By the end of May, hundreds of thousands of nouvotech computers were built and in route to their destinations in Russia, Spain, Gaul and Switzerland. Claudia was glad things were settling.  She'd played at being Roman's business partner, and had been his partner in crime long enough. It took so many hours of the day. Now his factory was working and had enough trained employees thankful for training and jobs when both were so rare.

      Now, if Claudia came into more ill gotten money she could have more machines sent to whoever she wanted. Thanks to training offered by Claudia, her crew, and other contacts of Roman's, Nouvotech now offered repair services for nearly all common computers and communication devices, no small profit could be earned repairing what others had long since built and no longer offered to repair.

      Other news was not all so good. In the new Union of States formed from Poland and Germany, it had come to sending troops against the Russians. Other tactics had made some progress but not enough. Rather than control all of the south of what had been Poland, Russia now controlled all the east of what had been Poland, so that recently spared territories in the lakelands had been invaded. The most southern and eastern parts of Germany were also still at risk. The Russians had made a path through the Sudetes into the CR and broken right across the province of Moravia and into Austria from another angle.

      Russia was making progress in the Balkans, and new troops from Egypt were arriving on the continent to meet them. Now, the Arab States were debating joining the war. The Swiss were still held by the VC, but had not surrendered or given in so much that the Vampire City troops were free to take on other armies. The Spanish and Gaul now were circling the much impoverished remainder of France, and were attempting to take Belgium and the Netherlands. Japan and North China were speaking to Alexandria about sending troops, and England had joined on the Union side as Belgium was invaded.

      As before, there were Americans in Europe on the side of the Union, but their numbers were relatively small, spent keeping order in France and backing up various Union forces. It was they, who with the DG, kept even further parts of Europe from being invaded.

      While the war continued without slowing, or lessening in conflict, the new United Duetch-Polski States were in the midst of their internal political shifting. They had asked to renegotiate with the Union, and had thus far been stalled by arguments that wartime postponed such procedures. Now, parties were campaigning for the next leader of their union, but it was difficult for the voters to believe any one person could stop the war. As much as things had looked up when the Goth had been in Berlin, they now looked quite down.

      Rumors were all about. If one believed any, there was a submarine war being fought in the North Atlantic, and fighter jets were flying over the Arab States, the Union was performing genetic experiments on prisoners-of-war in a secret base in Africa, Russia had just funded a program to give free computers to millions of their school children, and the Pope was dying of an incurable form of cancer.

      The months turned to June, and the Goth were moving again, and again larger than last they had stopped. They were moving slowly through the forests and cities of central Germany. The tribe moved west in a general way, not toward any particular location.

      Claudia and all the crew were lying low as it were, showing less of a net presence, for the present, to better watch for the movements of others. They had the ability to monitor some of the traffic that went through the computers they had made, and continued to use methods of listening and capturing transmissions originated by Leonore or Marcus. As well, there was the Alexandria Mainframe.

      The mainframe computer's system was immense and intricate, but Claudia was always making slow steady progress at identifying new banks and programs. So far, much of it was irrelevant and involving either the Library of Alexandria or the more mundane activities of a government with large territory to manage. Claudia had found the area devoted to military applications, but it was protected by further layers of password and encryption she had yet to crack. Sasha and Marek were both good at code cracking, as good as Marcus and Leonore were with hardware and communications systems; Claudia had left the two of them try to get to the military data.

      Claudia had more personal things to attend. She wanted now to have a baby and every time she and John made love to each other, she wondered if this would be the time that started a life. John was somehow even more affectionate to her, Claudia hadn't thought that possible. She still felt a spiritual awareness when they were together, only now she could almost find herself praying.

      John liked to describe her to others as Existentialist in Religion. That was not really her religion, it was her approach: the ever questing to know the what and why of being. Claudia believed in God, she just didn't have faith in any particular church's representation of God. And Claudia knew Angels to exist. They were proven to live and have long visited Earth, what was controversial was whether these beings were extra-terrestrials, the biblical messengers of God, or both.

      The Library of Alexandria had the largest gathered mass of media of the present world, and possibly of all time. Not only did they gather all modern writings, whether dailies or novels, but they had a very fine collection of ancient tablets and scrolls that various Darkling had preserved over the ages and donated to the Library. They had decent copies of tablets owned by other museums to draw reference from and film, paintings, video, engravings, and other visual archives to be studied.

      When they travelled, Claudia often had time to sit and think, to contemplate and catch up, rather than cook, or brush horses, or mend her own clothes. Her father had sent many letters in form of electronic mail which she had only glanced at. Claudia realized now, she might absorb information regarding the war and attitudes in Alexandria from these. Also, her old friend Vicky who was still at school in not so distant Cairo and often visiting the Library of Alexandria in person had sent letters.

      Father was doing well. He wrote of his continuing relationship with Anne. He mentioned how Anne would go to comfort the High Lord. From his letters, Claudia understood and even pictured the goings on in Alexandria. Daily the High Lord sat in a chair in the main room of the Church of Alexandria which was of centralized design, that was round and having rooms off to the sides that usually held shrines, rather than the western form that lay the floors in the shape of a cross or single aisle with small wings. Here, in the new yet ancient looking Church dedicated to no one's god in particular, the High Lord was met by his advisors and by representatives from the nations of the Union.

      Father let Claudia know that the American's had a female General named Jackson who was often outspoken. The Japanese did not send a representative, but their President who was a woman native to their island, spoke via video and the High Lord always addressed her by her personal name, Midori. Father worried about Claudia. He said that the Polish and German ambassadors worked together constantly to try to get the High Lord to renegotiate their agreement and release from duty their people in Union military. More recently, the English ambassador had been often present in their meetings, as well as ambassadors or military commanders of the Balkan nations and Scandanavia.

      Personally, Father saw the Leader of the UDN when Anne took him to the High Lord's personal residence to visit. There were many Darkling and Human servants there. Father said Joy was still there as well as Lady Anne and Lord Andrew. But there was news of several other Vampyres. Claudia read on slowly, making sure to follow every word.

      Theo and Christian, charged with running Vampire City, while Angel was deployed, were often in contact with the High Lord, Father had begun referring to him only as Shade, when speaking of their personal lives. They had been told to do some secret work besides holding Vampyre City for Angel. Recently, Theo had reported that Daerrick and his two children Angelo and Estasi had run off to avoid Angel's latest draft, which ordered all her own spawn, not already serving in other military groups or having assignments within the Union, to join the VC. 

       Now, Amir was in Alexandria praising Shade for the works of his special agent, Daerick, whom Shade had never really sent. Amir had mentioned the Goth, said that Daerick had spoken of these people to him and was confused by their existence 1500 years late. As soon as this was told, David had been found missing and Joy, through their shared blood, could only say he was moving further from her and most likely into Europe because he did not get closer to others she sensed.

      Claudia realized the same thing as she read this. There was a possibility that David or Daerick would find them. What would happen then? It was too fast.

      Claudia tried to concentrate on the letter from her old friend, Vicky. She was still in Cairo, spoke only briefly of the war and repeated the rumor about there being jets flying. Only, Victoria said she had heard that the jets belonged to the Arab States collectively, and had been long stored in a hangar in a desert region where they had nearly been completely forgotten.  Vicky said that the Haven Keeper of Karachi had received the jets as a personal gift and all of Pakistan and the Arab states were holding their breath in wait for Orchid of the Karachi Haven to say whether he would allow the Union to use the jets in the war.

      Claudia bit her lip. David worried her enough, but now this rumour sounded true. Vicky mentioned particular names and lived in the region, those she had heard rumor from in Europe had heard it through Russians. Claudia questioned whether she should worry anyone else with the news. None of it gave definite facts, was all hearsay...mainly.

      Claudia didn't have time to force herself to chose. As she was reading the letters, Elzbieta was going into early labor and the movement of the tribe's vehicles had been halted for her sake. Merideth came to fetch Claudia, to see if she would want to be near. Claudia rushed out into the warm air and sunlight just after Merideth and forgot about David and fighter jets.

                      †               †               †

       Karina, Vivianne, and Elzbieta between them belived her son normal and healthy, but they did not have the diagnostic equipment a large city hospital would have. It was decided unanimously among the Elders of the tribe that, in this case, the health of one tiny tribe member very much took precedence over other plans. The long train of vehicles made for Frankfurt am Main, where six months before Merideth's child, Alaric had been born.

      They did not go to the military base this time, but into the city, where Elzbieta and her son were both admitted to a public hospital. Justin was with them all the time, worrying. Elzbieta and he were arguing passionately about the name of their underweight newborn son, and just as passionately worrying for his health.

      As everyone was to learn later, their son would be named Rozz, in some compromise between them involving trying to find a name that was neither only Polish nor Southern and American. Rozz had been small, but after many tests, the doctors involved claimed there was nothing more wrong with him. Born a few weeks earlier than average, and smaller than average, but in no way underdeveloped.

      Averages were only average after all and not always the best thing to be.

                      †               †               †

      Delays came again, as while still camped about Frankfurt am Main, the local daily spread through the camp with praise or interest and informed Claudia, among others, of a campaign to have John become the next Leader of the new United Deutch-Polski States. It was July already, hot as it ever got in this part of Germany, as they were experiencing a heat wave, and election day was on them.

      Each party had its usual platform set and had announced their nominations for who would lead if they were voted in. None seemed to campaign very hard. What was more frequently on the news was footage of the tribe camping in Frakfurt am Mein and speaking to its locals.

      "They can't actually do this," John said. Every time he said it it seemed less convincing, until even more than half the tribe had joined in calling for the States to declare itself Goth or for John to lead both.

      "I can't," John began saying. And for a long while, Claudia agreed. But then, she looked at him and felt ill. And while she was cursing the cooks of that morning over the toilet, she thought to herself that John could really do anything. He stooped behind her and held back her hair as she sat on the floor of the trailer dry heaving. John could lead a nation. John could make Orchid use the fighter jets. John could face down David a while.

      "It's morning sickness," John giggled as he stroked the nape of Claudia's neck with a fingertip. "You're pregnant."

      John was giddy and so maybe, Claudia thought, he was joking. But it could conveniently explain the sudden woosiness and inexplicable irritability. "Maybe," Cladia whispered.

      "No, it must be. I remember now, I felt rather sad when I saw the full moon, as I was coming in last night, but now I feel quite good."

      "What's anything got to do with the moon, John?" Claudia asked loudly. It annoyed her that he was so giddy and sure.

      He was laughing again. John dropped to sit on the floor, his legs sprawled and arms moving to hold Claudia. "You are simply clueless sometimes, you know that?" he asked, maybe he meant it to be in jest. "I'm very happy for us anyway. It'll pass. You won't always feel sick."

      "Yes. Perhaps I should be sure, get a second opinion from someone actually qualified. I should really start reading more on the subject."

      "Aren't you happy?" John teased, "It was your idea..."

      "And we won't talk of why," Claudia snapped.  She had not told John that she knew David had left Alexandria and any time after now would be too late. "I'm fine." Claudia forced a smile. "I am happy, just tired...leave me alone to get cleaned up. I'll come find you when I'm sure."

      She felt his nod, the disturbance of air and the way her hair moved where his cheek brushed it. John didn't want to be sent away. "I'll go see Miko," John said quickly, as he got to his feet.

      He was gone in seconds and Claudia wished she could keep some food down to settle her stomach.

                      †               †               †

      John went from the camp into Frankfurt am Main, with Miko and Robbie walking just behind, complaining in joking tone that he moved too quickly or his legs were too long. They were younger, but not by so much that anyone would have known, had all three been ten years older. It was that they were teenagers and he was not by some slight measure.

      They stopped to eat at small restaurant and took seats outside to eat their sandwiches. Robbie took to taunting Miko about Ceci then until John stopped him. "Leave him alone, Robbie," he said, "Miko's not doing anything wrong."

      "That's just it. I want to know what he's doing," Robbie said defensively and John noticed that Miko smiled a bit smugly over his sandwich. "He's even younger than I am and Ceci just adores him. I mean, you've seen her!"

      John nodded. He suddenly wished for a cigarette, and was distracted wondering why he thought such a thing. Ceci did seem impressed with everything Mikolaj did or said.

      "She'll even stand up to you, John," Robbie pointed out, "But Miko comes around and Ceci is purring like a kitten in the cream."

      Miko smirked. "I don't do anything."

      "Maybe it's her age," John suggested.

      Robbie shook his head. "I don't get it, man. You'd think she'd pin up pictures of you like all those other girls, but she's got photos of Miko beside her bed."

      "Who has pictures of me?" John asked.

      "Everyone," Miko broke in.

      "Yeah, just all the girls," Robbie said, "Keep wanting us all to be as romantic and beautiful as you. Pretty disturbing...but Ceci, she is mad about Miko."

      "She says I'm romantic," Miko confessed proudly.

      "He probably finds her nice gifts. Miko found the ring I gave Claudia when we married. He's always been like that, just speaks to everyone, makes deals."

      "Girls like jewelry," Miko added, "and I've discovered actually that you can bring them any bit of junk, the trick of it is you have to tell them you thought of them when you found it, and how they could just make something wonderful out of it, because you are amazed by their skills. They like when you mention their skills."

      "Where do you come up with this stuff?" Robbie asked.

      Miko shrugged. "I am Cyprian's younger brother, I had to learn what to do. I mean, when I was really young it was easy. He'd draw girls to him constantly, but then I'd make puppy eyes and they'd want to take me along everywhere, which made Cyprian rather angry. You saw how Helena instantly attached herself to him?"

      Robbie shrugged himself. "Guys were always attaching themselves to Helena."

      "They deserved each other then," Miko said. "Seriously, it's nothing unusual or maybe as vulgar as you think. I do like Ceci...she's very cute and just the same age as me and she did always come to me as Elder when she had problems, and I did my best to do right." He looked at John directly, "I always try my best to do right being an Elder, I know it was serious you choosing me."

      "You're fine as Elder," Robbie said quickly, "No complaints here, they all love you. You sure there's no trick to you having Ceci all over you?"

      "I hope she likes me as much as you think she does," Miko laughed, "I was just nice to her is all."

      "I'm sure she likes you very much," John assured Miko, "but maybe what Robbie needs to understand is that, initially, she must have been attracted in coming to meet you in the first place because, like many of our tribe, she noticed for the first time in her life someone her own age was treated with respect and made to take on responsibility...and you took your responsibility without messing up too much, as one would expect from an adult." John looked to Robbie then and began to work to a mocking tone, "But I don't know why Robbie needs to understand, from the way Leonore speaks of him I might wonder what he does so wonderfully."

      "Now, there's no need to go there," Robbie said with hands raised in surrender, "Leonore is a huge mystery to me, like all girls...or women. I'm happy she decided we'd share a bed to sleep and I still haven't woken up dead."

      "You couldn't wake up dead," Miko laughed, "It's impossible."

      "You know what I mean," Robbie said in raised voice, "You know Leonore. You live in the trailer. She thinks better when she's throwing knives into the cabinetry!"

      "No!" John said.

      "Leonore actually does throw knives into a board," Miko nodded, "but, it's hardly as bad as Robbie makes it sound. She doesn't ever aim at people."

      Now John nodded. "She doesn't actually scare you, Robbie?" John asked, "I always thought you two were a couple."

      "I guess," Robbie says, "If Leonore thinks so."

      Miko laughed, "My trailer mate here is a gifted hacker, generally skilled in all areas, Robot Dan's strategic mind, but he somehow fails to use an ounce of logic when considering females." He paused then addressed Robbie, "She says 'Robbie, are you coming to bed?' and you go to her, you occassionaly have been seen spontaneously taking her hand or kissing her and she gives into the continuation of such, you make jokes when you know she is upset to diffuse the tension, she smiles when you say her name...clearly you are a couple and whatsmore in love," Mikolaj finished.

      "Oh, sure, the way you make it sound."

      John smiled to himself, or anyone looking.  "You're young, Robbie, you'll get it soon enough."

      "Yes, so young, Robbie," Miko giggled as Robbie glared at the younger boy.

      "He's got to tell us all about Claudia now," Robbie said to Miko.

      "Sure you want to hear? They are married."

      "Sure I want to hear. John?"

      "She's pregnant actually."

      "Claudia pregnant, really?" Robbie asked and at John's nod beamed a wide smile, "What can I say? It's hard to think of her having a child, not that she's too young of course, just, she's hot!"

      Miko shook his head.

      "Aw, come on, Miko. If Leonore didn't have her claws in me, I'd have photos of Claudia beside my bed."

      "You would not," John insisted, "My wife is not material for your fantasies."

      "I was kidding. You knew I was kidding, right?" Robbie asked with nervous laugh.

      "Does the watertable in Warsaw run through old missile silos or fusion reactors by the way?" Miko asked, "Because you seem like your brain might have melted. Even if it's true, you never say that about a man's wife or even his girlfriend. You ever say something like that about Ceci, and I'll just tell Leonore."

      "Judas of you, we're supposed to be friends."

      John shook his head.

      "We are friends, man, I was joking. But I would have to hurt you. You're older than me, Robbie, you really need my help?"

      Robbie only nodded and rolled his eyes as if this was his point from the start.

      "Buy some quartz crystals, radio frequency sort, and tell her you just came across them and thought of her. But in case the work related gift offends Leonore, have something really girly but absolutely free, like flowers you picked or a rock that is the color of her eyes, and keep it ready to give to her after the crystals."

      "That'll work?" Robbie asked.

      "Yes," John said, "It sounds very likely. But I would stress that the intention has to be sincere. I would never tell you to go try this on a girl, if I thought it not already clear you love her. They can sense guilt or dishonor even if they don't let on."

      "I really thought that was given," Miko said quickly, "He is so frustrated by Leonore."

      "Don't worry, Robbie, she'll know you care, you won't have to suddenly grow eloquent. Leonore already likes you. I think she considers that you allow her to be in charge and it is a sacrifice you make to show your patience. It's best we not let on that you are just plain scared out of your wits."

      "My lips are sealed," Miko laughed.

                      †               †               †

      Returning to camp late in the evening, John went to the crew trailer with Miko and Robbie. They found Marek and Cyprian outside, sitting in folding camp chairs. Some of the Guardsmen and Maidens ran to them, embarrassed that they had slipped in to camp unnoticed, Anna and Pieter were among these. Robbie asked if Leonore was in.

      "Bath Day again, She and Helena ran off with Jayne and the others a while ago," Cyprian said.

      "Oh," Robbie said, "I suppose I can wait."

      John stooped down near the ground rather than stand waiting. He was familiar with Bath Day, something the girls had taken to doing as soon as the weather was not so close to freezing. It involved large plastic and metal tubs at least large enough for an adult to sit curled in, boiling water, and filling tents with steam.

      So far as John knew, newlings among the tribe had started the tradition with the warmer weather, and on the first Bath Day, made it clear the gathering was only for girls. No smart man dared test the Goth women after they announced such a need for privacy; they knew as much about hunting or defending themselves as the men. Though some male tribe members used tubs to bathe there was no such thing as Bath Day for them.

      "So what do they really do on bath day, Anna?" Marek asked.

      "If we wanted you to know, we wouldn't put the sheets up as curtains," Anna smiled. She was almost old enough to be his mother but tolerated the familiarity all the tribe showed each other.

      "They're not sworn to secrecy," Cyprian said, "they only wish time to be with other females. Helena says they have baths and sweat tents and share in various grooming and beauty treatments."

      "Claudia was with them?" John asked.

      "Like a flock of hens about her they were," Pieter said, "Sir. It's just we were keeping watch over her."

      "Yes, she is there," Anna said, "I looked in earlier."

      "Anna," Miko called, mouse-like squeak. He was looking toward the outside of camp, though not the way they had come in near the road. John noticed too then, what Miko had seen. With the sun set, the fires within the enclosure of hanging sheets cast silhouettes of many girls and women that seemed to dance as the flames did.

      "Oh, I see," Anna said, "None of us realized. But, if it is too distracting I'll speak to them."

      "You can't tell them I saw!" Miko said and his face was flushed completely red when he turned from the sight. "I wasn't even trying to look, honest!"

      Anna laughed slightly. "Don't worry, I know who the scamps are about here," Anna said with quick flash of smile to Marek, "In any case, I wouldn't have mentioned names. Those same girls stand about watching enough when you boys are at work. Just remember, you'll have them looking at you dreamy-eyed when you're as old as your brother here, so long as everyone keeps it to just looking, it's all fair."

      Cyprian whispered something to Marek that Miko obviously heard, though John wasn't aware of the others hearing any better than he could, which was not well enough to recognize words. Miko told his brother to be quiet and quickly shoved Cyprian aside to get to the door. He disappeared inside the trailer. John guessed Cyprian and Marek were trying to embarrass Miko with whatever he felt looking at those dancing seemingly naked figures.

      "Anna," John called quietly, "perhaps it is best you warn them. If you must explain, tell them it was me who noticed." John smiled, mainly to himself picturing what innocent not so attractive things could be going on, "Even if they have mud on their faces and smell of sweat, tell them they would still be beautiful beyond words and their shadow selves cast on the curtains..." John tried to think of the best way to finish, "quicken my blood with desire, and as we are currently without a priest to confess us, they best end such events at dusk or else forgive me my sins."

      Anna teeth gleamed in the dimness when she smiled at the words. John thought is fairly amusing himself, though Cyprian rolled his eyes. Robbie was leaning against the trailer now, not attempting to disguise the fact he watched the curtains. He held a dangling object on its cordage for Anna. "Can you give this to Leonore?"

      "Shall I say it is from you?" Anna asked as she took it.

      "Say I made it for her today, that's all."

      "It's very pretty, Robbie," Anna said, "She's sure to like it. I'll go speak to them now." Anna jogged toward the enclosure. John watched her pause before entering, and then the figures cast on the curtains gathered into a single dark spot. The moment Anna explained the overlooked physics was plain from the gasps and laughter audible over the distance.

      There was more softer laughter afterward and then a general spreading of the figures. Some of their light sources had been doused or shut off, there were fewer silhouettes that he could see and all were sharper and no longer seemed to dance. It appeared some of the figures waved their arms in greeting or recognition. Several of the girls then came from the bath area, clothed of course.

      John stood as he saw they were approaching.  Anna and Leonore reached them first, Helena a moment later. As Leonore passed, John thought they had done something to her hair but mainly he noticed the new ornament at her throat. It was a crystal ordinarily used in radios, wrapped in thin wire and attached to a length of optical cable. Robbie had been working on the necklace all during the afternoon.

      Leonore liked it, obviously she did from the directness of her embrace in greeting Robbie. John stepped up to Helena quickly, before Cyprian could get to her. "Can you do me a favor, Helena?" John asked.

      She smiled up at him, almost seemed wicked. "Nothing I'll have to confess later is it?" She asked.

      "I see Anna delivered my message intact," John said quickly, "Seriously, it would be a favor to me if you could convince Marek that he should have a turn sleeping in the van tonight. There's a spare tent if you need your own privacy."

      "I can...but why?"

      "It's for Miko, the guys tease sometimes, I want him to have a little time alone, but I don't want him to know I arranged it. Can you keep it secret? I want to do this without making him embarrassed."

      "I promise. I'll take care of the boys," Helena said.

      "Thank you, Helena," John said then kissed her cheek. She glided from him and went straight to Marek and Cyprian.

      More of the ladies were coming into the camp and the curtains were being taken down. John saw Claudia, walking with Merideth, Adelle, and Elzbieta about her, babies on their hips and all seeming to glow. Ceci was with them, skipping about, sometimes in front of or beside Claudia. John knew then, Claudia had told them she was pregnant, and so it really was true.

      There was a wonderful mix of smells as they arrived, more noticable then when the last few came. John reached for Claudia's hand immediately, and noticed all had a glow about their skin and hair. Claudia was orange and clove scented and her hair was quite silver in the bright moonlight and worn in many damp braids. John turned purposely to Ceci. "Guardmaiden," he called, "If you are not on duty or otherwise occupied, I know a mutual friend of ours who has not had the very best of days. Are you busy?"

      "Is it Anna? I asked if she wanted to stay and have me take watch. No, it's not my...I mean your horse? Is Darkle Day hurt?" Ceci asked, newly processed streak of Guardmaiden red in her hair, and asexual black uniform, but she was cute, in a word, and certainly ready to rush off to aide anyone.

      "It's Miko, I know he's your friend. He's in his trailer, and he won't admit it, but he's had a bit of a bad day. I just thought, if you were not too busy you could visit with him."

      "Oh I almost forgot!" Ceci gasped, "Congratulations, Leader, Claudia told us she is going to have your baby."

      "Thank you," John said reflexively. He looked to Claudia, nearly forgot he had a purpose in speaking to Ceci.

      "I'll just go..." Ceci said. "Don't worry, I'll cheer him up. And I promise, nothing I'd have to confess."

      But John only half heard and then stopped hearing. Claudia was going to have their baby. She held his hand still as Merideth hooked her arm about about the other. "Come along both of you, we'll have Justin teach us to cook another of those strange dishes and we can all tell you what to expect over dinner.

      Elzbieta spoke then, "We've all done it before."

      Adelle called to Anna, telling her she was most welcome to join their supper when she had fetched her daughter Greta. "You can expect us both if Justin's cooking," Anna called back to them as they walked.