Chapter 58

 Merees woke with a gasp. She sat up, her body slick with cold sweat and her heart pounding against her ribs. Taking a few deep breaths, the Princess looked around the room. The Familiarity of her surroundings made her feel a bit more at ease.

Next to Merees, Risha was waking up as well. The Lynx sat up, yawned and turned to the dragon.

"Something the matter, hon?" She asked, concernedly. "You don't look well. Are you getting sick?"

Merees shook her head.

"No, I just had a nightmare. Sorry if I woke you."

"Do you want to tell me about it?" Risha asked, as she inched herself closer to Merees, laying a compassionate paw on her lover's shoulder. 

"Remember when we first came here to, Tiraliros? Your brother was kidnapped by  Cerewan and his crew."

"I remember" Risha replied.. "But, Mer, everything turned out well in the end: We managed to rescue Leo and the kidnappers were all arrested."

"In my nightmare things ended differently" Merees said, with a grim look on her face. "In it, you and I were both taken aboard Cerewans' ship and then sold into slavery. We...we never saw each other again..."

As she spoke, tears began to stream down Merees' face. Then, she felt Risha's arms around her body.

"It was just a nightmare" the lynx said, soothing the dragon with words and caresses. "It was not real."

"I know, but during the time it lasted it felt real. So real that I was beginning to worry that our happy life together was the dream, not my nightmare."

*****

Zevedo the six-fingered  gazed down at the figure lying on the bed in front of him, with a satisfied smirk on his face.The Figure showed no sign of life, but Zevedo knew that she was not dead, merely in a coma brought about by the potion he had forced down her throat five years ago. 

It had been a challenge, even for a seasoned dream-walker like Zevedo to break down his property's mental defenses. There had been times, when he had emerged from their battles, feeling week as a kitten, but in the end, the superior mind had triumphed. Now, her mind was trapped in a false reality, one made out of her memories and wishes of how her life could have been and there it would remain. At least for another six months. By then, the planets would be in alignment, allowing Zevedo to perform the spell which would allow him to take complete control of this body. The Lemur could hardly wait to cast off his own aging form and step into a new body, one that was still young and would remain young for many, many years to come. Already, he could see himself tearing through the sky on her - no -his - wings, setting fire to his enemies with his breath. 

Of course, he would have preferred it if his new body had belonged to a male dragon, but beggars can't be choosers.

Chapter 57

 On the same day that Miriam and Haku tied the knot, another wedding took place, one continent away and although this wedding was not as joyful as the one that brought the two long separate lovers together, it outshone that one in terms of splendor. For it was a royal wedding, binding two separate kingdoms together.

When King Faljan announced that he was going to wed the Queen of Vinoli, his declaration was met with shock and outrage from almost everyone who heard it; foreigners and Guanacans alike. For as long anyone could remember, it had been tradition for the Kings of Guanaca to marry only local women, in order to ensure that their kingdom retained its neutrality. The Other nations of the Western Continent knew this and so, they had come together and agreed to not send any envoys to ask the Guanacan Kings for their paw in marriage, on behalf of their own Queens and Princesses. This, to make sure that no single nation would gain control over the desert-Kingdom and thereby all the trade coming from and going to the East.

This agreement had been made almost two centuries ago. As a matter of fact, it was King Sharan who had suggested it and now, his own daughter had basically trampled all over it. Not that anyone had excepted Argath to help Faljan regain his throne out of the goodness of her heart, but they had assumed that the reward for her assistance would come in the form of all goods coming to, or from Vinoli, would be exempt from the usual tolls and taxes for a set period of time, or something similar. But marriage? Was there no end to this woman's audacity? They asked themselves. 

Of course, many of those who now gnashed their teeth in dismay upon receiving this piece of news, secretly wished that King Faljan had come to one of their nations for help. Particularly those whose royal houses still counted unwed princesses among their numbers.

Still, the wedding-day arrived, regardless of anyone's opinion. On the day, the flags of both Guanaca and Vinoli waved from the battlements. The King and Queen traveled through the streets in an open carriage, waving to their subjects, whose loud cheers were encouraged by the presence of the Vinolian soldiers in their midst.

The Carriage made halt outside the temple dedicated to the royal family's patron-deity. Inside, five-hundred of the most prominent people living in Guanaca, including foreign diplomats and merchants, were waiting for the ceremony to begin. Argath and Faljan stepped out of the carriage and climbed the stairs, from somewhere within the temple, music began to play.

Among those present at the wedding ceremony were Felix and Lucinda. The Two of them had travelled to Guanaca in the Queen's company and had arrived one day after her, along with the rest of her entourage. It should be mentioned that the Councillor and his wife were not just there for the wedding: Felix had been chosen by Argath to be the Queen's representative in Guanca, once she had returned home to Vinoli. 

"The Posting will last for five years and may be extended, depending on how the Queen feels about how I've carried out my tasks," Felix had told Lucinda on the day he had been informed of his newly appointed position. "I should like to have you by my side,during that time, but I understand if you do not wish to leave Vinoli and everyone we know behind for so long."

"Of course I'll come with you" Lucinda had replied. "Although, there is one thing that I'm wondering about."

"What is it?"

"Well, Guanaca is where your father died. Are you sure that going there won't bring back sorrowful memories?"

"That is one of the reasons I decided to accept this assignment" Felix had said. "I feel that I need to see the place where he spent his final hours with my own eyes."

That was the reason Felix had given to his spouse, but the truth was that he had another motive for taking on this job, as well. One that he had not shared with anyone, not even Lucinda. For some time now, the iguana had felt an increasingly stronger desire to get away from the royal court and especially from the person who ruled over it. 

All his life, Felix had believed what he had been told regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of his father, Manfred; that it had been an unfortunate accident, nothing more. Lately, however, feelings of doubt had begun to make cracks in this version of events. It had been told by the current Queen, after all. 

Felix did not want to believe that Argath had had anything to do with his father's death, since he was a child, she had always shown him considerate kindness. In fact, when Felix first got his seat on the King's Council, wicked tongues had whispered that he owed his position primarily to his mother being the Crown-Princess' lover. Later, when he got a family of his own, that kindness had extended to them. Still, when he looked at the way she had run her kingdom since she came to power, not to mention anything else she may or may not have had a hand in, Felix had to ask himself: Would Argath be capable of assassinating someone she saw as romantic rival? And he had to admit to himself that the answer to that question was most likely a 'yes'.

Had he been the hero of a melodramatic play or novel, Felix would not have hesitated to avenge the murder of his father. But of course, he was not and besides real life was generally more messy and complicated.Felix had only been a small child when his father had died and while he remembered being sad when he realized he would never see his 'papa' again, that sadness had gradually faded over the years, only returning on certain occasions; such as when the twins were born and Felix had realized that his children would never meet their grand-father. If he was honest with himself, Felix had been more broken up about his mother's passing, which had happened during his adult years. 

Besides, the possibility existed that the Queen had told the truth. Maja, Felix' mother had believed in her version of the events and surely, not even Argath would lie to the one person she had claimed to love romantically? Such were the thoughts that swirled through Felix' brain, and with this in mind, its not surprising that he did not pay as much attention to the main event.

The Wedding ceremony had almost reached its conclusion. The Vows had been said and now the groom and the High-Priest, a sad-faced basset, were looking at the bride; waiting for her to make the excepted gesture.

It was tradition that a Guanacan wedding ceremony would conclude with the bride kneeling in front of the groom, as a sign of submission. In return, the groom would place his paw on her head and tell her to rise. Argath had known about this custom and although she had shrugged it off at first (after all, she had bowed plenty of times to her father, without meaning it), now that the time had come to perform this act though,  her ego rebelled against the idea. Why should she, the older and more accomplished ruler, kneel before Faljan? If it had not been for her, he would not even be King. He should be the one getting down on his knees.

Argath looked at Faljan.In his paws he held a silver tiara, signifying her status as his Queen-Consort, which he was to put on her head. The Look in his eyes was almost pathetic. Please, it seemed to plead. My people are watching, let me have this. 

To those assembled, it seemed at first that the Queen had swallowed her pride and the Vinolian guests watched in astonishment, as their monarch began to, with almost deliberate slowness, lower her massive body to the floor. Then, just before her knee touched the stones, Argath rose and with one quick gesture, snatched the tiara from Faljan's hands and crowned herself with it.

The Guanacans in the audience were astonished; they had never seen anything like this before and it was then, that it truly dawned on most of them, that Guanaca's days as a sovereign kingdom had come to an end. That foreign soldiers currently marching through its streets were here to stay. True, most of them would go away, but they would never disappear entirely. 

For a moment, they could do nothing but stare in silence and then, from among them, a voice could be heard, singing. It was faint at first, but gradually grew in strength. Then, it was joined by another voice and another, until the temple was filled with the sound of Guanaca's national anthem.

Naturally, the Vinolians were not about to let such an act of defiance go unchallenged and soon, there were two anthems battling for supremacy. As he stood up singing with his fellow countrymen, Felix noticed that there were two among them that had not joined in: One was Nasari, who was standing a bit further away, with the Queen's bridesmaids. The Other was her husband, Jeraddin remained seated, arms crossed over his chest and a scowl on his face.

Chapter 56

 Bilibi is one of the smallest nations found on the Eastern Continent, its population being about a third of Vinoli's. Bilibi has no centralized government; instead, each of its many villages, all of which are named after a color, is governed by a chieftain, elected by the locals. At first, the new chieftain has a trial period that lasts four years and if people are happy with how he has handled things, he will retain his position until the day of his death. If not, new elections are held and he is replaced with another candidate. The Position of chief is not hereditary, though nothing forbids the children of a previous chief to candidate for their father's title. 

Aside from a chief, each village also has a healer, whose job it is to look after the sick, and a bard, who also functions as the teacher. 

In every village, all the males are trained from an early age in the use of weapons, so that they can defend their home and families, should it be necessary. The Ones who show the most prowess in this field are selected to be part of the chief's guard, whose job it is to maintain order. 

Every year, all the village chiefs gather together, at a place known only to them and the warriors that escort them there. At this meeting, alliances are made and unmade and grievances are aired. Sometimes, these grievances turn into declarations of war, the largest such war occurred a century before this chronicle, in which sixty villages battled; thirty on each side. However, while the Bilibians occasionally spill each other's blood, in the face of an outside threat, they will put all grievances on-hold and unite to combat the invader.

Risha knew all this from a book about the known countries of the World that had been in the family library. She had been no more than five years old when she had read it. It had been a large volume and her father had helped her get it down from the shelf and she had lied on the soft carpet in the library, turning the pages, pausing occasionally to let her eyes linger on a particularly interesting sentence or illustration. And now, here she was; travelling through a country that she had previously only known as letters on a page.On its third day on Bilibian soil, the caravan reached Miriam's village, having passed through a deep forest. While in the woods, those with weapons had kept them ready; listening keenly for any kind of suspicious noise, but all that could be heard was the sound of birds singing in the treetops and insects buzzing. 

The Village, like many of its kind. was protected by a high, wooden palisade, whose gates were guarded by a lone sentry. At the time of the caravan's arrival, the guard on duty was a young lemur, holding a spear in a firm grip in his left paw.

"Halt" the lemur called out, as the caravan approached. Before you lies the Blue village. Please, state your name and your reason for travelling on our land."

"These are travelling merchants, under the protection of me and my men" Kiros replied, stepping forward. "They have come here hoping to sell, or trade their goods in your village. Kindly, inform your chief of our arrival."

The Mountain Lion's voice was calm but firm and that, combined with the fine sword by his side made the lemur give in.

"Very well" he said. "Wait here and I shall go tell my father, but if he says no, you'll have to leave."

"We shall" Kiros said. "I don't think he will though."

The Lemur was just about to head back into the village, when Kiros' remark caused him to stop and turn around. 

"Oh? And what makes you so sure?" He asked, one eyebrow raised skeptically.

Kiros was about to answer, when Miriam stepped forward. The Lemur stared at her, the spear slipped out of his fingers and hit the ground with a clattering noise.

"Yes, Haku, my love." Miriam said. "I have come back to you."

****

Upon entering the village, the travelers soon found themselves surrounded by villagers, who had stopped their work outside, or come out of their homes, to take a look at the strangers. While the merchants unpacked their wares, Kiros presented his respects to the village-chief. Suddenly, a female voice cried out:

"Miriam? Is it really you?"

Making their way through the crowd was a male and female antelope, followed by three children; a boy whom Risha guessed was about the same age as her brother and two little girls. 

"Yes, Mother" Miriam said, with tears in her eyes. "I have come back."

"We thought you were dead" the woman said, tearfully. She reached out and touched Miriam's cheek, as though to make sure that what was standing before her was not just a cruel figment of her imagination. 

"Mother, Father" Miriam said, after having embraced her parents and siblings, the youngest being completely new to her. "This is my friend, Risha. Its thanks to her that I am here now."

Miriam's father turned to Risha.

"For this, young lady" he said. "You have our eternal gratitude. Consider our home to be yours for as long as you wish."

He then reached out to touch Risha's shoulder, as is the Bilibian way of greeting someone, when a brief flash in the lynx's eyes made him decide that this might not be a good idea. Withdrawing his arm, he bowed instead.

Risha relaxed; she knew that the man standing before her did not mean her any harm. Still, after Bashar, the thought of having any physical contact with a male; excluding her father and brother, made every strand of hair on her body stand on end.

That evening, a feast was held in the village, with everyone eating, drinking and making merry, underneath the night-sky. It was a feast that also doubled as a wedding ceremony, with Miriam and Haku becoming husband and wife.

Risha knew the story. Miriam had told it to her one evening back in Guanaca, when they had become close enough to share their pasts with each other: 

As children, Miriam and Haku had played together often, and as the two of them grew older, their friendship evolved into something more intimate. Once their parents found out, they had been engaged and it was decided that they would be wed, once they had both reached mature age. However, a few weeks after the engagement, tragedy struck: Miriam had went out into the forest to look for mushrooms and had never returned.

Until now, Risha thought. The Sight of Miriam surrounded by friends and family, her horns decorated with flowers, made the lynx feel warm inside. She smiled at the newly-weds, who upon noticing it, smiled back.

"They do look beautiful together" Miriam's mother, who was sitting next to Risha, remarked. "This is the happiest day of my life." 

She wiped a tear from her eye, then turned with a confidential air to the younger woman.

"Tell me, my dear" she said, lowering her voice slightly. "Do you have anyone special in your life? Because if not...well, I know that my son may be a bit young, but he's a good boy and he'll reach the age of marriage soon enough."

Risha hesitated. Should she tell the truth? She had no way of knowing what this village's stance on homosexuality was and even though Miriam was well aware of her preferences and accepted them, she could not be sure that her family would do the same.

"Thank you for the offer" She replied. "I appreciate it, but I'm afraid I already have someone."

*****

On the evening that preceded the day of the caravan's departure, Risha and Kiros met up under an oak-tree.

"So" Kiros said, "have you thought about my offer?"

"I have and I am willing to join your group. I do have one condition though. You can refuse it, but if you do, I will only travel with you until we leave Bilibi and after that, we'll go our separate ways."

"Very well, tell me what it is you want me to do and I'll see if its in my power to help."

"I'm looking for a certain person. A female dragon."

Risha had then proceeded to give a detailed description of what Merees looked like, figuring that she had most likely not changed in the past half-decade. At least not physically.

"And you want me to keep an eye out for any information regarding this person" Kiros had said, once Risha was finished. "That should not be a problem."

"I guess we have a deal then."

"I guess so. Welcome aboard."

*****

The Next morning, the whole village had gathered to see their guests off.

"Do you think we'll see each other again?" Miriam asked.

"Who knows? Risha said. "After all, the future is not ours to see."

The Two friends of the past five years then hugged tightly. As they embraced, Miriam whispered something in Risha's ear that momentarily caused her to blush.

"Th...That's really too much" she stuttered. "I'm honored."

"Its the least we can do" Miriam replied, smiling.

"Farewell, Miriam! And you too Haku!" Risha shouted, waving to them as the caravan moved out. "I hope that from here on out, your life is a happy one!"

That evening, as they laid together in bed, Haku turned to his wife.

"What was it you whispered to her?" He asked.

Miriam snuggled up close to her husband, her fingers running through the fur on his chest.

"Only that if our first child is a girl, we would name it after her."

Becoming silent, Haku gazed up at the ceiling. Miriam was just about to start wondering if she had not been presumptuous in making this decision on her own, when the lemur spoke:

"Risha, huh?" He said, rolling the foreign-sounding name around on his tongue. "You know, I kind of like it." 

Chapter 55

 Jerradin looked up from the reports he had been reading.

"Yes?" He asked.

"My apologies for disturbing you, General" said the servant who had appeared in the doorway to aJeraddin's office in the Guanacan palace, "but the King demands your presence in the throne room."

The Phrasing caused one of Jeraddin's eyebrows to rise.

He demands my presence, he thought. My, my, someone is singing a different tune now that he is back on his throne.

"Very well" he said, pushing back his chair. "I hear and obey."

Entering the throne room, Jeraddin could not conceal his surprise. Unbeknownst to him, his daughter had had a similar look on her face upon seeing the yeti, a few days earlier. 

"Your Majesty" he said, pronouncing the words with deliberate reluctance. "This is quite a surprise. We didn't expect you here for another day."

"We decided to go ahead of our entourage, in order to surprise you. It was a spontaneous decision on Our part."

Spontaneous? Jeraddin thought. That does not sound like you, Your Majesty.

He noticed that Argath was offering her ring for him to kiss. He pretended not to see it. The Eyes of the Queen flashed briefly, then she withdrew her hand and made a gesture, as if to say that she forgave her general this small act of defiance. 

The Queen was in a good mood. In fact, she had been on cloud nine ever since she got the news of Guanaca's conquest. 

Just imagine, she had thought to herself. Hundreds of merchant caravans pass through Guanaca's dominions every day and I'll make sure that the majority of the tolls and taxes they have to pay end up in my coffers. And I shall use that money wisely. Oh, yes; it will serve as my new war-fund. With it, I shall hire the best mercenary troops, have my sorcerers and weapon-smiths create new weapons and build a fleet of warship that will be the scourge of the seas. Until the glory of Vinoli is spread throughout the World. Oh, yes, the sun shall never set on the new Argathian Empire.

With her mind still full with ambitious dreams, Argath turned to Faljan, flashing him her most charming smile.

"My King why don't you give Us a tour of the palace? Its been decades since Our last visit and We are curious to see if there have been any changes made to the decor since last time."

"With pleasure, my Queen."

Faljan rose from his throne and offered Argath his arm. She accepted it and then turned to Jeraddin:

"General, We are pleased with you. Once the Wedding ceremony is over, you may return home."

Jeraddin hardly paid attention to what the Queen was saying. He was completely focused on the other Vinolian in the throne room.

"General!" Argath's voice, cut through the air like a whip, causing the lynx to realize where he was. "Did you hear what We said?"

"Yes, Your Majesty" Jeraddin replied.

"And?"

"Thank you, Your Majesty".

Satisfied, Argath nodded and then she swept out of the throne room with Faljan at her heels. With the two royals gone, Jeraddin turned his attention back to the person standing before him.

"I take it you are surprised to see me?" Nasari said, smiling and tilting her head in that way that Jeraddin had always found irresistible.

"You can say that again" he said. "How come you're here?"

"I was among the servants chosen to be part of the Queen's entourage. I would have arrived with the others, but when she decided to go on ahead, she took a few of us with her."

"I see, so does this mean you will remain here when I go home to Vinoli?"

"It does, are you disappointed that I won't be there waiting for you?"

Jeraddin smiled and shook his head.

"Would you like a tour of the palace as well?" He asked.

Nasari moved in closer to her husband, laying one paw on his chest.

"Right now" she said, "the only thing I'm interested in is being alone with you. I don't suppose there is somewhere in this palace where we can get some privacy?"

****

Jeraddin escorted Nasari to his bed chamber, where the two of them rapidly undressed. The Lynx's maleness, having woken up after having been dormant for so long and now, freed from its restraints, stood at full attention. 

"Hmm" Nasari said, gazing approvingly at her mate's erection. "Someone's happy to see me. Well, I'm happy to see you too."

Smiling coyly, she reached down between Jeraddin's legs and fondled his full, round testicles, prompting their owner to moan with pleasure.

The Lovemaking that followed was brief but passionate, as it usually was during the rare moments that the two of them were together.  Once it was finished, the two of them nuzzled each other affectionately, bathing in the afterglow. They remained like this for awhile, then Jeraddin spoke up:

"Do you want something to eat?" He asked.

"Come to think of it; it has been several ours since I last ate. Yes, yes, I would."

"Hold on a moment."

They both got dressed and Jeraddin left the room in search for a servant who wasn't busy. He had no luck finding one and so, he decided to go to the kitchen himself and see what he could scrounge up. 

The Kitchen was bustling with activity, as expected, but Jeraddin was able to get ahold of a member of the kitchen staff and ask her if there was something here he could take with him, for a snack? There was and moments later, the lynx returned to his wife, carrying a tray with food and drink. He put the tray down on the bed and, with a gesture, invited his wife to help herself.

Nasari ate with relish, sampling each of the dishes and offering her opinion on them. She took a particular liking to the locusts roasted in honey; a local specialty, which Jeraddin did not care much for, personally. After a while, the female cat realized that her husband had been oddly quiet throughout the meal. At first, she had thought that perhaps he was too focused on the food, but then she noticed that he had hardly touched it.

"Is something the matter, dear?" She asked.

Jeraddin nodded.

"There is something I have to tell you, Nasari" he said. "I wasn't sure as to whether or not I should, since part of it is certain to upset you, but I think you deserve to know."

Nasari's curiosity was aroused. She leaned forward and, as a gesture of affection, put her paws on top of Jeraddin's own.

"Whatever it is, I'm ready for it" she said encouragingly.

She told herself that she was prepared for anything, but the next words that came out of Jeraddin's mouth nonetheless took her by surprise:

"Risha was here"he said. "She had been here in Guanaca for the past five years, as a slave in the palace."

Nasari stared at her husband, it never occurred to her to consider the possibility that he may be pulling her leg. The Expression on his face made it clear that he was serious and besides, she knew that Jeraddin would never joke about something so terrible. For a moment, Nasari could only sit there, mouth slightly open as the magnitude of what she had just been told sank in. Her first child, her little girl had been someone's property, forced to endure who knew what. No, she did not even want to think about it. 

Nasari could feel tears in her eyes, she thought of wiping away, but decided not to, allowing them to stream down her cheeks.

"Where is she now?" She asked, her voice barely more than a whisper.

"She left Guanaca in search of the younger Princess" Jeraddin replied. "Apparently, the two of them are a couple", he added, as an explanation.

Nasari could not help but feel a sting of envy towards her husband. She would have liked to be there when her daughter revealed something as important as that about herself, instead of having to hear it from a secondary source. 

"What did you tell her? Afterwards, I mean."

"I told her the truth, of course: That no matter who she falls in love with, she will always have the love of her parents."

Nasari nodded, then a thought struck her:

"You said you met Risha, but what about Leorin? Was he here as well?"

"No, according to Risha, Leo should be with a troupe of travelling actors that they befriended."

Nasari breathed a sigh of relief. Although, minuscule, it was at least some comfort to know that at least one of her children had not spent the past five years as somebody's property. Some things were still unclear to her though? For example, who were these actors and how come Risha and Leorin had fallen in with them? More importantly, how had her daughter been reduced to slavery in the first place?

Using what Risha had told him as a source, Jeraddin filled in the gaps in Nasaris' knowledge as much as he was able. Nasari listened intently, without interrupting. Once Jeraddin had finished, she spoke up:

"Jer?"

"Yes, dear?"

"The tiger, Cerewan..."

"What about him?"

When Nasari spoke next, her voice came out as a growl.

"If you ever come to face to face with him" she said, her claws digging into the bedsheets. "Promise me that you will hurt him. Badly."

"I will."

*****

"This brings back memories" Argath mused, as she wandered the palace corridors with Faljan by her side, doing his best to keep up. "When last We were here, it was your father who sat on the throne and We were a guest in this palace. Who would have thought that years later, We would be its new Queen?"

"Well, Queen-consort" Faljan hurriedly pointed out, looking up at the female dragon. "After all, I shall still remain King of Guanaca, even after we're married."

"Of course, my King" You could roast a locust in Argath's voice. "Forgive Us, the splendor of Our surroundings caused Us to have a slip of the tongue."

"I should also point out that our marriage will not be official until it has been, how shall I put this? Consumated."

Argath stifled a groan. She was well aware of this Guanacan custom and she was not looking forward to her wedding night. 

"Tell Us" she said, eager to change the subject. "How was it that you managed to retake your throne? The Report sent by General Jeraddin did not go into any detail. Can We assume that you found an ally on the other side of the walls?"

"That is exactly what happened" Faljan replied. "Yes, a person very close to the usurper helped bring about his downfall: To be precise, his favorite among his harem slaves."

"Is that so? We should like to meet with this person so that We may reward her properly for her great service."

"I'm afraid that she's already left Guanaca. One of her conditions for helping us was that all the harem girls would be set free and allowed to go wherever they wanted. Naturally, I accepted; she left with a caravan heading east, a few days ago."

"That's a shame. Well, regardless, she has Our gratitude. Incidentally, you wouldn't happen to remember her name, by any chance?"

Faljan permitted himself a small chuckle at such a question.

"One does not forget the name of a person like that" he said. "The Name given to her by her former owner was Layla, but her real name is Risha."

Had Faljan looked up he would have been privilege to a sight not seen by many: That of the Queen of Vinoli looking genuinely stunned. As if someone had just slapped her.

"What a coincidence" she said in a nonchalant tone. "I...We believe that General Jeraddin has a daughter by that same name."

"That's just it" Faljan said. "This Risha was the General's daughter." The Fennec-King shook his head, as if amazed by this. "Can you believe that? If this had been fiction, no doubt some people would have criticized the author for such a convenient plot development. It just goes to prove that reality is sometimes less realistic than fiction, doesn't it?"

"Indeed."

Faljan laughed and so did Argath, but there was a hollow quality to her laughter, her mind being elsewhere. So, Risha had not drowned five years ago, meaning that Lorenzo had been misinformed and if she was alive, then there was a high probability that Merees was alive as well. 

The Queen did not like this. She did not like it at all. 

Chapter 54

Half a day's journey from Guanaca lies  a mountain range, whose highest peak stretches above the clouds and would be visible from space, if space-travel had been invented. It is said that the Gods live, or used to live at that peak, though no-one can know for sure, since no-one has ever managed to make it that far.

A pass run through these mountains. Any traveler who wishes to enter the Eastern Continent via land, rather than taking the longer and often perilous sea-route, must traverse this pass in order to reach their destination.

When they start out, the traveler will no doubt find  the journey is easy, sometimes even pleasant: The Road is wide and well-maintained and there are plenty of inns in which the traveler can their weary bones and eat a bite, should they have the funds and inclination to do so.  It does not take long though, before the road becomes harder to travel and finding an inn is a fool's errand. 

The Caravan Risha and Miriam had joined up with was on the fourth day of its journey and had just managed to fight off an attack from a group of bandits. Drunk on the success of a previous raid, the bandits had thought that this caravan would be easy pickings as well and, as such, had swept down on it, yelling and waving their sabers.

To the surprise of the highwaymen, they soon found themselves overwhelmed by their intended victims; several of them fell in battle, while the survivors fled with their tails tucked between their legs. Returning to their hideout, in order to lick their wounds and await the arrival of an easier target, one that showed the good sportsmanship of simply surrendering.

Risha watched the surviving bandits take off and then bent down and wiped her dagger on the grass. A shadow fell over her. She turned around and saw that it was Kiros, the mountain lion who served as the leader for the caravan's guard.

"I'm impressed" the leader said, putting his scimitar back into its scabbard. "You handled that blade with no small amount of skill, for a woman. Who is your teacher?"

Risha looked at him with surprise; this was the first time that Kiros had spoken directly to her.

"My father thought me the basics when I was younger", the female lynx replied, deciding to ignore the 'for a woman' part of the unexpected compliment paid to her.

 "He did not really give me regular lessons though", she continued. "My mother did not approve and besides, I don't think either of them ever excepted that I would be in a situation where I had to kill to protect myself."

Kiros  nodded thoughtfully, while his long fingers massaged his chin.

"I see...in other words, you are a natural. I could have use for a woman like you on my crew, if you are interested?"

"Perhaps, but I did promise my friend to be her guest in her village when we get there."

"Not to worry, the caravan will remain in that village for three days. You may inform me of your decision the night before we depart."

*****

The Day after their battle with the bandits, the caravan had a far more unusual encounter. Miriam was the first to notice it; the caravan was proceeding forward at a steady pace and everything seemed calm, when she suddenly let out a surprised gasp, prompting Risha to ask what it was.

"Look!" Miriam exclaimed, her voice trembling with excitement. "Up there!"

Risha followed the direction of Miriam's pointing finger and when she what it was aimed at, her eyes doubled in size and a soft curse escaped her lips. Standing on a cliff above them was a creature that she had never excepted to see in real life.

The Yeti's fur was the color of newly fallen snow, a tattered red cape was draped over its broad shoulders and around its neck hung a necklace made out of teeth.

It did not take long before the rest of the caravan noticed the yeti and they, too, stopped in their tracks to stare at it, with a look of apprehension on their faces. 

This reaction was only to be excepted: The Yeti are among the World's most ancient races. However, unlike, say dragons, they tend to keep to themselves and rarely interact with the rest of the World; preferring the solitude of their mountain homes. Because of this, very little is known about the yeti and as a consequence, they are a people shrouded in myth. One of these myths (that may have a grain of truth to it) is that, although their primary source of nourishment is the bark of a tree that only grows at a high altitude, they also have a taste for the flesh of sentient beings.

Kiros turned to his men.

"Keep your weapons ready" he ordered, "but make no sudden moves."

The Yeti's eyes were dark like a night devoid of moon and stars and when its gaze passed over Risha, she could feel every single hair on her body stand on end. Instinctively, she bared her claws, while the fingers of her left paw tightened around her dagger.

Then, just as everyone prepared for the inevitable attack, the yeti let out a grunting noise, shrugged its shoulders and, having apparently lost interest in the creatures below, turned around and climbed up the mountain from whence it had come.

A wave of relief washed over the caravan, nerves that had been taut like bowstrings relaxed. Some even made a few disparaging remarks at the yeti's expense, which was met with general laughter. However, this did not prevent them from occasionally casting anxious glances up toward the mist-covered mountains, as the caravan continued on its journey.

The Mirror and the Light

Earlier this year, the final installment in Hilary Mantel's trilogy about Thomas Cromwell was released. Being a huge admirer of Mantel's writing, thanks in no small parts to the previous parts in the trilogy: Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, I had been waiting eagerly for part three to come out and, as soon as I was aware that it had been released, I wasted no time procuring a copy of my own and, having read it, here are my thoughts on it.

The Mirror and the Light, as the third volume is called, covers the last five years of Cromwell's life. Cromwell is now at the height of his power, having the King's ear and being regularly rewarded with new titles and lands in recognition of his services. Of course, such a good thing can't last forever. As he, Cromwell works tirelessly to create a new England and tries to keep the increasingly moody Henry happy, his enemies; among them, the Duke of Norfolk and Bishop Stephen Gardiner are busy working in the shadows, plotting his downfall.

Considering the high quality of its predecessors, not to mention the amount of time that have passed since last we ventured into Mantel's version of Tudor England, it is only understandable if the reader has some concern as to whether or not The Mirror and the Light will live up to expectations. As far as this reader is concerned, it definitely does.

With The Mirror and the Light, Mantel concludes what is, without a doubt, among the finest works of historical fiction that I've ever read. Mantel's prose is as rich as ever and throughout the volume's eight-hundred plus pages, I was kept in suspense, this despite knowing full well what Cromwell's ultimate fate would be (after all, he was an actual historical figure), wondering if this would not be the moment when he, Cromwell, would slip up and thus, fall from grace. As with many great stories, whether they are based on history, or completely made up by their creator, its not so much what happens in The Mirror and the Light that's important, but rather how and why it happens. 

In conclusion, a magnificent novel, well worth the long wait. 

Chapter 53

The ship belonging to Eramus' acting troupe was currently anchored in tropical waters and even at night-time the air was balmy. As he stood on deck, dressed in the nightgown Sara had given him for his last birthday, looking out at the ocean that stretched out endlessly before him, Leorin thought of his old home,  far far away and of his parents: His father hoisting him up in the air.  His mother smiling kindly, as she bent down over his bedside to kiss him good-night. Mostly though, Leorin thought of his sister and what had become of her. Would he ever see her again?

Leorin's vision blurred and he felt something wet on his cheek. The Sound of approaching footsteps, lightly treading the deck planks reached his ears and in the next moment, Sara, wearing her own nightgown, was by his side.

"Trouble sleeping?" The Porcupine-girl asked.

"Yes" the black cat replied. "Sorry If I woke you" he added, apologetically.

Sara shook her head, as if to tell Leorin not to worry about it. 

"You were thinking about Risha, weren't you?" She asked.

Leorin nodded.

"Do you think they are still out there?" He asked. "She and the Princess?"

"Of course." Sara looked at Leorin with surprise. "Don't you?"

"I want to" Leorin sighed. "Its just...sometimes I can't help but fear the worst."

"Its not like you to be this pessimistic" Sara remarked. She moved closer to Leorin, taking care not to accidentally prick him with her quills and took his paw in hers.

"Listen, I may only have met them briefly but both your sister and her girlfriend struck me as two people who can take care of themselves. You'll see each other again, have fate."

Leorin looked as if he was considering Sara's words, then he nodded slowly.

"You're right" he said. He turned to Sara, a smile brightening up his previously gloomy features. "Thank you, I feel better now."

Sara shrugged.

"Think nothing of it."

As the two youths stood there, looking into each other's eyes, raindrops began to fall. At first, there were only a few of them, but soon the sky itself seemed to open and whole legions of drops rained down on the deck. Still holding each other's paws, Leorin and Sara hurried back inside.

*****

Following the directions that had been given to him, Jeraddin arrived outside Shasham's Tea-House. Stepping inside, he was immediately approached by a well-fed hyena wearing a fez and a welcoming grin.

"Welcome, General" the cat said, bringing his paws together and bowing. "I am Shasham, it is an honor for me to have such an honored person as yourself as a guest in my humble place of business. Follow me please, she is waiting for you."

Having returned Shasham's greeting, Jeraddin followed his host through the tea-shop. As they walked past the tables, the lynx noticed several pair of eyes turning on him; some expressing interest, others thinly-veiled hostility. One customer leaned forward and whispered something to neighbor and Jeraddin could clearly hear his own name being pronounced. 

They probably think I should go back where I came from, Jeraddin thought. Believe me, there is nothing I'd rather do.

"Here it is General", Shasham said, as they made halt in front of a curtain which kept one part of the tea-house separated from the rest. He pulled the curtain aside and beckoned for Jeraddin to enter. 

"Hello, Dad" Risha said, smiling at her father as he entered the small room.

"Hello, Risha" Jeraddin replied, smiling back. 

He decided not to comment on the hookah-pipe next to his daughter, but simply sat down opposite her at the low table standing in the middle of the room. 

"I haven't kept you waiting too long, I hope?" he asked. "If so, I apologize."

"It's fine, Dad. I'm just happy that we can sit down together, the two of us. After all, we haven't seen much of each other since I helped you take Guanaca."

That's true, Jeraddin reflected. The Two of them had been busy this past week; each keeping to their own schedule, sometimes only passing each other briefly, like two ships in the night.

"So, what have you been up to?" He asked.

"There's a caravan leaving here in four days" Risha said. "It will pass through where Miriam comes from, so she and I will join it."

"Is there anything I can help you with?" Jeraddin asked. "If so, you know you need only to tell me."

"Thanks, Dad. I know I can count on you, but I have everything I need."

Just then, Shasham entered carrying a tea-tray which he put down on the table.

"At last" Risha said eagerly. "Shasham makes the best tea in the World."

"Is that so?" Jeraddin said, raising his left eyebrow slightly.

"Ah, General" Shasham said, holding up his paws. "Your daughter exaggerates. Nonetheless, I am flattered that she should think so highly of my work. I hope it shall please you, as well."

With that, the portly hyena bowed and took his leave. Risha poured some tea into a cup and handed it to her father.

"Here Dad, see for yourself."

Jeraddin accepted the mug and, took a sip. His eyes widened slightly.

"You were right" he said, nodding appreciatively. "This is excellent, easily the best tea I've had in a long time."

"Told you so. You know, Dad, along with getting to see you again, the taste of Shasham's tea will be one of the few genuinely pleasant memories I'll take with me from this city."

"How exactly did you find out about this place?"

"Once my former master decided that I could be trusted not to escape again, he occasionally allowed me to leave the palace grounds and venture forth into the city. Accompanied by an escort of armed guards, of course."

Jeraddin looked at his daughter as she sipped her tea. There was a peacefulness about her that had not been there when last they had met and it warmed the lynx's heart.

If she wants to tell me about the past five years then I shall listen to her, with all the sympathy a father can offer his children, he thought to himself. But, if she wishes to forget it, then I shall let her to do so. The Important thing is that I get to spend time in her company, something I had almost begun to doubt that I would ever do again.

As for Risha, her thoughts were at the town plaza five days ago, the day of Bashar's execution. She had stood in front of the crowd, so close that she could look directly into the fennec's dead eyes as he knelt on the scaffold. When the axe fell, Risha's soul had leapt with joy. At last, she was free. Never again would she be summoned to Bashar's bed, those nights were gone forever, henceforth to be reduced to nothing but unpleasant memories. Then and there, she vowed that no man would ever have that kind of power over her again.

"How's Mom doing?" She asked suddenly.

"Your Mother was doing fine last time I saw her" Jeraddin replied."She misses you and your brother terribly though."

"I miss her too, Dad and I know Leo does as well. Wherever he is now."

At this point, the cups had been drained, but there was still some tea left in the pot. 

"Do you want a refill?" Risha asked.

Jeraddin thought for a second, then shook his head.

"Thank you, I'm good."

Risha reached for the tea-pot, then changed at her mind and withdrew her paw. She raised her empty cup and twirled it around, staring at it intensely, her mouth a thin line.

"Is something troubling you, my dear?" Jeraddin wondered. 

Putting the cup down, Risha looked at her father.

"Dad" she began, after a moment's hesitation. "I have a confession to make: I did not just invite you here for tea. There's something I want to tell you, about myself." She paused and shook her head, a bitter smile on her face. "It's stupid, I know that this may be my last chance to do this and yet now, as I stand on the threshold, I find myself hesitating to step over it."

Reaching across the table, Jeraddin put his large, strong paws on top of his daughter's

"Risha, let me tell you something: Twenty-two years ago, the midwife came out of the bedchamber and told me that I had just been a father for the first time; that Nasari had given birth to a healthy baby girl and when I first saw you I could hardly believe my own eyes: It seemed incredible that I, who, in the service of my King and country, had taken so many lives had now helped to bring a new one into the World. You are my precious daughter; there's nothing you can tell me that will make me stop loving you."

"Do you promise?"

"I promise and if your Mother was here, she'd tell you the same."

Feeling reassured by her father's words, Risha took a deep breath and then, she stepped over the threshold.

"I had originally planned on telling you this five years ago" she said afterwards. "I had finally gathered enough courage, but then the King was murdered and everything changed."

"I'm glad you told me now. Does your brother know?"

"He does, he actually figured it out himself, believe it or not."

"After you left Vinoli, did you and the younger Princess become a couple? Back in the camp, I realized that you called her by her name and not her title."

Risha nodded.

"Dad, I've missed you and I miss Mom and Leorin, but I miss Merees the most. Without her, I feel...Incomplete."

"You'll see her again" Jeraddin said, comfortingly. "I'm certain of it."

"Thanks Dad. You always knew exactly what to say."

****

Four days later, the caravan was at the city gates, ready to embark. Risha and Miriam were there, both dressed in travelling clothes and wearing daggers in their belts.

"Take care of yourself, Risha" Jeraddin said, as he embraced his daughter.

"You too, Dad."

The Gates swung open and the caravan began its long, long journey. Jeraddin climbed up on the walls and stood on the parapet, looking at  it as it gradually grew smaller, until finally, even his sharp eyes had trouble distinguishing it.