Zypheria's Call (A Tanyth Fairport Adventure) by Nathan Lowell

weapons we took off Birchwood’s men. She asked William if she could have one.”
    Tanyth frowned and watched Rebecca back through the door to the kitchen with a pile of dirty crockery in her hands. “Carryin’ a sword and not knowing how to use it is just askin’ for trouble.”
    Frank’s head bobbed slowly. “Yup. I think so, too. And I think I see what you mean about the pack animal. If you got so much to carry that you need it, it might be worth stealin’.”
    “Yeah. That’s why I never travel with more than I can put on my back. The animal itself is worth stealin’ for some. A poor, old man travelin’ alone? What’s he gonna have?”
    “Well, you’ll be a poor, old man travelin’ with his beautiful granddaughter if you’re not careful,” Frank said.
    Sadie leaned down, clearing away the dishes. “I don’t think you’ll need ta worry about that,” she said.
    The two looked up at her. “Why’s ’at?” Frank asked.
    Sadie just smiled. “Talking about Rebecca?”
    They nodded almost in unison.
    “She’s got some surprises.”
    “I hope she’s not plannin’ on carryin’ that sword,” Frank said.
    Sadie shook her head. “William convinced her t’would be more dangerous to carry than to go without.”
    “Then what...?” Frank asked.
    Sadie shook her head again. “That’s her surprise. I s’pect you’ll be satisfied with the result.”
    Sadie finished clearing the dishes and disappeared into the kitchen, passing Amber at the doorway.
    “You two still here?” Amber asked. “Go pack, shoo. Whatever you need to do. Scoot.” She made shooing motions with her hands.
    “You sure I can’t help with the clean up, Amber?” Tanyth asked.
    Amber cast a pointed look at the sling and shook her head. She gathered the last dirty bowls and mugs in her capable hands. “You’ve done enough for one day, mum, and I’ve got all the help I can handle in the kitchen right now.”
    A shriek of laughter punctuated her words and she rolled her eyes in mock annoyance.
    “See what I mean?”
    Tanyth stood and tottered on legs that lacked strength. Frank caught her arm and steadied her.
    “You all right, mum?” Amber asked, eyes narrowing in concern.
    “Oh, yes, my dear. Just sat too long and my legs need some stretching.”
    Amber shot a knowing look at Frank. “I’m sure he’ll be happy to help you, mum.”
    The comment shocked a laugh out of Tanyth even as Frank groaned.
    “Off with ya, then,” Amber said. “We all got work to do.”
    Tanyth turned toward the door leaning more heavily on Frank’s arm than she really thought necessary.
    “You gonna be all right walkin’ the roads?” Frank asked as they stepped out of the inn and into the brilliant morning sunlight.
    Tanyth drew a deep breath filled with the scent of moist earth and blew it out slowly. “I don’t know why I’m feelin’ so weak. Not like I’ve done much.”
    Frank snorted. “Yup. Nothin’ at all.”
    “Well, nothin’ to speak of.”
    “Well, do me a favor?” he said, patting her hand where it wrapped around his arm.
    “If I can.”
    “Don’t go sayin’ any more prayers until you get your strength back.”
    She looked up at him, eyebrows beetled in confusion. “Prayers? What’s a few words got to do with anything?”
    He snorted and shook his head before looking into her eyes. “Just promise me? Please?”
    She read the concern there. “I don’t get what you’re so worried about. It’s just words.”
    “Promise me.”
    She gave a little nod. “All right. I promise.”
    “Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome. I guess.”
    “Now about that leg stretchin’...” he said with a grin.
    She blushed, but grinned and tugged at his arm. “Now, you behave yourself. It’s not my legs you’re thinkin’ of stretchin’, and you got horses to harness and a wagon to drag up to the quarry.”
    He threw back his head and laughed. “Aye, that I do,” he said as they reached the door to her hut.
    She unwrapped her