“Yeah go ahead,” Mick said. “We’ve still got those buffalo hides we took during the trip from the farm. You left yours in the cabin when you l...ft.”“I thought someone could use them. Call it a housewarming gift. I’ll get to work on it after we clean up from breakfast.”“I’ll help, Paul. It’ll go faster with two skinners,” Rory offered.“Is it OK if I tie it across the top of the wagon? The birds will pick off the meat and leave the skin clean by the time we get to the cabins.”“Yeah, just be sure. .. He won't let the link form anymore. I don't know why." Good for him," I said without thinking.Joey flinched from my comment, but he didn't let it show it had hurt beyond that before saying, "Please? It's the last thing I'll ever ask of you."I looked him in the eyes and let my empathic senses feel him out to their fullest ability. While I sensed he really meant what he had said, I could feel he wasn't entirely sure if he really wanted to do it. He wanted Suzi back so bad, yet his lust for. She stood by the window in a stance of a nervous young filly. Karen had made the turn around boyish hips and training bras to feminine lines. She turned towards me; dark hair framed clear, pale skin, which in turn framed dark eyes. She wore white shorts and a thin white top that did not cover her flat stomach.At fourteen years old, Karen was the same age as my sister; physically a woman but crippled emotionally and mentally. I finally understood why she had been brought to my home--why her. Without pausing, the Emir strode up to the dais and mounted it.Turning to the assembled courtiers he said, "I have been away for some weeks. In that short time have you forgotten how to greet your Emir when he enters a room?"Most of those in the room made some form of shamefaced obeisance."Take the Crown Prince to the Ruby Palace," was the next command."Perhaps the new Emir does not wish to go?" suggested on of the young louts nearest to the throne.The Emir glared at him. Then he took a whip.