“I... in the t...  tent,” Mary stammered, still clutching Lakon’s arms while he caressed her raven hair as he tried to comfort her.There was movement at the tent flap and Astrid emerged, a disgusted look on her pale face.  She wore only a long shirt that reached mid thigh and did nothing to hide her long, shapely legs, but her scantily clad state was not what caught everyone’s attention.  In one hand she held her dagger that was covered in a dark yellow slime, and in the other hand, a creature from nightmares.  It was the same size as a large cat, with pink and wrinkled skin  showing through thick black hair that appeared more like bristles.  It had no eyes with

Astrid stopped eating.  “I really don’t know Serra,” she whispered.  “He may survive, he may not.  He has lost so much blood, has been unconscious and unable to eat.  His wounds are very deep, so an antiseptic may not go deep enough.  His lack of blood will make it very hard for his body to fight infection.  I’ve done everything I can.  All I can do now is watch and wait.”  Serra nodded.  “Where did you learn so much about medicine?”“Mother had a boyfriend for a while that was a doctor.

  Everyone climbed into their saddles and began to ride for the southern most gate of the capital of the Kaltharian continent, the intersection of the great North-South, and East-West roads, the throne of Kalash power, and the ancestral home of the Katrall’s.  Kothmar did not know that her true heir was about to return home.  Kothmar also did not know that her true heir was far from impressed.  Astrid stared at the soaring Palace as they rode through the  great southern gate, supported by thick, looming walls that stood three stories high.  Astrid frequently gave little gasps of disgust.“Disgraceful,” she said at one point, unable to suppress her opinions any longer.

“I said, no touching,” Sharlett cried loudly at one persistent suitor.  “Let go of my arm.”  Hrodgar strode up to the man who was accosting Sharlett.  “Miss Sharlett, is this, er,” he looked at the slender man with greasy hair and pale features.  His clothes were gaudy and the violet tunic clashed horribly with his green hose.  “Butterfly,” Hrodgar continued.  “At least I think that’s what it is.  Is this butterfly pestering you Miss?”Sharlett tried again to shake the hand loose.  “Yes.”“Let the Lady g

Their world suddenly exploded as a knocking sounded on the door.“Sigwulf?  Are you in there?  Astrid?  Open up.”“Damn Kemp,” Sigwulf muttered.  Kemp knocked again.  “Hurry up.  The others are grabbing one last drink downstairs.  The girls want up, now.  I asked Lakon to stall them when I found you not in our room.”Sigwulf cursed as he climbed off the panting girl and stood next to the bed, quickly pulling his hose back up over his hips.  He handed Astrid her night shirt and tied his hose.