Annie's uncle Bob kept the pub where I was to moor all three boats and came out with a shandy for each of us when he saw me pulling alongside the moor...ing,"You look like you could use it" he smiled as we sipped it gratefully, "I hear you intend to marry my lovely niece" he said and shook my hand,"That's right, next June we think" Promise me you'll look after her, she's a very special girl" I already know that sir" I said politely and made myself a good friend in him.We stayed for another shandy. It was the first day and he, John, Steve and Simon had settled in to their hotel in Los Christianas. John, the bast man, had told them all to be ready for a night out and so they had showered and dressed for a night on the town.They walked down towards the Verinicas strip of bars and clubs, stopping at a nice local restaurant on the way for a quick pizza and chips. This was washed down with a couple of beers for dutch courage.Tony trusted his three best mates and was reasonably certain that. What girl in a competition doesn't want to be the winner?" Funny, I don't get that feeling from the others." Maybe not, but it is there." Would you sleep better if you were the first?" Christ no. I probably wouldn't sleep at all. I'd be so turned on that I'd make love to my husband all night long." Is it really that important to you?" I'll live. At least I'll beat Betsy."It wasn't on my program for the day, but I do like to keep the ladies happy and so I asked, "Can you keep your mouth shut? I. I knew instantly something was wrong, and stayed at home waiting for her in tense agony. Every possible alternative went through my head, but I could not find a pleasing answer. Finally, after two hours I heard someone coming, but instead of Skuld’s smooth, white face the tough, wrinkled skin of the same troll appeared. “You. Come.” His voice was blank and void of any subliminal information. I followed him back through the caves, feeling like a prisoner on the way to my own hanging. People.