The barmaid does not get a chance to follow.

Andrew was carefully stepping around a hound that was asleep on the floor, when a hand lashed out from the shadows and caught his arm, dragging him into the darkness beneath the stairs.

He pocketed the amulet quickly, not wanting this stranger to know his secret.

Before he had a chance to pull his dagger from his belt, the unseen abducter pressed a knife to his throat and spoke, "Don't bother. I know what you posess, boy."

Andrew riled a bit. He was no longer a boy. Although, by anyone's standards, he was hardly a fully mature man.

He took a moment to reflect on his grabber: the voice, the angle of the blade on his neck, the feel of the hand on his bare arm. A woman.

He stood straighter, his voice deepening slightly, "Woman, tell me what you think you know." He felt her stiffen against him, and knew a twinge of triumph. But that was squashed.

"I know that the bauble you carry with you is not truly yours. You stole it from me."

Andrew sucked in a breath. It could not be! He had left so long ago, and was so far from home. How could she know he was here, of all places? "Aldona?"

"Yes, idiot boy. And no. I am here in spirit, because I died when you stole the amulet from me. The amulet doesn't only attract women like flies. What use would I have for that? It also protects."

"So?" Andrew hissed. "You were young when I left."

"What a simpleton you are, Andrew mac Jaston. I am a witch, and can appear to be whatever age I please... Give me the amulet."

"No."

"You would have me remain a spirit?" Her voice was toneless, and sent shivers up his spine.

"You feel solid enough." Andrew had the audacity to grab her breast in his large hand. He felt a trickle of blood on his neck.

"I have the use of this woman's body for a while. I speak through her. Now, give me the amulet."

"I will. But you must do something for me."

He felt the unknown woman's body tense again, but the witch's voice came again. "Alright. What is it?"

"You must have sex with me."

She actually gasped. "I could be hideous."

"Impossible," Andrew said arrogantly. "You would never pick a body that wasn't gorgeous."

Aldona seemed to consider...