To Seegahnah, it wasnít a matter of morality anymore, if it ever was. What path was left to take? And the whispers about her experience were making some members of the council quite bold in their overtures. If old Dintohn could charm the young girl, they all thought, surely I have a chance? And how is a Wanderer girl in the bedchambers? Is she pliant like a horse when you know the right treats to offer?
She moved back to her cottage with its empty stable. Men came to visitórespected members of the council, with wives and children at home. Seegahnah was discreet. Because the penalties against adultery were harsh, as harsh for men as for women, no councilor made bold to boast of his experience of her. Still, there were whispers. Soon her name was linked to an esteemed member of the Not-of-our-Tribe council. Seegahnah knew she had to act quickly. She began sending out letters.
Within days the scandal broke. The careful princess had left little solid evidence to substantiate a charge of harlotry. But her political enemies (rather, her son Karlbadís political enemiesóto disgrace her weakened his claim to the throne, and that was their true object) judged the rumors plentiful enough to take this case to the king. Seegahnah was to appear before the royal court and the Not-of-our-Tribe council at noon one week from that day.
During the week before the trial, the wives of Seegahnahís visitors received their letters. One man committed suicide. The others finally understood how they, while thinking they were taking advantage of a young ladyís vulnerability, had themselves been made vulnerable. They despised her blackmail, of course, but most couldnít help but feel admiration for her trick.
Then Seegahnah came before the king, his court, and the Council. She came with Crown Prince Karlbad in her arms. This, too, was shrewdly done. The arched windows opened to the courtyard, where a large crowd had assembled. A crier stood between the window and this court of public opinion, calling out to them a description of the happenings inside. It made for a loud trial.
Seegahnah was brought to the center of the judging-hall, where the king thundered his question down from his throne:
ìPrincess Seegahnah, you have been accused of acts unbefitting your rank. Men not given to speaking false say you have seduced men from their conjugal beds. Have you committed such dishonourable deeds?î
She waited until the crier outside had repeated the question to the crowd. Then Seegahnah answered in her clearest voice:
ìYes, I have, my lordóI will tell you why. My son, the rightful heir to the throne, should be king when my lord Dagbad dies. He is young and has no father to teach him the kingly arts.î She turned toward the council, her eyes seeking out certain councilors as she continued. ìI gave my body to many hoping my son would be protected by them. Think back on my crime when he is your strong, wise, benevolent king!î
The people outside gave a loud cheer. ìWhat are they cheering?î the king asked one of his men. ìShe just announced sheís a whore!î
The other shook his head. ìThey are your people, my lord. They will condemn secret harlotry, but once a crime is admitted the criminal is restored to favor. They prize honesty above all.î
The ruling came quickly: Seegahnahís life was to be spared. (All had had visions of Seegahnah shouting names and details as the noose tightened.) She was to be exiled, but her young son would not suffer for his motherís sins. In fact, Crown Prince Karlbadís guardian was to be Feergah, who would act in his motherís name and make sure he was protected as promised.
The exile from the walled town soon found herself a good horse. With it she set out to find those of her people who had once run away.