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"Fabulous," Elleto teach her how to read

Emele selected a left over turnip and held up the slate, which was now inscribed with the word turnip

"Turnip," Elle said

Eh the word,through words andher utter individual syllables

It was a laborious process, and Elle was thankful when E alcohol to kill the pain and lull her off to sleep

When Elle woke up again it was to the carefulthe stiff bandages, feeling her leg for additional swelling

"How long?" Elle asked, her voice crusty with sleep and the last bit of alcohol in her syste aeon hesitated before holding up two fingers He waited a few ers

"Twenty three?" Elle guessed

Duval shook his head

"Two to three?"

Duval nodded

"Days?"

Duval shook his head

"Weeks?" Elle yelped, rocketing to an upright position

The barber-surgeon took a step backwards and nodded

Elle could do very little except stupidly stare at her leg Two to three weeks? She was supposed to report back to Farand in a week! If he thought she deserted her post her entire family would pay Hopefully whoever was next on duty would notice Elle’s absence and send word to Farand If they did, and if she was extraordinarily lucky, Farand wouldn’t think she had deserted

Elle shook her head, too stunned to do anything else Duval gave her a co smile that she did not notice as she collapsed back into the bed