Page 7 of Scales of Time

Kris grinned. It was obviously a pet. She reached out and stroked the silky soft feathers of its neck.

The leader of the herd or flock clacked loudly at her, the bands on its neck dark, and the ridge of feathers rising in an angry crest. The little one closed her eyes and stuck her head out as she enjoyed the petting and scratches. The scent of the feathers was slightly dusty, but there was a sweet undertone.

Kris slowly pulled back her hands and smiled at the bird. “Nice to meet you. You are very pretty.”

The bird clacked softly at her, trilled, and then went to be nipped hard by the head of her flock.

Kris took the hint and headed back to her guesthouse as the sun faded completely and the moons began to rise. She stretched as she walked and returned to her temporary home.

The scent of the flowers was strong, and she smiled and went to heat and strain the balm one more time. She found a tub she could close and filled with the fragrant balm.

The knock at the door while she was cleaning up got her attention. “Enter.”

A servant came in and blinked in surprise. “That smells wonderful.”

“Thanks. My hair and skin suffer in this heat, light, and environment. Putting a balm on it works well to ease any issues. The ingredients were already here.”

The woman had a tray. “Mistress Yorness has had this food prepared for you.”

Kris smiled. “Thank you. Is she trying to keep me away from the main house?”

“Perhaps. Essan has come for a visit. She is eager to keep you hidden.”

“What? Didn’t she file me properly under bodyguard or something?”

The servant set the tray on the table. “I believe that she mumbled something of the kind. It may have something to do with all off-worlders needing to be presented to Essan upon arrival.”

“Why?”

“He’s looking for a new breeding partner. He has mourned long enough.”

“Uh, how long has he mourned?”

“Five centuries. Madam Yorness is a child twenty generations from him.”

“Oh, she’s related to him?” Kris sighed and kept cleaning up. “She didn’t mention that.”

“All of the travellers and merchants are related to Essan.”

“Right. Of course.” She dried her hands and went to the table. The meal was hot, and her ring didn’t detect any allergens.

She sat and ate while the servant tidied up and caught flecks of water from the counter. “May I know your name?”

“Oh. Theera, Miss.”

“Not so much Miss, just Kris.”

The woman nodded, her pale green scales shining in the moonlight. “Would you like me to turn on the lights?”

“No, if she’s hiding me from Essan, there is a reason. I will remain in the dark and return to bed.”

She smiled at Theera as she finished the small meal. Kris got up and was going to take her bowl to the sink, but Theera grabbed it and put it back on the tray.

“Please allow me to do my job.” Theera smiled. “I have heard that they are coming for you at breakfast. You will need all the rest you can get.”

“That sounds ominous.”

“It will be exhausting but fun. I hope you enjoy experiencing our world.”

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