Spring 1098 SR
Sister Felicity sat.
"Tell me what you discovered," said Charlaine.
"We were down at the market," the woman replied, "when we happened to overhear a conversation."
"And by we, you mean…?"
"Myself and Sister Damora."
"And what was the nature of this conversation?"
"A man was haggling over the price of some meat, not an overly unusual argument. The vendor"s response, however, was surprising."
"Go on," urged Charlaine.
"He said there"s a shortage of farm workers on account of those who are missing."
"Missing?"
"That"s what he said," replied Felicity. "It seems that women are being forced to do more of the chores on the outlying farms as a result. Considering last autumn"s missing men, I thought it best to bring this to your attention."
"You"ve done well. We must loo
