Chapter 3468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSGkQAo2c4
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"You've found it," I told the man.468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTc0BogMZW5
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ181GqGSj9S
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb52sNFvm7y
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"It is private.  For the Widow's ears alone."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijRhHkcRZQ
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1phsOuF7LO
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The man looked at me and then looked at me more closely ... too closely.  "You?!  You are the Widow Linder?"468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2K7uZEXaCp
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinSBFj7Glq
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He shook his head.  "I've just come from there."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7r3CJOrw2
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"Widows Ceena and Tonya were not there?"468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8CVVRBms3
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Rather than answer directly he asked, "Word has not been brought here?"468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9yoMrKXvR
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPQgWOd1on
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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?"468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIe3ZPMjfK
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"Yes."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZtOhCKfHx
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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?"468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNlW0VcdLH
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"I would prefer if we took our business in the dooryard if you please."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFxYg0YUr2
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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?"468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLeIJCHqZu
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"Recovering.  Most of the household is."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnVMJrzJOV
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"Recovering?" I asked in alarm.  "And the rest of the household as well?  What has happened?"468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CxTasIN4V
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw97JY1IUl0
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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.468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKYl0psDH9
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"Possibly."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGNNK3NDfO
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqnO7m75Rt
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0YCQaJe4m
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I shrugged.  "I owe her my life.  Anything I have to give is hers to have."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetQSD5vCTI
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxw04ppyu5
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSIaq1L0z2
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The man shook his head.  "The messenger was sent to the Mayor with instructions to get word to you."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz02CNB17Ke
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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 ..."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOK46UUzi1
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2D36Eg776K
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"Then speak," I told him hoping he would get to the point whatever it might be.468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAs3xyyk5qd
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"You are the widow of my father's cousin."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1Ll2XiWuT
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtM9809kK1
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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.468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdvVAKQJr7
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"Well obviously he did not.  I am sorry if it has caused the new Guardian any problems."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwz8UdcvkD
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVhYHWPxOC
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I kept my face as pleasant as I could.468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1uU60I9wC
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"Hmmm.  It does not seem a surprise to you. Did you not want to be part of such as scheme?"468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37OldBmEpb
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMiDNYzWYz
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QDF310JFM
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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 ..."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyI31VmUZzS
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTX1RBAC2DZ
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"About what?  And why would I do ... ?"  I shook my head and stood up completely shocked.468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7Sakc3949
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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.468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ljqNXP5Vm
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubopkY4N64
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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.468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1XY4HqGAY
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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?"468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1x2nvHZJU
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9z4VhlDIfM
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"The belowstairs?"468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLXZuFmbR1
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVhhVAMa6T
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"And right at harvest time."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEX2wixLKqK
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"Aye, you see it.  Marta said you would."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gRADVqgAZ
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"You mentioned your father's passing.  So you are the new Guardian?"468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WAWVG55L4
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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.468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjTt6Otnvh
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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?"468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatrJQnF0NR
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"What?  Has something been said?"468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQFz3UmtK2
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSmtNsD2k9
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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?"468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTlNl4g2Wd
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"Given your status you can call me what you choose."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDj82DagU0
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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 ..."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTxauCKxvY
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLpKk1tNRx
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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?"468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkp2cRXAs9O
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXPRs3Ysu8
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"I still do not see ..."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5guNVzK9Q
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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 ..."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuS9ElmkilD
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9N8AB7lDQx
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Trying to school my features I said, "I beg your pardon."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFk11kTgoP
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ErPFTa9hy
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I shook my head.  "No.  It would not be because of that.  Still ... there's Marta ..."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4dlBWWneE
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkj8SOakR1
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"Mizz Marta is asking for me?  For true?"468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZ484x3ns5
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"Aye."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrZvQNoQQL
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"Then why didn't you say so.  Of course I'll go to her."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzIfZN5kyH
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxSyd3lTJh
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I shrugged.  "It's not like I have anything else to do.  When do you want to leave?"468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDduf2sehPV
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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 ..."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfO5sTeZT99
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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."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kdNmUpkxK
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"So be it.  I will stop by again to discuss travel arrangements."468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFc4Ryh0ytv
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