Chapter Thirteen

Abna stopped brushing her hair and returned the comb to the box, then she picked out a small stick from it and presented it to Erin. The thin stick was frayed on one end as if someone had been chewing on it.

“What’s this for?” Erin asked.

“Oh, please stop with the jesting now,” said Abna impatiently. “Clean your teeth quickly, so that we can go outside together to meet your in-laws. We cannot keep them waiting any longer.”

“Yes, boss,” Erin muttered under her breath and stuck the strange little stick into her mouth. It tasted familiar although she knew for a fact that she had never used a chewing stick before in her life.

A beautiful young woman entered the room with her hands clasped in front of her as if awaiting instructions from them.

“Good morning, my ladies,” she greeted politely. “Your mother sent me to get your things for the trip.”

“Good morning, Sei