"The good count of Rennenberg is doing his best to convince the bishop of the abbot's disobedience against the Holy Father, but that will take time an...d no prelate will take to the road in these times. What you can do for me is to host my wife and my son in Lemdalen until the times get better. I can spare a half score men to add to your dozen. Lemdalen is out of the way of any highway, and a score men-at-arms can easily hold the place against marauders." If you, Lord, entrust your wife and son. “How are you coping Graham,” Alhana’s soft voice came from behind me.“I’m mana...” I turned in shock to face Wishes’ mother. “You know?” I gasped.She chuckled softly and looked out over the moor as well.“About a quarter of a mile that way.” she pointed slightly to the left of the view. “Is a sacred spot to the Goddess. If someone makes a wish from the depths of their heart there at certain times of the year the Goddess may see fit to grant them. Last winter she granted your wish.”“I guess. He asked why she did not greet him as she should, and her caustic reply was that he was not worthy of her 'gift'. At times he never knew if this was a test she presented him. But this day he cared not. His hand flashed out and struck her soundly across her cheek. Snapping back her head. The sound, echoing around the kitchen.To his surprise she spat at him. The warm spittle hitting him directly across his nose. He growled a deep low growl at her. His hand again struck out, the slap leaving her. "You'll notice that this blade isn't squared like your skate blades normally are, Tonya..." Nancy explained, "Instead, it's honed to a fine knife-edge... RAZOR-sharp!"Nancy moved the blade to the side of Tonya's neck; Tonya went white with fear, gulped, and started shaking uncontrollably."I'm not going to hurt you, but I think I'll have to use this to undress you, though...", Nancy sneered.Nancy took the skate-blade in her right hand, held the collar of Tonya's shirt with the other, and started.