.." This needle used to be -- It was --"As she was catching her breath after this attempt, Rodric realized whatshe was trying to say. "The needle was...not always a needle? It was,perhaps, a sword?"She started to say something, choked, and nodded."Then you are Sir Hugh?"She nodded again, apparently not trusting herself to speak."Well. The wizard was more merciful to you than I expected." Merciful?" she asked. "How is this mercy?" Well, the oldest of those orange trees yonder was once another. "Mr. Mendoza, may I go to the bathroom?" asked Karen. "Yes." Karen hurriedly walked out of the room and down the hall to thebathroom. Sheopened the bathroom door and there stood Betty, fixing her hair infront of a mirror. Karensteeled herself and walked into the bathroom. She got as far as thefirst stall when Betty turnedaround. "Hello, there little girl," said Betty. "You know I think I let youoff a little too easily,earlier." Karen gulped, as Betty walked up to her. "You're a prettylittle. "Cay I really want to train with you but I am not ready for this." Tell you what you should think about it for a while then get back to me. Take a while and let the idea sink in." Ok but I don't think that." Don't think about it right now." Cay interrupted. "Ok. I should get going." Yes you should. Meet me here in two days time." Ok I will." Katia took one last look around and left.Chapter 2: New beginnings"Well what do you think mom, I mean it sounds like a good deal but I am not sure I am. " I thought I recognized his work. Beatrice only came here for trims. When he retires, Richard is going to come and work for me. Right, Ricky?" Linda added teasing me. They both had a good laugh at my expense.Just wait until I see Margaret, I thought to myself.Linda took Beth's hair out of the six-strand and redid it in a simple three-strand braid. Linda then placed a second rubber band on Elizabeth's braid and handed me the scissors. "Would you like to do the honors, Richard? Cut just above.