That much was probably true. Under her leadership, House Cadena de Vapores had become the wealthiest of all the Great Houses. She was cunning in her deal-making, unusually gentle in her treatment of the Rocks and lower Phases, and ruthless when it came time to rely upon the Stars. It was said that she was also liberal in the personal application of Lunar delights when it came to diplomatic problems. Everypony knew that it was by her will that a considerable portion of her House's great wealth had been transferred to the School of the Shining Stellar Dance, as payment to have them write the name of every other Great House's Reverend Mother in their bloody little 'guest-book.' And she had also correctly calculated the date of the Great Mother's awakening, striking just when the iron was hot.