Concerning Transport and Clothing

As I speak, I unbutton my breeches (Artazian technology doesn't run to zips), and heave a sigh of relief as my belly no longer feels painfully constricted. The breeches fall around my ankles. Though the man's woollen shirt that I am wearing is slightly tented out by my now visibly convex belly, since it was intended for someone rather taller than myself it is still just about long enough to preserve my decency.

Usman answers my last remark. "I know. It's a pity that a coach wouldn't be feasible, as it would mean that we could travel much faster, but that's the downside of choosing a remote, mountainous region like the Vale in which to hide out. Yes, it means that there's a much better chance that we won't be discovered, but it also means that for almost the whole distance there are only narrow tracks that a coach couldn't negotiate. A horse and cart might manage some of them, but that would mean much too bumpy a ride for a pregnant woman as they will be pretty rough. I considered getting us horses, but I don't suppose that any of you girls can ride. I'm hoping that we can buy some pack mules before we've gone very far, though. That way at least you won't have to carry backpacks."

"So that's transport sorted," Mileena says. "But what about clothing for Ranya? She's bound to attract attention if she's half undressed."

"My own breeches are pretty big," Sefira says. Indeed they came with a belt which is all that is keeping them from falling down. "Perhaps if we swapped, we'd both be better off."

We do, and she proves to be right. She doesn't need a belt to keep my former breeches up, and her old pair prove to be a good fit for me. "We'd better buy some more clothes for you before long," Munaf tells me, "just to be ready in case you grow again."

"Do you still feel up to moving on, Ranya?" Usman asks. "When you said that you were OK just now your condition was rather different from what it is now."

"I think I'll be all right. And I really don't want to delay us and finish up giving birth before we reach our final destination."

1. So, having been delayed by about fifteen minutes by my belly's sudden expansion and what resulted from it, we move on.
2. But then I experience another swelling sensation. It's beginning to look as if Munaf's estimate that I would give birth in about four months time might have been too long.

Add New Option

Go Back

View Forward Story Tree
View Back Story Tree