A Change of Fortune

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  In his office, John Bellamy was reading a letter, frowning over it. From Bouchra Kobi-Wynn. She said that Zhor and Najia were in Morocco and had taken over as leaders of the Kobi family. That their position was precarious. If they don’t take a male lover soon in order to become pregnant, they run a very big risk of being forced. And there was that other reference. They are doing their best, but there are things here more evil than they know. And, If you come, be ready for instant attack. The girls have lasted as long as they have mostly by bluff, but anyone can be taken in the back, or by cunning, as Riza took you. If you come, follow their strategy, look as powerful as you can manage.

  Bouchra Kobi-Wynn. What had the girls told him about ‘Aunt Bouchra?’ He thought back, remembering. That she’d tried to escape, was crippled, probably by magic, and was not allowed a wand. He reread the letter, wondering if Bouchra had had to smuggle it out. Could it be a trap? But the words felt sincere. He could be trapped though, whether or not it was intentional. He regarded himself in a mirror on the wall and shook his head. He never had looked like a great wizard, usually only tossing on a plain black cape when in a Freign area, and using ordinary medj clothing the rest of the time. She’d suggested that he should look as powerful as he could manage, but he wasn’t like anyone else, and wouldn’t try to look like anyone else. He went to pack. He took an interest in the Kobi cousins, and while Zoe would never ask, he thought it very likely that they might be pleased to see him.

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