No matter how many times it happened, it always struck Ethlyn with surprise when the other Chosen began describing themselves and each other as prisoners. It was technically true. Most of them were being taken from a life they could and ought to return to.

"No, it's quite pleasant," she said, hoping the little flicker of emotion that had passed over her face wasn't too obvious. "Most of the people you'll meet in town already lived here before we arrived. They seem to have taken our appearance very much in stride--as far as they're concerned, we've been put here by their gods."

So far, Ethlyn hadn't seen any evidence of the gods or their favor, but the townsfolk were just as enthusiastic several months into sharing their home with otherworldly visitors. "You'll be able to pick out other newcomers easily enough. We tend to stand out, for one reason and another. And most will be happy to commiserate about being imprisoned in a strange land with no warning."