My main objective is finding a crew or two for passage to Japan.” I confessed. “As soon as I can provision and refuel we’ll be out of your hair....��“Japan?”“Yes sir. Training for three years ... just until I’m 18. You could say I’m on a mission.”“What about her?” he motioned at my bow ornament.“Sister. She decided to come along at the last second. She has her own money and agenda. She’ll probably keep going.”“You know about the earthquakes and the new volcano?”“In Dunedin?” I said. “Mostly .... Owen had been teaching Frank the basics of blacksmithing, while in return he and Celeste were helping Owen and Grace with their Magic studies. Frank had even managed to convince Joe to study some of the Basic Series of Books on Magic so that he could use his limited Talent. Joe had been very surprised that he was now able to read what was in the books, and in turn he had been amazed by what he had learned to do. The month of June, however, proved to be another matter entirely.It started in. Fine, fine.’ I put my keys on the kitchen counter and loosen my tie. ‘Everything ok?’ She’s suddenly attentive and I am sure she is on to me. ‘Were there any problems? Cancer?’ She looks serious and worried now. I chuckle at her disarmingly. ‘No, no. Fit as a fiddle, doc says.’ I draw myself up in mock heroic pose and she laughs. I walk over and kiss her quickly. ‘I’m going to take a shower.’ *** The water is hot, beating down on my back and shoulders. What the hell was that earlier? I’d been. Like I said, why mess with it? We just close our eyes and say it isn’t so. So, am I invited to join you guys, vato?” Heather asked me while playing footsie with both of us.“Yes, love, you’ll more than do,” I assured her.“Darling, he completely speaks for me, you know. I’m his princess, his slut, and quite frankly, his love slave. I’m absolutely in thrall to this chap. I’m his bitch and I don’t care who knows it,” Nina declared for Heather’s benefit as well as mine, “in fact, I rather enjoy.