'I don't recognise that crest' said Patricia after examining the amulet around "Jasmine's" neck
'The witch who gave it to me had an Eastern accent'
'Give me the amulet and I can show it to a contact. She is more powerful than I'
'It cannot be removed by any but the woman who created it' Jasper informed her. 'I cannot take it from my neck'
'I have but a trace of magic, but even I can sense the immense power in that locket. That is why I recognised you are not as you seem. You are fortunate to have not been discovered before this. Not all blondes favour the Royals'
'But what can I do? I cannot remove this necklace'.
'Then you must create a shield. Encase the amulet in a precious metal. It's power must be hidden or you will be discovered. And I cannot risk being charged with harbouring a royal Princess or perhaps two'
Jasper had taken in the last words of the witch. She suspected Jasper was a royal but thought she was an escaped Princess, not the crown Prince. That was somewhat of a relief. Jasper's sister Princess Elaine had recently borne a girl child. Was that who Patricia thought she was? Did that mean Elaine had escaped as well? Jasper hoped so. 'But if I hide the amulet's power how will it protect me?'
'It offers protection as well as disguise? It is truly the work of a superior sorceress'
'So it appears' Jasper's thoughts turned to Anya. Was her entrancing body also the result of a transformation?
'You will need to encase the amulet in a silver locket. One that may be opened if you need this protective power. Do you have funds? I know a silversmith I could commission'
'Alas when I transformed all I had were the clothes I wore. I am penniless as well as homeless'
'Penniless, homeless and with a babe in arms? I pity you. We could do a deal though. I truly do have need of a wet nurse. My own milk has soured and my Pyotr is but 3 weeks old. If you agree to stay and nurse my child, I will get Simon to advance funds for a silver locket'
'But how would I find the maker of the amulet?'
'I will draw a copy of the shield and pass it on to my networks. Someone will recognise it. We will find where you need to go. Now is not a time for a woman to be travelling the countryside aimlessly. We cannot provide you with the luxury you may have had at the palace, but you and your child will have food and a bed. What say you?'
'You would pay me a fair wage to be your nurse?'
'Yes. We will pay you the going rate. I need to enquire as to how much that is'
'I would also need clothes for myself and Bry. We have but what we arrived in'
'There is a seamstress on the corner. Tomorrow you can get yourself some new garments on Simon's credit. The cost can be added to your debt'
'Then we have a deal'
'Good. Come let us see if Pytor will take your milk'