Victoria (12)

             Geneeva glanced out the window and then went to the jug of milk.  “Gangar, quick, move the shelf.  I’ll get a cheesecloth of milk for the child.”  Gangar got up and jerked the shelf out of place, putting the perfume bottles on the table.  The black rider threw his shoulder against the door and jarred it open.  Geneeva handed the dripping cloth to Aritka and the whole process was quickly done in reverse.

            “Shut that kid up!” said the black rider, but it was said in the Kinly dialect and Aritka didn’t understand at first.

            It didn’t matter – she was already trying hard to soothe the vexed child.  “He’s coming out of the barn,” warned Geneeva.  “Hurry, dear!”  Aritka finally thrust one milk-soaked corner of the cloth into the baby’s mouth, and the baby, interested, quieted and sucked.  Gangar promptly went out.  “Be careful, dear,” Geneeva called after him.  “Gangar’s talking to the Jakgrar,” she said after a moment.  “The Jakgrar is going away.  Gangar’s going to the stable….  He’s given the sign – you can come out now.”

            Geneeva crossed the room and carefully rearranged all the perfume bottles on the table.  With effort, she pulled the shelf out of place and stood back.  The black rider, more carefully this time, jarred the door open.