The Test of Ostra by Rory D. Nelson

Author:Rory D. Nelson [Nelson, Rory D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 23: Mettlesome Sorceress

Tennyson and two of Herod’s bodyguards, Philippe and Graeder, escort Morgana to the market outside of Ruth. They wait patiently for one of the market’s regulars, Lonnie. She shops there every Friday at precisely 9:00 am.

Although Morgana has no need to purchase anything, she inspects a variety of produce. Fresh strawberries, razzle berries, halenuts, wellen, poppyseed melons, hinther root, ginger and kale. To allay any suspicions, she fills her basket with much of the fruit. The money is of little consequence.

She looks over at Phillipe and Tennyson in a reproachful glare. “You said she is a creature of habit, Phillipe?” asks Morgana.

He nods. “Ai, my lady. Every Friday at nine am. Just like clockwork. Set watch and warrant it so.”

“You’d better, you ruffian. If you’re wasting my time, I’ll have you strung up-“

“She’s here,” says Tennyson.

Morgana gives Phillipe a sort of apologetic shrug. “Cry pardon I doubted you, Philippe.”

“No need Mais,” says the dutiful Phillipe.

Lonnie browses through the fruits and smiles at all who meet her gaze. Several men tip their hats and smile at her, trying to decide if she is without a husband. Her long, curled and upturned locks frame the perfect oval face. Lonnie’s sapphire and violet eyes radiate warmth and sensuality. Her cheekbones are high and aristocratic, her nose small and delicate and her lips, full and sensuous.

She is the consummate beauty. Morgana feels intimidated by her looks. She casually moves closer to her and tries to pick up on her thoughts as well. As she does, a smile crosses her lips. When she is within talking distance, she speaks.

“Good day. You are Lonnie, are you not? Daughter-in-law to Pontius Selenius.”

Lonnie nods. “Ai, Mais. Indeed I am. And who might you be?”

“My name is Chastity, wife of Herod Antipaz, councilman.”

At the mention of Herod, Lonnie stiffens. Morgana puts a hand to her shoulder. “It is well, Mais. I know well that Herod and Pontius are not allied with one another. I try to stay out of politics myself.”

Lonnie immediately warms. “Ai. Me as well. My father-in-law does not speak well of Herod Antipaz, but such does not concern me either. Perhaps he takes to heart vicious and pervasive rumor that makes circles around those with such power.”

Morgana smiles coyly. “Ai. Tis true. No reason why we can’t make friendly acquaintance.”

Lonnie smiles back. “Ai.” Morgana extends her hand and they shake warmly.

“Pleasure to make your acquaintance. You are beautiful beyond measure. I suppose you could say I was naturally drawn here.” She says as she laughs.

“Ai. You are too kind. And likewise.”

Morgana subtly breaches her mind. Lonnie doesn’t notice it. The pervasive sense of loneliness is unmistakable. “My husband’s business takes him far away, to be absent from me much of the time. I find myself lonely at times. I wonder; do you find it the same with you?”

Lonnie nods. “Ai. Find it very lonely at times. I don’t know if you’ve heard the rumors, but-“

Morgana cuts her off. “As you say, the rumors are pervasive.

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