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

*Philomena glances in the mirror and turns pale*

So this is what war looks like... this is the life of a knight. So much innocent blood shed.

*A tear rolls down her cheek*

You must make them pay for this, you must protect the innocent. I can help a little...

*She bends over and gently blows on the mirror. A thick blinding fog descends on the warriors*

It will envelop them for five days. They cannot escape it, your men can ride out and surround them. Let the first thing they see when the fog lifts be the bright blades of your swords.

*She steps away and smiles uneasily*

You do not need my love for our Union to be strong but a softer touch would be appreciated. I will be by your side when needed.

*Philomena reaches out and takes his hand*

I will come to the barracks with you when you inform the men, as a show of my support for you.

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*Philomena looks down and sees the torn gown. She turns red and bites her lip*

Yes... perhaps time is all I need.

*Her eyes meet his gaze and she manages a smile*

I am glad you are here to defend those who have no others to defend them. For too long the corruption of the High Council has poisoned this land and crushed those who most needed help. But you and my father will bring a new order to this land, one that will be better for its citizens.

*She leans forwards and softly kisses him on the cheek.*

I wish you to bring any infant or child rendered kinless to this castle. I mean us to provide them with a safe and loving home until they can be adopted.

*She shudders*

Are Kanaran's headhunters? Please do not bring their heads back here as gruesome trophies, let dead have the honour they do not have in life.

*She hands Darl his sword*

I will see you and your men to the castle gates and I will pray for your safe return. Have no fear for my wellbeing for I have Vortigern here to protect me.

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*Philomena looks slightly sick*

You cannot make the mutilation of corpses palatable to me... do what you must but do not expect me to look at them.

*She glances in her mirror again and frowns*

I am sure some children have survived, I will make arrangements for them. Put Captain Grey and Raif Dreyfuss in charge of their rescue, they are less likely to scare the children than some of your other men. I am sure I saw an old school room and bedroom in the east tower that once belonged to a squire, perhaps that will be a suitable place to home them. My father said that the owner of this castle dies without an heir, so there is no nursery here. I wonder...

*Philomena checks herself*

Who used to live here is no matter... Do you wish me to come with you when you're gathering troops as a shpw of solidarity?

*Slowly the mermaid unties a ribbon from her hair allowing her thick golden tresses to fall down her shoulders. She ties the ribbon around Darl's wrist*

Show mercy and compassion to those who are defenceless, for my sake at least. ThIs ribbon is to protect you against the darkness of war.

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