The land is pretty close to sea level here, it's only the pumps that keep it from flooding. But come on inside. If we go up to the top the views are t...errific."Together they climbed the steps of the ladders that led up to the mill's cap. A wooden gallery circled the tower of the mill close to its top. They stepped out onto the gallery, just below the point where the heavy wooden beam carried the wind pump's sails, holding them suspended over the dark, wide spaces of the marsh lands that. I will also teach you how to make a much hotter fire. When you can get the metal to glow red from the heat it is easier to work." Doesn't that make it too hot to pound on. Won't it burn your hand as you strike it with a rock?" he asked."It would if you used a rock, but I have some hammers made of similar material and they have a handle attached to them. You can pound the metal without the need for your hand to get near it." Yes, that would work, I should have thought of it myself. I am anxious. She was right. Itdidn't take her long to do my back. When she was done, she bent down,and whispered, "Want to really finish the job?" What do you mean?" Your chest." You're crazy." For you."I rolled over, put my hands under my head, and said, "Have fun."She smiled, bent down, and kissed me. Then she reached down, pulled onmy underarm hair, and said, "We've got to do these too." Why? That'll really hurt." Because, in a tank top it'll show. And, you know. It doesn't reallyhurt as much as you. Whatever it takes, stay in tune with Erika. Life will be a lot easier, I promise!’ ‘You know she wants to see me?’ Thomas asked. Her week out of the country had delayed their introduction until this afternoon. Any time now, in fact. Sally laughed that little girl laugh of hers. ‘Of course, she does. Likes to run the rule over anyone new. Look, Thomas, don’t think of her as Alistair’s girlfriend. Nor as his PA. Think of her as the woman with the most influence around here. That way, you won’t go.