I handed Evan the plant."Thanks," he said."Where is everybody?" I asked."Heather has a big exam at school. She wasn't exactly sure what time she'd fin...sh. Cuff and Link are at the groomers, and considering it's right next to the college, Heather's going to pick them up on the way home. J.L. said he had a breakthrough in an important case he's working on, and will be working late on briefs and stuff. He'll try and stop by after dinner if he can."Evan looked at me, an evil smirk curling up the. ” I watched Anthea pick up her cup. “Look, whoever it is… and, honestly, no matter who it is, I'm thrilled for you. Honestly, I'm absolutely thrilled. Anyway, as long as you're happy — and the look on your face says you are — then it's more than fine with me.”“Thanks, I said, watching her sip coffee.“So,” she said, leaning toward me, “come on… was he good? I mean, did he hit the spot?"“Honestly you're a nightmare, Anthea.” I shook my head, grinning. “But, yes, he was incredible. Happy. Even as he was pulling something from his pack I was changing the fireball. When his eyes went large seeing thousands of long needles suddenly flying toward him I saw him dive to the ground as a few hundred riddled his right arm, leg, and side but just barely missed his neck. Damn it I thought! So close. "You bastard! What? You afraid to face me? Come out and face ME!" I heard him shout smiling I was about to disconnect when I decided to tell him just what I thought of him. "Afraid of a. "Karl's hand tightened on Thunderbolt's hilt. "Have a care whatever you are," he rumbled. "No collection of soup bones threatens my Princess. Draw nearer and I shall rend you asunder." What spirited Fleshlings the Goddess has sent us for our amusement," said a female voice behind them. "They will be fine sport this night."Merry whirled to see another skeletal horse and rider entering the glade, short sword waving menacingly. She dropped into a fighting crouch, withdrawing Snake Fang from it's.