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

You put that mermaid whore above your Kanaran niece? Your own flesh and blood?

*She stares back defiantly*

And for what? Do you think the Princess loves you? You beat her into submission, you terrify her... to the Princess you are just a prison guard and all she thinks of is escape.

*Ethella shakes her head*

You should thank your niece.. that Dudrassa whore is just a distraction from your duty to Kanara. Instead you shun her, choosing in time to spend every free moment with a creature who longs for her dead lover.

My Lord... I am not one to contradict... but I do not think that this would sit well with the Princess. The maid must be punished but... well we would not wish to upset your wife. You have told me often before you wish for my advice on ways to keep your beloved happy.

*He sighs *

She has spoken forcefully of such acts as the act of a barbarian and urged her father to punish any of his men found committing such an act on civilians. If you wish me to do so I will... but I advise you to consider the happiness of your marriage. I know what the Princess means to you.

*He looks the girl and lifts her grinning face up to his by her hair. *

This will only serve this wench well as causing mischief in your marriage is her main aim... she is quite willing to sacrifice herself for your niece. Let me throw her like this in the cellar with the rats until a more fitting punishment can be found.

*He looks down at the naked bloodied girl with disdain. *

And your niece? Will you deal with this personally or do you desire her to be arrested? There are some letters you may wish to see between this wench and Lady Niara.

*Derias waits for the guards to remove Ethella. *

The letters are of a quite disturbing nature... It seems that that wretch and your niece were... more intimate than befits a lady and a serving wench. In them your niece praises this creature for recent tricks that have been pulled on the Princesses and worse....

*He sighs and hands Darl Thranmere letters written unmistakably in this niece's handwriting*

They detail graphically sadistic plans to hurt and humiliate your wife when you are absent. I fear that you will find some of the descriptions of what your niece wishes to do rather disturbing.

*Derias watches Darl Thranmere as he begins to open the letters*

The last letter also describes what she plans to do once you have been deposed as ruler of your people. That she plans to have force your wife to pleasure every man who your niece recruits to her side before your niece has her executed.

*Derias looks grave*

I have never thought your own blood would be capable of such vile plots.

"Darl studies the letters and looks up at Derious".

She has forfeited her place in my family.

"He shakes his head".

For a betrayal such as this. I will skin her alive....

"Darl scrunches up the letters".

And I will cut off the hand that wrote this treachery.....

My Lord I... I can say nothing to give you comfort. I will see to your niece's arrest personally. Do you wish her tongue cut out or her just to be gagged?

* He looks sadly at his master*

Sire, why not go to your wife and seek some comfort in her arms? I think sometimes the only peace you get it looking at her beautiful face. Share your pain with her, she has a kind heart and will offer you solace.

If you plant a seed in the Lady Philomena's womb then you will find that you have a new family. One you can mould yourself.

*He smiles*

You will give the Princess so much more than pain. You will give her a new life to love and dote on... Such a gift will only be matched by the love you give her.

*Avalay speaks softly*

Give your traitor niece the pain she deserves but believe that you offer more to your wife than pain. Do not torture yourself like this. Let me manage the arrest and you can carry out your justice tomorrow. It is not right that you be tormented by thjs treason.