The Land of Grimney - The Illustrated Adventures of Cora Pearl, aged 12

The Princess calls on you? How times are changing, there was a time that she preferred to ignore your existence. What have you done to merit this attention Master Baal? I always found her coldness towards you strange, compared to the warmth of your descriptions of her beauty and character to Lord Thranmere. I am sure that it was your words that convinced our Lord that the Princess was a suitable bride for him. You knew her before her marriage, what did you do to anger her? Did you try to seduce her?

*He narrows his eyes and looks at the corpses.*

I have sent for a second opinion. I have great faith in you Master Baal, but in times like these two heads are better than one and things can be overlooked in all the turmoil. Once Mistress Tarvin has given the bodies a thorough examination then I will order their cremation.

*He looks over at Karn*

What can you tell me about the deceased? Their names, families and allegiances. Any peculiar tastes in their bedfellows or their food?

*He frowns*

Princess Philomena is concerned about the nature of her husband's injuries, as am I. It is unusual from Grimnian knights to use poison in their bolts and my Lord was hit from behind.

*Derias shakes his head and looks at Narvik*

In all your years of serving have you ever known him to turn his back on an enemy?

There is no need to be nervous Master Baal, surely the Princess does not intimidate you? She has a reputation for kindness as well as beauty.

*Derias smiles*

You did well in recommending the Princess, Darl could not have loved another wife more. You gave him a great gift, although I do not understand why you would orchestrate a marriage that was not more beneficial to you.

*He chuckles*

I know I wouldn't have suggested a wife to Darl that I could not control. You are a strange man Saygin. Still, I am sure that our Master will reward you well for finding him a bride that brings him so much pleasure, especially now she is giving him an heir. Such joyful news. Even for his base born offspring.

*He looks at Karn*

You were brave to move the bodies. No doubt the Princess will reward you too. That little girl you rescued will be safe in her care, I have no doubt of that.

*His eyes return to Saygin*

It would be remiss of me not to ask for a second opinion, it is a standard procedure in such matters. However, as proof of my faith in you, I wish to appoint you to the regency council. The Princess must rule while Darl is incapacitated and she will need trusted advisors to guide her. I believe that you and General Degeyis should be part of this. Will you accept?

*Derias looks up at the bell*

Best not to keep our Mistress waiting too long.

Give up your rations? A noble gesture...

*His lip curls into a sneer*

No doubt you will continue to ingratiate yourself with the Princess with such selflessness. It however unnecessary. The Princess herself is feeding the children from the supplies from her and Darl's household and since she blessed the second well that we feared was drying out, there has been nothing but the sweetest water flowing from it.

*He grins at Saygin*

Our beautiful mistress may not be able to raise the dead but she does have some useful enchantmens, does she not?

*Derias sighs at looks at a letter from the Princess. He glances at Narvik Karn*

Perhaps... Perhaps Master Karn you will be able to assist me. Princess Philomena is insisting that the children be housed in her tower and not the stables, she is being most difficult about it. As you have to be in quarantine anyway, perhaps you will undertake the necessary arrangements to move the children without exposing any more men to infection.

*He nods and smiles*

Master Baal, I am pleased that you will join us on the council. Peace between two lands and the sea that divides them... it is a dream we can make a reality. A better world for our people.