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

Brandy and a Radigan Pie sounds great, thank you.

*Nazik looks over to Meadow as the other knights order. He notices her shoes. No other lady has shoes quite that interesting to the eye. Meadow looks his way and he quickly turns around.

Miss Arabella, how is the Princess?

She is drifting in and out of consciousness,but Kalvos is with her. He will help her downstairs as soon as she has strength enough. Thank you sir.

The castle is bustling with news of her arrival and then the sudden change. We really hope you all join us until it is safe again. Would be nice to have life in the castle again.

Are you the one who can bake a delicious cake?

I can bake delicious cake but I think you might be thinking of our fairy friend, Lillikin Flitterbell.

*She serves them all radigan pie and brandy*

As for my Lady Princess, she only agreed to go to the castle when she was under the power of an enchanted necklace. I do not know if she will join you, she says human castles are too like prisons and my Lady Princess is a free spirit. She does not like being under guard even if it is for her own protection.

Nazik

*Elios motions for them to talk in private*

Is it true that Queen Eleanour has moved into Zoltar Castle with the Duke? There are rumours that she has done so against the wishes of the High Council. I heard that Exus Quill had ordered the knights who guarded her, those known for their loyalty to the Queen and Sir Robert, to be replaced with knights that were loyal to the High Council? Can this be? Can the High Council really be making such a move against our beloved Queen? Did she really have to escape from her own castle?

*He bites his thumbnail*

I also heard that it was Absolem Darke who warned Sir Robert about this move, and as such the High Council have ordered his arrest and Sir Robert's! How can so many of the Queen's Elite be ignorant of these events? At least the Queen is safe for now.

What you have heard is true. We cannot trust all of those wearing the crest. The High Council is making strategic moves to remove the Queen. The loyal knights have followed the Queen while the rest have run to report her move. The Duke is risking his life for the Queen to return and fight but his loyalty lies with her over his own livelihood. I respect him more than any other before.

*Nazik takes a drink.

Time is short before things begin to break loose from the east to the west. The Princess's safety weighs heavily on all of our minds. We have no room for distraction. The castle is the best location to defend the Queen and Princess. If they are in separate locations, it will make our job very difficult and divide the forces. We are stronger unified. I would prefer to fight by your side, Elios, instead of across the land.
The Duke has been rallying the troops from all across Grimney from Trolls to Elves. We have been informed that the High Council is searching for the vorte. Our current mission is to find and protect the vorte before they do.

*Nazik sighs in frustration.

There is much to be done in a short amount of time.

I understand your frustration, but tread gently with the Princess. If you frighten her to much she will flee and return tonthe ocean. She needs to stay on land.

*Elios smiles wryly*

As for the Duke calling on the non-human races, yes I am well aware of that. You don't think they are answering for him as a human, do you? It is the Princess as a half-blood that they see as their salvation. Their distrust of humans remains.

*He glances up the stairs.

The only one who will have any success in persuading the Princess to relocate to the Castle of Zoltar is Kalvos, and from what I understand he is at odds with the Duke.

Quite a predicament we have; two humans disrupting the delicate balance of the one who can unite us. There is not much we can do but sit back and watch it unfold.

Whatever happens, I will be ready to fight.

My men and I must go. We are posted at the Zoltar Castle; protection of the royal blood. If you need anything, send for us and we will stand by your side!

*Nazik stands and nods at Elios in respect. He pauses and asks...

One last thing, what is the maiden's name with the peculiar shoes and white hair?

Yes, from what I can tell Kalvos and the Duke are squabbling over her like children over a toy. I shall see what I can do to reconcile them but they are both stubborn. The worst thing is that they both love the Princess to distraction and would lay down their lives to protect her... just not their egos. A human affliction.

*Elios raises an eyebrow*

You mean Mad Meadow? Careful my friend, I know your reputation for seducing and abandoning the ladies and you might get burnt with this one. Literally.

Good to know.

*Nazik smiles*

But I have never been one to turn down a challenge.

*Nazik laughs and exits the tavern. The other knights follow, teasing him about being Meadow's next dragon "accident".