”“Oh, I’m to see an armorer this morning and buy a sword and shield,” said Steven excitedly. “Perhaps I will even buy a horse so I can ride ...o battle. I’ve been with the knights of the king and I know how to care for chargers.”“My!” said Ibin. “You must have a wealthy patron to supply you with such lavish armor.”“I have earned gold coins to pay for armor,” said Steven. “I have learned much about commerce on my journey.”“Gold coins, eh?” Ibin looked interested.“Yes,” said Steven. “Only I don’t. They tease me as NRI and all and would tease you in some days too .. If you wish I can accompany you in your gym routine”I was smiling away and looked up and in my mind I thought “Yaayieee !! I have sealed it” He has succumbed to my teasing and who wouldn’t I thought. I replied “Ok will let you know” and he blurted out his number. I laughed out and said ok let me save it. Like a gentleman he walked me to my apartment. He kept on looking at me till I shut the door and I with my back to the door. As she did that she said, "I will have to keep you waiting for a while,something's come up in Australia and I need to make some phone calls."I shrugged my shoulders and accepted a steaming mug of coffee from her. Ismiled and said, "I have always got plenty of time for you Ms. Fallows."She smiled back, but had recognised my sarcasm. She told me to helpmyself to more coffee if I wanted it and left me with a copy of herlatest book. She left the room and I browsed through the pages, it was the. "Elena, hi, it's Jack Hitchcock, Tommie's husband." Oh yes Jack, how are you?" I, uh, fine, thank you. Could I talk to Damon for a minute please?" Oh, I'm sorry, Jack, Damon's off on a trip. He left this afternoon; he called and said he'd be away probably for a couple of weeks."A couple of weeks? I stared at the phone in horror. "Did he tell you where he was going? And whether Tommie was with him?" I know it was out to the West Coast at first, Los Angeles maybe? But I think he's going several.