Reaching the frame built and two-thirds covered spot, she relished a smile for the man who was still rummaging. There was a curtain which obscured the complete view into the interior room beyond the selling area, but what could be seen where large crates, barrels, and the beginning of a cot-like bed.

"For my best customer," he said coming back out.

"That's Stanush speak for you-should-buy-a-crate-of-these," Marian said, in a most unquiet, but quite affectionate, whisper to Caspian, as she looked over the tray of fruit tarts.

"This, Stanush, is--" she paused, because she had been about to say my good friend. "--Caspian. He has traveled a grand distance to visit our little beloved realm."

That was at least mostly the truth.

"Any compatriots of our lady's," the man said, wiping his forehead of beaded sweat and giving a rather generous nod. "Would you like your plain, sugared, or creamed?"