This signalled that the women had been seen and inspectedby a human being, and ensured that any early indications of disease were learntof well in adv...nce of its possible spread. Also, of course, it enabled thosemen unfortunate enough to have to undergo these tedious tours to compensatethemselves with taking away with them any of the animals they thought might beuseful, either for use on their farms or to barter for accommodation on theirlong return journeys. ?I hope to develop this theme. I don’t want my daughter to make the same mistake I made.” John looked back at Karen very seriously. “Okay let’s call Kelly over to discuss it.” Karen’s face burst into a smile and the faint wrinkles around her eyes softened. Happiness erased all the years, all the pain, wiping away frustration and regrets. For a fleeting instant of happiness Karen was that young girl again, the high school girl John had pined for. She was the Karen with the glowing face singing the lead in Annie in front of. Beyond the doors was a long marble hallway with offices on either side that led to large meeting chamber in the back of the building: the Council of Elders.Yakhir located his uncle off to one side, surrounded by several other Council members. Their staffs stood at a respectful distance behind them. Unsure of the proper protocol, Yakhir grabbed his young runner and ordered him to whisper in Uncle Porat's ear that they had arrived. The kid shrugged and wiggled through and around the bodies until. She was tempted to bring AJ in there and bask in their envious reactions. Oh, AJ. He was the reason for all this trouble, all this heart ache. Lana was dying to call him, but she wasn't sure he felt the same way about her. Sure, he was a knight in shining armour, but he probably only did it out of the kindness of his heart. She couldn't risk a broken relationship now, especially not after the blowout with her sister and the traumatic experience with Eric. Right, Eric. He was the core of the.