Once the wife of a member of the band, and some of her power would go.

I misdoubt me if any would long call her queen; and when she had babes to fill her mind and her thoughts, she would soon cease to watch me with those suspicions eyes of hers, and to make me fear continually for my secret.

Would that they were both dead! Would that I could kill them even as he killed the other seven who had a share in the golden secret! I would strangle them with my own hands if I did but dare.

Once those two removed from my path and my way would be plain.

I could remove it all, bit by bit and piece by piece, away from this accursed forest, of which I am sick to the death.