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"You've found it," I told the man.504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYkGUB3rPU
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He had an air of authority despite his obvious fatigue. "Then please call her girl. I have important business to discuss and don't have all day to do it in."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMHNn4gl6E
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I wiped my hands on my apron and sighed. "Sir, I don't know what your important business could possibly be since I know you not but go ahead and get it done."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFx2TlBPR9B
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"It is private. For the Widow's ears alone."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTb0bZd24M
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I gave him the look Mizz Marta would give to those who were being silly on purpose and said, "I don't see my ears getting away any time soon for their own privacy so as I said, speak."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9pXU5aszZ
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The man looked at me and then looked at me more closely ... too closely. "You?! You are the Widow Linder?"504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGr3DiajdFg
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"I'm the only one called such around here. There are two others by that title so perhaps your business is with them; but to reach them you'll need to go to Linderhall."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzG60GkqlVZ
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He shook his head. "I've just come from there."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbdVdu3B4d
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"Widows Ceena and Tonya were not there?"504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelwnjr16Le
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Rather than answer directly he asked, "Word has not been brought here?"504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmeOJ9b6W1
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"What word? And honestly why would any word from them come to me anyway? Perhaps you are mistaken and you are looking for the Mayor's home."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzVhnMQxDd
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"No." He stopped and scowled but I got the impression it wasn't directed at me. Slowly and carefully, like one who is wary of jokes, he asked, "Are you truly the Widow Linder? The third wife of the old Guardian?"504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZMGKXLTTJ
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"Yes."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhG0QdwFhOl
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"Well ... Marta said I was missing some of the facts but I had no idea ..." Suddenly he remembered his hat and took it off and asked, "May I come in?"504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPThqY3qaz
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"I would prefer if we took our business in the dooryard if you please."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYSl2BxW7L
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He nodded in acceptance and then moved aside so I could step out. I pointed to a set of stone benches and there we sat. He seemed unable to find his tongue so I asked, "You know Mizz Marta? Is she well?"504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgzNjViZU2
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"Recovering. Most of the household is."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWh2E2l7BpI
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"Recovering?" I asked in alarm. "And the rest of the household as well? What has happened?"504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzmZ04W1sF
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"Someone claiming to be a messenger from the Great Council weaseled their way passed the guards. We too late found that the documents he carried for identification were fake. He came from one of the borderlands but we did not find out at whose direction before his death. He carried some kind of plague, intentional or not is unknown."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWorR5UVol
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"An anarchist?" I asked, referring to those that fought against the loose confederation of regions that worked together to deal with lands across the waters. My husband had had trouble with them and cursed about them on a regular basis.504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6WiZCKLJl
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"Possibly."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTn10Wly6A
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I stopped to try and order my thoughts. "Does Mizz Marta need my help? I will do anything that I can."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtA01qjfQI
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"It is ... more than that. Though I did not believe her at first when she said that you would come. Yet you accept so quickly."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg40O22zlyZ
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I shrugged. "I owe her my life. Anything I have to give is hers to have."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2K2aptV3QN
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He crossed his arms and sighed. "Are you certain you know none of this? A rider was sent out more than two weeks ago. He came back saying he delivered his news."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycTX5ovZme
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I shrugged again. "I do not go about in town much. Though, it is strange that my cousin did not tell me. Nat would have heard anything that is common knowledge as he is a Brother at the church."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb90cerD9AU
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The man shook his head. "The messenger was sent to the Mayor with instructions to get word to you."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8asApwP3Rc
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Carefully I blanked my face and tried to look pleasant the way that the comportment teacher had taught me to behave when I had to be in public at Linderhall. "I am sure it is merely an oversight or perhaps the rider did not ..."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpWhNUVs8m
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He shook his head. "It is not your concern to bear. I'll find out the truth of it, for now I have need of speech with you."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMrVCYzUQi
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"Then speak," I told him hoping he would get to the point whatever it might be.504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtUSDq732E
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"You are the widow of my father's cousin."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Hz8TkQ1Z1
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"If you say so. The genealogies of the Linders were not considered ... they were not considered part of what was necessary for me to know."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAH2T8MFIH
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Understanding more than I was comfortable with he nodded. "Aye. The old Guardian was called The Linder as most before him were. My father descends through the same line and same name though it was never in his mind that he'd inherit the seat on the Council that his cousin filled. It was with some surprise that we all heard the news and our move from our holdings by necessity was fast and unfortunately disorderly. We were informed only vaguely what we would be stepping into; however, it was expected that Father would have the care of three widows when he took over the job." I saw his distaste but whether it was for caring for three widows, the fact that there were three widows to care for, or for the "job" itself I'm not certain.504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JmAehvxB2
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"Well obviously he did not. I am sorry if it has caused the new Guardian any problems."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIzRu0yH97
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"Humph. The two were enough with their constant quoting of Old Law to make it seem like Father should marry them and put them back where they belonged in status."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskja6ibMGj
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I kept my face as pleasant as I could.504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCuRfLZRVd
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"Hmmm. It does not seem a surprise to you. Did you not want to be part of such as scheme?"504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFhz4GxhBf
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"Ceena and Tonya would have ... preferred ... to keep their own counsel on such matters. Perhaps you should speak to them about it."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7PHVNT8oi
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"Can't. Unless you wish me to dig them up out of the church yard and I doubt they'd tell me much even then."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYUdryz3cQ
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I felt the blood drain from my face and settle some place down in my slippers. "You did not say ... did the ... the plague ..."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBHcwFNbFF
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"Aye," he said. "And I apologize for baring the news to you in such a way. I needed to know if you were playing tricks."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3CGbPTx9J
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"About what? And why would I do ... ?" I shook my head and stood up completely shocked.504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJuSmlYah4
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"Aye. As I said, you have my apologies." He stood as soon as I did and swore softly beneath his breath speaking of great frustration and no respect for my presence.504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdAgubBgck
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I said, "I do not know why you are here but if it was this news to deliver then you've done so. You've done your duty so you may leave."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SrEw9hqvL
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"Damn, I've handled this like a chucklehead." He paced a bit before asking me to sit down. I did so only reluctantly and he quickly sat as well as if he was worried that I would run off if he did not.504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hM2czwlCh
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Before he could put voice to his frustration I asked, "How bad was the plague? Were many in the household taken off by the angels?"504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CGkKmhNog
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"Fewer than should have been thanks to Marta but the damage it did do was more than sufficient. My Father and his Consort, Dwen Lafayette; Widows Ceena and Tonya; the Sheriff; and a few other key understaff."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXYjA0WfOv
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"The belowstairs?"504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7mGBhR3fm
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"No deaths but many illnesses as they trusted themselves to Marta's potions faster than the above stairs did. It has left the Hall in disarray."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGof8YvMZlC
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"And right at harvest time."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQABSwFQnE
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"Aye, you see it. Marta said you would."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpH7puKtp49
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"You mentioned your father's passing. So you are the new Guardian?"504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWR0VhsuvkW
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"No, thank all that's holy. My brother is and better suited to the nightmare of it than I would ever be. He thrives on all of the intrigue and politics. And his wife is much the same." He shuddered.504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5OzQypBL3
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"I'm afraid I still do not know what it is you seek from me." He stood up again and I suddenly realized he reminded me of a military man. "Have you brought your troops with you?"504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYOhlfRvb7
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"What? Has something been said?"504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1rQqKZAQ7
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I shrugged. "I have no idea. You simply remind me of the Mayor's Captain when you stood like that. I'm afraid it is my turn to apologize now for speaking out of line."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjyDmBuz2C
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The man relaxed. "No need. I was a Captain in my father's guard before he became Guardian. My job changed somewhat when he inherited. My brother has a mind to keep me close so as to have an ally ... at least until the line of succession is secured and made peace with." He set his shoulders and then forced himself to sit once again. I wondered if he was beginning to feel like a child's toy with the constant popping up and down. "Widow Linder ... er ... Leeda. May I call you that?"504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPT1KZqX42t
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"Given your status you can call me what you choose."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIq2jxYy4uY
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He sighed. "This isn't going at all like I had planned. I had expected to find a woman not a ..."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5dRTDDNPV
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I shook my head, the man surely wasn't happy and not the least bit a smooth talker. Trying to hide the irony I told him, "Dispense with the flattery Sir and simply state your business."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi96ZuE5ro8
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He started to rub his eyes and then his mouth fell open when I slapped his hands and told him, "Stop that. You've probably been touching all manner of filth on the road between Linderhall and here. Do you wish to rub it into your eyes and cause an infection?"504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqxfWZdcC0
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Then he barked a tired laugh. "You sound just like April." At my inquiring look he said, "My older sister. And I suppose it will be simpler to treat you as such. The Hall is in need of more ... something ... organizing ... ordering about ... than any of us can give it. Marta gives what guidance she can but my sister in law is ... is ... To put it bluntly she is fit for the board room and bedroom but not for the running of an establishment like the Hall. My sisters do what they can but Wendolyn can be a bit touchy about status and what she sees as implied criticism ... not to mention she is six months gone with her first child and the worry of it and the danger left behind by the plague is driving my brother mad when he needs all his focus."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM93kANmZNz
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"I still do not see ..."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAInuapcg5
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"It is the damned issue of status again. It is Wendolyn's bread and butter and she is oversensitive right now. But as a widow of the old Guardian ..."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKayXE23D8
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My face must have been a sight because he stopped in surprise and then laughed. "You look like you've bitten into an unripe persimmon."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaHoQX7CBl
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Trying to school my features I said, "I beg your pardon."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBkD5X6u0W
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"Don't. This is the first laugh I've had in ... in a long time. And it at least lets me know that if you come back to the Hall it will not be for love of what you left behind or desire to have it back."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpao0jODuy
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I shook my head. "No. It would not be because of that. Still ... there's Marta ..."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTHGYaP9n3
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"And if she was herself and full of strength I have no doubt that woman could manage Wendolyn quite well, but she isn't and in fact is who sent me for you."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8HeFt5c0U
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"Mizz Marta is asking for me? For true?"504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMsaSRxOMv
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"Aye."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IkgX3ubc2
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"Then why didn't you say so. Of course I'll go to her."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRhKwYKmvQ
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"Slow down. This will not be for a few days or even a few weeks. It will likely be the work of the whole harvest and then the winter. Perhaps even the Spring as well."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwnmQA5A8z
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I shrugged. "It's not like I have anything else to do. When do you want to leave?"504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQd4wqLmzOz
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"I would like to ride out now but I must pay a visit to the Mayor of Harper." From the look on his face I knew it wasn't just to tell Rom's father Bless You and Yours. "Two days ..."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzTaDvbFU0
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"Make it four if you please. I would like to see my cousin Nat on his way and it will give me time to shut up the cabin against the seasons while I am gone."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1crkBSAw9D
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"So be it. I will stop by again to discuss travel arrangements."504Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxT9dD6vFa
Penana
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