They were welcomed into the farming compound. Mary's brother-in-law Conrad, ordered the gates opened as soon as Mary identified herself.
Mary introduced her travelling companions including Anya and her girl child. They were fed and given a spot near the fire to sleep, by Conrad's heavily pregnant wife. After a feed at Anya's breast, a changed nappy and feeling warm the little girl was soon fast asleep. Anya mean time was invited by the farmer to sit at his table and tell her story.
When the former Jaspar woke the next morning she found she was beside Anya on a straw matress by the embers of the fire. She tried to wake Anya but all that came out of her mouth was an indecipherable wail. Jaspar realised she was still under Anya's compulsion spell and had to behave as she appeared.
The wailing woke Anya and she found herself once more suckling on Anya's breasts. Only after her appetite was sated did Anya take the infant outside, where Anya did her morning ablutions. This was Jaspar's first opportunity to speak to her former concubine as they were finally alone.
'Anya, What did ye learn? Is it safe to change me back?'
'Hush little one. Speak quietly. It seems this county is firmly in control of the rebels. It would not be safe to restore you'
'What of this farmer? Is he a Royalist? Can we count on his aid?'
'He seems a good man and has offered us shelter. As for his politics I know not. But he has said there is a curfew in place. We were lucky to get here without being stopped'
'So what do we do?'
'I have been offered employment on the farm. I will take him up on that offer until the situation stabilises. It is safer here than wandering the highways'
'But that leaves me in this helpless form. I must rally the troops and lead the fight back. My father will be counting on me'
'Be patient my Prince. You form is a perfect disguise. No one will guess who you are. We will bide our time and begin our journey East when it is safe to do so. Hush someone is coming'
They were disturbed by the farmers wife. Jaspar had a good look at her. Her stomach was huge. 'Did you sleep well Anya?'
'Yes Gillian. We are grateful for your warm fire'
'What is the name of your little one?'
'She is called Jess' Anya changed Jaspars diaper and bound her tightly in some clean material.
'She is very cute. I hope mine is so pretty when it is born. Come I will show you the quarters you may use'
Held in Anya's arms, Jaspar had a good view of the quarters that Anya was shown. It was a tiny detached hut at the rear of the compound. 'This will do. Thank you Gillion'
'It is not much but it is all we have to spare. At least there is a bed and the door will lock. Mary is family so she will have the room in the house. The man who lived here was conscripted into the Kings army a year ago. We have not heard from him since. Use what you think is useful and burn the rest'
'What of my employment?'
'You will tend and milk the goats. When Lara get's here she will show you how'
Jaspar was put on the bed and had a good view as Anya set to cleaning up their hut. It was frustrating not to be able to help 'Unbind me Anya, You have bound me so tight I cannot move'
'I bound you so that you would not crawl in the dirt, get filthy again and create more work for myself. Stay where you are. Once I have swept the floor I will allow you to crawl around'
However before Anya had finished sweeping a girl of no more than 16 came in. 'I am Lara, I am to show you your duties'
Jaspar found herself lashed to Anya's chest as Lara showed Anya the goats she was to look after. Jaspar was once more under the compulsion to behave as she appeared. There were 10 nanny goats in a pen. 'These are your charges. You will need to milk them into those pails. Then release the goats through that gate into the field. When they are all done take the pails to the dairy. Seek me out and I will show you how we make cheese. The goats will need another milking when you bring them in at 5 in the afternoon'