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“What are they good for?”
“It’s a pasture mix and very good for livestock like cattle, horses, sheep, and goats. The animals graze on the pasture and their droppings fertilize the soil which promotes additional growth. And it can be made into hay to feed smaller livestock like rabbits and guinea pigs.”
“And what are these animals good for?”
“They can all be used for meat and leather, but in my home country, the idea of eating horses and guinea pigs is anathema.” She paused, then added, “And pasture is good for dairy animals, too.”
“Dairy?”
“You know … milk.”
“Infants suckle their mothers for milk. Once they are weaned, they need no more.”
She counted to ten for patience, then explained, “Among humans, we give cow’s milk or goat’s milk to children to help them grow strong bones and teeth. Milk contains vital nutrients.”
“Do not humans suckle their young?”
“We do, but usually not for longer than the first year of a baby’s life.”
“Why not? Is it not in the child’s best interest?”
“Humans …” she sighed, not knowing how to explain human reluctance to suckle a growing child until adolescence. Another thought occurred to her. She frowned. “If you think I’m going to nurse any children we have until they’re mature, then you’ve got another think coming, buster.”
Sarus opened his mouth, but she held up her hand in a gesture he’d learned was meant to stifle any further inquiry. After the first several days of withheld intimacy, neither he nor Horas desired denial again, so he swallowed that line of questioning.
“Lady Evangeline, do you have news to report?” the science master general’s voice radiated from the video console.
Evangeline turned toward the screen and smiled. Ignoring her scowling mate, she launched into an enthusiastic explanation of her triumph and her instructions to be executed by the castle’s artificial intelligence.
The science master general nodded and smiled in approval. “This is promising, very promising, Lady Evangeline. When will you have further results to report?”
“It will take time for the pasture to establish itself, but once it does, we can begin importing livestock. I’d like to start with cattle and goats.”
“Why these animals?”
“They’re raised to provide meat, dairy, and leather.”
“Excellent!”
“Oh, and when we get the animals, we’ll need someone who is experienced in animal husbandry in general—and cattle and goats in particular—to take care of them. And I’d like to try out cotton and flax.”
“What are those?”
“Cotton and flax are used to grow fiber that is spun into cloth.”
The science master general nodded. “I’ll have our liaison inform Mr. Argosie we’ll need a bride or two with those qualifications.”
Evangeline gasped and shouted, “No!”
But the science master general had already disconnected and ended the meeting.
“Damn it, that’s not what I meant!”
“Surely, you would not begrudge we Ahn’hudin the opportunity to find a mate skilled in animal husbandry?”
She sighed, counted to ten again to compose herself, and replied, “Only if that woman knows she’s coming here, will be married off, and not allowed to return home.” She glared at him. “Remember? I wasn’t informed about that.”
Sarus met her gaze, his expression pained. “And do you regret it so much? Do you resent being our mate?”
