger. The statement on the information network demands several things, all of them excellent and just what we need. I am so proud of these women. The Poh and I were still trying to figure out how to do this, and the women took the initiative. Sarita, can you bring the statement up on the reader, please?”

Sarita gasped when she read the notice. “They will not return to the family homes until the practice of the Keepers of the Blood is denounced by both the church and the Overlord. Also, they want women’s right to control their credits to be recognized, as well as custody of their children. You mean a woman here does not have the right to her children? How cruel!”

Francos tried to explain. “Remember, most men do not think an adult woman can make decisions, Sarita. They treat them like children, so all they are expected to do is care for the children.” He motioned her to a cushion nearer him, so he could view her reader. “This is the beginning of what I have long wanted — but to have it happen now… I only wish I had known how much Marta could have helped me, if I had only been willing to put aside my old ideas.” He shifted in the soft cushion and one of the staff healers came in to ask if he needed something. He waved the healer off and waited until he had left the room.

“Megal, Sarita, I must discuss something with you. Yesterday, Sera Rita and Sera Maria determined my arm will not get any better, and because of the damage from the venom, I will continue to tire easily. I need the two of you to be my public face of the office of Overlord.”

He held their gazes. “Megal, your training by Ser Bethal prepared you better than your uncles prepared your older brothers, and I will always thank him for what he did. You have shown me how you care about our people.

“Sarita, your insight will help you and Megal guide the changes. Your knowledge of how your own society is supposed to work will help. Are you willing to do this?”

Sarita looked at Megal. This was what they had talked of doing in the years ahead, of being the Overlord and First Wife. Megal sat back in the chair and smiled at her.

“Sooner than we expected, Sarita. But with Papi to guide us, are you willing?”

Sarita nodded. “There is a saying my foster father always used. ‘The longest journey begins with one step at a time.’ We will need your advice and guidance, Ser Francos. But will the Council accept this?” “They must. Alejandro Pesch had no desire to be Overlord — and with all the problems, I doubt any other family is willing. Thank you both. Now, I believe I need a nap.”