Frang and Stuart came rushing back as soon as they heard Isobel fainted, Teárlag coming more slowly behind them.

"What's wrong?" Frang asked. "What did you do to her?"

"I didn't do anything to her. She fainted. She found out she was pregnant."

Frang stared at Ailene, stunned.

"Pregnant! When has she had sex? How can she be pregnant?" He asked.

"She was married, Frang. They had sex."

"Wouldn't she have known before now?"

Ailene explained, "The most obvious way to tell is from changes is a woman's cycle. She said her courses were irregular during her marriage, as is often the case for women who are starved. Other than...