Four, Soon To Be Five

"Astra!" Alura responded.

The two young women ran towards one another and embraced, as Fred and Velus wondered who the newcomer was.

Eventually Astra pulled free, and said: "Fred, Velus, I'd like you to meet my half-sister Alura." The girl was not quite so statuesque as Astra, and had dark rather than red hair, but the family resemblance was obvious.

Astra continued: "Alura, I'd like you to meet Lord Frederigo D'Honaire and Velus, a commoner, both from Allaria."

Alura did not seem to be paying much attention to Astra's words. Instead she was looking at her half-sister with a surprised expression on her face. "About six months, I'd say," she said to Astra.

For the first time since he had known her, Fred saw Astra blush. "About that," she said. "It was almost inevitable really, given the circumstances."

"So who's going to be the father?" Alura asked.

1. "Fred. Velus is rather young for me," Astra said. Not to mention being a commoner and half dog, Alura thought, but was too well-mannered to say.

Add New Option

Go Back

View Forward Story Tree
View Back Story Tree