Laughing at the thought, she agreed, "Then pointing it is." Walking along the road until she reached the path to the apple orchard, she said, "This is my favorite route. There are all kinds of plants along it." Already there was quite a few of the more vine-variety that she would need. Bending down and pulling out her boot knife, she easily clipped off long pieces. Replacing her knife, she stood and offered them to him, "Oh, I haven't introduced myself. I'm Tracy, the local herbalist."

*****

Derrick was enjoying the sound of their laughter when the door opened. Lord McCarthy, their guest for the month, casually walked in and smiled, "Ladies, a pleasant treat to here such pleasant laughter." He was very charming and easily strolled over to kiss each of their hands. Derrick found himself smiling automatically at Lord McCarthy. Yet in the back of his mind, he remembered the conversation he had overheard. Charming and a political genius.