He asked about her background; the obvious questions a man who's paid for an evening of womanly companionship wants to know. Had she traveled? Had she...gone to school? And through it all, he hadn't pried, hadn't insinuated or demanded.Even when he walked her to her door, he had remained a perfect gentleman, kissing her hand delicately and wishing her a good evening's rest. Chris went to bed that evening of a full stomach and a prayer in her heart for Sandy. Sandy, maybe this once I misjudged. Cracks formed along his limb to reveal a blazingenergy visible underneath, the same orange as Nightmare's eyes. Withinseconds Siegfried once again had the trademark talons of the Azure Knight.But his corruption didn't stop there; the power drew not just fromNightmare but from the spear, and Siegfried's body began to warp andchange. He retained the build of a warrior, well-toned and muscular, butthe rippling muscles in his shoulders and back that allowed him to swinghis Requiem with ease gave. While I was shopping, Dad took the coal to the docks to sell. A company that provided firewood and coal for the steamboats was happy to buy it, and quickly had all four wagons empty. That was when Dad discovered what was making the wagons so heavy. Under the coal was a carefully constructed false bottom. Once they were away from the docks, he peeked beneath the boards and nearly shit himself. Each wagon carried a mix of gold, silver, copper, and lead ingots hidden beneath the false bottom.The. “I will have to pay for that sometime I am sure, maybe in another lifetime once I am done here.” She took a deep breath, closed her eyes and waited for the pain to pass. “Since William died almost a century ago, I have been waiting for death to take me as well little one. But I am destined to see you off to your new life before I pass on.” She sighed and winced as her back sent another warning jolt of pain up her spine. “I am old girl, so old, even by our races standards. I know I will not last.