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“What work is that?” Nelly asked.
“Eliminating her enemies, of course.”
Chapter 4
After Daphne stated her purpose—destroying those threatening the Mother—the warrior woman, Nelly, gave her a nod. “What can we do to help?”
“I require clothing, preferably clean. Footwear. Weapons. Sustenance would be welcome as I’ve not orally imbibed since I went into the seed.” It had kept her fed while she slumbered, but she preferred to get her nourishment via her mouth.
“No problem. We’ve got pizza in the kitchen, and I keep an extra outfit in the trunk of my Jeep. Weapons too.”
“Excellent. In that case, I won’t require this smelly garment anymore.” Daphne stripped the jacket and handed it back to Baptiste who’d averted his gaze.
Clive coughed and also turned aside. It would seem the modern age still had Puritan values.
“Thank you for lending your coat. Good-bye.” She dismissed the beast now that he’d served his purpose.
“Don’t leave,” Nelly quickly stated. “Clive, take care of Baptiste while I get Daphne some clothes.”
“Nope. I’m out of here.” The big man turned to leave.
Good riddance. At least according to Daphne. The wizard, however, chased after him.
She glanced at Nelly. “Is there a bathing basin I might use before putting on the garments?”
“Yeah. Upstairs there’s a bathroom with a tub. Go ahead. I’ll grab the stuff from my car.”
Daphne went up the stairs and took note of the strange abode. In her time, most homes had stone, wood, or mud walls. She didn’t know what to think of the smooth surface with its pattern of flowers. At the top of the stairs, she noted several doors for chambers. The first one held a bed. The next, a small basin, a large tub, and a fancy chamber pot with water—a toilet. She’d heard of them through the roots that were her only access to the world during her sojourn. This was her first time seeing one, though, and she wished she had something to expel to try it.
It took her a moment to discover the silver knobs in the large tub brought water. Hot and cold. Incredible, but the magic was when she pulled a strange lever and the water shot out of the top of the wall.
The luxurious warmth had her head back, basking. What decadent luxury. When she finally emerged, dripping wet, she saw a towel, fluffy enough for a king, hanging on a bar.
She rubbed her face against it. Was such wealth commonplace in the modern world? Then again, given the fancy nature of the home, most likely a lord lived here. Who else could afford real glass in their windows?
A brisk rubbing of her flesh left her skin dry, but her hair would take much more. She plaited it in one long braid before hanging the towel and emerging. Back downstairs she found Nelly and Clive in a room with a double-armed lounging chaise and chair.
Nelly’s eyes widened at the sight of her while Clive turned away. “Oh, I guess you didn’t see the robe hanging on the back of the door,” the other woman stated.
“I didn’t, but even if I had, I would have ignored. I’d prefer britches like you’re wearing.” The other woman had slim-fitting, light blue trousers made of a sturdy-looking fabric.
“Then you should like the tracksuit I keep in my trunk for just-in-case moments.” She handed over a bag, which appeared sealed. A strong grip pulled apart the strange metallic seam. Within were soft garments in a light rose hue.
Daphne grimaced. “This is hardly a conducive color for stealthy approach.”
“We can get you some better stuff in town,” Nelly offered.
“I am not going to town.”
The denial pursed Nelly’s lips. “Unfortunately, I don’t have spare shoes, and you can’t be going around barefoot.”
“Then you’ll give me yours.” It seemed the simplest solution and yet the warrior woman shook her head.
“These are my special edition Converse. So, no. I do have a pair or two of runners at my place, but your feet are rather small compared to mine. Honestly, you’d be better off shopping for something that fits.”
“Shopping?” Daphne’s nose wrinkled.
“You know. When you go into a store and…” Nelly trailed off. “You’ve never been shopping.”
