Chapter 90: Tahr

Finally, an older woman arrives. Her hair gray, she's short and bosomy wearing a blue mid-calf length dress. I've seen her before but don't remember her name. She stares at the floor and nervously wrings her hands. I can smell her fear and my ire intensifies. I treat my people well and I would swear she thinks I kick puppies on a daily basis. I have no time to waylay her qualms, though I try very hard not to growl as I speak. "Start a bath and be sure the water is tepid. I need to lower her temperature and get her clean." The woman's eyes shoot upward and go directly to the bundle I hold in my arms. I see the moment she recognizes Pepper in my arms as tears slide down her cheeks and she doesn't move. I don't have time for this either. I pull Pepper a little tighter against me, hold back the flames that are working their way up my throat, and try a gentler tone. "She's in bad shape and I need your help. We must hurry."

The woman jerks her gaze from Pepper to me. Her eyes narrow and I s