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“Of course.”
Daniel led them forward. He gave several coins to a young maiden and returned with two matches and two pieces of paper. “Here you are.” He showed them how to fold the paper into a boat. “Now gather the flowers and petals from the ground and put them in your boat.”
When the boats were full, Daniel led them to the edge of the stream. “Think of your wish before we light them,” he said. “You must pray to the Goddess as the boat hits the water.”
“The Goddess?” Rose asked. Her father would not approve.
“To the Christian God, if you wish,” Daniel said. “Whatever deity works for you.”
“I’m ready, Daniel,” Lily said.
Daniel lit Lily’s boat on fire and she quickly placed it in the rolling water. It burned as it sped downstream.
“What did you wish for Lily?” Rose asked.
“She can’t tell you,” Daniel said. “It’s private, between her and the Goddess.”
“I see. I guess I’m ready then.”
Daniel lit Rose’s boat, and as she placed it in the water, she closed her eyes and prayed as hard as she could. Dear God. And G-Goddess, please bring Cameron back to me and our babe. When she opened her eyes, her boat was gone.
“What a fun little custom,” Lily said.
“I’m famished, Lybrook,” Thomas said. “Where are the eats around here?”
“Look around. They’re everywhere.” Daniel pointed. “My favorite is beef on a stick. They sell it at that little kiosk. Come on. My treat.”
While the others relished their snack, Rose choked hers down, fighting the ever-present nausea. Daniel brought two tankards of ale for himself and Thomas and watered down wine for Lily and Rose. What Rose really wanted was some fresh water, but she drank her beverage, not complaining.
“Look, there’s a dragon!” Lily pointed to a parade of musicians being led by a large dragon head. Behind the musicians, several gypsies dragged a large wooden man.
“I told you, love,” Daniel said. “See that giant coming behind the dragon? He’s made of wicker. He’ll be burned tonight in one of the bonfires as a sacrifice to the Goddess.”
“Fascinating,” Lily said. “Are the rest of you finished? I’m dying to walk around a bit more. I feel like we haven’t even scratched the surface of what there is to see here.”
Rose handed her unfinished meat to Thomas. “I can’t possibly eat another bite.”
“Are you feeling well, Rose?” Thomas asked.
Lily gave Rose a sideways glance.
“I’m fine,” Rose replied. “I had a large breakfast is all.”
They continued walking, browsing through the merchants’ wares. After spending some time looking at oriental silk, a gypsy crone beckoned them.
“Ah, two little maidens on the verge of motherhood,” she said. “I can tell you the gender of your babe.”
Rose’s heart thundered. She sent a pleading look to Lily.
“You must be mi
staken, madam.” Lily raised her eyebrows at the crone and jiggled her reticule.
The crone smiled. “My mistake, my lady. Would you care to have your fortune told? You and your sister?”
“No, thank you.”
“Oh, go ahead, Lily,” Daniel urged. “It’s tradition.”
