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

Ah Leeandra you're a different kettle of fish my dearest. Personally I would never have allowed women into the Queen's elite, mmm how times have changed. I would let no woman of mine pursue such a manly career. Take note Kalvos, do you want your lady to speak to you like Leeandra? (mumbles) I don't know what the world's coming to....should be at home making cakes.........

Wise guidance Elios, a voice of reason in an otherwise backward thinking land.

You're such an old fossil Try Ox, you just dig yourself a big hole and I'll bury you. These days the only thing you can chop is wood. I have never baked a cake in my life. So enough of your chauvinistic drivel. We have a mission to complete. Kalvos, Elios... We should ride to the tavern. Keeler can find his way there, he's a lot of things, but he's not a fool. Unlike some...

*Flashes Trylax a knowing smile*.

It's agreed. You're leading us Kalvos. What do you say? Careful when you say trifles Elios, Try Ox is such a lunkhead he'll think you're talking about something for him to eat, and he's liable to get distracted.

Perhaps we should leave Kalvos to read his letter in peace, it might be of a personal nature. Did you hear the ladies of the tavern have now got a dragon? Kalvos said they were more than ordinary barmaids but I think even he is amazed.

They say that Meadow summoned the dragon, I heard she was a sweet little thing. Any woman of mine started summoning dragons they'd be straight over my knee!

Leeandra my sweet, you know I jest, it's just such a pity to have such a pretty body hidden under all that metal.

Has that hawk been here again carrying another letter for Kalvos. Does the mermaid not realise that knights have work to do. You should tell her Kalvos not to disturb you when you're at work. If any woman of mine disturbed me at work I'd.........

I will be with you now Kalvos, just make sure I have evrything I need.....pipe....check,........old mace weed.....check. Right let's get on our way to this mission, my axe is sharp, ready for action!

Oh my stomach's rumbling already, what's the radigan pie like at this tavern then? Hope they serve generous helpings.

We are glad to ride with you Kalvos, whether it is to radigan pie or to our deaths.

I wouldn't worry about the portions Trylax I take it from the smile on our friend's lips that we can expect a warmer welcome at the tavern than Kalvos initially thought. Remember those at the taverns are ladies, let us treat them with courtesy and not blow pipeweed in their faces. That applies to you too Leeandra.

I wonder if we shall hear the mermaid sing? When I was a child, I once sat on a cliff at midnight while a dozen mermaids sat on the rocks below and sang in chorus. I have never heard such enchanting music before or since, it seemed to charm the stars from the sky and made the wind dance in my hair. I should very much like to hear that song again before I die.

Kalvos! Look to sky! I think that the mermaid has sent more than just her marsh hawk to guide us. A white dragon in the distance.