Are you taking up with her?’ ‘No Mam, just helping her out with a project.’ ‘Ah cariad, she’d make you a nice wife, she has a good brain lik... her sister does that one.’ ‘Mam,’ I said plaintively. ‘Stop trying to get me married off.’ ‘Well you’re getting on, you should have a girlfriend, or a wife to keep you warm in bed.’ I thought of Glynda, the wife I wanted belonged to someone else. ‘What’s for tea then?’ I asked changing the subject. ‘One of your Da’s favourites, cauliflower cheese, and. On the other end of the six foot long hoe handle the smith attached a pointed hoe blade. Each blade reminded me of a gardening tool. Together they made a wicked tool, if I had to face a kid with a knife. Not something I would want to take to a gunfight, but if all else failed it might help to run away better.I dressed in jeans and two layers of thermal clothing for my upper body, then a light weight fishing vest. Mikah dressed in fur. She and I left for the walk. She would rather have run free. I am trusting the safety of all of Poland to you."She smiled a tired smile."And there are no people in this world I trust more." I hope these rooms work, for now. In the morning we can arrange better."Shanna watched as the Elven Queen moved into the first bedroom. Two beds, little more than cots, stood on one side, a small nightstand between them. A small writing desk, a table with two chairs. Sparse furnishings, as un-royal as could be imagined. Still, they were clean, warm. Secure. Catty. She pulled the explanation of the hymn for next Sunday out of her reticule and thrust it at him.“Put it in an inside pocket,” she said.” I have it wrapped in oiled cloth, but that won’t be much protection.”“Teacher, I read the book.”“Do you have it with you?”“It is in Martha’s saddle bags,” he said.“I’ll come with you.” He was going to ride home through the rain, and she would be able to change her clothes before dinner. They started walking towards the hitching rail. “Can you come to see me.