---- 333.


    ARE YOU A QUICKIE? NARRATOR What? You think they wont ept it as payment?" She looked at him with worried, almost innocent eyes.


    Elliot gazed deep into those eyes.


    She seemed sincere, no tricks or deception.


    He was growing more convinced that this wasnt his original wife, and now it was painfully clear that this womanidentical to Rossehad no knowledge of his secret.


    "Yes, I think it will work." He extended his hand, hesitantly, half-expecting her to change her mind at thest second.


    His heart skipped a beat when she ced the magical pendant in his palm.


    "Well then, Ill leave it in your care." "Isnt this important to youe" he probed, but he quickly tucked it away.


    He had no intention of giving it up again.


    In fact, he would destroy itpletely.


    "Not really.


    I think it belonged to my mother, but I never even met her.


    Either way, the living have to find a way to keep going," Katherine said, shrugging off the matter without a second thought.


    She had no idea she had just handed over the only leverage that could have kept the Duke under her control.


    Elliot gripped her hand much more firmly as they stepped onto the muddy vige street.


    ---- The sun was already peeking over the hills, roosters crowing to announce the dawn.


    When they reached the inn, the neighing of horses, the rumble of wheels, and the sound of voices behind the building caught their attention.


    Walking down the narrow alley toward what must have been the stables, they saw a group of men and women loading trunks, sacks, and bales of hay onto several wagons.


    Aman at the front was barking orders at two burly workers, who seemed to be his employees.


    "Wait here." Katherine nodded at the Dukes order and stepped aside, trying to remain unnoticed.


    Luckily, the patched and slightly tattered clothes Nora had given them helped them blend in somewhat, avoiding curious nces.


    She watched Elliot speaking with the man in charge.


    He had his back to her, but she could tell he was negotiating seats on the wagons heading to the duchys capital.


    No matter how hard he tried to pass as amoner, the imposing dark- haired man exuded nobility in every wayhismanding presence, his dominant tone, always speaking as if issuing orders.


    Katherine hoped he could pull it off.


    If the merchant knew he was haggling with the Duke himself, hed probably keel over on the spot.