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

Kalvos?

* Sylvie wakes and shivers in her wet clothes*

What happened? I was drowning and then heard music.

*She picks some leaves out her hair and looks down to Hilde's tail*

Ohhh! Mermaids!

Mermaids? Don't let the mermaids catch you mistaking us for them! Merfolk live in the sea. We are the riverfolk, cousins of the mermaids who look down on us for our dull brown tails and living so close to humans. They think we are savages.

*She smiles at Kalvos*

Although... it seems that even the imperial blood of Aquitani is not immune to the charms of some humans.

*Hilde looks from Sylvie to Venn*

I have not seen this human since the birth of his daughter. The Princess came to our waters for she could not bear the thought of a child of hers being born in a human way. She is felt like her love for him was a curse... and perhaps it is for now she is in the hands of some barbarian and her daughter..

*Hilde gives a sad sigh*

Dorlich is half a day from here on human feet. Just follow the river. I shall send some rivermen to accompany you if you wish, they can swim along beside you. I hope you are not planning to sell the child? I have heard rumours about Dorlich, the fishes whisper...

Slavery.... well it is a slavery of some sort. Some girls sells themselves and others, in these dark days, brothers , fathers, mothers, uncles and aunts... they sell them too.

*She shakes her head*

Human barbarity.

*Hilde looks at Kalvos and raises her eyebrow*

You can't free the Princess, she is a mermaid and has taken her wedding vows. She knows she belongs to Thranmere and unless he grants her a divorce... her ultimate loyalty will be to him. If you kill him then you will become her enemy and she must avenge his death.

*Hilde returns to the water, she dives below and returns with a sword*

This is better than the blade you carry now. Protect the child... perhaps that is all the good you can do for now. You will be escorted to Dorlich and our help will end there.

*Sylvie walks along happily*

Gramps won't believe what a fine adventure we have had. I think Janc is fine, he just went another way. He never wanted to go to Dorlich anyway.

*She smiles up at Kalvos who is looking troubled*

Are you sad about the Princess? I am sure she wouldn't have married Thranmere if she didn't want to. She is probably happy married. Once you shave that beard off, I am sure women will be queueing round the corner to become your new sweetheart.

*Sylvie looks down at the river and waves at their escort*

You can have a home with Gramps and me. You won't be lonely I promise. Oh look on the horizon! The bridge. I know that bridge. We are on the right path...

I know that man! He's the blacksmith, he is a bit grumpy... but I bet he knows where gramps is.

*Sylvie looks up at the posters pinned on a large board*

Did you know I can read? I am very good at it.

*She points at the poster*

Pardoned by the will of the Queen. Her Majesty wishes it to be known that... Vor.. tee... gan... Vortigern Jett is hereby pardoned from all previous crimes in re... cog...nit... ion ... recognition of his services and protection of the Princess of Zoltar.

*She looks the picture*

He's handsome, isn't he?

*The girl looks up at Kalvos proudly*

Betcha didn't think I could read so good. I can read all of these. That one says a knight called Keeler is wanted for high treason... I wonder what he did. He looks scary.

*As they get closer to the bridge she bounces and points*

Look... there's Dorlich! We are almost home!