I couldn’t speak as I was both breathless and slightly shocked from the spanking I had just been given. But after a moment or two I managed to speak...‘not – not really’ I whispered, pain and humiliation in my eyes.Sheila laughed again. ‘I suspected not!’ She said. ‘It looked and felt like it hurt! But you asked for it! I’m guessing you won’t be asking again..?’ she said.‘I – I don’t know’ I stammered in reply.Sheila raised her eyebrows again and looked bemused. ‘I see.’ She said ‘Well, I guess. His horse was still in sight, grazing placidly. The other officer, the one whose skull I had cracked open, had only his sword that was worth taking since his boots were too small for me.I stopped to wipe my blade on one of the dead and reload my musket. The girl, after rubbing her nose on her fist, came to my side and held my arm. She was lovely and obviously wealthy judging both from her dress and her pale pock-free skin. Her long hair gleamed with reddish highlights and her eyes were hazel,. I knew that whatever it was, I would deal with the issue when the time came.Last moving of our group, was Allard. He took one look at me sitting there with a happy demeanor and his face reflected his unhappiness at Chandra choosing me over him. He pulled himself together and greeted me pleasantly and sat across from me and helped himself to some of the fruit and bread that the mayor’s household provided for us.Seeing that he preferred not to talk, we ate in silence. Postulant Dina came bouncing. I didn't even bother with a nightgown, just my oldpajamas. When I entered, Beth looked surprised."What?" I kidded her. "Haven't you ever seen a girl in pajamas before?"As usual, Beth got in the last word. "Yes, but as I recall her pajamasbuttoned the opposite way and didn't have a fly. Have you been raidingyour brother's wardrobe again? Shame on you. What will Mom say when shefinds out her daughter wants to dress like a boy?" Oh, no, Beth," I went along with the joke, "please don't tell Mom.