***

Deborah woke Japheth once she had dressed. Her husband smiled up at her sleepily as she kissed him gently on the lips.

“Why didn’t you rouse me before you swathed yourself in all that fabric,” groaned Japheth. “You’ve on far too much clothing for my liking.” He reached out as if to pull her into bed with him.

Deborah laughed and danced out of his reach. “I wish to spend some time saying farewell to mother and father, and Mercy as well. I see them so seldomly these days.”

Japheth grunted and sat up in bed. “Very well, I’ll dress and ensure Dobbs has roused himself. Though knowing the man, he’s been up since dawn broke. Most likely, I’ll find him brooding in the carriage, the horses readied, still nursing his wounded...

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