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

Nothing would give me greater pleasure to punish this fool for his insolence... However on the Princess's wedding day, both Darl and I promised her we would do this wretch no harm.

*Carlos shakes his head*

A man in my position has spies everywhere... as does my daughter for that matter. She is a Dudrassa princess through and through. I don't frequent brothels, I have no problem finding women who are happy to give their love for free. I also don't sell underage girls to whorehouse madams for my own selfish gain... Venn Kalvos, man of honour... and pimp. What father wouldn't be thrilled to have you ruining his daughter's life yet again? Perhaps you would have sold her once you got bored with her?

*He leans across the bar and takes a bottle of brandy. He throws a bag of gold coins down in its place*

You have no idea what sacrifices I have made for my daughter. She did her duty as a Princess of the Royal Blood by marrying as the Queen dictated... The same Queen you once swore your life to, the same Queen you killed for and were willing to die for...

*He sneers*

But of course you were willing to break that vow in order to seduce my daughter... and you had plenty of time to save her honour before you were allegedly kidnapped. But you preferred to have your fun then break her heart.

*Carados drinks a glass of brandy then pours another*

If you don't want my money then fine... just stay away from my child.

Both of us failed Philomena... but I intend to ensure I never fail her again. I thought that if I stayed away from her, if I cut her off from the human side, then my enemies would never do her harm. I was wrong and she is so headstrong she came to land to find me. As soon as I knew she was in this cursed land, I returned to her. My only concern was and is to protect her. And my grandchild. You do not understand the love that a parent can have for a child because you were never loved by your parents, you were a bastard to be hidden and forgotten about.

*He opens a locket and looks at a miniature portrait of his granddaughter*

Although illegitimate, my grandchild will not have such a fate. It must be almost two years since you saw Karina. She will have changed so much you probably would not recognise her. She will certainly never recognise you now and the Princess is married... you have no family. All you would bring is misery and guilt.

*His eyes fall on the unwritten letter*

But you know that... that is why you are incapable of writing that letter. Deep down you know you will break her heart again.

You wish me dead too... it is only my daughter that prevents us from slitting each other from ear to ear.

*He grins*

I saw you deal with her kidnapper. You are a killer just like me. One who kills for a righteous cause. One who kills for those he loves... Yes in many ways you are like me when I was young. Although I have remained loyal to the Queen.

*Carados sighs*

I had to fight a duel for Philomena's mother too... although I had already married her. That was the problem you see, nobody of royal blood can marry without the permission of the High Council.

*He spits in anger*

They would never let me marry a mermaid. Those filthy racists had driven out all the non humans from positions of power and to have a half-breed as an heir... I always stood against the mistreatment of non humans, it cost me my power in the court and eventually led to my exile. No doubt that is not part of my story the High Council has ever shared.

*Carados shakes his head*

This war is not mine, I am merely a figurehead. Don't you see? This is not a war, it is a revolution against the old corruption of the High Council.

*He looks at Kalvos*

I know who you are boy. You are the base born son of Isobella Frampton and Kayled Strom. They hid you away until you were old enough to be taken into the Elite and trained by Darius Rackham.

Evidence found at Stormrock castle.

*He puts some old letters on the table*

Letters between Darius Rackham and your parents. He wanted to spare you the life of a Knight and adopt you as his son. Lady Isobella refused as she thought the truth of your birth might come out and ruin her and Strom who was still married at the time.

*The Duke watches Kalvos*

Rackham was a great man. I am sorry to say he has fallen. When Stormrock fell to the Kanarans I knew that we would have to ally ourselves or face defeat.

*He sighs*

As for Lady Isobella and Strom, I have much love for them. I hope that the Queen will be persuaded to show them mercy.

*Carados softens a little as he looks at Kalvos who tearfully reads the letters from Lord Rackham.*

I would rather see a thousand graves dug, than see two dug for Philomena and Karina. Perhaps you will not fight a war to defend those you love most dearly, but I will. I wish you would fight by my side rather than fight against me when we should be united to protect Philomena. Here... an early Christmas present.

*He hands Kalvos his locket with miniature portraits of Philomena and Karina inside*

After all, I will still get to see the originals... but... Philomena is a princess, you must see that she could never have married someone like you.

*Carados laughs*

You will ride to Stormrock and fight Darl Thranmere? Are you mad? You barely have the strength to stand from what I see... even at your fittest Thranmere would cut you down as if you were a daisy.

*He shakes his head*

I could have you arrested for selling that little girl to a brothel... she is safe now you will be pleased to know, although she had to be taken to hospital to recover from her ordeal and I will keep her safe from you in case I find it necessary to prosecute.

*Carados strokes his chin*

Go to Stormrock if you must. Make Philomena miserable. .. but remember this, she married Darl when she thought you were alive. She gave up on you long ago... she stopped loving you a long time ago... Besides, being royalty isn't something she can choose to deny. The blood of kings and queens flow through her blood, it is an indelible part of who she is... Philomena will always put her duty to the queendom over you... even if she still loved you.

*He stands aside*

Let the fool ride to Stormrock... I doubt he will make it more than five miles.