Dedicated to the memory of Leah Bracknell, our Kikola. STORY SUMMARY Ambra ap Lentol has seized control of The Kalenth Hegemony and is ruthlessly consolidating her power over those who supported her, while those who stood against her have fled into hiding. Kikola ap Karthen, a disgraced military officer living in exile on Trengos, is asked by those who drove her into exile to return to the Hegemony and lead the opposition against Ambra. With Tehvay Veilan, the woman she loves, and her spirited friend, Rikana Lardis, Kikola must not only overcome Ambra's tyranny, but also the prejudice of the society for whom she is fighting. To stop Ambra's reign and bring her to justice will require all of Kikola's leadership skills, some luck, and help from an unlikely ally. Copyright Disclaimers: This is an original work of fiction. Copies of this story may be made for personal use only, but must include disclaimers. Original characters and plot lines are copyrighted to the authors and may be used with permission. Content Disclaimer: This story is rated Mature - for readers 18 or older Sexual Content: This story contains scenes of female/female and male/female sexual intimacy. There are also scenes of some physical and sexual abuse, though not gratuitous. Violence Content: This is a story that contains some violence, though not overly explicit. Feedback Request: Your feedback is the manna that sustains us, so please feed the bards at harpy1553@yahoo.co.uk and HkdonXetG@yahoo.com. Visit our blog - https://theorionspur.wordpress.com/ - where you will find the Glossary and Pronunciation Guide and progress updates. Acknowledgements: We would like to thank our wonderful beta readers, Bindi and Michele, for their time, comments, and continued support of this project. Cover art by TheNetGirl - https://www.deviantart.com/thenetgirl/

STORY SUMMARY After leaving The Kalenth Hegemony for freedom on Trengos, Kikola Karthen and Tehvay Veilan settle into their new lives. New jobs, new family, and new friends affect the women in different ways. No longer having status and power, Kikola's world has become much smaller. She struggles to find acceptance in a world where her kind is seen as the enemy. For Tehvay, it opens up a world much larger than she has ever known. Enjoying the approval she receives in speaking out against slavery, she finds an acceptance that Kikola does not. Their differing levels of acceptance, and Tehvay's memories of past abuse, put a strain on their relationship. It is further strained by political turmoil in The Kalenth Hegemony that brings chaos and tragedy to their very doorstep. Category: Original Fiction, Science Fiction, Space Opera, Lesbian Copyright Disclaimers: This is an original work of fiction. Copies of this story may be made for personal use only, but must include disclaimers. Original characters and plot lines are copyrighted to the authors and may be used with permission. Content Disclaimer: This story is rated Mature - for readers 18 or older Sexual Content: This is a story that contains scenes of sexual intimacy between two females and references to forced sex. Violence Content: This is a story that contains some violence, though not overly explicit. Feedback Request: Your feedback is welcome harpy1553@yahoo.co.uk and HkdonXetG@yahoo.com. https://theorionspur.wordpress.com/ Acknowledgements: We would like to thank our wonderful beta readers, Bindi and Michele, for their time, comments, and continued support of this project. Cover art by TheNetGirl - https://www.deviantart.com/thenetgirl/