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

*Narvik enters with his new recruit and casually salutes the captain*.

New meat.... Mercenary named Venn.... Better assign him a bed and a plot in the backyard should he be lucky enough to find himself dead in the castle grounds...

*He climbs into a bunk bed*.

Pay no mind to me.... I'm needing shut eye.... And a drop of Kanaran medicine...

*Narvik smiles and slides a bottle of liquor from beneath his pillow, unscrews the lid and takes several large gulps*.

Captain Grey will take care of you... You just have sign your name away... Venn....

*He rests the bottle on his chest and with a grin on his face closes his eyes and lies back*.

Teylos my brother!

*Loran walks past Kalvos and claps Captain Grey on the shoulder*

Filling the barracks with mercenaries eh? Hope Lord Thranmere is happy to spend the money. Although he is in the mood to be generous...

*He gives a leery smile*

To celebrate the return of the princess he has ordered double rations for the men. Rumours are that he has twice the reason to rejoice for her return.

*He raises his eyebrows and whispers*

Good news for you, I heard you are well in favour with the charming mermaid... There will be much change now, mark my words, just be sure the change is good for you.

Fret not Ze-Arna is tough and still living. The war goes well, we have lost good warriors but their sacrifices have not been in vain. Got orders not to burn down any more villages though, that's the Princess's influence right there.

*He shakes his head*

Beautiful creature but...

*He recollects himself*

Those guards have had their tongues plucked out because they spoke treasonous poison. I hope you ensure the rest of your men are not infected. Still as I said the Princess thinks you are a man of honour and respect, and I think that bodes well for you.

*Loran whispers*

I think we will both be promoted in the new order... Perhaps you can even use your favour with the Princess to bring Ze-Arna back to Stormrock. Speak with the mermaid next time you are escorting her for a twilight stroll in the garden.

*He looks at Kalvos and glances down in the ledger*

Many men claim to know the Princess, whether it is because they do or because they wish too... Well. The Princess is in radiant health and loved dearly by her husband. You show her good respect and it will be taken well by Lord Thranmere. But do not be over familiar even if you have a prior acquaintance for she is the wife of Lord Thranmere now. You get what I mean boy?

*He narrows his eyes*

Vortigern? You know him too? That you would best keep to yourself for the Princess's devotion to her bodyguard vexes Lord Thranmere... unless you know anything that would ruin Jett in her eyes, then you would do well to share it.

*Loran winks then frowns*

I'm sure you'll be interviewed byvLord Thranmere soon enough but his wife has only just returned... He'll be occupied with their reunion for a day or two, he's so devoted to her that he won't take a mistress...

*He snorts*

... so he will take time to sate his appetite.

The removal of tongues sounds more like Lord Thranmere's orders to me. Don't forget how the gentle princess wept at the execution of the man paid to kill her. She softens Lord Thranmere's heart and I cannot think that can be good.

*He smiles*

Do not put so much emphasis on rank, promotions can come in different ways. Do not forget that when we return to Kanara somebody will be promoted to Captain of the Queen's Guard.

*He looks over at Venn*

Don't feel you must be alone on your first night, we are comrades now! Come and join us for some bread and cheese Venn and tell us about yourself.

*The captain glances him up and down*

Are you married? A fair few mercenaries I know are married, I think they joined our ranks to escape their wives! Wartime marriages are often made in haste and regretted in peace time. I know mine was. This latest war has saved by ears from nagging.

*He snorts with laughter then smiles at Venn*

Yes I have seen that the Princess is much loved by her people especially by the peasants. I guess she is one of those royals that doesn't mind rubbing shoulders with the poor as long as she doesn't have to live amoung them! The High Council signed their own death warrants when they signed hers!