The weedy crowns had not been scraped for months and many of the roadside ditches needed clearing. Being supervisor of roads for the whole southern di...strict of Maryland's Western Reserve gave Beall some four hundred square miles of land and perhaps eighty miles of ways, lanes and minor roads to look after in addition to a large portion of the busy, old route between Frederick and Georgetown that some still called Braddock's road.The job was Beall's reward for his service as the sheriff of. " No, I don't intend that you should. Nusrat, until help arrives, I'm placing you in acting command. Maintain the troops in an observer status. If possible, try to evacuate the citizens adjacent to the monastery."The man nodded. "Yes, Abdul Hadi. That is what we are currently trying to do." Excellent. Well done Nusrat. Don't defend the township if the fighting spreads outside the monastery. Return fire only if directly fired upon or if the monks start attacking the civilians." Yes Abdul Hadi.. He had been watching the young English girl for two nights now, and he could tell she was nervously waiting for some man to show up. He wasn't going to wait any longer. Tonight was the night, and he had carefully prepared the way both previous evenings by solicitously offering her one of his special drinks-without his special blend of drugs. Tonight, however, would be different. He would put in more brandy than usual so that she wouldn't notice the change in taste, and then... he licked his. Ben sighed and tried to muster a smile."I'm sorry, I realise that, and making sure they're fully ready is the most important thing. To be honest, I'm tired. I think I'll head back to Aetherkraal for a few hours of rest before our meeting," he said wearily.Ben did manage to snatch a few hours of sleep before the meeting he had called and felt much the better for it. When he entered the dining room of the great house, he found that Sarah had prepared food for their guests and the large screen.