Considerably later, after they had been led through the labyrinthine series of connecting chambers and corridors which comprised this prison—this whole floor—of Nedlunplaza, Steve dismissed all his new followers save Jak of Norlinz. To this young stalwart he had taken a liking. Of him he asked the question which had perplexed him ever since entering the citadel.
"Jak, you are no weakling male like those utilized for breeders by Beth's clan. Nor are you like the Wild Ones. You are a man like myself. How is this?"
Jak looked puzzled.
"I do not understand, Steve. How else should it be?"
The priestess Beth broke in fiercely, "You know full well how it should be, Jak of Norlinz! The Women rule Tizathy everywhere! And guard your tongue, male upstart! The sacred name of 'Steve' is not yours to use—"
"That will do, Beth," ordered Steve. "I asked him to call me that. And it is obvious that the Women do not rule everywhere. Not in Jak's New Orleans, nor in Rodrik's Michigan."
"But it is written in the holy books," argued Beth, "that the Men and Women fought, and the Women were victors—"
Jak nodded. "I begin to understand, Steve. We, too, have a legend of the days when the sexes warred. But where I came from the Men subdued the rebels. In my territory Men and Women mate ... they work together hand in hand, and enjoy such happiness as the Daans' harsh rule permits. Thus it is, also, in many territories I know. In Zoni and Mexco ... in Bama and Sippi."
"But," frowned Chuck, "how about this here now place Beth just mentioned: Tizathy? Where's that?"