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

No I am sorry, the water is not good since so many bodies have been buried nearby and I wish to save the fruit juice for the child. I can get you some ale if you prefer it?

*She frowns*

A name would help but... I know there is not a barber in town any more. I shall send my maid to fetch the Book of the Dead from the priest later and see if the child recognises any names.

*She has a faraway look in her eyes*

I was orphaned myself when I was not much older than her, in the last war. I had nobody and I taught myself how to survive. I will make sure that Sylvie and other girls like her will survive this war untouched. I have a very warm heart.

*Jana clears up the bowl and spoon*

You're looking for the Sacrificial Princess? The beloved daughter of Carados that he generously handed over to be raped by a Kanaran warlord so the rest of the women of Grimney do not have to be? What business do you have with her? Kalvos the knight she loved perished in battle last month, although rumour has it the Queen ordered his assassination. Don't tell me she had another lover? You can't be Vortigern Jett as he is by her side in Stormrock as her bodyguard... and some say as her lover. That would be a dangerous game to play under Darl Thranmere's nose.

*Jana watches Venn's reaction and leans foward to whisper*

If the rumours of Kalvos's death are greatly exaggerated then you would do best not to have them contradicted. You cannot help her at this time. If her father and Darl do not stay united and win the war, she will be slaughtered alongside them by the High Council. Unless you have an army twice the size of Thranmere's, the only way you can protect her is to forget her.

*Jana strokes his face gently and sighs*

I am sorry... I know that is not what you want to hear. The wine will help...

I will fetch you the weakest ale I can find.

*Jana smiles benevolently and gets up*

What makes you think Princess Philomena is suffering? It is well known her husband dotes on her and she has jewels and gowns and servants like no other woman in Grimney. She choose to marry him, she is not a prisoner.

*She ruffles his hair*

Will you march up to the doors of Stormrock and then leave peacefully if you find she is happy? Or do you intend to reclaim the Princess whatever the consequences?

*Jana raises her eyebrow*

You do not strike me as a man who would kidnap another man's wife. Perhaps you should go and talk to her first? She was your first love? It is always hard to see a former lover marry someone else... but it will fade and you will love again.

* She refills his bowl of soup and passes him the bottle of small ale*

Regardless of the path you take, do leave the poor girl in my care. You cannot expose Sylvie to mercenaries, she is such an innocent child and they would rob her of that.

This is an inn... although we have few travellers these days, we still make enough money to stay afloat. The Sacrificial Princess is something she was dubbed in the Grimney Herald, I believe it was a joke... perhaps not a particularly funny one but in times of war few things are. I cannot guess at her happiness. What is certainly true is that since her marriage, the treatment of Grimney's civilians has been better. Children are no longer slaughtered and women no longer ravished.

*She looks at Kalvos gravely*

I should hope that to be a sign she has had a civilising influence on her husband. What could be greater proof of his love for her? The High Council are losing this war and once Darl Thranmere returns to his country he will be crowned King of Kanara, and his beautiful wife will be his Queen. Who would be unhappy as a Queen?

*Jana sighs as she takes away the bottle*

I had always heard the Princess was the most headstrong and strong willed of her family, it would be hard to believe a girl like that would be forced into marriage... but of course, I was never in love with her and it is easier for me to see things in black and white. I remember when my heart was broken for the first time... I made so many excuses but the truth was he wanted to marry someone younger and more exciting than me.

*She leans back*

I have sent out servants to make enquiries about Sylvie's grandfather and the child can look at the Book of the Dead tomorrow when she wakes. Of course nobody can replace her family but if they are dead... I will love her like a daughter.

Who is a monster?

* Sylvie enters yawning in a clean nightgown*

You don't look like you've slept at all Venn.

*She smiles at Jana*

You have been very kind to me. It is nice here. I never got to come here before. Do you know where my gramps is?

Never mind monsters young miss. They will not touch you here. I am glad you are enjoying your stay.

*She rings a silver bell and waits for the maid to enter*

Fetch the Book of the Dead for the child.

*Zinnia brings in the Book of the Dead wrapped in a silken shroud and places it before Sylvie*

Can you read child? I am afraid this book contains many names of the fallen. Dorlich lost two-thirds of its population.

*She strokes Sylvie's hair and smiles sadly

Do you have kin elsewhere?

Yes, I read really good... don't I?

* She looks up at Kalvos and smiles*

The rest of my family lived in my old village, they all...

*Her eyes fill with tears*

I ain't got nobody but Gramps.

*She turns the pages solemnly and reads them*

I know her... she baked the best apple turnovers... he was always a grumpy 'un but I am sad he passed...

* Sylvie is a quarter of the book when she let's out a wail*

Oh Gramps! Oh Gramps! I've got nobody now... Nobody cares for me! Why is he dead? Why are they all dead? Murdered by knights! It says killed by the Queen's Elite. They are all killers! My family is all dead. Why are they dead?

* Sylvie sobs hysterically*

I am alone.... I am alone... I should not have ran... I should have been cut down with the rest of my family... I want my ma!