Ara marched purposefully across the molded wooden planks along the canal. Her home lay not too much further on, sagging under the weight of its own patched wooden roof. She shifted her basket to the other arm and adjusted her collar.

The sun gave little comfort on this autumn morning and seemed to realize it, for it was setting early. A fine mist lay across the water and steam came out in tired puffs from the mouths of the people of Laketown. The chimneys coughed lazily into the frosted purple sky as mothers all over the town began to cook supper. A chill breeze pinched at Ara's pale cheeks and nose, giving them a rosy glow. The tops of her ears burned slightly as she hurried on her way, clutching the basket of hard-won bread close to her side.

She waved to some familiar fishermen, who waved back absently as they lifted their nets and lures for the night. Lenna, the seamstress, smiled as she walked past Ara, carrying bundles of fabric.

"Good evening, Ara," the seamstress said.

"Evening, Lenna," Ara said, smiling as she passed, "How are you?"

"Fine! Fine," Lenna said as both of them continued walking.

As Ara approached the house, she was alarmed to see Alfrid Lickspittle enter the walkway from another side street.

Alfrid was a greasy and shady councillor of the Master of Laketown. It was well-known that he was a greedy and power-hungry sleaze and wherever he went, there was trouble. He had a wolfish grin on his sallow face as if he had just been up to mischief. His black unibrow bunched up in the middle like an oily well-fed centipede.

Ara bowed her head slightly and hoped he would walk by without noticing her. But it was no use. With a lick and a loud smack of his lips, he said, "Ah, Ara! What a pleasant surprise."

Ara bit back a groan, met his eye and smiled politely, "Good evening, Alfrid, sir."

"I saw your husband on his way out this morning," Alfrid said conversationally, licking his horsey front teeth.

"That's nice," Ara said quickly, "He should be back quite soon; it is nearly six o' clock."

Alfrid blinked, "Indeed. And how are the bargeman's children doing?"

"Our children," Ara said, with a slight edge to her voice, "are doing just fine. I hate to be rude, sir, but I do have bread here that will get cold if I stand out here talking too long. I'm sure you understand."

She batted her eyelashes at him, throwing him off guard.

"Of course, madam," he said, bowing, "I do hope your night is a lovely one."

Ara hurried on her way, walking as fast as she could without running as she could feel Alfrid's hungry eyes on her back. She reached the house and went in out of the cold, lifting the cloth on the basket and checking on the bread she'd purchased for her family.