One group of guards guided Sir Kestrel and Sir Joseph off to enjoy time as a guest of the manor, while another led by Rock guided the merchant’s wagon to the side of the main building. “My lord,” Rock bowed respectfully towards Mongo, “what can we do to make your stay here more comfortable? Do you wish a bath? Perhaps a meal before going and seeing the High Lady Lee?”

“I have injured friends in the back of the wagon,” Mongo reminded everyone present. “They need to see a healer as soon as possible.”

“And how many are there?” Rock asked, all business like.

“Two,” Mongo answered simply. “Both young women, and we don’t have a clue what’s wrong with them. Our healers have been staying and tending them non-stop since they were injured but don’t know what the issue truly is. It doesn’t seem contagious,” Mongo reassured Rock. “The ladies just won’t waken no matter what we try.”

“Then you three,” Rock pointed to a group of guards standing firmly at attention nearby, “go and tell the healers to prepare for two guests…”

“Four,” Mongo interrupted. “Our healers are exhausted and won’t leave their patients, and they need to be seen as well.”

“Tell the healers to prepare for four guests,” Rock corrected, “and then return with a bed for each guest and carry them inside. Get as many others as needed to assist you,” he commanded.

“Yes sir!” Saluting, all three plate armored guards turned and marched into the house.

“And good merchant,” Rock turned and addressed the old man who was driving the wagon, “what can we do to relieve your burdens and help you enjoy your stay amongst us?”

“A bath, a babe, and a bottle,” the old man replied with a laugh. “Don’t care if they in that order or not, but if you can get me those, I’d consider my time here to be a stay in Heaven.”

Nodding, Rock turned and pointed to another nearby guard. “Jason, you take the lord here inside and let him choose whichever lady suits his fancy, barring the High Lady herself of course, and have them fetch him his meal and drink of choice. Take him to the baths, and they can serve him there.”

“Would a babe with a bottle joining you in the bath be sufficient, my lord?” Rock asked while grinning slightly.

Cupping his hands and putting them up to his mouth, the old merchant breathed heavily in them a few times. “Still got breath,” he confirmed, “so I don’t guess I’m dead. I must just be dreaming!” Climbing down off his wagon, he laughed and nodded over at Jason. “Lead on, my good young fellow. Dream, or dead, it doesn’t matter. No man can pass up an offer like that one!”

“This way, my lord.” The guard called Jason, held out a hand for the merchants arm and helped lead him on into the house with a large smile across his face. “If you want my recommendation, I’d suggest getting Jewel to serve you. She’s a real diamond in the rough, if you get my meaning,” he was saying as they walked into the building.

“And that seems to only leave us, my lord.” Rock turned his attention back over to Mongo and nodded his head again slightly in respect. “Your healers will be safe here until the others return and escort them inside to the infirmary. Is there anything you need, my lord, or are you ready to go see the High Lady now?”

“Honestly, I could use a bath and a change of clothes,” Mongo answered, “but it might be best if I go ahead and get this over with. If she’s going to end up slicing off my head or making me a slave, I don’t need to worry about a bath. If she’s not, I can get one afterwards.”

“Certainly, my lord.” Rock didn’t try to pry and ask why Mongo might get beheaded or enslaved; he simply turned and walked slowly forward into the house, glancing back to make certain he was being followed.

“So what happened to the old mayor, anyway,” Mongo asked casually to try and distract his mind from darkly dreadful thoughts.

“I’m sorry, my lord,” Rock replied, “but the High Lady has ordered us not to ask nor answer questions. You’ll have to wait to ask her.”

“Fine.” Snorting, Mongo stared directly at Rock’s back, determined not to look around and gawk like a nobody at the ornate and priceless treasures all around. He managed to keep his determination down one whole long passage, but stopped and stared when they passed a pair of young women walking down the stairs wearing nothing but a pair of glossy red, laced up high heels. Identical twins, both with long flowing hair and a curvaceous body that he couldn’t take his eyes from, they swayed and sauntered past, seemingly not to have a care in the world who might see them.

And, amazingly enough, neither wore any sort of shackle or brand to indicate they were a slave or indentured in any manner! Free women – and high class women from the looks of their hair, hands, and soft curves of their bodies – and they were waltzing around naked, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Seeing him stop and stare, one of the young ladies slowed and then turned on the steps to face him. Putting a hand on either hip, she swayed slowly and seductively left and right, making his eyes follow instinctively the two well rounded mounds on her chest. After a brief moment, she laughed lightly, wrapped one arm across her chest to hide her ample curves, and then blew him a kiss with her other.

Mongo’s jaw fell slack and his resolution not to stare disappeared completely. Giggling lightly, her twin leaned up and kissed her passionately and then the two of them waved lightly before turning and swaying seductively on down the steps. Light little girlish giggles followed them around the corner once they reached the bottom, and slowly disappeared from sight.

“Ruby and Sapphire,” Rock informed him. “If you like, I can have them sent to you later, my lord.”

“No, he does not like,” Mongo replied before giggling girlishly. “But you can come to my room later, cutie!” It was Rock’s turn to blink and look dumbfounded. “Don’t you wuvs me,” Mongo asked, pooching his lips out as he strode up to close the few steps between him and Rock.

“Gives me a kiss,” he demanded.

Blinking, Rock turned and hastily moved on upwards. “This way to the library, my lord.” Without glancing back, he half ran as the sound of girlish giggles, in a rough male voice, followed closely behind him.