Serious surgery wasn't something I'd bargained for, and it scared me silly.It turned out, when I checked days after the fact with Spook, that my worri...s had been needless. At one time in history, it seemed, C-sections had been almost invariably fatal to the mother, and the baby might not make it, either. These days, though, Spook said the literature showed they were no riskier than natural birth. Even the incision didn't incapacitate her any more than extended labor would have, maybe less, and. .. For the first time in a few weeks I was excited about something. Actually it had been the first time I felt any sort of emotion. I ran into the house, wondering where the hell, Wendy was. I checked the kitchen and found no sign of her. I decided I'd call her on my way to the airport if she didn't come in while I packed.I ran up the stairs to our bedroom. I guess the thick carpet on the stairs softened my footfalls. But then again it could have been the fact that they were really busy. The greater good is a slippery slope to evil. Luthien herself spoke those words, and was not subtle in her meaning. I apologies for this, Othoyme, but I can no longer be a subject of Astari. No longer am I a citizen of your kingdom, and today, when I smote Poazach, I did so for the Gods, and for the prevailing power of righteousness. My allegiances now lie with the Seyillien and the people of Astari, but not with you.’ Othoyme nodded as if it were inevitable. ‘Indeed, Tivanosa, Indeed. These. Then the redheadsuddenly reached a hand to her head and gasped. "My hair!" This?" Deirdre smiled evilly while holding out the sodden red mass thathad been on the others head earlier then threw it at Bridgette. "Here,you can have it back, it isn't my color, anyway."Bridgette stared at the soggy lump of hair that splatted at her feet,screamed in rage and launched herself at Deirdre again.The sergeant sighed. It was going to be a long day.By the time the two were separated that time, Deirdre was.