Isolde rose, her book of secrets having slid from her lap to thud dully on the floor and waking her up. Millicent and Little Jimmy were snoozing awkwardly by the banked fire. Jarvan was sitting quietly by the woman who lay as still as death. She realized he was exercising a gypsy skill and was careful to not disturb him.<br/>She put the old tome away safely and then stepped to her sleeping chambers in the back of the shop. The water in the ewer was old but still sufficient for a hasty toilette. She cleaned her face and hands using the handcrafted soap that smelled of lavender and roses. The green velvet dress was her every day dress but she changed the bliaunt daily. Todayâ€™s was the color of fallen leaves, made of sturdy homespun. Her work was demanding and the over dresses must stand up to frequent cleaning. Her unruly red hair was tamed, caged now in a snood made of golden thread.<br/>Back in the shop, she prepared some hot cereal and toast made from yesterdayâ€™s bread. Setting tea to brew, Isolde turned as she heard Little Jimmy yawn broadly. She smiled a morning greeting but held her finger to her lips to warn him to be respect of Jarvanâ€™s purpose. He reached for a piece of toast, slathered with strawberry jam. His grubby fingers clutching it possessively as if Isolde might snatch it from him.<br/>He whispered loudly,<br/>â€œI gotta check in with the smith. He donâ€™t really care where I am but he owns my contract so he wants to make sure I ainâ€™t runned away.â€<br/>Isolde held her fingers to her lips once more, motioning toward the door as her way of understanding and agreeing. Little Jimmy jerked the heavy door open and let it slam behind him on the way out . Isolde quickly eased it shut, shrugging an apology toward Jarvan. She silently stepped back to her work table.<br/>If the girl , the woman did not wake up and talk freely, Isolde planned to be prepared with a spell and a potion. They would find out how to proceed with this one.The visions Isolde had seen of her when assisting Jarvan last night had convinced the witch that this woman was important.<br/>Isolde had no sooner put the thyme in the bowl to be ground,, muttering,<br/>Purification I do conjure<br/>So that thoughts be spoke,<br/>No be pondered"<br/>than a pounding rattled the door.<br/>â€œIsolde, Isolde, come quick, the darkness is coming.â€ Little Jimmyâ€™s voice shrieked.<br/>She yanked the door open and stepped outside, taking him firmly by the arm<br/>â€œWhat part of shush donâ€™t you understand?â€ she demanded but he was not listening. He drug her along. In the marketplace the bright red morning sun was setting the sky on fire. Clouds were tinged with yellow and silver. An old wives saying sprang to her mind<br/>â€œRed sky in morning, sailorâ€™s take warning.â€<br/>â€œWhat Jimmy? What is wrong?â€ Isolde demanded,staring at the townspeople who this morning were loitering, pointing and muttering. A great hush had fallen over the people.  Little Jimmy pointed. Isolde saw, in the distance a black cloud stretched along the horizon. It seemed to push against the silver morning sky, as if the cloud was devouring the light. All around it the atmosphere was a sickly green. Isoldeâ€™s blood ran, cold.<br/>â€œJimmy, did you see the smith yet?â€<br/>He shook his head, all the light of mischief out of his brown eyes.<br/>â€œGo there now but as soon as you can,come straight back to the apothecary. You will be safe with us. But hurry, man. There is no time to waste. The darkness comes anon.â€