We shall put our own pressure on him in return.”He paused to draw breath, then concluded, “That is the outline of the situation, as regards you th...ree at present. Now, as there will have to be much more discussion of the matter, I have arranged for you all to have dinner at the Governor’s Mansion with him and his family. The reason for this is that his wives are senior members of the community in their own right. One is Head of Security, one is Head of Social Services, and one is the chief. "Can I help you?" I asked them, trying to show a fearless voice. "Sure you can." The tallest one said with a smile. "Give us your jewels". "I'd rather not." I answered in defiance. But then the man grabbed my hair in one hand and put the other one around my throat. "Don't make me hurt you." He hissed. "Okay, okay," I nearly wept. "Just please don't hurt me”.He let me go and I quickly handed over my purse, removed a gold chain necklace and a few rings, handing them over into his waiting hand.. ‘I am in no mood for jest, Balron. What is it?’ Deln growled, leaning, panting against the short stonewall. ‘We thought at first that it was chasing a deer, but, well, see for yourself, Master Bard,’ Balron replied, pointing into the distance. Pulling his long hair back into a loose pony-tail, Deln followed the direction of the knight’s finger, and saw, without a doubt, Morwendor, in all her ragged, wild glory, being chased by a gargantuan Tiguran from the edge of the forest, over the fields. ‘It’s just that subconsciously, you don’t want to put them on. I keep telling you, you’re looking for excuses to stay here.’ ‘No, I’m–‘ She gave another tug, but all that happened was that the fabric slipped out of her grasp and she fell flat on her back. ‘Look, just tell me how to get my clothes on so I can leave!’ ‘Dunno,’ Paul said with a trace of amusement in his voice. ‘Maybe you should try starting from scratch, just to make sure you haven’t skipped any steps.’ ‘Starting from–‘ Charlotte.