Twisting the Pole by Viola Grace Page B

of their lives, and they would die together knowing that their daughter was alive, healthy and safe. She could be what she was and not die for it. It was—by their estimation—a better life.
    They didn’t understand. Life without them hadn’t meant a thing.
    Cora shook her head and continued her work. Modern candles were way better than anything they had had while she was growing up.
    She worked until the design was complete, and she set the mould aside. She would pour in the morning.
    Cora stretched and smiled. “Time to call it a night.”
    Viv went about locking up the displays in the anachronistic safe and locking down the front of the shop. Cora touched the hidden light switch, and as the shop was sealed up, the light came on.
    She helped pack away all of the stock, and when everything was clean and tidy, they opened the rear door of the shop, turned off the lights and locked up.
    They walked together to where the music was ringing and the drums were pounding.
    Viv was dancing before they arrived in the pool of light.
    Cora laughed and bid her friend farewell for the night.
    She stood and watched the dancers for a while. She swayed in place, and it was that small bit of movement that must have caught someone’s attention.
    A man with a new tunic in rich burgundy with silver piping came over to her, and he bowed low. “Mistress, may I have this dance?”
    He stood and extended his hand to her.
    “Well, sir knight, I think we might be able to share it.”
    She gathered her skirts with one hand and placed the other hand in his. He led her into the whirl of dancers, and they skipped, turned and jumped to the music.
    For one moment, Cora forgot when she was and imagined that her parents were watching her dance. It was impossible, of course. They died in a plague ten years after she left them.
    She shook off the memory and focused on the smiling faces until the music ceased.
    She curtsied to her partner and smiled. “Thank you, sir knight.”
    He grinned. “It was an honour to escort you through the dance, Mistress. You are quite skilled.”
    He offered her his hand, and they left the dancing area.
    “You are one of the new knights?”
    He nodded. “Sir Salk Arthwait.”
    She smiled. “Artisan Cora Metzger.”
    “Pleased to meet you, lady. Are you staying for the festivities?”
    She shook her head. “No. I am not a member of the local barony. It is for them and their people only.”
    He scowled. “We are allowed to invite guests.”
    Cora smiled. “I have made other plans already. It was pleasant to meet you, Sir Arthwait.”
    He nodded. “You as well, Lady Cora.”
    She left him and kept herself from looking back. She really wanted to, but it wasn’t a good idea to start something when her trip home was just a few days away.
     
    * * * *
     
    Clever. So, that was how the reindeer had hidden. They obeyed the laws of Christmas magic and kept it honest. The ladies were using names that were composed of their actual designations as reindeer.
    Salk shook his head as he watched her go, her skirts swaying slightly as she made her way through the crowd. She moved with the grace of someone who grew up in clothing similar to what she was wearing now. She didn’t check her feet or tug at the skirt.
    So, Comet had come to rest at a holiday Ren Faire. He smiled and moved away from the dancers and into the shadows.
    He darkened his skin and moved away from the festivities. His were not the only eyes following Cora Metzger.
    Salk slipped through the shadows, watching the man who was following Cora.
    The man who was stalking the reindeer was wearing standard street clothing.
    They walked out of the fenced-in area and past security. Cora waved cheerfully, and the man acted casual as he passed the on-duty guards a few moments later.
    Salk slipped past them without them noticing him. Cora walked toward the campers that were lined up, and her stalker followed.
    Salk watched and moved closer to the man who appeared to be up to