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

Darl will not die.

*She smiles faintly*

I thank you for your bravery, although I did not ask for it.

*The mermaid sighs*

Better accommodation than the stables must be provided.

*She turns to a maid*

See the children are taken up to the school room in the South tower. Ask the cook to make them all cakes and send some of the younger kitchen maids to play with them. Find beds and blankets for them all.

*She swallows hard and walks over to Darl. The mermaid looks down at the green ribbon in his hand and strokes his face gently*

He looks so weak... but his wounds are not so severe... is it poison?

*She leans over closer and looks up at Saygin*

What remedies have you given him? The wounds smell of violets, that means teclik poisoning. Have you given him tincture of butterwood yet?

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Your Grace, it is good to see you at last.

*Derias takes her other hand and kisses it.*

I am sure it is you to thank for my liberty.

*He bends down and talks to Darl*

See my Lord, Princess Philomena has come. She is here now beside you. Draw comfort from her presence.

*Derias glances up at the Princess*

I wish you had not taken so long, every moment he was conscious he was asking for you. He has defeated the Knights of the Zoriat for you, will you not help him in return?

*He moves next to the Princess and speaks softly to her*

I know you have suffered, I know that you find this marriage hard but you know he loves you. I will help. I will help him learn to be more patient and gentle in his love for you, just please help him. For the sake of your child, the scion of the Thranmeres... You have a greater cure than tincture of butterwood.... Please Princess don't let him die like this.

*Philomena shakes her head and leans over Darl. She closes her eyes and kisses the wounded man. Darl gives a loud gasp the colour regaining on his cheeks.*

As you wished Master Avalay...

*She bows her head and blinks against the tears*

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My Princess?

*Derias supports Philomena as she looks pale and faint*

I am sorry... I did not know how much it would take it out of you.

*He looks anxious*

Perhaps I should escort you to your room?

No....

*The Princess shakes her head and dissolves into tears*

I am not unwell... and it is my duty to stay.

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Someone fetch the Princess a chair.

*Derias looks up at Karn*

You Narvik, fetch the Princess a chair then take that child to the Princess's chamber as she wished. You and Vortigern can play baby sitter. Perhaps take your new friend... if he wishes to be her bodyguard he will have to be able to play nicely with Vortigern.

*He supports Philomena as she cries, a shadow of guilt passing over his face.*

You did what any loyal wife would have done my Princess. Do not weep... things will get better.

*He clicks his fingers at a maid and she brings a goblet of wine that he passes to the mermaid*

Here my lady, drink this. I know you think you have condemned yourself to a lifetime of...

*Derias shakes his head.*

You and Darl will find happiness together, I am sure of it. Perhaps if you let Saygin mix a love potion for you? No... I know you are against that.

*He sighs*

I respect your wishes as I respect your sacrifice. All my life there has been war between Grimney and Kanara. This is a chance to bring peace to both nations. What could be a gteater gift of love than that?