Hilda, Matilda, and Rowena had coalesced into an efficient unit to oversee everything--from the mines to the annual taxes we received and paid out our...elves, to the slaves and servants in the Manor House. Hilda oversaw military matters, including the production of bows, arrows, crossbows, bolts, caltrops, pikes, saddles, and swords. To date, we had more than seven thousand Mongol bows available and every archer in every city in the High Duke’s territory had access to several to begin. ”“Oui, very interesting. Oh, an obvious frame job, of course.” Luc lit a cigarette and chewed on the driver’s last words. “... ‘slavery and human trafficking ... DO NOT happen in San Finzione...” He thought on the words. “This is a reprimand, not a threat. Perhaps one to be sent in blood, oui, but not like this; like an American Gangster film. Your Contessa has you and your men. If she wants to send a message to the Elders, why not send some of you to deliver it to their doorsteps in the night?. I wanted to be sitting on the sofa, feet up, popcorn and munchies at the ready with my favorite beverage, cold, on the table. Instead, I'd be sweltering inside of an old smelly flea-bitten rabbit suit, passed down from volunteer to volunteer never getting cleaned or deodorized in the process.I drove to Hayes Park, parked, and carried the suit inside a large plain bag, made out of an old sheet a decade old. My daughter ran off to partake of the festivities, which were mostly helping little kids. " It's something that I've always liked doing and now that I'm here on my own, it's either eat out, order in or microwave dinners. I'd sooner make my own and with me setting my own hours, I can juggle my money earning work to allow me to spend time in the kitchen."I looked down and sure enough, there was Maxie waiting to be petted. Once Maxie was petted and cooed at, I looked at the two ladies."Please, let's go and eat. I have a salad already set out. Trish, will you allow Jordan to have a.