Disclaimer: I don't own the stuff that came from Tamora Pierce's head.

A/N: One of my reviewers expressed an interest in knowing what happens at Ozorne's trial and what his punishment is. Now, I didn't think that out because it doesn't fit inside my story so I'm asking anyone who wants to, to write a story about it. If you choose to, could you send me the title as I would like to read it, too. Thank-you.

Chapter 23 Choices

Daine sat down with the rest nervously. She was afraid of what her mother was about to tell her. It couldn't be good if her mother was asking her to sit down. "What do you need to tell me, Ma?"

Sarra sighed, "The great gods, in their infinite wisdom, have decided that you get two choices on how to proceed from this point. You can remain here as the Empress of Carthak…"

"Which I would love it if you would, girlie," the Graveyard Hag interrupted.

"Or," her mom continued, "You return with us to the Realm of the Gods to take your rightful place among your brethren."

Daine was shocked. Either way, she was given a position of power. She didn't notice that she wasn't given the option she truly wanted, to return to Tortall. Numair, however, did. "Wait, why didn't you mention her returning home with us? What if that's what she really wants to do?"

"The Great Gods have decided against the possibility of her returning there. They see too much pain in her future. Plus, they are unable to grant her any rewards when she is there," the Badger answered.

Everyone had looks of disbelief on their faces. They all gave evil looks to the only great god in the room. "Don't look at me like that," she crackled. "I was all for giving her that option and blessing her whenever we could. They wouldn't listen to me. I was, however, able to help her a bit."

"How?" asked Alanna, worried for her young friend who had yet to take this all in.

"Well, firstly, her precious animals, the wolves and Cloud, will be made immortal so that she'll never lose them. Secondly, she choose the goddess choice, she'll be allowed to take a consort with her." The Graveyard Hag said the last part while staring at Numair, who actually blushed and looked away.

"Why would she be allowed to do that?" asked Lindhall.

"She is to be made a great god, and the patron god of Tortall. They thought it only fair that since she worked so hard to protect that country while mortal, that she continue to be able to do so as a goddess. Her consort will also be a patron god of Tortall."

"Daine is to be a great god?" Messa asked, in awe of the fact.

"Yes, it is what she was always destined to do. Have you heard of the Lady of Beasts?" the Badger asked.

"Yes," Numair answered. "She is also referred to as the Goddess of the Wild or the Wild Goddess."

"Well, that is Daine. The Great Gods foresaw her birth. They decided to make like she was already around so that when she does become one, everyone will already be used to her."

"But, what if she doesn't choose to become a god?" Onua asked.

"When she dies her, then, she will become one. Either way, she will end up a goddess," answered Sarra.

Daine was reeling from all this information. She was destined to become a great god. She wasn't allowed to return home to Tortall, at least not as a mortal. She could perhaps keep in touch as Empress of Carthak. But, if she became a goddess, she could take Numair with her and protect her friends forever. Gods, this was too much for one girl to have to think about. Daine got up unsteadily from where she had been sitting silently. "Ma, I'm going to need time to think this over."

"Okay dear, there is a spell that has slowed time so that the others won't notice how long you've been gone. Take as much time as you need." As soon as those words left her mouth, Daine was running out the door. Numair rose to follow her. "Master Mage, please sit back down. She needs to sort this out on her own. Besides, I would like to talk with the man that has so obviously stolen my daughter's heart. To begin with, what are you intentions with my daughter?" The others had to chuckle at the look of pure terror that came to Numair's face at the thought of having to talk to Daine's mother, who happened to be a goddess.

A/N: Thanks to the following for their reviews:

laurashrub

red rose of love

Kat-lady04

Queen of Tortall

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On top of cloud 9

Tortalls Resident Wildchild

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