Adventures Of A Merchant: Dance With A Demon free porn video

Adventures of a Merchant: Dance with a Demon by Arcie Emm See Prior Adventures of a Merchant: 1. The Start 2. A Pause in Corels 3. Choices Notes: - Thank you to Hope Eternal Reigns whose editing so often causes me to embarrassedly exclaim, Doh! - The use of ~ around dialog designates it as something ...in a den in the City of Glanlies... A tale untold is like jewelry unsold, precious and shining gloriously, only for its owner. With my writing contract not extended after my third tale, combined with an inability to find new takers for it, I began to wonder if my story was like a ring on a charlatan's finger, large and gaudy, implying an undeserved worth to its owner. Most depressing were these thoughts. Bad enough being unable to sell the goods from your inventory, but when those unwanted goods are your own stories, it is embarrassing. In defeat, I scurried away from the world of writing, focusing on my first love, my truest love, the art of the deal. It welcomed me warmly, gathering me in and making me question why I had ever strayed from the comfort of its embrace. Soon I had mostly forgotten about my endeavors with the quill, even convincing myself that I was content with the way things had worked out, that I had returned to my true purpose. Then upon returning from my last trip to the Kingdom, I found a missive waiting from my former editor, who, along with some others, had started a new journal and were interested in publishing more of my adventures. Despite thinking that writing was behind me, my excitement at this news was undeniable. Excitement dampened upon learning that they wanted something right now, with right now equating to before I return to the road in a couple of weeks. The difficulty with that request is that I am not the quickest writer. The act can be downright painful, so much so, that friends have told me that they would rather be around a cat giving birth to a calf, than me writing one of my tales. So though my original plan involved writing about the months after I first visited Glanlies, dwelling on all that I had learned and saw during that summer, it would take too long to write. Thus my decision to focus on a single day, believing that penning a tale for such a time frame, in such a time frame, was doable. That decision made, there was only one day I could choose, one near the end of the summer and unlike all the others. It was an important day. I think. *** It really was the most excellent day, one where the shining sun was chased by enough clouds to provide periodic relief from the heat. Even the prior night's rain had stopped before turning the path to mud, instead it served to keep down the dust that could have been kicked up by the wheels and horses of my wagon train. Yes, my wagon train. Admittedly it was not a large train, consisting only of three wagons, their drivers, and six guards. But it was the first one where I was in charge, it contained no journeymen, no senior wagoners, not even one of the corporals. Though just a regular run, serving the small farming communities dotting the land around Elladoo Post, still I felt proud to have been entrusted with the task. And if one looked in the back of any of the carts, they would judge it a task well done. Constant checking and rechecking meant that not only did I provide great entertainment for the veteran crew accompanying me, but that I intimately knew each wagon's contents. The majority of the trade goods, originally accompanying us from the fort, were gone, in their place were recently harvested vegetables, probably destined for the Hanglish mines or North Fort. Meanwhile, our real treasures were to be found in chests stored beneath each wagon's seat. Inside could be found collections of seeds, leaves, roots, bark and flowers from any number of herbs and plants that were in demand from the apothecaries in the Southern cities. I hoped that Master Elladoo would allow me to manage their dispersal upon my return to Glanlies for the winter, believing that it would be a good way to continue my summer's education. Education that had been the foundation of Master Elladoo's plan to keep me too busy to worry about my afflictions. He had proceeded with my apprenticeship, just as if I had not been changed from his apprentice boy into an attractive, tow-headed girl, who happened to be conjoined with a bloodthirsty demoness. When that plan met with skepticism from Mistress Elladoo and myself, we received a rare reminder as to who was in charge as I found myself part of the work crew, under Durk, heading to Many Song Post. It proved that he, who had been my teacher for a number of years, had not been duped into forgetting who I had been or assuming that I had completely changed. He believed things were going too fast, that the excitement and attention in Glanlies had gone to my head, and that I was in need of some grounding. Durk was assigned that task. Now in my prior writings, I have probably been unfair in my descriptions of Durk, having him always come off second best to Clara. Yet how can you compare rock to fire, their strengths are needed at different times. For the next month I learned the way of the rock, while serving as its assistant. It proved exhausting. Durk was a large man, muscled not fat, who seemingly had boundless energy, allowing him to continuously move about the construction site ensuring everything went to plan. And except when he had me running an errand, I was always at his side. Actually, since I was barely over chest high to the man, despite being tall for my new gender, it was more like I scurried along a step or two behind. Nor was it just my legs that were exercised, as he had always been my most demanding instructor. Our endless trek, around the site, was accompanied by constant explanations of what needed to be done, why it was needed, who would do it, and how it would be done. Or he would talk of the tribes and their history or villages and their headsmen. Then, at any moment, I had to be prepared for quizzes about what he told me, that day or the one before. Each night I was glad to crawl into the blankets, underneath my tent's roof, and sleep until morning. Little time or energy existed for thinking about my state or missing the luxury that had grown almost normal in Glanlies. Not that I could completely ignore my changes. For instance, with it being summer, all the men slept under tarps, instead of inside a tent. But for me, even though muggy and often less comfortable than outside, the mistress had deemed that I should have a tent and this time she was right. As one of the few females in camp, the other two being a pair of entrepreneurs-of-the-sheets who followed the work crew from Glanlies, quite a bit of attention was directed towards me, though it was controlled attention. I was protected by both my colleagues and my own fearsome reputation, but the privacy of the tent often brought relief. The experience also forced me to deal with my situation myself, with no maidservants to show me the way or do it for me. With little time to make things into a big deal, I just learned to make due. An example being, when I finally needed to do something with my hair, one of the summer-hire guardsmen taught me how to put it in a warrior's braid. Master Elladoo was proven correct in his methods. My confidence improved as I was immersed in what I wanted to do with my life. Every caravan, I took part in after returning from the construction site, further brought that home, none more than this current one. It was great fun and I was not sure if I wanted it to end. So on that lovely day I had decided to just enjoy the sun and found myself upon the bench of one of the wagons. For it is easier to travel with your eyes closed, when someone else is in charge of getting you where you need to go. Not that it was unusual for me to spend as much time riding a bench as my horse, for my newly gained rejuvenation powers made it impossible for me to develop the iron butt that allowed others to spend hour upon hour in the saddle. Which is why my seat-mate noticed the approaching figure first, causing him to nudge me awake as he said, "Missy Drake, Felix is on his way back." No longer bothered by any of the frequently used, feminine titles I looked up to see Felix heading towards us at a trot. Calmed by his pace, realizing his speed meant nothing was overly awry, I nonetheless wondered what would bring him back to us during the day. Doubtless it was a good reason, because the man tried to stay as far away from the rest of us as possible, believing that would keep him away from command of our small guard detachment. A role he refused to accept, even though his experience and skills meant he was the man for the job. In this he was little different than the rest of those making up our train, a group who lacked ambition despite their competence. Able though Felix was, more able in fact than me, he preferred others to make the decisions. Pulling up, beside the cart upon which I sat, Felix nodded a greeting and explained, "A band of Roamers are camped at Endorn Glade, they had this missive for you from Master Elladoo." Catching the small piece of rolled-up parchment, tossed in my direction, I unrolled it. ~Drake, meet Gillan Meryers at Endorn Glade. Sell him, at 22 copper per pound, as many vegetables as you can - Elladoo~ Despite being only a half a day away from Carlysle, the last village in which we spent the prior night, Endorn Glade was the standard overnight stop before the final push to Elladoo Post, which itself was only two- thirds of a day further along. Master Elladoo had implemented the rule, because he did not want his wagon trains trying to squeeze the trip into a single day, which could lead to broken axles and injured horses. Not that anyone had a problem with camping at the glade, formed within a bend of Falim Creek, which fed into the Rillian, it was a wonderful camping spot. "Well Tavis, it looks like your ladies will have a lighter load tomorrow. Felix let everyone know that there are Roamers at the glade and pass on all of Sergeant Hussel's usual reminders about dealing with them." Those reminders were based entirely around being cautious around the Roamer's womenfolk, for their men were fiercely protective of those beauties. A group that I knew included one of the ladies of my dreams, Filice, Gillan's daughter. Sighing at what never would have been, even without my change, I pulled on my riding boots, unhitched the reins of my horse from a hook behind me, pulled myself into its saddle, and thanked Tavis for the ride. "Not a problem thing Missy Drake, it makes me the envy of all the boyos when you sit beside me." *** When the wagons were a couple of miles short of Endorn Glade, Felix and Jimi - who had accompanied me everywhere that summer acting uncomplainingly as my bodyguard, joined me as I rode ahead to finalize arrangements with the Roamers. Entering the glade, just before mid-day, we found it contained twenty-eight brightly painted, living wagons set- up in a rather permanent looking camp. Apparently they had spent some days waiting for our appearance, though the number of deer carcasses hanging from pole frames proved that the wait had been worthwhile. At the edge of their camp we were met by four men, one taking the reins of our horses as we dismounted and nodded respectfully towards Gillan Meryers. Smiling at me, he returned a lesser nod, before saying, "Greetings Apprentice Drake, I see that the rumours we heard do hold some truth." "There is doubtless much exaggeration in what you heard Headman." "I am not so sure, for you are lovely as was told." Unprepared for such blatant flirtation, I moved the conversation back to areas of comfort. "Umm...thank you. I received Master Elladoo's note, which stated that you seek to purchase vegetables from us?" "Yes we do. Whenever my people try to purchase directly from the villagers they try to drive up the price between families. Better to deal with your master, who sells to us at a standard price of 20 copper per pound." "I'm sorry Headman Meryers, but Master Elladoo informed me I was to accept nothing less than 25 copper." Smiling unabashedly at his failed ruse, he looked down at me and while making me wish I had not left the laces at the neck of my blouse so loose, said, "Maybe 22 coppers? I am sure Elladoo, being such a reasonable man, would accept that price." "Maybe if we sold enough it would be acceptable." "I am sure that we will leave your carts mostly empty." "Very well then, 22 copper it is. Where would you like us to set up our carts?" "Freido will show you where and provide payment once everyone has made their selections. Then would you and your men be interested in looking through our wares or seeking the services of one of our craftsmen?" Despite what you will hear in the cities, the Roamers are not thieves and laze-abouts. Instead they are tinkers, leather-workers, tailors, and the like who sell their services to the small communities of the frontier. Others are musicians, dancers, and actors who provide news and entertainment to the same customers. Doubtless the members of our caravan would be interested in the services of the first group, while hoping to be entertained by the second. I know I was. "If they wish." "Excellent and in the evening you must all join us around the bonfire. There will be dancing." "We would enjoy that Headman Meryers." Soon afterwards, the carts arrived and while the guards set up camp, the wagoners began to assist the Roamer women fill baskets with vegetables. These were then brought to Freido and I, each with our own scale, where we noted the weight of the basket before its contents were emptied into burlap bags carried to each wagon by the young men of the families. Unlike our men, they apparently had not received any warnings about the amount of attention to pay to the other side's womenfolk. Since that meant me, it was sometimes difficult to focus on my task, especially when Freido decided that our scales matched and that he may as well help the young men, though not with the carrying. However, beyond the unwanted attention, everything went smoothly, leaving less than a wagon full of vegetables unsold. Finished our sales, I advanced each of us some of our salary, noting down each amount, to spend amongst the Roamers. Then detailing guard duties, headed towards the colourful camp. Crossing the grounds between the two camps we were met by a number of the large wolfhounds that were always the companions of the Roamers. Fortunately they were well behaved, because they were massive dogs, particularly the chest high, light grey beast who claimed my side as its own. However, there were none of the children that I had come to expect in their camps, though that absence was explained away by shrieks and yells in the distance, which implied they were making use of the pools that made the glade such a fine camping location, probably chaperoned by the older girls, who were also absent. Reaching the wagons, our group split. The guards headed towards the metal workers to have their swords sharpened, for the Roamers were known to create the finest edges on blade in the Peninsula. Meanwhile, the wagoners sought the leather workers for repairs to their tack. Not having drawn my sword since I purchased it, nor having put significant wear upon my tack, neither path interested me. Instead my focus dwelt upon obtaining gifts of thanks to take with me to Glanlies, an idea encountered in the Annals, approved by the Mistress, and made possible by my share of the proceeds from the sale of the booty from the bandit's camp. Still, as a rather unworldly fifteen year old, I had no ideas of what to buy. So I asked my shadow. "Who you buying for again?" Jimi asked. "Lord and Lady Deglace, for being my hosts. Then there is Julion, Magister Bewlmon, and Archmage Sharlese for all they did to help me. Finally I would like to get something for Mary, who was my rock in the early days after my change." After a few moments of thought, Jimi said, "I don't know about most of 'em, but I got ideas for the Master Deglaces." "You do? That would be a great start." "Well when we was back in the City I ended up on escort duty with Master Hiram and noticed that he always had a walking stick. Different ones too, so we could check with Old Abner. Then you can get some arrow shafts from Young Abner, since Master Julion is an avid archer and he is bound to appreciate Roamer made shafts." Thinking both of those were fine ideas, we set out to find the large, green and yellow wagon that was the home of the woodworking family Abners where I engaged the elder and Jimi the younger. As Abner laid twelve walking sticks upon a table beside his wagon I tried to remember my little knowledge about walking sticks and Master Deglace, it was all rather minimal. Though my impressions of the man led me to believe he would prefer something plain and elegant, rather than coarse and gaudy. With this perspective, I mentally made a selection. Yet as you surely know, it puts one in a poor bargaining position to immediately point at your choice and state you want it. Only after getting the price of two others, did I ask about the one that had caught my eye. A glint in Abner's eye told me he was not fooled. "She's a beauty, isn't she Miss. Carved from a nicely grained piece of black gramblenut wood, varnished its natural colour, tipped in beaten and polished tin, and with a handle covered in shark skin. Being such a lovely example of the walking stick art, one that any gentleman worthy of the title would be proud to own, means that I could only part with it for 1 gold 25 silver." An insane price, barely less than I paid for my sword, and both of us knew it. However, while he saw it as the opening to a good haggle, I decided to follow in the footsteps of my summer's teacher. Being less fleet of tongue than others, Durk was not big on bargaining, deeming it a social activity that led to exaggeration and theatrics, neither of which he particularly enjoyed. For this reason, he would not even begin to bargain unless the price he heard was somewhat reasonable, so I just nodded my head and began asking the price of other sticks. After a slight hesitation Abner preceded to tell me the price of the rest of the sticks, placing four within the 40 - 60 silver price range the mistress and I had agreed would be appropriate for the thank you gifts, based upon my station and wealth. Separating these from the rest, I studied and tested each, finding that a white oak piece, the cheapest of the four, felt the best in my hands. Noticing that the oak stick kept finding its way into my hands, Abner asked, "Excuse me Miss, maybe I could provide further assistance in your choice. Do you seek one for your own use?" "Nay I am looking for a gift." "For a man or a woman?" "A man." "Ahh, I was wondering, because most men would find the stick you hold to be overly fine." Confused, since it seemed to be the plainest of the bunch, I said, "But it hardly has any decorations." "Not that type of fine Miss. Here hold up your hand, see how much smaller it is than mine? Well we men find a lady's stick, like that one, too thin for comfort. We need something more solid." Feeling embarrassed, despite the logic in my finding a woman's walking stick the most appropriate, I blurted, "Lord Deglace does have quite large hands." "Lord Hiram Deglace?" Seeing my reluctant nod, he continued, "Well that changes everything. He is a collector and you can't just give him any walking stick. The only one worthy of his ownership is this one." Cursing the slip of my tongue that had returned our discussion back to the expensive stick, sooner than I had planned, I none-the-less realized that the unwanted bargaining had begun. "It is a nice piece Goodman Abner; however, it is well beyond my price range." "You would pay much more for such a work of art in Glanlies." "I am sure that is true, which would put it even further out of my price range. Would you take 35 silver for the grey one?" Snorting at the choice, Abner said, "I rather doubt that Lord Deglace will find himself in a dockside bar brawl, for that is all that cudgel is good for. No the only option is this one, how about 1 gold even, that is an excellent price." "Still too much Goodman Abner, would you take 45 silver?" "It would break me, I couldn't do that." Surely there is no need to repeat what followed, it being the same as any such dealing. However, we still found ourselves 15 silver apart. Stalemated, it was my opponent who changed tactics when he asked, "You seem to like the white oak stick, maybe we can work out a package deal for both?" Surprised to find that stick still in my hand, I responded, "Oh no, I don't need one for myself." "Don't be too sure. If you spend any time walking about one of the cities, you will quickly find its benefit. Also there will be times when you are unable to wear that sword at your waist, yet can carry your walking stick, which will offer you almost the same amount of protection." Remembering my aching feet the day Jimi, Stork, and I spent running errands for Clara, while knowing that my sword was never included when I found myself in skirts, I saw the wisdom in these comments. My being intrigued by the idea, meant he had himself a customer. In the end he sold me both for 1 gold, more than I had intended, but rarely is that not the case when you bargain with as little knowledge as I had about walking sticks. Nor did my purse find relief dealing with Young Abner, though this time it was not through lack of knowledge. No upon seeing the footed arrows he was showing to Jimi, made from cedar though tipped and knocked in purple heart, I immediately recognized their quality and knew they would be wonderful for archery contests. And since Julion was my favourite Deglace, after the mistress, I did not mind paying 31 silver each for three. A better deal was found for Archmage Sharlese and Magister Bewlmon. A pair of leather gloves, dyed the same burgundy as her robes, for the archmage. While for Magister Bewlmon I found a tin ink well, decorated with mountains. This left me with Mary and Lady Deglace, for whom neither Jimi nor I had any idea what to buy. So I moved from wagon to wagon, hoping to spot something that struck my fancy. This, in time, brought us to the wagon of Delilah the Seamstress, a name I remember Mary mentioning during the day when she and the Washans prepared my wardrobe for our trip to Glanlies. Since it had been in positive terms, I took a chance and told Delilah that I looked for gift for Mary. "Mary? She's not ill is she? I missed her visit when we passed through at Elladoo Post a few days back?" "No Goodwife, she has decided to stay in Glanlies with her family." "So she finally decided to follow her own wants, instead of her mistress's, did she?" "Aye." "Good for her, some are not meant for the North. Though I will miss her visits. And yes I do have something that I had planned to show her, hold here for a moment and I will retrieve it from my wagon." It was longer than a moment, before she returned carrying a basket. Setting it down on her table, she said, "Now if I had my druthers, Mary is not who I would choose to make me any garment, but she has an excellent eye for decorating one already made. So often she bought the trimmings and ruffles I make." With these words she opened the basket and began looking through the different trimmings inside. Of various colours, the majority being the ruffles that the Roamers used to trim their dresses. Finding what she was looking for, Delilah pulled out a length, of multiple yards, in a recognizable blue. "Mary was always after me to make some in Deglace blue, but only recently did I find some cloth that is properly dyed to allow me to do so." Knowing how much of her time, during the trip South, Mary had spent with her sewing bag out, adding decoration to either the mistress' or my dresses, I could imagine that she would appreciate what was in the basket. Yet I was surprised with how little it cost me to buy what must have taken as many hours to make as either of the walking sticks I had earlier purchased. Embarrassed that I had spent so little on Mary, who was the most important person to me, I asked Delilah if she had anything else that Mary may like, such as a scarf or a dress. "I doubt that would be a wise idea Miss Drake. Mary is not the type to have others pick her clothes for her, much rather would she choose for them." Laughing, I agreed, "That is true." "So speaks the voice of experience?" "Aye, she has strong opinions on what is proper, despite what may be practical or what I think." "How would she react to the practical, boyish garb you are wearing?" "Oh she would hate it. Thinking it is not lady-like enough, nor would she like me gallivanting about, escorted only by Jimi, with a merchant train. But her beliefs also allow her to be a rock when needed. I miss her and so will be in one of her dresses when next we meet." Smiling, Delilah said, "Surely you don't share dresses with her." "No, no, it is as you said earlier, all of my non-traveling clothes were chosen by Mary." "Just think how she would feel if you showed up to visit her in a pretty, new dress. One you had picked out yourself. Wouldn't that be a treat for her?" In that moment I felt sudden kinship with the fish swimming about in its pool when presented with the sight of a wiggling worm. Delilah was right, Mary would probably be just as pleased to see me show up looking all girly as she would by anything I could get her. And though both the fish and I saw an invitation too good to be true, nature demanded that we take a nibble. "It might..." "Oh I am sure of it. Often did she lament that it was not worth her time looking at the things I made, since her mistress had no interest in her own appearance. Maybe you would be interested?" Entranced by the worm, as it bobbed up and down, I took another nibble. "I guess I could look." "That seems reasonable Dearie, why don't we pop into my wagon and see?" The worm suddenly moving away confused me for a moment, but as expected I followed her into a surprisingly large interior, everything from a small stove, to cupboards, benches, and beds bolted and folded the against the walls of the wagon. There was ample room for the two of us, there would have even been room for Jimi, if Delilah had not firmly told him to wait outside. "Being that you are so tall and slender, most of the things I have will not fit. However, there is one piece I have that, with the slightest adjustments, would be perfect for you. Let me find it. Here it is, yes hold it up against yourself and let me see." Even after having spent much of the summer in pants and shirt, the dress did not instill the terror that it once would have done. So I did not hesitate in taking it from her; however, I did not immediately follow instructions, instead holding it up at arms length to get a better view for myself. Though the dress was much as expected, the colour did surprise me. Unlike the usual bold colours you usually see a Roamer woman wear, this dress was an ivory white whose starkness was offset only by the obligatory black ruffles at the skirts hem. Otherwise, it had the low, square-cut neck line, long bell sleeves, and unevenly cut skirt, the front being knee high while the back came down low on the calf, that I always found so attractive on their young women. My initial perusal complete, and with Delilah still waiting, I held the dress up to my body for her to judge the fit. "My that does look good with your colouring, though most of our girls couldn't wear it. And it looks to be a decent fit. How do you like it?" "It's quite nice," I said, honestly not knowing if the colour was good on me or not. My fashion sense having not begun to develop, it just seemed like another dress. Maybe a bit fancier than those in the cupboard in my room at Elladoo Post, but nothing like the ones left behind in Glanlies. I thought I would be okay with wearing it. The fisherwoman finally set her hook. "Well then, out of your clothes and let's see how it looks on you." Too late my instincts cut in and I headed for the weeds. "Umm...that may not be wise, I have been on the road for days and have not had a chance to bathe." She was prepared, pulling back before I swam too far. "Worry not Dearie, I have a basin of water and some soap, you can wipe away the worst of the road dust and sweat." With this offer, she soon had me out of bodice and shirt, wiggling out of deerskin breeches, even my small clothes and bandeau. And though I really wanted to take a dip in the pools monopolized by the Roamer children, the hand wash with the cool water proved refreshing. Until the opening of the wagon's door, bringing a sudden rush of light, caused me to let loose a rather high-pitched squeal of distress as I tried to cover myself with arms and wash cloth. "Kailie, close that door right now." "Oops sorry Mama, I did not know you were with someone." Said Delilah`s pretty daughter, who was slightly younger than my own age, as she entered the wagon to join the two of us. Looking appraisingly at me, she asked, "Everybody says so, but are you really Drake the apprentice boy from Elladoo Post? Cause if so, you've changed from mouse to vixen since last I saw you." Feeling myself grow even redder, I was happy to be rescued by Delilah. "Kailie, where are your manners?" "Sorry Mama." "What are you doing here girl?" "Well the young'uns are done with the pool. Now it's our turn, so I came to get my brush, some soap and a change of clothes before meeting up with the rest to head to North pool." "Wait a few moments, then you can take Drake with you and the other girls. I am sure you will appreciate more than that basin offers, won't you Drake?" Beginning to recover from the shock of Kailie's arrival, I immediately saw the benefit in joining her and her friends while they bathed. And not for the reason offered by Delilah. "Yes, that would be wonderful." "Okay, what you doing anyway?" "She's looking for a dress." "Which one? Oh the white one, it's so pretty. You're so lucky it will fit you Drake, I always wanted it for myself, but Mama says I am too big up top." "Don't brag Kailie, you don't have Drake's tiny waist. Really her breasts are perfect for her. At least so thought the boys, who delivered our groceries." While I finished washing, the two continued discussion about my appearance, everything from my head to toes. It was almost as if they forgot I was with them in the wagon. It meant that I was as ready as ever to put on a dress, hoping to distract them from offering their opinions on my finer qualities as a woman. Pulling it over my head, I gave a little shimmy to get it past my hips, then extracted my braid from its trap inside the bodice, allowing Kailie to do up the laces in the back. Dressed, Delilah examined the fit. "Maybe it is a bit short, but that will just give you a chance to show off your pretty knees. How does it feel?" "It is very soft, but the skirts seems tight." "Nonsense, that is how they are supposed to be and they're not as tight as those breeches on the floor, though they will accentuate those swaying hips of yours." About to protest, I remembered Julion's statements to the mages Sharlese and Tison about how I moved. Instead my attention remained upon the dress, deciding that in particular I liked the sleeves, which did not drape far past my wrists allowing me to use my hands without the cuffs getting in the way. In general, other than the intentional tightness at my hips, it seemed a good fit. I surprised myself by liking it. "If that is the case, then I have no more complaints about the fit." "Not so quickly Dearie." Delilah said, pinching cloth at my waist. "It is quite loose here, I think we will have to put some darts in to get the proper fit. Kailie, hand me some pins." Standing patiently, so as not to be stuck by a pin, the dress was soon shaped to my form. Still a little frown on the seamstress's face said she still was not happy. "This may not work. We need to take in more cloth than I had hoped, the darts may end up being too noticeable. I could try to make them appear decorative, but that is not what I had in mind when first making the dress." "How about like the ladies of Jewel, Mama?" "What's that? Oh yes, there's an idea. Let me look." As her mother searched through the cupboards at the back of the wagon, Kailie noticed my look of confusion and explained. "Drake, you would be a natural for Jewel, where they very much appreciate a woman with a trim waist. The noblewoman even force their daughters into the most horrible of rib crushing devices to make it happen. Better to be a common woman in Jewel, instead of inflicting such torture upon themselves they wear wide belts. Mama does good business selling such belts." "Apparently Mama needs to become serious about replacing her stock. I only found two black ones that will fit. Here let's try this one first." The first was of brocade, decorated with flowers embroidered in red thread, and was at least a hand width wide, I was surprised that it was not more uncomfortable. Still I did not particularly like it, thinking that the red flowers were rather too gaudy for the dress. That was not the case for the second belt, made of the softest leather, its blackness offset only be the white thread at the edges. However, it was less comfortable, besides being twice as wide it was also shorter in length, forcing me to suck in my breath before it could be laced tight, though it did provide a nice accent to the white dress. "Well Drake, do you like either of them?" "They're both nice. Though the first one was a bit too...too much." Delilah interrupted, "I agree, it just did not go with your new dress at all. Much wiser to go with the leather one." Kailie agreed, "Definitely Drake, it really shows of your figure. The boys will love it." Having not realized that it had become a foregone conclusion that I would be buying the dress and belt, Kailie's words caused my final thrashing before I was pulled ashore. "It seems too small." "Worry not Dearie, it will stretch to a more comfortable size. Now why don't you change back into your boyish clothes so I can start sewing the darts, then you can wear it when you finish your bath." Truly glad am I that none of my instructors were with me on that day, for surely they would have been disappointed to see how few of their bargaining lessons I remembered. First Old Abner, then Delilah, treating with me as if I had no will of my own. Doubtless Master Elladoo would say it was because I was too eager a buyer. Thus when I left the wagon, it was as the owner of a new dress and matching belt. I did not even have my boots, they having been kept aside for polishing at 14 copper. Returned to the bright sunlight, I stood there blinking in confusion at what had happened and waited for Kailie to join me. Jimi and the wolfhound, who had been dozing off in the wagon's shade, looked up at me as I stood there, the first asking, "So Drake, did you buy a dress?" "Apparently." "Where is it? And where are your boots?" "The former is undergoing some modifications so that it fits properly. The latter are being polished." Holding out one of his feet, to look at the old, scuffed, brown, riding boots he wore, Jimi stated, "I don't think any amount of polishing would do mine, or me, any good. So what now? Eck and me are all rested up." "Eck? Is that the dog's name? What type of name is Eck?" "Don't know, just one of the Roamer menfolk cautioned me to be wary of Eck. But he seems like a good fellow, likely just gets a bad rep because he's so big." Though spoken without bitterness, the words held the ring of true knowledge. Not knowing what, if anything, needed saying, I answered his earlier question. "I'm off to bathe in the North pool." "Is that safe?" "Sure it is." A voice from the wagon's door, answered. "She's coming with us and all the boys know how much trouble they will get into if they sneak a peak." "Jimi, this is Kailie. Kailie, Jimi." Introductions complete, I noticed the canvas bag she carried, which prompted me to ask, "Umm, Kailie do you mind if we go over to our camp so I can get my stuff?" "Sure, but let's hurry. Everybody is meeting up fairly soon." Glad that the glade was grass, with me barefoot, we trotted to our camp where I quickly scooped up my pack and settled it over my shoulder. Jimi looked nervous about me heading off without him, but settled for telling Eck to look after me. The dog seemed to wuff an agreement before heading North with Kailie and I, though she nervously kept me between him and herself. Not until we were back into their camp did she regain her active tongue. "So is the big man your lover?" "What!" "That Jimi, he's awfully protective of you, like a lover is supposed to be. He's not the most handsome fellow, but he does have large hands and you know what they say about men with large hands?" "No! Umm no, he's just my friend and has appointed himself as my guardian." "You have a bodyguard? Why? Didn't you take on a whole bandit camp by yourself?" "Well its better to avoid trouble, Jimi is good at keeping it away." "Yeah I suppose so. What's it like being possessed by a demon?" I was even more stunned by this question, than the one about Jimi. Not because she knew, I guessed that everyone in their camp had heard some form of my story. No, it was because nobody had ever asked that question, not even me, yet the answer was immediately on the tip of my tongue. "It's scary." "Scary, why?" "It just is. I don't know how to explain it." Before any other questions could be thrown my way, we arrived at a group of eleven girls or young women, ranging from Kailie's age all the way up to five who were past the age when most in the North would be married. However, this lack was explained away by them being the primary dancers amongst this group of Roamers, each would not be married until the younger girls in this group grew in skill and replaced them. "Hey everybody, this is Drake. She's going to share the pool with us." Kailie then introduced them to me. The third of whom was Filice, looking as lovely as I remembered. My heart beginning to race, I shyly lowered my look and mumbled a hello. All, except one, returned pleasant greetings. That one, spoke in a harsh tone. "I don't think so. I know who HE is. I remember him leering at me when we danced at Elladoo Post last year." Spotting the speaker, I did recognize her. She had stood out amongst the dancers and had drawn my eye, but not for the reason she assumed. Instead it had been the look on her face, the same look with which she made her protest, sourness. Competent at the dance she had seemed, yet of all the members of their troupe only she had seemed to hate being involved. Yet I could not explain that, it would be more harmful than agreeing with her reasoning. Kailie came to my defense. "Bah, Celise. I saw her naked. If she really wanted to leer at a pretty girl, she would look in a mirror." "Quiet scamp. We all know why. He is possessed by a demon and you know what that means." Things were getting ugly fast, if not for Filice, I do not know what would have happened. "Quiet both of you. Kailie, it is not for you to speak to one of your elders in such a fashion. As for you Celise, Drake is a respected guest of my family, both of my father and grandmother. Do you pretend to be a better judge of what is happening than her?" The response from Celise was a sullen one, but no more was said as we proceeded in two groups, me with the younger six, towards the pool. It had always been my assumption that someone had planted the bushes and trees that surrounded it for privacy. Moving through the hole cut in the sandilal hedge the answer of who suddenly seemed obvious, it had been the Roamers, offering their women a place to bathe out of sight. However, thoughts of the past were brushed aside by shyness as dresses began to be unlaced. Not wanting to be caught staring, in spite of my desires, I once more lowered my head and began to doff my own clothes. Only when I was as unclothed and heard splashes from the girls in the water did I look up. I had guessed wrong, not all the girls were in the pool. In front of me, dressed the same as I, stood Filice. It was impossible not to drink in the sight before my eyes, realizing my dreams had never done her justice. Even after months in this form, it was as if it was the first time I had seen a woman, we were so very different. She was shorter than me, her soft olive skin covering fabulously rounded breasts, hips, and thighs, making my own curves seem those of a girl not yet ready for womanhood. I stared. Yet in this I was not alone. She too stared at me, though with curiosity. Finally her gaze caused me to look into her deep, hazel eyes as she laughed and said, "Kailie did not exaggerate, as is her want. There is nothing boyish about your appearance. Here, let me help you with that braid, it wouldn't do to get it wet." Reaching out to take my braid, she untied the leather thong at the bottom and began to unwind it, gently combing it with her fingers. "I really like your hair Drake. It's almost white, like someone from the far East. Does it hold the curl from the braid?" "No it will straighten out when washed." "I often wish mine could be straightened." My eyes closed, savoring her touch and beginning to feel the warmth associated with active fingers underneath covers, I sighed my disagreement. "Oh no your hair is lovely." "Why thank you. Are you okay?" "Hmm...uh-huhhh." "Are you sure? Oh I know what the problem is." A second later I was shocked wide-eyed as my left nipple was tweaked. Reactively clamping a hand to each breast, I hissed at the smiling face. "Filice!" "Maybe Celise has the right of it. Your girls announce your appreciation of what you see." Mortified more by what she correctly assumed, than by what she had done, I found myself hurriedly offering the explanation I had hidden earlier. The result being a most attractive full body giggle. "I don't think you're being completely truthful about what you're thinking, but your excuse is hysterical. Gods above, I can't wait to tell Dowdy Celise." "Please no, she already dislikes me." "What would be in it for me?" "My undying gratitude?" "Tempting though that may be, I think my silence is worth more. Let's see, what do I want? You know there's going to be dancing tonight?" "Aye, your father mentioned the possibility." "Oh there will be and I want you to join us." "Me? I don't know how to dance, I'll look foolish." "We'll give you some lessons, nothing too complicated. But if you don't want me to share your thoughts about Celise, that will be part of my payment." "Only part?" "Well if you're going to play the part, you have to look the part. You also have to let me dress you up as one of us." Eager to please, I said, "I bought a dress from Delilah." "You did, did you? That's a perfect start, then it's a deal?" Combining my existing plan to wear the dress, with the opportunity to spend more time with Filice, made it an easy deal with which to agree. Agreement struck and with soap in hand she led me into the pool, proving that sometimes it is good to be a follower. There we joined the rest of the girls to wash and begin my lessons. What followed was simply an amazing afternoon, starting out as only titillating before becoming so much more. Bathing and washing of hair took barely any of the time and soon the older dancers were done and on their way. But not the rest of us, in the waist deep pool they began to teach me their dances, specifically the graceful hand movements and upper body swaying that caused such happy thoughts amongst their male watchers. I was not immune. When the six first began their demonstration they were amazingly distracting; however, as time passed it grew more important that they were Filice, Kailie, Isselle, Sondra, Katreen, and Nadine. It was so very fun to be in their company. That is the thing about becoming an apprentice in a remote location like the North, few are those of your own age with whom to share friendship. You are forced to leave your childhood, your youth behind. That afternoon I was given the opportunity to relive something missing since my boyhood in Corels, being part of a group. In a group it is easier to be confident. So when we heard two boys, on the other side of the bushes, talking about me in the way that boys talk about pretty girls, I did not blush, but joined in the giggles of the others. Giggles that turned into full blown laughter when Kailie's shout of, "Bran and Nikolai, you idiots. She can hear everything you two dimwits are saying." resulted in sudden silence followed by footsteps running away. That confidence stayed, as we moved to the sandy shore, allowing the sun to dry glistening bodies and long hair while we began to work on the steps to accompany what had already been taught. Never would I have guessed how enjoyable dancing could be, it felt right. Even when the others broke aside to dress I willingly accepted their praise for how much I had learned and their encouragement to keep practicing. For it had begun to feel very natural, as if it was the not the first time that I had stepped those steps, moved those movements. So when Kailie, who had dashed away to her family's wagon, returned with a shout that she had my things, my feet were slow to stop moving before I turned to see that only Filice and Kailie remained, besides a sleeping Eck. "Where did everyone go?" Filice answered, "They had to go do their chores. Kailie and I decided to stay and help you." "Oh sorry, I did not know that you were waiting on me. Hopefully I have not kept you away from your duties?" "Well I am personally happy to skip chores, how about you Kailie?" "Me too. Though I did run and get Drake's things. That was exhausting." Laughing as she pretended to swoon, I said, "So I guess it is time to start paying off my bargain." "What bargain?" "Well Drake let something slip, which she did not want to share, when we were talking earlier and she needed to buy my silence." "What was it?" "I can't very well tell you, Kailie. Otherwise, she wouldn't have to keep her side of the bargain." "Oh yeah, I guess. Can you tell me what Drake has to do?" "Yes, she's promised to dance with us tonight, but first she is going to let me turn her into a beautiful dancer." Though that was a bit more than promised, I did not dispute her claim. On that day, more than any day since being doomed to me new body, I felt completely happy with myself. Being one of the girls had been more enjoyable than any since the days I had ran free as boy. So my lack of dissension went beyond being fine with the idea of being a beautiful dancer, in that moment I wanted to be one. Unaware of my desire, Kailie had similar thoughts as she said, "Let me help Filice. I've been thinking all afternoon about how Drake should do her hair, I even brought these for decoration." These proved to be a number of small, black, cloth flowers, probably made by her mother. Though I was not sure how they were used, Filice seemed happy with them. "Those will be perfect Kailie and another pair of hands would be appreciated." "I can just braid it like before." "Eww, Drake that was ugly. Like some greasy haired city guard, you have to let us do something better." "Well I did offer to put myself in your hands, and just as you I will keep good faith with our bargain. Just don't make me look too funny." "Funny is definitely not my plan. Now why don't you get dressed, you've played water nymph long enough." A good idea, since stopping my dance I had noticed that the late afternoon sun had begun to lose some of its warmth. Finding some fresh under clothes within my pack, I replaced them with my traveling clothes and those I had already soiled. This time, after Kailie and I repeated the same actions as earlier, the dress had no slack in the waist. The darts, which I thought were hardly noticeable even before they were hidden by the belt, did their job to ensure that though covered, my body was not hidden. Yet since the fit was no different than the matching dresses, black with red trim, worn by my two companions, I was unbothered by the results. Ignoring my clean boots until later, I followed Filice's instructions to kneel in front of her so she could brush my mostly dry hair. With my recently found flexibility, the position was comfortable instead of the squirm-inducing torture it would have been in the past. I also learned one benefit of the uneven skirts, they allowed me to kneel without binding, sensible for a nomadic people who could carry a limited number of chairs and would spend much time on the ground beside a campfire. Once Filice was done with the brush, it did not take long to guess that she was braiding my hair in a fashion I had never experienced, nor had it ever taken so long, requiring the girls to periodically trade off. Though all my hair was pulled away from my face, they did not immediately begin braiding it into the rope that I could create, instead it was gently woven together from the top of my head down to my nape, the little flowers being artfully included in the weave. Only then did they begin to create the expected braids from some of the hair cascading down my back, three of them, the centre full and thick while the outside two were thin, being looped back to be pinned underneath the loose weave. So pleased were they with the results that I wished to have a mirror or that the pool offered a better reflection. Smiling at the result, Filice stated, "You need some nicer jewelry. That steel stuff is practical, I suppose, but that's not what we're shooting for. Let's head back to our wagon and I will find you something to lend." Due to the spell of Asolde's priestess, Desmona, had cast upon me, my chains, which masqueraded as beautiful jewelry, changed to match any earrings I wore. This had led to me finding a simple pair of steel hoops before I had left Glanlies, which made the pieces less noticeable. "Thank you very much for the offer, Filice; however, I need to keep these." "But Drake, they're so plain. Nothing that any of us would wear and you promised." "It's not that I don't want to, it's because I can't. Everything is bespelled so they cannot be removed." Then putting action to words, I showed how, though my rings could spin, they would not move to be removed from my finger. "Why would you do that?" Jumping in, Kailie guessed, "It's because of the demon, isn't it?" Not wanting to lie to my new friends, I answered honestly. "Yeah, it is. While in Corels a magister of Durnst, along with his colleagues from the other Gods, performed a ritual which bound the demon via these chains. It stops Sandrelessa from gaining control of my body." "Sandrelessa, is that the demon who possesses you? Why didn't they exorcise it instead? What happens if it tries to take over?" The Queen of Questions asked. "Aye, that's her name, but it is not the normal type of possession, so Magister Bewlmon did not think an exorcism would work and as a compromise with Furigal's people, decided to add my chains. If Sandrelessa makes her presence known, they begin to glow and will stop her, well my body actually, from acting on her will." Filice said, "Magister Bewlmon, you say. You can tell he's a man, because no woman would have chosen such boring jewelry as chains." "Actually Mistress Elladoo chose the jewelry to use. Really quite beautiful too, sapphires and filigreed silver." "Then why didn't they use them? Or were you just pretending when you tried to remove your ring?" A feeling mischievousness, combined with a desire to show off for my new friends, caused me to smile and reach up to remove the steel hoop from my right ear. My intended air of mystery disappeared as I struggled with the clasp holding it in place, but finally it came free and I removed the left. What resulted was not a slow acting magic, as soon as that second hoop left my ear I saw both of their eyes widen in surprise. Filice reacted first, with a startled hiss of breath she hesitantly reached out to touch the circlet about my forehead. "Are they real?" "Yes." Kailie burst out with, "But they're so beautiful, why do you hide them?" "You cannot expect Drake to wander about with them on show Kailie, she would be under constant threat of robbery." "I guess, but she already has a bodyguard." "Well I don't want Jimi to be hurt in order to protect my vanity. But they are rather extravagant for daily wear." "I suppose." "No supposing about it Kailie, look how they almost make her pretty dress seem almost shabby. It's the earrings, isn't it?" "Pardon?" "Your earrings, when you took out the silver hoops out, the glamour disappeared." Glamour seemed an appropriate description of what happened, for I did not think they truly changed, as they never felt any different before to after. "Yes, it results from a spell cast by a Priestess of Asolde, which makes everything match whatever earrings I wear." With a smile, Filice mused, "Why isn't that handy." "Filice, your mother makes jewelry, we should see if she has anything that will go good with Drake's dress." "Umm...yeah...Kailie thanks for stating the obvious. You want to check Drake?" "I guess, though can I drop my pack back at our camp first?" "Sure, but put your hoops back in, I don't want your jewelry distracting from the hard work that we put into your hair." Laughing at this I followed directions, being quicker at putting them back in than I had been at taking them out. Then pulling on my shiny, clean boots, I tied the thigh flaps down to make them knee high. Stomping to get feet into place, I nudged Eck awake and the four of us left our sheltered world of the afternoon. People noticed us right away, in particular their young men. Yet their looks did not affect me in the same way as earlier, for I was not alone as I had been when selling vegetables. Yes, yes, I know I had been with all my friends from the Post, I was writing metaphorically (well I think it is metaphorically, but if not, let's just keep it between the two of us), and though excellent at dealing with physical threat, they were useless as tits on a boar at protecting me from teen-age lust. Meanwhile Filice and Kailie, along with Sondra and Nadine who joined us as we passed through the camp, were experts. Like rapiers, their words stabbed out to deflate confidences, and the follow-up laughter clubbed home each clownish suitor's general unworthiness. I am not ashamed to admit that I preferred being on the side not being embarrassed, after having experienced that a time or two myself. Back in the camp, my similarities to the girls seemed even more noticeable than around the pool. None of them spoke in the deep voices that had surrounded me all summer, nor did their pace out stride mine. Mine naturally being longer than theirs, as the tallest, but we were not in a hurry and if I swayed as we sauntered, so did my companions. It was possible to believe I did not stand out. So I was glad that Jimi was not about when we arrived to drop off my pack. He probably would have tried to attach himself to me, and despite his having become my best friend, I wanted to be alone with my new ones. Nor was it just Jimi missing from the camp, the only member of our train there was Felix who eyed us curiously until he recognized me and did a double-take. That was surprisingly gratifying, still I pretended to miss his gesture for me to come over and talk. If I did not want Jimi's company, I definitely did not want his. It did not take long to drop my pack, beside my saddle, and let Filice guide us back to the Roamer camp and her family's wagon where she gained her mother's permission to bring out the chest of jewelry for sale. Inside were the pieces you expect from Roamer jewelers, items made not at great cost, but beautiful things made with care and time. And by far, the greatest number of these were made of the coloured, glass beads about whose making they were so secretive. It was earrings of this type that Filice first dug out and told me to try on. Looking at them, a hook with five strands of dangling red beads, I frowned. Even I could tell that they were a poor match for my dress. But when she winked at me, I realized she wished to surprise Sondra and Nadine, who shared my frown and had not seen my previous display. Not wanting to spoil Filice`s surprise, I did not remove both hoops before hooking in the red beaded pair. So their exclamations of surprise was rather loud as the hook of the second one dropped through to dangle from my ear. Their reaction also drew the attention of Filice`s mother, who looked at me with suspicion. "I recognize those earrings, but where did the rest come from?" "Oh Mama, it's so amazing. Drake has a spell cast on her so that her jewelry will match to any pair of earrings she wears." "She does, does she? And how does this spell decide what matches, not that I can complain about what it did this time around?" "I am not sure Ma'am, though since the spell was performed by a Priestess of Asolde, the Goddess's power must be involved somehow." "Yes, well I suppose the Goddess would have good taste." What followed was almost a re-enactment of that evening with Madame Deglace. Remembering both how much Mistress Elladoo's mother had enjoyed that activity and my surprise that many of her earrings were not magnificent pieces, I purchased the first pair, of red beads, as her gift. By the time a choice for me was made, none of the earrings in the chest had been missed, though Filice's mother found the experiencing rather frustrating, mumbling as she would dig out matching pieces and judge her pieces as second best to the magic's creations. The final choice was obvious to all. A pair made from varying length (short to long to short), alternating strands of white and black beads, attached to half an oval of wire below the hooks. Hanging most of the way to my shoulders they were rather distracting when I turned my head, but I liked the resulting bracelets, made from ten similar strands, and even more so by the rings of interwoven black and white glass. As for my circlet, it too had dangling strands, which sometimes ghosted into my vision and clinked together when I drew my fingers through them, yet I felt nothing upon my forehead. Rather eerie. This action did bring an end to the girl's afternoon of relaxation, as it was time to begin getting ready for the evening meal, which unsurprisingly fell to the women of their band. Before thinking it through, my feelings of camaraderie had me volunteering my assistance. Something that was gladly accepted and soon had me acting as a pack mule, carrying items from their camp's cooking area to be set up upon a table near the bonfire, beginning to burn brightly between the two camps As their menfolk began wandering into the area, my task grew more demanding. I, in some twisted, though likely just, payment for enjoying their discomfort during the afternoon, ended up acting as serving wench to a number of the younger men and boys, ensuring their mugs were full of wine or small beer. For no matter the age of the man, once one placed his keester upon ground or log, he appeared to lose all ability to walk. Cut from my herd, their attention focused upon me. Yet still there existed some of my strength gained, from the group, earlier and while I was unable to reply with clever quips, putting them in their place, neither was I overly bothered by their crude attention, finding myself more likely to laugh than blush. Though one event just about had me running away. It occurred when one boy, probably acting on a dare from his friends, familiarly rested a hand upon the curved part in the back of my dress as I poured some small beer for one of his friends. Startled by his brazenness, the rest of the pitcher's contents ended up on his friend as I spun to find him snatching his hand back, as an angry growl came from Eck, who had been docilely following me about. Reaching down to steady the strangely protective dog, I said, "Lucky for you it was Eck and not my friend Jimi who saw you do that. You would have found he bites before he growls." Dignity intact, I made my way back to cooking fires to find everybody oblivious to what had happened. There my dignity disappeared for a moment as I fawned over the tail thumping hero of the moment. From that point, with Eck watching the group of boys with baleful eye, my serving went much smoother. Though it definitely was not an activity I enjoyed, so gladly did I join my friends to eat our own meal, before assisting in the cleaning up. Finished that chore they easily dissuaded me from going to check up with my colleagues, who had eaten back at our camp, since it would not be right to eat food we had sold them earlier. Well unless like me, they worked for it. Convinced that they were coming around later for the planned show, I sat around talking with them, me about what it was like to be a guest of the Deglaces in Glanlies, them about their band, and life on the move. Wrapped up in this, the sun had begun to sink behind the trees surrounding the glade before I knew it. Noticing it first, Filice stood up and announced, "Why don't the rest of you keep this spot, while Drake and I go get some blankets for us to sit upon against the ground's night damp." Used to following her orders, the rest of our group readily agreed. Me, well I was just happy to spend time alone with her and willingly allowed myself to be pulled to my feet. Reaching their wagon, her mother, after learning our purpose, said, "Here I'll get some and give them to Drake. You see if your Grandmother is ready and then help her to the bonfire." Curious as to how someone who needed help could also cause Celise's earlier reaction to Filice's words, made me to watch as she moved to the smaller wagon besides her family's, to knock on the door. "Grandmama, it's Filice. Are you ready to go?" There was no immediate reaction, none before Filice's mother returned and offered me a armful of fur blankets. Only then did the door of the second wagon open, offering some satisfaction to my curiosity. The most noticeable thing about the elderly lady, who Filice helped down the stairs at the doorway, was her apparent feebleness. A hard life on the road had left her stooped, leaning on a walking stick in one hand and Filice's arm with the other. Yet in that tired body I sensed power of a degree not felt since I left Glanlies. Filice's Grandmother was a magic user, the power manifesting itself strangely to my newest sense. Not as sound or colours, but as a feeling of distance, of searching, of answers to be found, roads to be traveled. And though her body implied doubt that she could continue the journey, the resonant timber of her voice swept that aside. "And who be you Blondie?" Unconsciously dipping a respectful curtsey, with which even Mary would not find fault, I answered, "Drake of Elladoo Post, Ma'am." "The demon boy?" Rude though the words were, her tone and smile attempted to sooth the sting in her words. Yet I found myself responding in kind. "Aye, that's me. Are you a witch?" Smiling her acceptance of my challenging response, she said, "Until his dying day, my husband surely would have answered yes. For myself, I will admit that many of my clients would tel