It was a long time before the familiar form of Mother Miri appeared at the end of the street, escorted by Baltzar.

When they were close enough, Baraam snapped, “It took you long enough. What’ve you been doing?”

His eunuch shrugged helplessly, his eyes rolling in the direction of the old woman.

“You may own many women, but I’m not one of them. No man makes my schedule. I finished what I was doing and that’s all you need know. Some things wait for no one.” She said.

“She was delivering Myrna’s newest brat.” Balzar supplied.

Mother Miri delivered a glare that caused the large man to wither until he grunted an apology.

“Fine, fine. I need you. Something… happened… to Siami.”

“I told you to be careful after the last time. You can’t treat them like animals.”

“This wasn’t me, this is different. I’ve never seen anything like this.” Baraam lowered his voice. “I need to know- are you a seer?”

Something flashed across the old woman’s face and that was good enough for him.

Together, they entered the hovel.