Becca, and her sisters, sounds tempting.

I dressed up Thag's finest clothing, which was still rather poor quality, and donned my coat. I sheathed my knife at my side and selected a stout walking stick. Anna was packing up a selection of food, some jams and breads and a bottle of wine; recently sealed.

I stood in the kitchen of May's, or rather my, home as the sun reached the highest point of the morning. May was out working the field, doing chores for two without a word of complaint. She had her instructions, and she had her excuses if any nosy person came by.

It was a lovely day to make a new transaction, and I looked for all the world like a farmer's son.

Anna led the way down the road towards Barley, the largest nearby township, and directed me down a side path that would lead to a clearing near our destination. The hunter in me wanted to rush over and seize what I desired, but the merchant's son won out and commanded caution.

So, we went to the clearing and set up for a picnic.

We could see who was about and Anna told me of the layout and what she knew of the family's schedules. My father had told me that a merchant was a lot like a warlord; they thrived on reason and information, and many of the tactics were similar. I never thought to believe that, even when I was a child, but more and more I was seeing the wisdom in those memories.

I ran my thumb along the hilt of my knife and found my vision blurring. Fool.

After all I'd done, tears were. . .wrong. There was enough human left in me to acknowledge that.

"Master." Anna kissed my cheek, playing the part of an infatuated lover. Her eyes were looking out, and I could see a form approaching us. I startled slightly, I'd been lost in thought rather than following my plan or my father's advice. I focused and took in the approaching figure. It was a young woman, approximately Anna's age, with straw-colored hair. She didn't really have any exceptional points, but I wasn't terribly picky.

"Anna, who's this?" She said, brown eyes glittering with curiosity. She had a sweet voice, like birdsong, and a kind smile. The demon wanted to wipe that smile away and replace it with something less innocent.