The next day Azdrubaal divied the treasure up into portions and hid them all. When it came time to hide the last bag, Domna gave it to him. "Don't bury it. Please, I want you to have it." "I told you - I don't need your coin, Domna. I've a stash of my own. It's yours," he said, and began digging. Azdrubaal was expert at burying things and covering the evidence. They left a hand's width of the treasure in the bottom of the chest and put that in the stash hole in the cellar of the house. If anyone did find it, they'd think that was it - most likely. Lying in the bed in the spare room where he'd been sleeping, he thought of her. He imagined kissing her and more, then drifted off to sleep. He slept very soundly that night, exausted from the last two days. Somewhere in the night, he began to dream and such a dream it was! He was on his ship, sailing over a calm sea in the night. The great river of the heavens sparkled like a thousand-thousand diamonds strewn across the black velvet sky. And there, making her way across that glittering road was the Queen of Heaven herself, the nearly full moon. He stared at her - his goddess - enraptured as he always was. Clouds appeared then and from the midst of them came a beautiful lady walking across the becalmed sea. Her hair was silver and flowing. She was dressed in shimmering garments and stars. He swore he opened his eyes, rose up and listened to her speak. "You are a man of honor, Azdrubaal - an honest and upright man, when you could well be otherwise. I have watched over you many long years and seen this. You are a man untouched by greed. You take only what you need. Such men are rare. Yes, I knew you were coming and the reason for it has yet to be done...but I have kept you busy with my tests. You have shown your loyalty to your friend, and great kindness and respect to me as his widow. You have neither asked for or taken a thing for your services. I am not what or who I seem to be. You know who I am, for you have watched me for many long years too, and I know you love me. You love me as a man loves a woman, but I am no woman - as you know. Tell me my name and give me my artifact when we take supper this evening, and I shall reward you as you deserve...if it is your choice to be so rewarded. I shall not be about in the day tomorrow, but fear not. I will return, when it is time." He laid down again and fell back to sleep - or so it seemed. ******* Have a lovey weekend, my friends and thank you! Rayvn