Charis led them to the familiar campsite as soon as they broke their fast. It was too ideal not to use as a base and there were no signs that anyone else used it while they were away. She left her sisters to set up and scouted for the cave entrance while daylight was strengthening across the morning. Taking great care Charis set alerts to try and determine the direction and when the Goblins left their cave. They needed to collect enough eyes before the Goblins knew they were there, before they were discovered in any way.

Returning to camp, she was pleased with what was happening.

“Welcome back Mistress, I have taken the liberty to use the available spears to begin drills with our new sisters.” reported Astera.

Charis watched for a while and Astera completed her thinking.

“The Seers need to learn something else they aren’t suited to the spear are they Mistress. Thyia can at least remember the drills and competently moved through them, all be it slowly. The Seers can remember them well enough but the actions don’t reach their hands.” said Astera.

“Perhaps we try them on bow? At least they stand still and release and realistically there is no way they would be able to be helpful in the front line, they may even hurt themselves.” Charis caught a small smile from Astera, which disappeared the moment she thought Charis’ eyes were upon her.

“Perhaps Mistress, you can lead them in the change while I show Thyia some more complex drills?”

“Well until the alerts trigger I can’t do much else, so let’s see if the Seers have some talent for the bow.”

Seeing the horses picketed and Dione grooming them, Charis diverted from her plan a little.

“Dione, I sense you would rather be riding your horse instead of grooming him?”

“Yes, although this does relax us both in its own way.”

“We would benefit if you scouted the way we travelled to make sure we weren’t followed as I am troubled that the soldiers belonged to the Lord of the Northern Watch. I would be concerned, if for some reason, he was taking an interest in us.” Dione actually laughed in celebration.

“Thank you, I will be careful and if necessary, I will outride any danger.”

Charis then looked at Astera and decided to try and rescue her from the Seers by seeing if they held any aptitude at archery.

---

“I don’t think they will be archers.” said Otonia. Charis knew they were inept, but to have Otonia confirm it, that meant something. Then an alert went and she needed to sight it, although it was an outer one so she surmised they were returning.

“Try them with daggers or knives sister.” Otonia rolled her eyes, Charis smiled and then left as the sun was setting in the west, almost dusk she thought.

+++

Charis was awoken by an alert. She placed her hand over Alcmene’s mouth and glad she did as she muffled a panicked scream. It seems Seer don’t like being woken up by others. Dione she nudged lightly.

“Contact your sister.”

“Yes Mistress.”

Charis confirmed Dione was ready and then looked back to Alcmene. The sun was rising behind their position and Charis held a high hope the Goblins would be blinded by it.

“Mistress, she is not, well present.” Alcmene fidgeted with her hands while she looked to Charis.

Charis crept back to her, her hands waving down trying to calm her. She hugged her gently, kissed her tenderly and allowed one of her hands to stray and then released her.

Alcmene gulped and panted lightly, completely at a loss, “Clymene is awake and they are moving into position Mistress.”

“Stay here and stay under cover. Your sister will know when you can move to us.”

“Yes Mistress.” She was glad of the expected response because she really couldn’t think of anything else to say.

“How did Mistress taste sister?” Alcmene couldn’t reply, although she did admit to herself her pleasant surprise did wake her sister.

They moved into position like they owned it, confident and sure. The smallish green creatures, facial features exaggerated, especially the large noses with arms and legs extended beyond their smallish bodies. They walked in line, marching to their ambush site like they did many times before.

One was of similar size to the sisters, the rest were smaller observed Charis. They knew that any travellers were only just breaking their fast and they would be well into their concealed positions before anyone used the trail. Charis did consider waiting for them there but a stink hung around the positions and she couldn’t stand the smell for a couple of heartbeats let alone all night.

Dione released first, her sling bullet striking a leg. Charis followed almost immediately as the Goblins paused to look for their attackers, looking into the rising sun and looking away immediately. An arrow sprouted through its neck, the Goblin instinctively grabbing at it trying to remove it, falling to the ground struggling. He was the largest of them and not quite as green as the rest of his ambush party observed Charis before she found another target. Charis felt the warmth of the same sun that blinded the goblins and was comforted by it. The small thought, a momentary distraction only.

The remaining four ran back the way they had come. Charis released again and the arrow hit its back and he fell forward tripping his companion running slightly behind him. Dione used her spear to finish off her leg hit Goblin. Charis finished off the tripped one with another arrow.

As the fastest Goblin rounded a small mound, it ran upon Astera’s set spear destroying its chest and only the cross bar on her hunting spear prevented the dead Goblin running up the length of it. She couldn’t free her spear in time as the second rounded the small mound. A dagger sprouted from its forehead, Otonia was positioned closely behind Astera, so very short range, about the same when she was missing a body on the wheel when with the troupe, a very familiar range.

Astera left the scene and went to find Clymene. She was hidden under the branches they covered her with. Astera approached as quietly as she could and noticed her sister laying absolutely still even over the short time she watched, Clymene didn’t move. Surely something must itch, scratch or touch her under those branches.

“Call your sister. Ask her to help drag any dead goblin she sees to us as she returns. Then come to the place we showed you.” Astera help lift away a few of the branches as she spoke.

Clymene nodded. Her sister’s reaction was to be expected.

“Mistress did mention blood and guts sister.” sent Clymene in reply. Her sister’s response to that wisdom wasn’t pleasant so she ignored it. Then she remembered where she needed to be and scrambled to be there.

Otonia was gone and Astera was dragging two of the very dead and bloody Goblins. Upon seeing Clymene she left one for her to drag and it was her turn to be revolted. It was red blood, she didn’t think they had red blood and then she dry wretched. Astera smiled with sympathy, she had been there.

Dione, Alcmene, Astera and Clymene met Charis in the middle dragging their loads behind them. Charis was amazed at the pipes or tubes they carried and inspected the small arrow like projectiles. The sun was up now. Charis carefully extracted the eyes, the twins turned away from the revolting sight. Dione was sitting nearby her mind elsewhere. Astera went on watch and while not entirely necessary, as they knew from watching the Goblins, their usual movements, it was a precaution.

As Charis finished with a Goblin she tasked the twins with searching for any valuables or useful items. Not really knowing what that meant they took everything and started making stacks of like items.

The elder arrived on the back of Dione’s stallion, followed closely by Otonia on her horse. She inspected the eyes and nodded. She then lent on Charis and blended the goblin bodies with the land and threw her usual seeds upon their graves afterwards. Alcmene and Clymene were spellbound in delight as they witnessed the apple trees grow and the sight of magic being worked in a very visual way.

Charis was looking at the goblin booty and realised she needed to be more exacting next time, so it took some time to put it all into the sacks Otonia brought with her as Charis didn’t want to leave too much evidence behind.

Some rested until dusk; others continued training, while one enjoyed being one with her stallion while patrolling the Spur behind their camp. Then it was time for the evening meal followed by another ambush if the magic worked.

“I thought your magic would be exhausted as I used a great deal to return the goblins to the land. But it is not the case, interesting. What have you been doing all afternoon?” asked the elder.

“Resting and thinking; a little sleep and eating when my sisters eat, that is all.”

“Well, let us test the spell with night upon us.”

---

“Not good, good.” He shook his head from side to side and fatty jowls wiggle-waggled as he did. He was large, mostly fat, although there was still enough muscle beneath to intimidate any possible challengers. Most of those would be dead now and none of his tribe knew how. The bodies were taken, at best there were some odds and ends that others thought this goblin brother or that brother goblin owned. The few survivors only disheartened those going out with tales of ghosts and phantoms.

Disturbingly, goblin wenches foraging, found an apple grove and the number of still growing trees seemed to match the number of goblin warriors now missing. They refused to forage near the grove, actually misbehaving and dropping to the ground no matter how many times they were punched and kicked it was so annoying thought the Chief. Problem was there weren’t many warriors left to even do that now as the latest report was recited to the Goblin Chieftain.

“Need talk Bright Eyes, we no can win, we no can get special man.” His confidant was an older and wiser Goblin, much skinner and much weaker, but smart, very smart, every Goblin of this tribe knew that. The Chieftain’s four body guards moved slightly, some transferring their muscled bulk from one foot to the other at the mention of Bright Eyes. All Goblins bowed to them due to the ancient curse that their Goddess called down upon them and her presence would just remind them and this particular one was known to react badly when upset, especially to bad news.

The chieftain turned to his bodyguards; all who drew back slightly to his surprise. He then narrowed his bulbous eyes at them, one at a time and chose the one looking away. They did have a grievance though as the last two who were chosen by their Chief to lead the last two war parties to victory never returned.

“Stoneknuckle, fetch two wenches, tell look for Bright Eyes Forest Tunnel. Fetch two more wenches tell look in Water Tunnel.” The Chieftain noticed his relief and thought, next task much tougher.

The Chieftain placed his fatty chin on clenched fists as his elbows rested on his fatty knees and waited for his bodyguard to return. He noticed his three bodyguards weren’t happy, Bright Eyes could be worse they thought or didn't think, not really following their own logic, after all the other bodyguards didn’t return, all Bright Eyes could do is kill them but more likely just maim them.

Stoneknuckle wasn’t long gone when he returned walking backwards into the Chieftain’s Throne Cave. The Chieftain realised he was afraid, very afraid, his grip on his spear loose, it was being dragged with him, while his eyes were wide. As he entered his Chieftain’s presence he bowed quickly and ran to join the other bodyguards.

Brighteyes wasn’t actually bright. This did confuse the Chieftain but not all name themselves properly and he didn’t think on it, because it gave headache. He knew headache bad.

Although clearly female no Goblin pointed that out in her presence. She was tall; the Goblins tribes in the mountains carved out their tunnels to allow her to walk upright after she slaughtered many in frustration. She wielded twin polished daggers, very bright with many more available sheathed about her body. Chief thought that reason why some of name bright?

Torch light reflected off her quartz white skin and actually added light to the Throne Cave. Sometimes she wore a simple cloth shift, other times some complicated human fashion dress, this time she wore deep black leather in stark contrast to the white of her skin. This time she was ready for violence and slaughter. The Chieftain grovelled at her appearance.

“Get up worm! I see no prize being presented to me!” Her voice growled at him, in her hands the daggers waved about in front of his nose and he felt the stilled air being disturbed as they passed by. His bodyguards tried to step further away, as quietly as their bulk and every daggling trinket against death and superstition adorning them allowed.

“Terrible Queen, we defeated, warriors be dead and we cannot go far to get him. Village terrible light can no see, so no kill humans.”

The Chieftain released some air from his lungs, finally able to breath as her gaze turn to his trusted advisor. Not sure he smart anymore though, maybe he be dead soon thought the Chief? His eyes drooped a little, he liked old smart one.

She held her dagger under his largish nose, pressing until it cut him and blood oozed out.

It was the truth and killing these worms would not change it, the Goblin Tribe had been bled dry. She turned and left for their Cave Entrance, time to act herself.

“Terrible Queen.”

Him again! At least he could talk without too much fear, perhaps he was so old he didn’t care. She paused, turned her head and placed him under her gaze.

“Cave Entrance closed, stop it killing us.” He bowed deeply, hoping to remain alive.

She growled, turned and quickly left the way she arrived. She would ask, but she knew she wasn’t to reveal herself, so perhaps the blocked cave entrance prevented her from doing something rash and impetuous.

“Terrible Queen you tell other tribes no attack us?” the Chieftain asked bravely and quietly.

There was no reply and the Chief looked at his trusted advisor. Thinking his Chief wanted his opinion he gave him one!

“She power yes but no ears Chieftain.” His Chieftain looked around hoping she was long gone and certainly out of her hearing range.

“No say!”

“Have drawing like from Ancient place. Accursed, “he spat, “have pointy ears, not round like soft human.”

“No say!”

His trusted advisor shrugged, now next thing.

“We need bodyguards service wenches, make more Goblins, Chieftain.”

He turned to look at his trusted advisor. He went to thinking, one could make rival and he be dead soon. He could be dead, no tribe to be killed before him if say no. Thinking hurt lots.

---

The night vision was not what Charis expected and certainly not the same as the elder described. The elder was confused and decided to try the spell to compare with her previous experience. Charis wondered how the warrior-sisters looked when seen with the night vision and she tried different ways to break up the tall red warm glow of each of them. The plan was to use existing natural and man-made obstacles, like someone would normally use to hide behind in daylight. Able to see in the dark, using the alerts to detect their movements, it enable the sisters to ambush the goblins and defeat them one group at a time, it also tested them.

Astera looked to Charis. The dark bags under their eyes showed the strain of the past few days and nights. After no alerts, Charis scouted out the cave entrance and needed to sit. She sat and looked for many heartbeats, as the entrance was closed by a rock fall of some sort, most likely by the goblins themselves. Seeing those rocks, of all sizes, greyish in colour, it was a great relief for Charis and she eventually tempted fate by walking plainly and easily back to their camp, she, like her sisters were weary of the long nights and the battles. They left the goblin dead behind last night, not only were they tired, but Charis’ magic was exhausted, the elder using more than was being refilled.

Charis wanted to ask some of them a few questions but there was no chance now, the sisters were too efficient and the end too sudden. She should have realised they would fear attack inside their very caves and would take action to prevent that. So silly of her not to realise but she was too tired to curse herself too much. Still this was too organised and too determined for goblins to do without some higher direction.

They needed to approach Farstay, but first Charis decided they needed rest. They could appear just before dusk and perhaps even rest overnight at the village. The thought of a comfortable bed in a private room in an Inn was enticing. It was only when the elder woke her did she realise how much time passed; she had slept most of the day away.

“Do not feel guilty, your body craved sleep otherwise you wouldn’t have slept this long.” As Charis looked around all of the sisters were still sleeping, “and they have toiled just as hard and long. The new ones seemed to have been forged into something harder that is for sure.” Charis sat up in her bedroll and tried to think.

“I would like to only visit the village with … only four of us, would the Seers and Thyia feel they have been slighted if left behind?” The elder smiled, Charis hadn’t woken up well.

“The Seers are oath bonded to you and Thyia desperately wishes to be, so even if they were they wouldn’t make it known.”

“Well wake Astera, Otonia and Dione, we need to prepare our equipment and armour and haven’t much daylight left.”

“You just need to get dressed in your armour. What do you think I have been doing all day Charis the Young?” Charis smiled and if she could have, she would have jumped up and hugged this smiling old lady looking at her. The warmth of a caring grandmother radiated from her, lifting Charis’ spirits and motivating her to purpose.

Charis didn’t want the world knowing Seer Sisters were part of her company and she didn’t want their loyalty to get them killed. She asked the elder to prepare them for life after goblins. They both needed to be bald as she needed them to look alike and act alike. If they wanted hair they would need to grow it at the same time. She also told her she would send Dione for them when they were leaving the village. The four saddled up and gained the trail to Farstay far to the south, as far away from the camp as possible. They would be travellers on their way to the manor keep, looking for employment.

As they entered the village they were asked multiple questions. Were you attacked? Has anyone heard that they have been under siege for weeks? Have you seen any dead goblins?

Charis asked some question of her own. If they were under siege, where is the wall that repulsed the goblins? Why didn’t they send for help? Why wait here, why not leave?

The village priest then approached her. His wild black hair and full beard announced him first, a large man, imposing. He certainly over shadowed Charis and his deep voice boomed from between his lips.

“We have our own wall with which to defend us, which relied upon our unbreakable faith in the God Judge. We didn’t need any other.”

Charis waited a few heartbeats for silence so she would reply when she was ready not in haste, chastised as expected.

“Well … it is good to see that all have lived through the ordeal, so we will be on our way.” replied Charis.

The priests jaw dropped a little as Charis turned to leave. How could this whelp ignore him?

“We need a small favour if we can impose upon your honour?” asked the priest quickly looking under his bushy eyebrows.

Charis turned her horse back in his direction.

“We have a special guest with us that may not truly understand our faith in our God Judge. We would be grateful if you would take him with you. He is well enough to travel, we have a wagon that is covered in soft bedding and if you escort him back to Hillperch we would be grateful. We don’t have much coin, but you would be welcome to stay with us whenever the need arose in the future and be fed and welcomed into our homes or perhaps stay at the Inn?”

“What story would we be able to say that explains his condition and the fact he has been missing for a few days?”

When the priest squirmed a little Charis adjusted.

“A few weeks or more still?”

“Well that would be more accurate, he was grievously wounded and took a long time between life and death, before he or his God chose life for him. That is the truth, he just needs to know he was cared for by some farmers instead of this village and perhaps they were raided and you rescued them but only able to save him when you found him inside their cottage?”

“Is his God Judge?” he nodded, “If so how is his worship of his God any different from yours?”

“It is about faith and beyond your need to know more, I am sorry to say.”

“Well to the second part, how did defenceless girls like us defeat raiders?”

“Now we are playing the same game. I doubt that you are defenceless; your armour alone is evidence of superb craftsmanship. Are we at agreement?”

“Yes priest, I fear we both have our ways. On my honour I will return your guest to Hillperch and have him believe as much is within my power to convince him he was with farmers all this time.”

“Thank you, I will need to remember to stay on your good side for a long time to come as I sense there is more to you then you are admitting.”

“The same with you and your village as I sense your devotion to Judge is more deep and holy than most to hold out against attack for weeks. Would an Inn be available for tonight?”

Charis took the Priest up on his offer and she and her sisters stayed overnight. They ate their own trail rations as there was a very real sense the village was near the end of its supplies. Not that any in the village revealed it as such. When offered Charis rejected seeing their new charge until the morning, they were tired and looking forward to sleeping in a bed.

+++

A couple of villagers drove the wagon to them after they broke their fast and when she inspected the special person, it was who she thought it would be. It was the Magistrate of Judge, lying quiet and defenceless and totally within her power. Otonia drove the wagon with her horse tied to the wagon. As they left the village Charis ask Dione to ride wide around the village, on the spur side and collect those at the camp. The wagon would be slow anyway so Charis was sure they would catch up before night with Dione leading them safely over the scree at the foot of the spur.

The villagers were busy clearing away the few dead goblin bodies they found and then building a pyre to burn them all. They didn’t know who aided them or who took their eyes; although the priest thought he was fairly sure and smiled in spite of himself, ‘we both have our ways’ she said to him. But why the eyes, that would be a question for her if she ever returned.

Dione made good time and it was well before dusk when they joined Charis and the wagon. Camping off the trail, Charis asked the twins to demonstrate their dagger throwing. They were called upon in battle with goblins to use it as a last resort, with some occasional success. In the calmness of dusk they hit the tree trunk more often than not so they definitely improved.

Charis then sparred with Thyia and was impressed with her, as the drills transferred easily for her into actual combat stances that she pieced together and created as the situation required. Charis thought it risky but towards the last few days Thyia accompanied Astera to help as they were all tired at the end.

“Good, Thyia, I am pleased with your progress.”

Thyia smiled, over the days of waiting she did not rest, she practiced the drills Astera showed her until she knew them well enough without thinking. She listened to Astera when asked to help ambushing the goblins, remaining calm and controlled.

They gave the Magistrate small sips of water as often as possible as he could only accept it in small amounts. Otherwise their patient was doing well enough. He was slim compared to his former size and the priest advised that they would feed him during bouts of wakefulness mashed apple and boiled eggs to keep his food up to him as best they could. They prepared some of these foods and tried to stir him to consciousness without any luck so left him as he was.

+++

Charis setup two shifts for the night, Astera and Otonia and both were granted night vision. The goblin eyes would decay and rot anyway so she thought to use them as none could be saved for any future use. Nothing went bump in the night and their patient was alive in the morning.

“Otonia, I need a small favour if you feel brave?” asked Charis raising an eyebrow.

Otonia smiled but didn’t commit, not just yet, the eyebrow was Charis being mischievous.

“I need you to cut my hair, cut it away from the back of my head so the sun can shine on my neck at the very least.”

“Why?”

She looked to Otonia and whispered, feeling silly about this but not prepared to lie or laugh it off.

“I feel stronger when the sun touches my skin.”

Otonia nodded and used one of her knives. Charis’ hair was cut easily away to reveal very white pale skin.

“You will burn a little from the sun Charis but it will eventually brown a little. I have cut a half circle, leaving enough hair over your ears of course.”

“Thank you. You might like to touch up the Seers, although I now see the problem with one being bald longer than the other.”

The elder rode in the back of the wagon with the Magistrate; in a comfort she appreciated and told Charis so! They completed their journey to Maplethorn late afternoon, so there was time to be noticed and questions asked about their patient. The local Priest of Judge wanted to take charge, but after a few words from Charis he backed down.

They rented a couple of rooms now given the numbers in their company. The elder wanted to sleep in the wagon under the lights of the sun that were still visible at night. Again Charis posted two shifts to stand over the patient who they left in the wagon, both were granted night vision. They needed to scare away a few inquisitive locals but were largely left alone. The twins successfully committed some sneaking against the company, which was revealed in the morning when they broke their fast to the enjoyment of all.

Charis insisted the twins be separated in everything they did to try and maintain the illusion that they were one person, their Seer link ensuring they wouldn’t accidently run into each other. The wagon and its occupant distracted enough villagers the day before. To ensure they wouldn’t be noticed they wore a cloak each and hid their face in the shadow of the hood. Others in the company took turns at wearing the cloaks to further confuse who was who and where they actually where, only Charis was open and easily recognisable.

+++

After they broke their fast, they were quickly on the trail to Hillperch. The elder asked Charis how an old woman who was now far from home, to fit into any future plan. Charis thought that she would be able to look after a certain building in Hillperch if she was willing. They discussed some of the difficulties and then some of the positives, until eventually she agreed, although it would be a secret surprise for now.

They didn’t stop for a mid-day break but continued on as Charis didn’t want the Gate Captain to keep the gate open again for some familiar late comers although he mght be forced to given who they were escorting! There was an increase in traffic as they approached Hillperch.

There was a town patrol which tried to take care and custody of the Magistrate but backed down when Charis threatened resistance and mention she was a personal friend of the Gate Captains, both of them. She did suggest they could ride ahead and notify the Temple of Judge that their Magistrate was returning to them and make preparations at the Gate House to carry him from the wagon he was currently on and possibly keep it open. While not the heroic role they envisioned, it was still an important one as they became heralds and so were satisfied.

The noise of them, stirred some life in him and when the elder noticed she called Charis over.

“You must go to a little known monastery, it is almost directly north east of Bircharbor, and there you will be given the package we discussed. Do not ask anyone for directions. You cannot fail.” Then he slumped back into unconsciousness.

Charis considered splitting the company there and then but reconsidered, they were stronger together and she needed to establish them in town and reveal a number of surprises, before she exposed them to any new danger. The trail improved to be a road the closer they travelled to town so Charis hurried them along, relying upon the elder to tell her if the Priest was being harmed by it.

They did not have to worry about the Gate House. It was open and a large crowd gathered to welcome back the miracle survivor, the Magistrate of Judge and his rescuers. Although night, the number of torches and lanterns provided more than enough light and Charis was reminded of her own arrival at a certain Keep so many weeks ago and then quickly discarded the memory as a distraction.

Charis made sure a number of them arrived after and before the wagon so people wouldn’t know their true number and to also separate the twins. All were instructed to meet at the Master Leatherworker’s Shop as soon as they were sure no one was taking any interest in them.

All the horses were stabled near the Gate House. The wagon was pulled by worshippers of Judge. The separate carriage they brought with them, which looked better built and fancier was taken back empty. A Priestess of Ure insisted the less movement the better, so the Magistrate was not moved from the wagon. The wagon was flanked by no less than twenty Judge Knight Aspirants and Judge Knight Initiates. Charis wondered if there were any left guarding the Temple! Then the rescuers were no longer required. They weren’t told anything, they were just ignored.

Seeing the Magistrate being taken away by his devotes, Charis paid a quick visit to the Gate Captain who caught her up on certain town gossip and changes and then she led Astera and Dione to the Master Leatherworkers Shop. By the time they were there, everyone else was there also and it didn’t leave much space.

While not directly told Charis and her company would be visiting, the Master Leatherworker knew via the town grapevine that the Magistrate was returning and was rescued by the Ladies Three. Which meant she would have a visitor today also, most likely? She dismissed her assistants as soon as certain strangers started to turn up. She didn’t really know who was who until Otonia was at the door and welcomed in to introduce them.

Charis starting talking as soon as they were all gathered together.

“This building belongs to the warrior-sisters now. For a very modest rent the Master Leatherworker will occupy the bottom floor, so she will be able to expand her workshop and her business and also make her home here as well. The top floor is for our company. Otonia will know that we came across some money and we spent a lot of it while in town some time ago. Seeing the money disappearing I decided to use some of it for another purpose. It took some time, but finally the previous owner and I reached agreement on a price.”

A still silence enveloped all the sisters, Otonia and Dione knew Charis was always planning but didn’t know the extent of Charis’ plan. As far as they knew they were all travelling to the city? Otonia looked at Dione, questioning this new development. They wondered how they could speak to Charis, there was no way now, too many of them were packed into the shop front.

“While we have been away, some modest fitout has occurred to suit our purposes. I hope you agree with it. Before we explore our new home we have some business of our own to conclude.” continued Charis.

At Charis’ signal the Master Leatherworker pushed a work trolley forward; it was covered though so no one knew what was being hidden and it consumed the remaining space.