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

No. No it cannot be Lord Rackham's castle as that would mean he was dead. He was very kind to me when Kalvos was imprisoned, he did all he could to get him released.

*Philomena looks sad*

I thought that it was Kalvos that trained with Lord Rackham? My father told me that he was so fond of him that it was whispered he was his real father. Did he train you too? Is that why Kalvos says you were like brothers?

*Philomena moves deeper into Vortigern's embrace*

He has promised to be gentle with me while I carry this child. I do not love Darl, you know that. I pity him, I fear him... but I am his wife. You know as much as anyone what he has done to me, you have stood guarding the door while he degraded me, while he beat me... You have born witness to my misery, it has to be for something. And it has. Darl has done a good thing in saving those children from the flames of Keeler's madness.

* She closes her eyes and fights against her tears*

Would you rather babies were tossed into flames like firewood? I can't ignore their plight. I can't be deaf to their mothers' screams for help... even if you can.

*Philomena trembles and moves away from Vortigern*

When you were a knight... did you do that? Did you murder babes clutched in their mothers' arms? Did Kalvos? You never tell me the truth because you think if you do... but I love the man you are, not who you were as a boy with no other choice. I know you made bad decisions, I know you always will...

*A large red flare lights the sky*

They sent the sign. A Kanaran victory... Darl will return soon...

*She looks weary and lies down on the bed fully clothed*

I should... be... relieved?

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*Philomena looks horrified*

What have you done? If Darl is dead then I will be held hostage by the Kanarans and my father will lose this war. My family will be eradicated and my daughter... they will track her down and slaughter her like a baby lamb.

*She gets up shakily*

I thought I could trust you but you have betrayed me. I don't understand why you would do this. If I had wanted Darl dead I would have killed him my self.

*She looks angrily at him and clutches her stomach*

Leave me. You will never see your son born. I will go to the sea and I will never see you again, nor Grimney. Perhaps you are right, there is no good here but I know there is good in the oceans.

*The mermaid grabs a cloak, a dagger and vial of poison*

I will escape alone or die trying. I don't want your help, you have ruined everything that I sacrificed myself for.

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You could have left... it was not your choice to make.

*She shakes her head*

I do not have the right or the ruthlessness to rule them. And yes... the child I carry is...

*A tear rolls down her cheek as she strokes her belly. She whispers*

I could not have a child by him, conceived in fear and rage. I drank grackweed every time he forced himself on me... and I didn't with you.

*The mermaid passionately kisses Vortigern and then pushes him away*

But I never asked you to have him killed. I... can't leave him... but you can leave me if you want. You are free.

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*There is a loud knocking on the bedroom door*

Princess Philomena. You are to come with us to the hospital immediately. Jett... you are not required, Master Avalay's orders.

*He rattles the door handle and knocks loudly again*

Please your Grace, your husband is injured badly and needs your presence to bring him comfort. Open the door.

Just a moment...

*Philomena puts the cloak and dagger down. She puts her trembling hand on the bolt and closes her eyes. She whispers to Vortigern.*

Thanks to you I must go and save my abuser's life... if he dies, then who knows what monster I will be married to next. At least Darl is capable of some goodness.

*She picks up the vial of poison and conceals it in her braided hair*

Perhaps my death will be preferable. Just having the option is comfort.

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*The wolf slinks in and watches Vortigern as he drinks. Sensing his master's sadness Cloud pads over and rests his head on Vortigern's lap.*