Valkyrie worked under Andrea’s intense scrutiny for what felt like several hours. she memorized the mixes needed for several new poisons that ranged from paralytics to delayed certain death. Val was excited about the potential that several of them provided. Puking ones guts out for hours on end seemed a particularly cruel way to die but she could already think of at least three men she would gladly feed such too. These less lethal concoctions might also serve as punishments for those men in her employ who chose to disobey but had not earned a death sentence. “Your time is nearly up,” Andrea said from the other side of the workstation. “I will send you a list of ingredients to be on the lookout for.” “Time? Am I already in Caradon? I thought it was week-long trip.” “Dear, in your world, it has been three days. You have been working with me this entire time. Your body can survive for a long time on the spark’s energy but you will need physical food soon. Besides, I am certain your co

“And you, dear? What has brought you to Caradon?” Lady Lacilia asked. “Perhaps you seek your father?” Val was rocked from her mental wonderings by the question and thought furiously how to answer. “I have no intention of seeking my father out. I have other business in Caradon.” “I see. Well, I suppose it is for the best. I heard about your mother leaving with you many years ago. Your father was heartbroken that she left him. but I suppose time heals some wounds. He now has two sons and a young daughter. The oldest I believe is turning ten this year.” It was as if a knife was stabbing her heart. She had known that her father had likely moved on. That was the point of getting rid of her after all wasn’t it? She wasn’t good enough to be his heir, so toss her and her mother out and start over. All Val knew was that he was a cold bastard that had cost her mother her life and sentenced her to grow up on the streets. If it hadn’t been for Desmond, she would likely have ended up with the s

The next day, the four companions set out to visit the festival. Val had dressed with her armored corset hidden beneath a loose green tunic and had begrudgingly put on a long skirt to match. Reilynn had insisted that she could not go out in pants in the capital, it was just not done by ladies of any standing.Val was glad she could at least still conceal a few weapons about her person, and now that she had restocked many of her scath units, she would have access to at least a few rune daggers thanks to her spark. She had once again replaced two of the now full citrine from her hair for empty ones, hoping to get a chance at a few more scath wraths today. She would still have several units on her at all times now, with the storage to fill 16 more should the opportunity arise.Reilynn for her part was dressed in a red sun dress that danced around her ankles and a large hat. When they met the boys downstairs, Valkyrie thought they looked rather dashing in their flat caps a

“Anyone else buying?” Val asked.“Ah well, there is always Black group. They are the single largest insurance group in all of Parcia in the last ten years, and they run a rather large medical research group on the southwest side of town. I am not sure I have heard of them actually producing anything mind you. but they buy whatever Angela doesn’t take.”“Insurance?” Val asked. She knew her father’s business had been important and there was research involved but insurance seemed so mundane.“Why yes. There are a good number of warehouses and many of the merchant groups all use Black insurance. I believe even a few of the transport ships out of Durres use them as well.” Lord Donavan said. “Why so curious about Black group?”Val tried to change the conversation and asked about another of the plants. Lord Donavan seemed content to let the subject slip away as he proudly described the deadl

The next day, Valkyrie made the suggestion that they go shopping so she could get some new cloths. It had been a while since she had refreshed her available outfits, and despite the fact that clothes here would not be armor reinforced, she was in need of some new tunics and pants. A dress of her own would likely allow her to blend in better, even if she despised the garments.Reilynn was thrilled at the very idea of shopping and readily agreed. Both men groaned at the idea, so the General agreed to let them go alone only under the condition that two of his guardsmen accompany them.Val’s true intention would be to stop into a spice shop so she could get some of the pepper powder but that might take some work to elude the guards assigned to keep an eye on them.Reilynn insisted on taking them to her favorite dress shop in town. When the stern mistress who ran the shop saw Valkyrie and Reilynn enter she frowned at Valkyrie’s choice in attire.&l