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

*A storm breaks from nowhere. Green forks of lightning stroke the ground and trees bend in the mighty wind. Only the clock tower is untouched in the eye of the storm. It is as though the storm itself is a barrier against the clock tower's invasion.*

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*The storm rages harder. Dark clouds gallop forward, angrily lashing the riders with rain. They are so blinded by the rain, they cannot see the phoenix flying towards the tower, clutching a silvery cloak and a sunset coloured rose in her claws.*

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*Several knights carry an injured man to tower. Philomena follows them clutching a chest of potions.*

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*Esper rushes in with a gust of wind. She finds the Princess preparing potions over Carados.

Philomena, many knights are gathering at the tavern. Styer wanted to follow you but Arabella persuaded him to stay and fill his empty stomach with hot stew.

*Esper looks at Carados. His strength has faded. The room is overflowing with worried, injured onlookers who were supposed to protect the Duke in battle. Philomena is busy working her magic over his limp body. Esper asks softly

How is he?

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Esper Rakkaus
Spirit of the Trees

*Philomena glances up.*

He will mend I think, but I am not sure enough of my magic. I shall have to send for my Aunt Evarne for nobody has healing powers like that sea witch.

*She looks down at her hand that is bare of all rings. Tears form in her beautiful eyes.*

She can heal almost everything apart from heartbreak.

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Didn't think our Princess would know much magic.

*He sniffs and points to a bottle*

What does that one do?

That one heals burns from dragon's flames. I don't know much magic I am afraid, but my aunts the Sea Witches made up this chest before I left. My friends are rather prone to getting wounded.

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Broken hearts are only mended with time. Do not give up so easily on love. If it is meant to be, your love will return.

*Esper smiles at Philomena. She is impressed with her loyalty to her father although Philomena would never admit the choice her actions made; her father over her love.

There was talk at the tavern of your aunt arriving soon. Shall I go and bring her to you here at the Clock Tower?

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Esper Rakkaus
Spirit of the Trees

Kalvos betrayed me. He put his loyalty to Sir Robert and the Queen over my safety.

*Philomena puts a hand to her mouth to stifle her sob.*

Evarne will know where to find me, she always does.

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