Astra's Maternal Instinct Kicks In

Simultaneously Astra said: "These caves are no place for an eleven year-old. What is she doing here?"

Deciding that Fred's question did not require an answer, Belboz turned to Astra. "Both her parents died a few years ago, and I was her only living relative, so it fell to me to look after her."

"Very commendable of you. But surely you could have relocated to some more suitable place for a child?"

"But I like it here. Being a necromancer, unless you live somewhere inaccessible like this, you are liable to find a crowd of peasants with pitchforks and blazing torches turning up one dark night, intent on lynching you. Here I feel secure. The dragon and I accord one another mutual respect, and keep out of each other's way. Marta seems happy enough. She's making great progress in learning necromancy. And she has become a good cook. Somehow magically produced meals are never really satisfying."

Astra responded:

1. "Well if you're sure she's happy..."
2. "I should like to take you up on your invitation to meet her."
3. "I still think that it's wrong. The poor girl will never see the sun. If both you and she are agreeable, perhaps I could take her away with me?"

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