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

The High Council will never go after the Dudrassa sea, they know we would cover the land in ocean f they tried. They are after you thought, they are arresting everyone who is at risk of joining up with you.

*She plumps his pillows.*

No, he isn't a knight. You know the Queen's Elite can't marry.

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*Carados scowls as he considers her response. He does not like that she avoided the real question; is she betrothed?

It is no surprise that my head is still on the top of their list. Of course, any who follow me will join that list. As far as your non-knight, are you betrothed or not?

He is a good man and fought four duels for the right to marry me.

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He is not of royal blood, he is not loyal to the Queen, and he is responsible for the increased presence of knights around the tavern. What exactly do you see in this guy? What has he done for you or your people?
I will tell you what he has done! He has burned the tavern, injured loyal subjects, and put your family in danger! Philomena, you are a princess! Don't be so naive as to believe in love! Kalvos was a knight and now he is not. Ironic timing, don't you think?

*Carados could not take the pain of his lungs pumping under his broken ribs as he raged. He slowed his breathing, sat back, and stared at his daughter. Her face said it all. Carados braced himself for her reply.

I fail to see how this is a concern of yours, I have permission from the Empress to marry him now and our betrothal has been blessed by a river priest. You have no right to comment on this.

*Philomena brushes soot off her dress.*

What has Kalvos done for me? He defied his vows for me, he faced five opponents in the arena in a duel to the death so he could leave the Elite and become my husband. He has stood by me in many battles and has always loved and protected me. I admit I am very unhappy with the way he has handled your return but his thoughts were of how to protect me. The increase in knights were his way of trying to protect me. Besides, it is not his fault that you have so many enemies in the land.

*She looks at her father with passionate anger.*

But he would never abandon me. My mother goes to the spot by the cliffs where she found you every year on the anniversary of your first meeting. She waits abd sings the most heartfelt song... Every year for almost thirty years she has waited, never giving up the hope you will return.

*Philomena sees the hurt in her father's eyes. Her expression softens.*

Wait until you know him, he is thoughtful, upstanding and loving. You will see he deserves my love.

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Ha!

I look forward to meeting Kalvos.

*Carados rises, wincing from sharp pain.

Bring him now. Where is this boy who claims to love my child? If he loves you, then let him show himself!

*Carados looks around the room sarcastically to prove his point. He stops and looks into Philomena's eyes.

My daughter, I came to your side as soon as I heard that you were in danger. As long as I knew you and your mother were safe, I stayed away to keep the danger following me. Now that it is here, I am here and willing to lay down my life to protect my family. Did you not consider that evil is to blame for my absence? Do you not see that I have only stayed away to protect you?

*Carados flushed with anger. Anger at the evil ones trying to overthrow the thrown and wipe out the royal bloodline. They have threatened his life and his loved ones one time too many. Stars came inside the tower spinning around his head. The floor started to move. Everything was tunneling into darkness. Carados reached out for Philomena to catch him as he collapsed.

*The mermaid catches him*

Get back into bed now you foolish human! You should rest.


*She bites her lip.*

Kalvos was under arrest, he will come to me as soon as he is cleared. Maybe he will ask your permission to marry me.

*The mermaid helps him into bed.*

Evil... I try not to think of it. I know you are nicknamed the Duke of Death and the r

ed cloak of yours was once white but has been dyed by the red of your enemies blood.

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Every drop of crimson, was deserved. I am proud to have slain those desiring to harm the throne.

*Carados lays back as Philomena gently forces him. He holds on to her hand.

Philomena, where is your mother now?

Few deaths are deserved.

*Philomena looks tearful.*

And every death weighs heavy on my soul. Those faces as they drown...

*She wipes her tears.*

Mama is in the Crystal City beneath the waves, at the Grand Palace.

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Once safety is returned to Grimney, I shall go to the cliffs. For now, I will dream of her beautiful voice.

*Carados closes his eyes and drifts off to sleep.