When Tilly arrives to wake Rufina for training she finds five people in the bed, Rufina draped over Aaron on the left side, Emi drape over his right side, Beth snuggled up behind Rufina and Benny laying on Aaron's chest. Shaking her head she lights a candle on each side of the bed, whispering in first Emi's ear then Fina's to wake them up. After rolling Beth to her back so Fina has room to move, she then helps her up. Once they are both up and about she departs. With Emi's help Fina moves Beth next to Aaron then covers them all with the sheet. As Fina does her morning toilet, Emi readies her clothes. Once Fina is dressed they goto the sitting room to put on the armor.

Before starting though, Fina hugs and kisses Emi. "Don't worry love, we'll get everything worked out." Squeezing her bottom, she kisses her again. After getting armored, "Will you wake and bathe the children then bring water for Aaron to use, then wake him?" kissing her one last time before going to train.

Returning to the bedchamber, Emi puts on the tunic she wore the night before then goes down to the kitchen. Once there she fills a pitcher with hot water. Taking it up stairs she enters the children's room, placing the pitcher on the floor by the door. Moving the tub out of the corner she then mixes a basin of water to the correct temperature. Making sure there are cloths and soap handy she goes to wake Beth for her bath. Once Beth has used the pot they go to the room next door where Emi bathes her. Once she is bathed and dressed Emi sends her down to get another half pitcher of water for Benny. While Beth is doing that Emi goes to wake Benny. He is put on the pot then brought to the tub, where he is soaped and rinsed then dressed. Taking them down to the kitchen she has Christina watch them while she fetches water for Aaron. After placing the pitcher by the basin she wakes Aaron.

"Prince Aaron, it's time to awaken," shaking his shoulder. Once his eyes open, she steps back, "Rufina asked to wake you in time to dress before Tai Chi, I have brought water for you to bathe. Your clothes are laid out. Now if you'll excuse me." She nods then withdraws. As she leaves she meets Benson at the door.

"Is he awake?" he asks.

"He is. I brought a pitcher of water for him and laid his cloths out. You should check on him though." She nods to him.

"Thank you, Emi." He enters the sitting room as she continues to the kitchen. She sits quietly sipping tea, thinking about the letter she received, what Rufina and Aaron said last night, and what she should do. If the crops failed badly enough that there was just enough to pay the taxes that means there not enough for seed for next years crop nor enough to eat this winter. Her family would probably die of starvation this coming winter if they didn't take Rufina's offer to come to Haven. She decides to write a letter to them this morning. Once she had made that decision, she becomes aware of what is going on around her.

Aaron and Benson have arrived and are sitting with her at the kitchen table sipping tea. Noticing that she is aware of her surroundings Aaron asks, "What had you in such deep thought, Emi?"

"What I told you of last night. I believe I need to write to my parents today, letting them know of Rufina's offer."

"Ah, I shall check the records to locate a farm for them then."

"Thank you, prince Aaron."

"Just Aaron, Emi, just Aaron. Shall we go see if Rufina has managed to get the better of Kalvin yet?"

Rufina and Kalvin have an audience for the last few minutes of their sparring. When they put down their wooden weapons and shed some of their armor the household retires to the garden patio to do their thirty five minutes of T'ai Chi. When T'ai Chi is completed Emi fetches water for Rufina's before breakfast bath, as Aaron helps Rufina out of her armor. Excusing himself after getting the armor removed he leaves the two young women to their bath.

"I will write a letter to Manager Hawkworth this morning, Emi. If I remember correctly Osrai should be through tonight on his way back to Calvi so there will not be a delay in getting a massage to him about your family." I am removing my clothes, preparing to bathe.

"Good, I will write my parents telling them of your offer this morning. What exactly is being offered? Aaron mentioned a farm and you suggested apprenticeships for sister and younger brother." She is preparing the water.

"Passage to the island, I will have mister Hawkworth purchase their farm, telling him to give them a good price. A farm of thirty acres will be offered to the family as a whole, though your elder brother will probably be the one to work it if your father is unable to work. If that is the case, your father and mother will be found employment. Your younger siblings can be found apprenticeships I am sure." She is scrubbing my back as I am saying this.

She stops scrubbing and hugs me tight, placing her head at the back of mine, saying, "Thank you, Fina."

I turn, lifting head so we are face to face, "Like I said last night, you are family. You may not be blood kin but you are my family never the less." I wrap her in my arms, placing a kiss on her forehead. "You are closer than a sister to me, I don't wish you to be unhappy." She is returning the hug.

We stand there for a few minutes. I push her back slightly, "Now I need to finish bathing so we can go write some letters. And they will not hold breakfast if we are late." I kiss her, gently at first but it soon get very passionate. I break the kiss with a sigh, pushing her back, "Come on Love, we need to finish bathing." She reluctantly resumes scrubbing me, giving me caresses as she does. She wets my head, then soaping her hands washes my hair. Having me lean back she rinses it, then dries it. Drying me off she gives me another long kiss, her hands firmly grasping my butt.

'You two need to hurry, your breakfast is getting cold.'

"Sophia just told me our breakfast is getting cold." She sighs, releasing me then goes to the wardrobe. Removing fresh under garments for me, a long tunic and a pair of shorts. She holds the panties as I step into them then the shorts. As I put the bra on, she gathers the tunic, slipping it over my head when I finish. She quickly brushes my hair. Then snuffing the candles leads me out to the balcony.

I notice the tip of her tail is not twitching, though the rest is swinging back and forth. Remembering what this means take me until the landing of the stairs. I stop her, pulling her into a hug, whispering in her ear, "I love you Emi." I grasp her butt in both hands, pushing her to the wall. "and don't you forget it." One hand has moved to her crotch, pressing there, rubbing. I am kissing her hard. When I stop she is flushed, breathing hard. We both are. Straightening our clothes we continue to the table.

Sophia was right, our breakfast has gotten cold. We eat it anyway. At least the tea is still warm.

Sophia tells me that Aaron and Aden are going to go check several farms this morning. Then she asks if we will be working on the abacus instruction this morning or this afternoon. I tell her I have letters to write this morning so the instructions will have to wait until this afternoon.

All of the others have left to go about their business. The only one besides Sophia still here is Eliza, who is picking up the dirty dishes so she must be on dish washing duty this morning. Finishing I tell Emi to go write her letter, I'll help Eliza will the dishes.

Carrying the last of the dishes to the kitchen I help Eliza. I tell her the plan for the day, asking her to plan to help with the instructions this afternoon. She'll let Howard know what's going on then.

After washing the breakfast dishes with Eliza then seeing her off to Howard's, I go to the study. The letters that arrived last night are laying on the desk. I open the bags, as the list stated they are seeds. Examining the them I see they are peppers, tasting them I find three different varieties, a sweet and two hot. Laying them aside I open one of the smaller letter which tells me that cousin Stanford and Count Romir have left Calvi on the morning of 32 Summer.

The second letter is larger, containing five pages.

'To Rufina, Queen of Haven, Greetings.

As per your request of 24 summer I have enclosed a report on Count Romir. If I may, I suggest you have nothing to do with him. As you will see from the report he is an extremely unpleasant person.

Your Servant, George Hawkworth, General Manager, The Harding Company.'

The report is four pages of finely written text. As I read my anger grows, by the second page I am livid. George is correct, I want nothing to do with the man. There are so many crimes listed that if he was on Earth he would have been in prison forever, if the convicts didn't kill him first, I have heard they don't like his type in prison. Serial murder, rape, child molestation, mutilation and child rape. Then there is slavery, theft, receiving stolen goods, embezzlement, fraud and arson. There are rumors of him instigating several wars against neighboring countries.

By the time I finish the report I want to beat his head in. I stomp up stairs, grab my sword and go out the garden gate. Once I am around the corner, I form the sword into a large long handled maul. I then proceed to beat the plaster off the long garden wall.

* * *

Sophia is review the alphabet with Benny when she feels something disquieting. Looking toward the study the feeling is intense. As she watches, it intensifies, becoming blazing red anger. "Oh, dear one. Christina, watch the children." She stands and runs out the door, heading up the stairs.

Once in the guard barracks, she seeks Kalvin. She senses Rufina moving below her, the rage still burning. She senses her leaving the palace, going to the orchard. Then the booming starts. "KALVIN, WHERE ARE YOU?" Sophia shouts.

"Here Sophia. What is that noise?"

"That noise is Rufina. She is very angry about something or someone. I can't sense her reasons, all I can sense is the rage. Go to her, ask her why she so angry but be very, very careful."

Kalvin grabs his helmet, secures it to his head then swiftly descends to the ground floor. Sophia follows as he goes through the garden and out the gate. He passes Emi and Tilly, who are standing on the path staring at the south wall watching as bits of plaster fall off, worried looks on their faces. He return in a couple of minutes saying, "She says there is a report I should read." The four of them enter the palace going to the study. Once there Kalvin starts reading, passing each page to one of the others when he has it completed. When he finishes the final page he returns to the orchard. The others quickly read the report, then follow him.

* * *

I have fifteen feet of wall bare to the underlying logs when Kalvin comes to inquire why I am beating on the walls.

"On the desk," BOOM, " in the study," BOOM, "is a report," BOOM, "go read it." BOOM. I swing again, BOOM, plaster flies. He leaves.

Ten minutes later he returns. "Your majesty, why is this Count Romir a concern of yours?"

"Because my dear," BOOM," great uncle," BOOM, "has betrothed," BOOM, "me to him," BOOM," And he and," BOOM, "my beloved," BOOM," cousin Stanford," BOOM,"will arrive within," BOOM," the next week." BOOM... BOOM... BOOM.

By this time I am panting and can barely lift the maul. As I prepare to swing again he takes it from me.

"That is enough, Fina. You will hurt yourself if you continue. Go find Emi and have her give you a massage and a bath. You don't have to run today, I think removing the plaster from sixty feet of wall is enough exercise for the day. Now return your sword to it proper form and go wash up."

He hands me the maul which I transform back into a sword. He takes my empty hand and leads me to the garden gate. Once we are inside, there is Emi with Sophia and Tilly behind her, all wearing the same worried expressions. "She should be calmer now." He places the hand he is holding in Emi's, who leads me to my rooms. She strips me down then lays me on the massage table. After a whispered conversation with Sophia who then leaves, she starts massaging me. A short time later Tilly and Abbey enter carrying pitchers of water. Emi sits me on the stool and starts washing me. When Sophia returns, wearing her robe and carrying a bundle of clothes, Emi moves me to the hair washing chair. Emi then scrubs my head and hair while Sophia give me a pedicure. Once my hair is finished Emi produces my razor and shaves me, while Sophia give me a manicure.

When I am scrubbed, shampooed, shaved, pedicured and manicured Emi lays me on the massage table again where I get a better kneading than Tilly's bread.

I must have fallen asleep, because I am in dream space laying on the grass of Eliza's meadow, my hands being held by Emi and Sophia. The three of us are dressed in sundresses, like the ones I had shown Helen. I am in a medium dark green, Emi in light blue and Sophia is in a deep yellow.

"Do you want to talk about it?" ask Sophia, looking in my eyes.

I will have too, eventually, they will need to know. "Did you see the report?" They both nod. "Did you read the list of murder victims?" Again they nod. "What did all the victims have in common?" I can see they are thinking, Sophia is first to figure it out, Emi getting it a little later. "Yes, all the victims were young women, who are described as child like; small, thin, underdeveloped. Some were children yet, barely into puberty others older like myself and Emi, fully grown but still small and child like in body. The count is what on Earth is called a pedophile, one that prays on children."

"And my great uncle has betrothed me to him. And how long do you think I would I survive after the wedding? Then there is Emi, several of the victims were Catkin. They were mutilated before being killed. Then there are Eliza and Beth." I start crying, the thought of this monster running amok on my island upsetting me. I am being hugged.

"Rufina, you are not alone, there are others that can help. Let's go talk to them." Sophia counsels.

"That is correct love, you aren't alone. You have Aaron, Kalvin, Victor, the guard captain and the guards to help."

I wipe my tears, giving them a smile. "You're right, I'm not alone any more, I have all of you." I pull them in to a hug,

I wake up, laying on the massage table in my sitting room, covered with a towel, Emi and Sophia tucked under my arms, their heads laying on my abdomen. I stroke their heads, tears of happiness forming, my friends. When they stir, they help me up, dress me in clean clothes then lead me to the dining room. Sophia excuses herself to go dress. After sitting me, Emi goes to the study returning with the report. She then leaves, going to find Kalvin, the Captain and Aaron. I look at the report then going to the study to fetch the letter from the 23rd of Summer. Laying it with the report I then go to the kitchen.

I start gathering cups and saucers, placing them on a tray. I prepare the large tea pot, first preheating the pot, then adding the tea then the water, letting it steep. Then using the serving cart I roll everything to the table. I hadn't said a word to Tilly or Abbey, who watched me as I worked.

Sophia has arrived, sitting in her normal place, on the other side of the table from me. I place a cup in front of her, "Tea?" She nods. I pour. Placing the honey pot and cream container on the table, then placing cups at six more places. I pour a cup for myself then sit, sliding the letter to Sophia. As she reads I sip my tea.

"I see you are playing the long game, my dear. Gathering information on your enemies. Very good."

"A Chinese general said, "Thus, what enables the wise sovereign and the good general to strike and conquer, and achieve things beyond the reach of ordinary men, is foreknowledge."

"Ah, Sun Tzu. And why would a person of peace like yourself know 'The Art of War' ?"

"Many things are like unto war. A business is a small country, warring with other small countries for the coin of the people. To counter the business that doesn't want you to succeed at your endeavor, you must think like a wise general. Knowing what your enemy is doing so you can make plans to counter his moves is one way of doing that. Many people on Earth study the Art of War."

After speaking of The Art of War, I come to the realization that would be a good book to print in the here and now. I will need to view a copy so I can transcribe it to common. I need to get on the press and type casting system. I sigh, which causes Sophia to ask, "What's the matter, dear one?"

"I just realizing that I am behind on the printing press development, I have been neglecting it ."

"Perhaps it is time to bring in others to help with it. Didn't you say that Harry has an employee that makes his moulds? Bring him to the palace along with Steven, John and Howard, and we can show them what one looks like, let them make the press."

"Humm, that would work. I just found someone to carve the letter stamps needed to impress the letter molds. The fonts need designing. So much to do." I sigh again.

She causes me to feel kissed, 'Like we said dear one, you are not alone in your endeavors. Consult your friends, they will have ideas.' 'When will you teach me how to do that?' 'What? The kiss?' 'Yes.' 'Humm.' I feel like I am be kissed again, this time with tongue, I look at what is happening then touch my lips. I feel my finger, there is nothing on my lips but I still feel it. Oh, it's all in my brain. Closing my eyes, I imagine I am kissing Sophia like I would talk to her in my head. I hear a sigh, then a more passionate kiss begins. I start getting aroused. I open my eyes to see her, cheeks pink with arousal. A idea pops in my head, I will need to try it later because right now there are others in the room.

While Sophia and I were mind speaking, Aaron and Victor have arrived. Aaron sits on my right with Victor opposite. I hand Aaron the letters, the earliest one on top. When he finishes it, he hands it to Victor then starts reading the second one, pass each page over when he finishes it. I could see the anger in his eyes, in his body language, soon Victor had the same look. He was about to say something when captain Robert and Kalvin came down from the guardroom and Aden and Emi entered via the front door. As Kalvin has already read the second letter when handed both he just read the first. Then hands both to the captain, who in turn hands them to Aden.

As they sit down, I ask each if they want tea, which I pour if they do. We sit and sip as we wait for Aden to finish. Finishing, Aden stacks the pages neatly before passing them to me. "So this person is coming here, is he? Do we let him disembark or forbid it?" He asks.

I had been thinking, running scenarios. "He should be allowed to disembark. What reason would we have to forbid it if we didn't know of his wrong doings? If we forbid it, he could figure out that we have a source of information which would then be compromised. Also there is no mention of men at arms accompanying them. If he has information on us, he would know the strength of the guards so would bring enough to counter them. Captain, how is the training of the militia coming?" I ask.

"They are becoming competent with their spears though they have yet to handle a real one." He gives me a knowing look. "You have an idea, don't you?"

"Ah, yes. Let's have the militia train on the walls for the couple of weeks or so. They will be in the palace, out of sight so to speak but in position to assist if needed. In the mean time they can train in close quarter combat on the walls against the guards. They will need training like that eventually."

"Yes, see it. I will do as you suggest, your majesty."

"Kalvin, Victor, as you are our strongest fighters, you will need to be ready at all times. So don't stray to far. Aaron, you and Aden will probably be the first to meet them when they disembark, so take care. Sophia, will you stay with the children? Emi, you will be with me as usual."

"Let's assume that they know some of our routines. We know that Lian was passing information to someone, he may have passed how the guards preform their duties. So Captain you may want to change those, breaking any patterns that may have developed."

We sit and talk through several scenarios, making general plans. Aaron and captain Robert, along with Victor and Kalvin discuss the deployment of the guards and the militia, setting up a schedule.

Sophia, Emi and I started talking at the other end of the table. We decide to tell the Tilly, Abbey and the maids what is going on. Emi goes to find Molly and Mabel, Christina is with the children in their room, Sophia goes to talk to her. She will monitor what goes on in the kitchen, relaying it to Christina. When Emi returns with the maids, we sit at the table, Abbey and Tilly continue working on dinner. I tell them of my cousin and the count. Then tell them the contents of the letter from mister Hawkworth. Mabel gets a scared look on her face, Molly one of disgust. I let them in on the plans. Mabel asks to be allowed to stay home until the count is gone. I tell her she can. She gets up and leaves.

We continue to talk until Tilly announces that dinner is ready.

Helen and Eliza are in town, due any moment, Tobias is out in the stable or orchard this morning, he should be here shortly. Everyone else is here. I am feeling exhausted and drained. I still need to write those letters. Emi looks at me. She comes over, lifts my chin and tells me to sit and relax, she will set the table. She starts gathering the needed dishes, utensils and condiments on the serving cart. Beth comes in and starts helping. I lay my head on the table, eyes closed. I must have fallen asleep as the next thing I know Emi is whispering in my ear, "Dinner is being served, Love."

We go to the table, I try to smile at everyone but it is forced and doesn't last long. Helen frowns, I think she can sense something is wrong. We eat in near silence. When most of us are finished, I have Christina and Sophia take the children upstairs. When they are gone I ask Tobias to move to Sophia's chair, I need to speak to him, Helen and Eliza. Once Tobias has moved, I tell them everything that happened this morning, about my cousin and count, the letters and the plans. Aaron, Kalvin and Victor tell of the plans that they have come up with.

Tobias says in a calm voice, "It appears that you have it well in hand, so don't worry to much. In my sixty five years, I have found that worry is a waste of time and energy. Just remain calm when they arrive, deal with them as they need to be dealt with. And above all be vigilant."

He reaches across the table, taking my hand. "I have faith in you, my princess." He stands, bows then turns and leaves.

I smile. He is right, worry is a waste of energy. I stand, take a deep breath, going into centering. "He is correct, worry is a waste of energy. The plans are made, if they survive meeting the count all will be well. Do not mention this to the children, they would not understand and would worry. Gentlemen, prepare as much as possible. Let's get busy."

They stand, bowing to me, "Yes your majesty." Everyone heads to where they need to be, Helen and Benson to the kitchen to do dishes. Eliza to prepare to draw. Aaron leads Kalvin, Victor and Aden to the guard room to talk further with captain Robert. I ask Molly to assist Christina with the children, freeing Sophia to help with the instructions. Sophia comes down shortly after Molly climbs the stairs. I ask Emi if she would like to use the desk in the study to write her letter, she would so she goes there.

Sophia and I go to the parlor to setup our book writing system. Moving a trio of writing tables in a T formation, Sophia facing Eliza with me between them. Eliza has the inkstone, pens and paper ready. She hands me several sharpened charcoal sticks and a stack of paper. Sophia retrieves the outline from the study. We are ready.

After reading the outline quickly, I start writing. I write large, as my utensil is course. As I complete each paragraph I hand the sheet to Sophia. When I am several sheets ahead I start on the illustrations, handing those to Eliza. She examines each one, doing a practice sketch or two of each. When the first page is complete Sophia hands it to Eliza, who takes pen in hand and quickly draws each illustration in the spaces left open for them. I have the text for the second page well under way, Sophia stands, taking a walk around the atrium then returns to her seat.

Taking up her pen, she continues to copy the text, editing as she goes. I finish the text. After laying it on the corner of Sophia's table, I start writing the draft of the letter to Mister Hawkworth.

To George Hawkworth, General Manager, the Harding Company, Calvi from Rufina, Queen of Haven, Greetings.

Yesterday my companion received a distressing letter from her mother. Her father has been injured, her mother as lost her position and to top it off their farm suffered a crop failure to the point that they could barely pay their taxes. I fear they will starve this winter if something is not done.

I understand that they are freemen, therefore I authorize you to purchase their farm, if they own it, giving them a fair price. Then I wish them to be offer transport to the island, at my expense, on the first available ship.

Enclosed in this batch of mail is a letter to them from their daughter. It will explain to them the offer I am making. Please present that letter when you go to meet them, then make the offer for the farm. We will discuss the disposition of the farm at a later date.

Inclosed is a pouch containing forty gold to purchase the farm and for transportation costs. If there is surplus, apply it to any balance due on my account. If it is not enough please inform me as soon as possible.

Would you please do this for my companion and myself?

Sincerely, Rufina Faucher, Queen of Haven

Sophia has finished the instructions and is sitting watching me and Eliza work. I hand her the letter. After reading it she asks, 'Is Emi all right?' , 'She is upset of course. After speaking with Aaron and I, we came up with the plan out lined in the letter.' She lays the letter on the table, picks up her pen and makes a fair copy of it, making a few small changes in the process. She hands it to me. I quickly read it, nodding at the changes, then taking her pen I sign the bottom.

Taking the letter, I go to the study to check on Emi. She is writing away, a stack of pages at her side. There is pile of crumpled pages also. I come behind her and start rubbing her shoulders. She puts her charcoal stick down and sighs. "Are you making any headway, Love?"

"After a few false starts I got what I want to say said. I am nearly finished. I will need to make a fair copy then I am finished."

"Would you like to have Sophia do it? Or at least help."

"She knows?"

I nod, "She wrote the fair copy of my letter to mister Hawkworth, so yes she knows."

"In that case, please ask her for me."

'Sophia, Emi asks for your help with her letter to her parents. Will you help?'

In answer, Sophia enters the study. She takes Emi's hand. Emi bursts into tears. Sophia gathers her in her arms, hugging her to her breast. I come behind Emi, joining the hug. Sophia leans back, wipes the tears from Emi's eyes then looking in her eyes tells her, "Be brave, dear one, remember you too are not alone. You have many friends to help you. Come, let's get this letter finished." Taking the finished portion of the letter out to the atrium, she leads Emi to the tables. Sitting Emi, in my chair then sitting herself she starts reading. Nodding as she reads, she makes a few small corrections. After showing Emi those corrections and getting a nod she takes pen to a fresh page. As she finishes each page she hands them to Emi who reads them then hands them to me to read. As I finish them I lay them in front of Emi.

Eliza finishes the illustrations on the instructions. Handing me the second and final page, she looks at Emi then Sophia. Sophia glaces up from writing, reaches out and takes Eliza's hand. Eliza gets a glassy look on her face for a few seconds then, when Sophia releases her hand, takes Emi's, giving it a squeeze. Looking the instructions over, I nod. I take both sheets to the study, laying them on the desk. When I return, Emi is signing the last page of her letter. She fans the last page to help it dry then hands all of them to me. I read them whole letter. I nod, it will do. Laying it down, I gather the three of them in a hug, "Thank you, my dears. This has been a good afternoon. Eliza will you go tell Kalvin I would like to run early today. Emi, Sophia let's go get me ready for my run." Picking the letter up, I take it to the study, laying it with the other.

Eliza has gone up stairs to tell Kalvin my wishes. Sophia and Emi are waiting at the stairs. We go up, stopping at Emi's rooms so she can fetch her running clothes then continue to my rooms. Emi and I change to shorts and tunics then I get the armor put on me. When I am armored, I give Sophia a hug, asking her to have water ready for when we return. She nods, giving us both a kiss then tells us, "Have a good run, see you in a little while."

Emi and I go to the back door, put on our footwear then stretch. Going out the gate we meet Kalvin who takes off at a slow trot until we are outside the walls. The pace increases as we follow the same path as yesterday, along the tree line. The militia trainees are missing today, when asked Kalvin informs me they are on the walls as I suggested. The start of the run is in the sun so I am getting warm then when we enter the forested portion of the path the shade feels good. I get warmed again as we run along the river and climbing the hill to the main gate. I am not breathing as hard as I was yesterday so Kalvin takes us around again, this time next to the walls. Sprinting the last one hundred yards up the hill to the gate is hard but I make it.

When we enter the garden, I see the food dryer sitting close to the south wall. I had forgotten that it had been delivered. Walking over to it, I open the door. I can feel the heat pour out. I close it back up, nodding to myself. Now to put it to use. I rejoin Emi, who is sitting on the bench near the door, removing her shoes. I sit next to her, removing my boots and grieves. Emi takes her shoes and my boots while I carry the grieves as we enter the palace. Placing the footwear on the shelving unit inside the door we continue on up stairs. We are met by Sophia at the door of my sitting room. She and Emi soon have the armor off me and back on the rack. Emi comments that the gambeson is going to need scrubbing again soon, it is getting ripe, Sophia nods in agreement. Thanking Sophia, Emi and I go to my chamber.

Sophia has the water mixed to the prefect temperature, the clothes and soap ready. Fresh clothes are even laid out. Turning to Emi I reach out pulling the tunic over her head. Hooking her shorts with a finger, I pull her to me, "Today I will wash you first. I realize that we have not gotten to cuddle lately so barring interruption, you will get a good licking today." I pull her close, kissing her. We remove each others clothes, then soaping my hand I start scrubbing her, kissing and fondling her the whole time. I have finished washing her legs, running my hand between her thighs. Using the edge of my hand I rub her folds, slipping my thumb into her channel. Rubbing the inside and outside I get her close. I then wipe her down, removing the soap. Guiding her to the bed I push her on to it, straddling her, I start kissing her. First her mouth, her neck, both nipples, I work my way down. Her legs spread wide, inviting me, I dive in, licking and sucking. Soon she is arched off the bed, twitching as she breathes hard. Lick her juices from my hand and lips I return to her face, kissing her deeply. She snuggles up to me, laying her head on my shoulder.

"Love you Fina," She says as she snuggles, her hands roaming over me. We lay thus for a few minutes then Emi straddles me, giving me a deep kiss. Breaking the kiss, she stands pulling me to my feet, "Your turn now, my queen." She leads me to the basin, where she dips her hands then soaps them. Facing each other she starts scrubbing. She scrubs a section of my body then rinses me before moving to a new part, finishing as I had, at my crotch. After cleaning me thoroughly then rinsing me, she starts licking and nibbling. We end up on the floor, crotches rubbing against each other. Our mutual orgasms are intense.

When we recover she sits me on the chest, then washes my hair, massaging my scalp, gods it feels good. Rinsing my head, she dries it then brushes it. When finished I do the same for her. Doing a final wipe down, then rubbing each other dry, we dress in the clothes Sophia had laid out. After cleaning up our clothes, the water and giving the floor a wipe, we go down stairs to check on supper. Tilly tells us it will be another 25 minutes.

Entering the study I put the pages of Emi letter in order, then roll then up. I do the same to the letter to Manager Hawkworth then seal them both. I address my letter then go to do the same for Emi's but stop, I don't know what to put as the address. "Emi, come address your letter, please." I say in a loud voice. She comes in a few seconds later and does just that. Placing both letters on the corner of the desk, I scan the desk. I find two letters addressed to me. I got side tracked this morning and didn't read all the mail. Both letters are from Mister Hawkworth, one telling me a dyer had been hired. The other to tell me Mister Butterfeld had been hired and both he and the other paper maker are in route. The other man has all of his required equipment.

Paper making equipment reminds me I need to design a paper cutting shear and a book press. Taking out a charcoal stick I make a note of these two items. I need a better way to track what I need to have built, what I have designed and what is being built. I do wish I had a white board. What did they use before that? Chalk boards. Yes, that needs paint. OH, I remember, slate. I wonder where I could get a large sheet of slate, I remember ordering small paper sized slates for the school. They should be arriving soon, if they were available. I'll order a large slate through Mark. I add that to the list.

That reminds me, I need forty gold to send to mister Hawkworth.

"Mama, aunt Tilly says supper is all most ready." Beth is standing in the doorway. "Is everything all right? You had everyone worried earlier."

"Come here sweetie." I turn in my chair, facing her as she comes around the desk. Taking her hands, I look in her face, "I am sorry I worried you. The reason I was upset is I found out a bad man is coming to the island and it made me very angry so I took it out on the wall. When your aunts and uncles found out what made me so upset they were angry too. So we made plans to deal with him when he comes. So you needn't worry. Like uncle Tobias said, Worry is a waste of energy." I pull her into a hug, which she returns. "Let go to supper."

Standing, I let her lead me to the table. After helping her into her chair I greet Benny, asking what has been doing today.

"Christina took me for a walk in the woods, showed me all kinds on plants. We sat under a tree, real quite and a squirrel came out of the tree and chattered at us. Christina says squirrels hide nuts for winter, is that true?"

"Yes, squirrel hide food so they have it to eat during winter. People need to be like squirrels, storing food for winter so they don't get hungry." Looking down the table I ask, "Tobias, which fruit trees are bearing at the moment?"

"There are apple, figs, plums and pears ripe, ready to harvest."

"I believe tomorrow we shall be squirrels, storing food for the winter. There is a brand new food dryer in the garden ready to be used."

We discuss what we will need in the morning. Ladders to get the fruit from high in the trees and baskets to carry the fruit in.

After eating the table gets cleared and the dishes washed. I ask Aden for the gold for mister Hawkworth which he fetches. I place the pouch of coin on the study desk with letters then Emi and I put the children to bed. The others either break out the games or retire for the evening.

Per usual, Benny is asleep before we get to the bed chamber. I lay him down, strip off his tunic, shorts and stockings then tuck him in. I then help Emi bathe Beth, washing her hair as Emi give her a foot massage. Beth only reads to me for a quarter hour before she starts nodding off, so I tuck her in next to her brother while cuddling her.

After getting Beth to sleep, Emi and I straighten the room, dumping the bath water, hanging the wash cloths and towel up to dry and place the dry clothes in the basket.

"Are you going with Aaron and I to meet Osrai?"

"Yes, I will."

"Ok, lets collect what we need then." We descend to the study where I load the basket with the out going letters and the pouch of coins. Emi goes to the kitchen to fetch the fowl for Osrai's meal. When Emi returns to the study we climb the stairs to find Aaron.

We arrive at our room where we find Aaron. "Are you ready, dear?"

"Yes. Shall we go?" We go back down stairs, pick up the luggage then head to the back door.

After telling Kalvin where we are going we put on our boots and head out. Aaron has a fire starter, I have letters for the courier and Emi has his supper, a plump fowl. Arriving at the site a little before sunset, I show Aaron the fire circles and the perch, explain the signaling system and then we start a small fire. After checking the wind direction, we lay out wood in the three fire circles we need then wait. When Aaron says that it's been 50 minutes since the sunset, we light the fires. Once they are burning, we move out of the circle, sitting near the perch. Not 10 minutes later Emi hears a screech in the distance.

Laying on our backs, looking up at the stars, we see the silhouette of a large bird pass overhead. A flap of wings and there he is in the center of the fires. I walk to the fire, spreading it out. He jumps up, gliding to the perch. Turning on it so he faces me, "Greetings Rufina. I am surprised to see you tonight, I was expecting Aden."

"Greeting Osrai. He has been here the last four nights, as I was excepting a special courier. So he is tired. I told him to go home and sleep. And I wish to introduce someone to you. Aaron, step around so he can see you." Aaron comes to stand beside me. "Osrai this is Aaron, prince of Monte' and as of two days ago, my husband. Aaron this is Osrai, courier for the Harding company." They nod to each other.

"Congratulations, your majesty, Aaron. I notice that Mistress Emi is here, also. And she has my dinner ready. If you will come open the pack we can get about our business, I am hungry." He stand straight on the perch, inviting me in.

I open the pack, removing the folio. Opening the folio, I remove letters and the cover sheet. Holding the paper so the fire light shines on it, I read. It is a list of items in the folio. There is a letter for me, one for Emi and one to mister Hawkworth from Mark, which needs to be returned to the folio. Handing the letters to Aaron, I get out ink stick, inkstone and brush. Crossing out the items on the list that I have removed then I add the new items I am placing in the pack. I replace the cover sheet, the letter from Mark, Emi's letter her parents and my letter to mister Hawkworth in the folio, then place the folio back in the pack. After double checking that the pack is closed and secure, Emi presents Osrai with the hare.

As Osrai dines, we chat with him. Aaron asks how long it takes to fly from Calvi to Haven and from Haven to Monte'. Osrai says depending on the wind, the trip to Haven is about eighteen hours and then another sixteen to Monte', thought he usually sleeps for about three hours on one of the small islands between here and there. If he does that he can land at on Monte' at one hour after sunset like he does here. When he finishes his dinner he asks, "Could you extinguish the fires so I can leave. I'll be back thought in three days, see you then." Once the fires are out with a hop and several flaps he is gone.

After making sure the fires are totally out, we start down the hill, Emi leading us. Aaron asks if Monte' could be added to the postal route. I said I would ask mister Hawkworth in my next letter to him. We continue walking, holding hands. The moons are both in the sky so it is not too dark, we can see Emi as she leads us home.