But the advanced age of Eden Rescue's leaders told against them. A younger Meiersdot­tir might have browbeaten them into an efficient, task-oriented ...peration; a 106-year-old one found the job beyond her strength and endurance. Age meant far less than it had in earlier times, with people now commonly living to 110, 120, often longer, but it still heralded diminished strength and diminished energy, and both were needed in abundance.Those initially brought in to help Meiersdottir, including her. That was all that was required of me to prepare for Tommy's arrival at ten o'clock. I didn't even have to decide what to wear.I got back downstairs just in time. He arrived almost fifteen minutes early. I almost made the mistake of complaining. But before I could say anything he stepped inside.I freaked out then. I realized that he wasn't alone! He pushed me out of the way, stepped through the door and standing behind him on the front steps I saw a boy about my son's age! I was even more upset. I don’t want any friends. Hell, I don’t even need to acknowledge anyone there. I severed all ties with almost everyone else on the planet long before I met you. You’re the only one I need.’ Several silent moments passed by. ‘Something else is on your mind.’ ‘How’d you know?’ Angel pressed her cheek against mine, and just as I was about to think she was going to whisper something in my ear, she instead gave a gentle hum. ‘A school bully that I beat up is coming back tomorrow. He was one of the. Now, he was certain it never would.He stooped down with the soft screech of metal on metal and grabbed the bulging leather saddlebag. He missed his squire. Carrying his everyday leather armor was normally Pfloud’s job but Honor Kotliss had ordered them to leave their squires and pages behind and make all due haste toward Cava.It was probably for the better. Pfloud was more than ready to assume sword and shield. She’d served faithfully and with honor – and had gathered her share of glory in the.