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

*Philomena looks overwhelmed with happiness.*

If I return my father to Mama, my vow will be complete. Everything I came to Grimney for will be acheived. Perhaps...

*She strokes her father's hair as he sleeps*

... perhaps you will be persuaded to recuperate there. You will recover your strength more quicly under love's tender care

*Philomena sings a gentle lullaby, a song her mother sung many times. Carados hears it in his dreams and believes it is Onedina's voice he hears once more.*

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It is so nice to be in the company of an ally. I have a certain prey that you may have a mutual interest in the hunt.

*Carados rubs his head and looks up at her

Ziegel Libson

*The Wolf Witch held back her rage as memories of Ziegel raiding her den while she was away flashed through her mind.

As of late, he has undertaken the kidnapping business for Godric. Together, I believe we can alleviate such scum from Grimney without drawing too much attention. Would you agree? Of course my only condition, leave Godric for me.

Kidnapping? Has he touched your cub? She weighs heavy on your mind...

*She looks thoughtful*

You want the Fox alive?

*The witch touches his cloak.*

New blood... Was vengeance as sweet as always?

Alive, hmmmm *Carados contemplated the decision; to enjoy vengeance from afar or up close.

I will trust your judgement. You always know how to enjoy the chase. A souvenir will suffice. Once you are on his trail, send word. Then we will start smoking out the master of his wrongdoings.

*Carados nods his head in respect

Now, would you like to join me for the best wine sent from my daughter? She has an exquisite taste for the drink of the gods.

*Carados smiles a prideful smile while thinking of his Philomena.

I thought you wanted the Fox for yourself? You only send me after his errand boy.

*She takes the wine and watches him*

Your daughter, is she as beautiful as her mother? You can make a good match for her no doubt, the daughter of Carados and Onedina... Surely many kings will want that matrimonial prize. You should choose a strong ally for a mermaid can use her charms to persuade her husband to your will. I will mix her a potion so that passionate mermaid heart does not fall in love with the husband you choose, you must keep her loyalty to you.

*Carados considers her offer of a potion but knows Philomena will not fall for that. He pulls a beautiful heart shaped necklace from his breast pocket and stares at the joined crests; land and water. He looks up.

A potion will never fool my Philomena but a special necklace would do the trick. I was having this sent to her this very hour. What do you think you can do with this?

*He hands the witch the necklace. Part of him feels guilty but he knows it is for the best for the kingdom if his daughter is only loyal to him.

*Freki takes the necklace and murmurs a spell. The necklace glows.*

It is ready.

Freki, you have given me a thought. I would prefer Godric suffer over a long period of time for all he has done vicariously to attack me and my family. Would you have a special spell for especially heinous sorts that deserve a miserable existence? What about a smaller than average hermit with a nasty discoloration and odor to reflect his character?

*Carados sits back smiling from the thought of changing Godric into a small troll-like creature that disgusts all who near it.

The Fox is protected by powerful magic, it will have to be your blade that disfigures him.