Some folks say she didn't resist and at the trial they brought in a couple of other students. You know it got real messy before they sent the coach aw...y. Old Amos, he ain't never forgive those that said harsh words agin his Betty." I don't reckon I would either." It was the truth and I knew it. It it had been my step brat, there would have been a line of boys waiting to testify. She had outgrown it thank god, but there was a time that even I would have doubted her story."Okay writer, I heard. Oland and his father sat and talked for several hours, after sending Beatra home. Berandal had a hard time believing his son's story, until Roland pulled out the gems. There was more than Roland first saw in the pouch, when they were all dumped out on the table.Along with the emeralds and diamonds, there were rubies and sapphires. There was also a very heavy ring, that was the last piece out. the voice in Roland's head gloated."Power ring?" Roland asked out loud, startled.Berandal looked at his. "Your laws can be so confusing sometimes," she said as I rummaged through the refrigerator, while Prissy was stirring something on the stove. It smelled like spaghetti sauce."I know. But don't let it get to you. Your mom's right. Everything we've done has been legal and above-board. We shouldn't have any problems," I told her."It's not the legal problems that worry me. It just seems that a lot of Americans seem to be so intolerant of other countries' ways and traditions," Ileana. ‘Did you eat?’ I asked. She waived a thin hand at me impatiently. ‘I eat more than I need. I am too fat already. Drink this.’ She thrust another gourd containing tea into my hands. ‘It will soothe your souls.’ I drank the cooling tea quickly. It was an unsweetened herbal brew, and it was bitter, but I did as I was told. Women have their place. And it was superior to mine in most respects, as undoubtedly the Creator intended it to be. ‘Now into the bed, Husband. We will sleep until the cold.