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

My wish...I don't wish Kalvos dead.

*Evarne looks alarmed*

You think this Styer has something to do with Mena's disappearance. We must find him at once.

Perhaps if these soldiers had given Balthus more time you'd have had your answers.

*He shakes his head sadly*.

Their are many issues here.... Soldiers killing vampires, Morton Balthus being threatened and Kalvos and Philomena gone.... And the arrests of important and honourable statesmen, and still I have not travelled the North Road....

*He removes his sling and lays it down upon the bar*.

I have no idea where to look for the Princess, but I will search for Styer, Kalvos and Philomena, and apologise to Morton Balthus myself if I am able to find him.

*He looks at the soldiers gathered in the tavern and speaks softly to them*.

Each of you have behaved little better than the Militia, a true knight knows when to strike and when to show mercy.

*He looks at Evarne*.

At the rise of the twin suns I will do my best to find our missing friends.

*He exits with a bow*.

Where is Esper? The rangers found some traces of the Princess but their news is grave. We found signs of a violent struggle and a quantity of mermaid blood. We are beginning to fear...

*He puts one of Philomena's shoes on the bar. They have smears of blue blood and mud on the silver satin*

Esper need to prepare the Duke for the worst.

*Tears form in the knights eyes.

*Esper appears before Elios and puts her hand on his shoulder to lend a peace from within his spirit.

Elios, the Duke is on his way.

*She examines the shoe and looks at Evarne with suspicion.

This is not Philomena's blood. She is half human. This is pure mermaid blood. Apparently, we have more than one mermaid in danger. I was afraid of this. We must secure the perimeter of the Dudressa.

*Esper turns to Evarne.

Are there any other mermaids on land?

_________________
Esper Rakkaus
Spirit of the Trees

*The tavern door burst open. Three knights fell in and slammed the door shut. They began closing windows and barring every door. Nazik began ordering knights to stand guard. Two knights went to the back door and opened it for a mysterious figure under a cloak. It was led inside and sat at a table in the back corner of the tavern. Knights guarded the being; allowing no one to draw near. Nazik approached Elios.

I have word that Carados will be arriving soon despite the threats made against him and his family. He is returning from the cliffs where he found the area had been charred down to the soil. The water is dark and the wind does not move. We fear the worst for all creatures living near the Dudressa. We have a witness who is believed to be involved. Carados will want to interrogate this one himself considering he was responsible for the safety of the Princess.

Nazik, have you heard any word of the Princess?

Arabella, could we get drinks for the knights? They are obviously worn out from their journey and in need of food and rest.

_________________
Esper Rakkaus
Spirit of the Trees

*Nazik looked down.

We were all together when we found a lock of golden hair in the brush. Kalvos went mad. He went on foot through the brush and disappeared into the thicket. Two knights tried to follow him but it was as if he disappeared into thin air.

*Nazik shook his head

I have never seen such a thing. One minute he is there and the next he is gone.

Where exactly were you?

_________________
Esper Rakkaus
Spirit of the Trees

We were passing through the Slattern Moor before dusk. It was the only path we had not taken in search of the Princess. We swore that no stone would remain unturned. I should have refused to enter Zoorban territory but Kalvos was determined.

*Nazik looked at Esper

We had to see.

*If color could leave a spirit, then Esper was white with fear. Philomena's hair was in the thicket where the Zoorban roam. Kalvos disappeared nearby. This was either the work of the Zoorban or the protection from the Zoriat. She knew she had to go see the child of grey. Esper stroked Nazik's hand and disappeared.

_________________
Esper Rakkaus
Spirit of the Trees