The once-great and their people delivered their reparations beginning that night. 

Rukhel returned that same night to her village, followed behind by a trail of the oppressors and their people, bringing carts and litters, all laden with riches. Herds of cattle, sheep, goats and horses were driven in tow. Wagons groaned under the burden of the heaping baskets of wheat, barley, rye and buckwheat the people took from their granaries. 

Their village square too small for his size, the old god landed outside the village. Here, Rukhel’s people rushed forth, stopping a stone’s throw distance out of feared awe and reverence before whom they recognized as their awakened old god.

Again, Rukhel descended when the god lowered his neck. Her legs trembled before her own people. She feared them more than her oppressors now, for she wondered if she could do what the god set before her. Would they accept her? 

Licking her cracked lips, Rukhel spoke out:

“Sisters and brothers of mine! Our god awoke, and he heard us! He delivered us from our oppressors, for look now!” She pointed to the stretching line of torches and dusts clouds glowing in their light that wound like a river of light through the dark valley. 

“They bring us reparations so we may grow again!” 

Their god spoke to them:

“Yes, you know whom I am. And here, the least among you, your selfish and small Rukhel, sought me when you all had forgotten me. She cast aside for concern for her life, and pained with child, she climbed the mountain and in her courage, bracing for my wrath regardless, she awakened me. Among you, she proved her worthiness, for she proved greatness from nothing. And now thanks to her, you shall grow and prosper into who you were once. So here, heed me well and know that I have set before, your new ruler. Rukhel will govern you, and tonight, you see I have set a queen for you and the cities you will set onto this land!” 

Rukhel looked upon her people humbly. She took a deep breath, expecting an answer. She looked at her friends and neighbors like a child seeking approval from their parent. 

“If only you accept me, shall I lead us. I will not oppress, but work with you, like a pair of oxen yoked as we break the ground to grow again. Will you accept me?” Rukhel asked. 

Emerging from their awe, her people answered as they bowed before Rukhel and the god. “Yes” was echoed by all. 

Rukhel blinked incredulously. Hours before, during the day, she had been Rukhel- pesky, little Rukhel, the village’s sharp-tongued washerwoman, the tinker’s wife. 

But the hours passed. She stood with her god, before her people, returning their greatness as their oppressors were brought down and paid their due unto them. 

And now the god and her people made her their leader. 

An indescribable gratitude overwhelmed her, as Rukhel stood and wept.