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

*Carados nods at Nazik to escort the Queen. Nazik follows closely and stays with the Queen to protect and to witness what is said.

Lucia, you know the stir is a result of a concentrate needing dispersement. Some have let their place of responsibility transform into misplaced power as they think they have the right to order royal blood to their certain death. Only stirring what needs to be placed back into their correct place.

You are leading this land to civil war and neither I nor the Council will allow that to happen....

*She glances up at the beautiful painting*

Think what danger you put your daughter and grandchild in.

*Lucia notes the look of shock on his face.*

Carados forgive me I assumed you knew about the baby.

Lucia, I have heard many things in my lifetime. Shock is a result of you thinking you have the authority of power to allow me to do anything. That is the problem with the Council. They have misappointed their "power" over royal blood. The Council is subject to royalty and will never control the throne. Those who believe otherwise have no place on Queen Eleanor's Council.


So, I am the brutal barbian when I am out defending our kingdom from those who plan to overthrow the throne? Interesting, the Council members claim to defend the throne but they are the ones attacking. You might find it interesting that the Queen's mental state is improving since moving her to the Zoltar Castle. Appears her evening glass of wine was tainted with a potion. Take a guess who would try to do such a thing, my dear council-woman?

That is interesting Carados, and I know there are traitors on the Council. More than one. Do you really think that some who has a spy network as large and powerful as mine wouldn't know that? I am waiting as still as a spider for them to betray themselves. It goes deeper than you would imagine.

*She glances around.*

Send your attendants out the room. We must have total secrecy.

*Carados simply nods and the guards leave.

Lucia, the Queen is disclosing to Kayled the identity of the Council member responsible for her attempted poisoning and my assassination. Of recent, they have attempted to murder and kidnap the princess. These are vile attempts to overthrow Queen Eleanor. I will not stand for it. My barbaric actions are misconstrued for waging a civil war. In reality, I am doing what the Council cannot because you are outnumbered by secret agents who are planning the demise of our royal line.

If you don't believe me, then tell me; has Absolem and Sir Robert had their day in court yet?

No Carados... I think what the Queen is discussing is more of a family matter... it concerns your future son-in-law.

*She smiles and moves close to Carados*

Remember who you speak to Carados. I have a million eyes. I know that it is Septimus Greel who has been drugging the Queen to disorder her mind, the Brotherhood of the Shadow are everywhere. Your daughter is in grave danger, there are many in the power who hate the idea of a non-human one day rising to the throne. They see your marriage to Onedina as a perversion.

The Council have real power, you never learnt to accept that.

This kingdom is not comprised of humans only. We are diverse and each race deserves respect from the Council. I have been using my influence to calm the many races of Grimney in a time of civil unrest due to the actions of the Council. Philomena was on her way to talk with Baron Drayvon about the situation at hand in order to keep peace when Styer was obviously working for someone on the Council as he kidnapped and attempted to assassinate the Princess. The execution of vampires was not at my hand. Again I ask, who would benefit from this action?

At this point, the Council is plotting the Scribes and Militia against each other to gain more power. What would be the purpose in the Council needing more power?

Do you need more proof, Lucia? I thought you could see everything but it appears you are blinded by those whom you trust too much.

Me? Too trusting!

*She laughs*

Oh for the love of Zoriat! Your daughter has been taken and protected by my spies... all though in truth they do not all know they work for me. Hood does.... They are members of the resistance. They are treating her well. You are going to ruin my entire operation with your blundering belligerence. She is safe and hidden from those who would have her murdered.

*Carados slumps back in his seat in relief.

I knew she was alive. Something within me knew she was alive

* He smiled at Lucia

Thank you, my friend. I was beginning to think you had sided with the wrong members of the Council. Everything is turned upside down and I feel like the only one standing against Grimney's fall.

Lucia, we must restore the Council to its lawful operation. Why are the Queen's elite abducted in the night and put into lock down for rumors of treason but the Council is caught red-handed with eye witnesses but there is no justice? This, Lucia, is why I am a warrior that will not rest until justice is returned to Grimney. We are not a land to be controlled by one who plots and lies against our people. We are a diplomatic land that has lost its way. I intend to bring down those who have evil in mind for my Queen. I will not sit by ignorantly and watch this kingdom fall.

Oh Carados... you always were too impatient.

*Lucia smiles and caresses his face.*

You need to seem weak, for they fear your strength. They fear your influence over the non humans, even more so with your beautiful daughter on land. Lord Silas, he who ordered Vulpinn to assassinate you all those years ago, he sent Styer to kill your daughter. You will have your chance at revenge but for now you must trust me.