#378
The clan was out of coffee. Of all the calamities to befall the Linderman clan, no coffee ranked one or two from the top of the list of dire circumstances.
That was how Big, Milo and Mark set off one fine almost spring morning to see what trading or buying opportunities were available near the coast. They gravely assured themselves and any one that needed so convinced that this was a fact finding mission.
There had been more planes, and the trickle of wayfarers had slowed to none. The fences were working, the gardens were planted, and it was accepted that now was a good time to go exploring. Big and Milo were two of the largest men in the clan, very intimidating looking, and Mark was no slouch either.
The night before Mark left, he and Clora had a deep heart to heart. Clora was watching him with unreadable eyes, a resigned look on her face. "Please, be cautious and ultra vigilant, you may encounter a prince."
Mark made a face and paced up and down the room. "I can't think of anyone I'd rather avoid than a pain in the butt excuse of royalty."
"It would be best if you were back here in three weeks. There is a disturbance then, but I can't feel what it is about. Every time I'm ill, it takes a longer time to have my 'abilities' come back."
"Three weeks it is then. How are you feeling?"
"Stronger every day, not 100% yet, but I believe I got over my last bout of Rheumatic fever during my enforced downtime." Clora yawned, and turned to take her hair down and brush it smooth for her night braid.
Mark did his exercises, cooled down, washed and got in bed. "Clora, I won't go if you don't want me too; I don't want to stress you."
"This time it will be Ok. But not the next one, that is full of danger for us all."
"I'll listen Clora, you have kept me alive, and I deeply appreciate your warnings. Besides, if I'm gone maybe Tess will cool down and get off my case. I tell ya Clora, she gets mighty lippy and one of these days she's gonna push the wrong button. If there is any way you might drop a few hints that I've had enough, I'd appreciate it very much. I'd hate to paddle her in front of family, but I will." Mark warned tightly.
"Wyatt might object," Clora said mildly, "He seems to think he should be in charge of Tess and the boys."
"Then he'd better get crackin on that. If they're not married, I don't give him any leeway to order her life. Maybe that's what is the matter with Tess and she's taking it out on me."
"Might be," Clora was noncommittal, as she blew out her lamp.
"Would you say a prayer for us, me in particular?" Mark asked in the dark, and then listened to Clora's low, melodious voice begin praying.
Big and Tilly, Milo and Honey were doing the same praying.