The ox carts, their cargo lashed down with rope, rolled slowly out of the city gates.
Annan had generously spent 300 gold coins on fifty cattle. He wanted to spare his people a trek of more than ten days to Star-Moon Bay, but the herd—twenty-five cows and twenty-five bulls—would also be invaluable when spring plowing began next year.
And when Tasia came down from the Snow Mountains to visit Star-Moon Bay, she would feel right at home in the cattle pen.
The knights Olmedo had sent to help defend the city stood stiffly beside the road. Just as Annan was preparing to leave, Michael sent word that Mr. Fast had escorted Aunt Susan and her family into the city.
Annan sent the ready convoy ahead, then followed Michael's Mage Apprentice back to the Manor.
There he saw Aunt Susan, big as a bear, and Uncle Holin, thin as a monkey, standing before the steps. Between them was poor Martin, being thoroughly manhandled.
"Oh, my Little Annan—"
Aunt Susan moved to hug Annan as she always had, but his expensive Mage Robe and luxurious Manor made her hesitate. Annan swept her into an embrace first, delighted. Nothing had changed.
"Has Martin caused you trouble again? I'll teach him a lesson for you!" Aunt Susan quickly slipped back into their old ways: showering Annan with affection and Martin with pain.
Annan looked at Martin, who had been hauled over by the ear and was blinking at him for help.
"Cousin?"
"Of course! You're my cousin!"
"No, Aunt Susan. Actually... Martin is doing something secret for me."
"My heavens... Susan, did you hear that? Our Martin has made something of himself!" Uncle Holin said with relief. Then he turned to Annan. "You've been taking too much care of Martin. He's as fat as