I truly did not.’ Cien didn’t look at him again as he continued to eat his food. When the rest of the clan had bedded down for the night, and wer... snoring contentedly in the great hall, Cien was still awake and sitting in the Laird’s chair. Something didn’t sound right about what Tilda said, he thought. Something was… off. He didn’t know how to explain what he knew was true, only that he knew that it was. Standing, he walked to the stairs and climbed them effortlessly. Crossing quickly to her. " "Tell me something new," I replied a little sarcastically. Mind readers we ain't. Telepathy was still science fiction to me."What if we could mind speak to one another? Wouldn't that be fun? I mean like you communicate with those things." She was referring to my platoon of guard dogs. I use the term 'dogs' loosely."We don't really communicate. They exist on a different plane and to speak to them I need to penetrate that plane by using arcane arts. It's more like getting them to cross over to. "Still lying atop his suitcase, she eyed him doubtfully. "So you're already packing? When are you leaving? Didn't he give you any notice?" Susan, it was my choice. I leave tomorrow night." What do you mean it was your choice, and how long will you be gone?" I'll be gone for a week. I asked him to send me. He's been bugging me forever to do this, and now seems like the right time to go." Why now?" she asked, fear showing in her eyes."Susan, did you think about what I said this morning? Do you. " "You'll be here for several weeks," said Barocca. "If several of the amazons will vouch for you or recommend you, you're in. You'll become one of us, and a 'member of the family' so to speak. "You'll be asked to perform numerous tasks," Tiffany continued. "Everything from performing in the rituals and other domestic tasks like you've just done, to satisfying any of the amazons in any way at any time. Show us that you've got what it takes, and you'll more than likely make it. If you screw.