The prince examined the neatly folded stack of sturdy but unimpressive tunics. It was obvious that the young widow possessed skill in fabrication, but she lacked sufficient capital to purchase the raw materials that would make her wares desirable. Furthermore, Everson calculated, even if her product was made precious, expensive clothes were a luxury not likely afforded by the shoppers in this particular marketplace. It was a vicious cycle of economics that would never allow the desperate young widow to get ahead.
The soldier looked past the tunics to the two children. The boy and girl looked back at him noncommittally. Everson smiled behind his veil and then realized the children could not see his friendly overture. They were beautiful children with unkempt and uncut blonde hair and clear
