As soon as the gem came in contact with my blood it flashed a brilliant shade of green, and a strange mass took form of a girl in front of me. No, not...a girl, a woman. A beautiful woman. “Master!” she excitedly said with a pleased smile. Her happiness quickly turned to panic when she looked at my hand clutching my wound. Looking around, her eyes landed on the man walking around the room. A terrified expression painted itself on her gorgeous face. How I hated to see her scared. She grabbed my. Because I swear, if you ever touch me again without permission, I will use this dagger instead of just threatening with it."I waited until his footsteps were gone before sinking down to sit on the ground, towel loose around me, nakedness forgotten. I dropped my face into my shaking hands, bursting into tears. As the adrenaline wore off and my body accepted I wasn't being attacked, the fear disappeared, leaving behind a mixed jumble of emotions. Anger, still; hurt; embarrassment at my. I’ll not be hiring men who’ve deserted the army, though I despise some of your officers.”“Marshal, me and my brother’s time is up too, we want to come with Otis and Carter,” another young boy spoke up.“You go back and do it right, then come see me ready to work.”“Sergeant, what do we tell Lieutenant McClanahan when he asks us what happened out here?” Another one asked.“You tell him the truth, that you were south of unassigned lands on private property owned by Marshal Eli Crow, when you were. "Virginia and I know those two engineers, you know, the girls dad wastalking about; the ones who made a stand about the concrete."Her mother immediately sensed the import of Sandie's words and sheraised her eyes questioningly. Sandie nodded affirmation then added."Yes, they're a gay couple but they're as straight as a die when itcomes to materials and quality. Virginia knows them well from heralternative lifestyle so we might have some pull there. I'll askVirginia if she'll put a word in.".