Twins!

"The second labour is always a lot easier," she assures me.

"There isn't ever going to be a second labour," I tell her. Then I realise from the twinkle in her eye that she is teasing me.

I have my hands full - currently literally, with a baby in each arm - but it's obviously going to be true from now on in the metaphorical sense as well. I had thought that I was only joking when I said that I was large enough to be expecting twins, but I must have tempted fate.

When I present a teat to each baby, they soon get the idea of how to suckle. John and Teran seem slightly embarrassed, but I feel no embarrassment at all. The last six months have changed me a lot.

"What are you going to call them?" Moula asks.

"I don't know yet. I haven't really thought about it, though I suppose I should have done."

I realise that I feel famished. I hadn't felt able to do more than have some water during my labour. It's now nearly teatime, and the last meal I had was dinner last night. "Please would one of you see if you can get a tray with some food sent up. I'm starving."

Moula carries out the errand for me, and says that while she's about it she will also see if the inn can provide a couple of cots - or one large one - and some cloth that can be cut into improvised nappies.

By the time the food and other items arrive, the twins have stopped sucking and are fast asleep, so I'm able to eat in peace. As I eat, we discuss our plans.

"I suppose you won't be able to move from here for a few days, but luckily this is quite a good hiding place," Teran says. "It's rather out of the way for road traffic, so few other than river people ever come here. With any luck, Gustav's people won't think of looking here, indeed won't even be aware of the place."

1. Indeed, three days pass without incident. My babies continue to thrive, I now feel well enough to travel, but would it be better to remain here for longer?
2. But Teran's confidence is misplaced.

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