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. 

Chapter 52

"Ambassador, it is good to see you again."

The Sound of the Queen's voice caused Nicholaus, Royal ambassador of Gavroza, to turn around with an elegant spin. He then bowed deeply, his lips brushing against the ruby that adorned Argath's left index finger.

"Not as good as it is to see you, Your Majesty" the leopard replied in a suave tone. "It is always a pleasure to visit the Vinolian court and to bask in the presence of its esteemed monarch."

"You must be tired from your journey" Argath said, with a courtesy that rivaled that of her guest's. "Please, sit down. We shall remain standing though, We have been seated for many hours and feel the need to stretch Our legs."

Thanking the Queen, the ambassador sat down at the table. Several small bowls, filled with a variety of fruits and sweetmeats had been placed on it, as well as a decanter of wine and two glasses. Argath filled the glasses herself and handed one to the ambassador.

"Help yourself, ambassador." She said, indicating the delicacies at the table.

Nicholaus' eyes fell on a bowl filled with red, shiny cherries. He promptly picked one out and put it in his mouth. 

"Delicious" he said, spitting out the stem and the pit in his handkerchief. He then took another one and repeated the procedure. 

"Your Majesty's had a busy day then?" He asked.

"Alas, the work of a sovereign ruler is never done" Argath sighed. "By the way, how is Daphne doing?"

"She is doing well. Thank you, Your Majesty." A knowing smile passed briefly over the ambassador's face. "I hope Your Majesty was not too disappointed when she came into this room only to find yours truly waiting for her?"

"Oh, not at all."

Last time, Argath had entered this room, prepared to meet with the Gavrozan ambassador, only to find herself face to face with a female leopard, wearing a blue dress which hugged her figure in all the right places, causing the Queen's tongue to temporarily get stuck to the roof of her mouth.

"Greetings, Your Majesty" the young woman had said, curtsying. "I am Daphne, ambassador Nicholaus' niece. My uncle has regrettably taken ill, but he has sent me in his stead. I hope that Your Majesty is not offended by this."

So, that's your game, Nicholaus, Argath had mused, as she kept eyes focused on Daphne's oval-shaped face. You send this minx my way thinking that she'll distract me. How adorable. Its so transparent that I'm not sure whether I should be insulted or not.

"On the contrary" she had replied. "Have a seat, We trust that your uncle has filled you in?"

"A most charming young lady, your niece" Argath said to Nicholaus, while she put a piece of licorice in her mouth. "We should welcome an opportunity to get to know her better."

"Your Majesty most certainly will" the leopard replied. "I intend for Daphne to become my successor, one of these days."

"A female ambassador? Will your King agree to such a thing? After all, in all of your country's history, no woman has ever held that position."

"Its a controversial choice and its bound to cause some waves back home. Still, its ultimately His Majesty's decision and I believe I can convince His Majesty that Daphne is the right person for the job."

"How is King Frederic doing these days? We heard that he suffered a stroke recently. We trust he is still alive."

For a second, Nicholaus was unable to conceal his surprise, then he inclined his head.

"Your Majesty is well informed. The King is still with us, though he has grown weaker and the doctors fear his next stroke will be his last. After all, he is not a young man anymore."

Argath nodded. She recalled when she had first met King Frederic, during a diplomatic mission to Gavroza. At that time, the current King had been a cub, sitting at the feet of his father's throne with a multicolored ball in his lap. 

Now that cub has become an old lion; one whose mane is graying and whose teeth are soft, whereas I still have my youth and will continue to have it when Frederic's own son becomes as old as his father. 

The Thought caused the Queen to smirk inwardly; to her, this was yet more proof of the superiority of dragons over all other races.

"That is one of the reasons why I requested to meet with Your Majesty. With the King in a weakened state, he is beginning to worry about the state of the nation that he is leaving behind to his son and certain parties within the government are using this to try to persuade His Majesty to move away from Vinoli. They believe that agreeing to your proposition was a mistake on the King's part and I fear that the King is starting to find their arguments persuasive."

The Queen's eyes narrowed slightly. Before the Vinolian army had set off for Guanaca, she had sent an emissary to King Frederic's court, carrying gifts as well as a message. The Gist of the message was this: If, once King Faljan had reclaimed his throne and he and Argath were wed, Gavroza made a promise to acknowledge this marriage and stand by Vinoli's side against any who would contest it, all Gavrozan merchants would be allowed to traverse Guanacan territory without having to pay any fees or taxes, for a period of three years. Argath thought that this had been an extremely generous offer on her part, especially considering that it did not require Frederic to take any action himself. In fact, all he had to do was to remain at home and not send any support to Bashar. And now he was beginning to have second thoughts? 

Of all the spineless...

Argath could feel anger well up inside her, her shoulders shook with barely restrained anger. 

Nonetheless, she kept her feelings at bay and spoke in a calm voice:

"The Vinolian army" she began, "is the best trained and most well-equipped army in the World. We concede that this siege has been going on for some time, but mark Our words ambassador, Guanaca will fall and when that day comes and the city is in Our hands, Vinoli will forget neither her friends nor her enemies."

She paused to let her words sink in. In the silence that followed, the sound of Nicholas swallowing another cherry seemed to fill the room. 

"There is another reason why this faction seeks to influence our King against Your Majesty", the ambassador remarked, dabbing his lips with his handkerchief.

"Oh? And what pray tell may that reason be?" Argath asked. Probably the fact that I am a woman who rules her own kingdom instead of being the subservient consort to a male monarch, she thought scornfully.

"There is a rumor" Nicholas said, his finger-tips touching each other. "That Your Majesty had a hand in the unfortunate demise of your father."

Argath staggered backwards, as though she had received an unexpected blow. She stared at the ambassador, her eyes wide open.

How is this possible? She thought, sparks flying as the gears in her head spun rapidly. I thought I had squashed that rumor years ago. How can it have reached all the way to Gavroza? I better put Lorenzo on the job; he'll find out who the guilty party is. 

"By all the Gods!" She roared, bringing her fist down on the table with such force that the bowls jumped. "Who dare spread such vile and baseless rumors about Our person? When We find out who they are, We shall have them drawn and quartered!"

She put her hand on the back of Nicholaus' seat and thrust her face so close to his that the ambassador could see the thin wisps of smoke coming out from her nostrils. For the first time since he could remember, Nicholaus felt fear seize him. He had never seen the Queen of Vinoli like this before and he was afraid that she would forget that he was a foreign diplomat, whose person was inviolable and strike him, or worse. Instinctively, he bared his claws.

The Sound of claws being bared acted on Argath's anger like a bucket of water on a fire. She seemed to deflate like a balloon and took a few steps back, her expression now no longer conveying white-hot anger, but a deep sorrow over how cruel and unjust people could be.

"Forgive Us for loosing Our temper, ambassador" she said in a voice that sounded as if it was on the verge of breaking. "Its just..." She shook her head, as if in disbelief. "We loved Our father and it pains Us that some people are so cynical as to believe that that love was feigned on Our part."

"I understand, Your Majesty" Nicholaus said."It can not be easy for anyone to have such suspicions hanging over them. Rest assured that I, for one, regard them as nothing more than complete nonsense of no consequence."

At this point, Argath decided that the time had come to bring their conference to an end.

"Thank you, ambassador" she said. "We appreciate your support." Once again ,she offered her ring for the leopard to kiss. "Give Our regards to King Frederic and remind him of the friendship between his kingdom and Ours."

"I shall, Your Majesty. Farewell, it has been a pleasure and an honor, as always."

Just as Nicholaus was about to leave, there was a knock on the door. Argath bade whoever it was to enter and a shrew wearing a servant's livery appeared in the doorway.

"Forgive the disturbance, my Queen" the shrew said and if a voice could grovel, his would. "A dispatch has arrived for you. Its from General Jeraddin."

Argath and Nicholaus traded looks.

"Give it here" the Queen demanded, her heart pounding with excitement. 

She broke the seal on the dispatch using one of her claws, unfolded it and began to read. She then handed the dispatch over to Nicholaus.

"Here, ambassador" she said."We think you should read this yourself."

Nicholaus looked down at the cursive letters in front of him. Half-way through, he paused and shook his head, as if he could not believe what he had just read and yet, there it was; as undeniable as the existence of gravity or the changing of the seasons:

Guanaca had fallen.

Grim Fandango Revisited

"Ever cheated on your husband?"

"Mr. Calavera, there's no ring on my finger."

"There's no skin on it either."

-In-game dialogue between Manny and Meche.

Originally released in 1998, Grim Fandango was the penultimate adventure game made by the kings of the genre: LucasArts (sorry, Sierra), as well as their last truly great game (no offense to any Escape From Monkey Island fans out there).

I originally played Grim Fandango in the early years of the 2000s and, at the time, it immediately earned a spot among my all-time favorite games. With lots of water having passed under the bridges, since I last played it , I decided that it was high time for me to revisit Grim Fandango, in order to see if my feelings for it had changed since last time.

This time, I chose to experience the game in its remastered version, which was released by Double Fine back in 2015. This version comes with updated graphics and the option to play with the mouse (originally, Grim was only playable via keyboard), but besides that remains the same game as it was back in the late 90's.

For those of you new to the game, Grim Fandango takes place in The Land of the Dead; a dimension inspired by equal parts classic film noir and Mexican culture, particularly the Day of the Dead (it was actually via Grim Fandango that I first became aware of this holiday).

The Player assumes the role of Manuel Calavera a.k.a. Manny, a travel agent at the Department of Death, whose job it is to sell travelling packages to the recently deceased. Exactly what package you qualify for is based entirely on what kind  life you used to lead prior to your death: If you were an exceptionally good person, then you receive a ticket to the Number Nine; a state-of-the-art express train that will take you straight to the Land of Eternal Rest. However, if you've royally screwed up your life or been a real piece of shit, then you are stuck doing the job Manny does now, until you've paid off your karmic debt.

Things used to go well for Manny; he had a large office and was the top salesman on his floor. That's all in the past when the game begins though. Now, Manny's office is in what used to be the supply closet and his smarmy rival Domino gets all the good clients, leaving Manny stuck with no-good bums who, at best, only qualify for the Excelsior Line (i.e. a walking stick). Desperate, Manny decides to steal one of Domino's clients, the saintly Mercedes 'Meche' Colomar.
Unsuprisingly, Manny's plan backfires, causing Meche to lose her spot on the Number Nine and condemning her to wander the Land of the Dead on foot for four years, like any lowly sinner. Having been fired from his job, Manny, accompanied by his driver; the demon Glottis, embarks on a journey to find Meche and make things right. In doing so, Manny finds himself mixed up in a conflict between his former employer and the Lost Souls Alliance; a secret organization bent on uncovering the corruption within the Department of Death.

Out of all the classic adventures made by LucasArts, Grim Fandango has, by far, the best writing: Marrying the great comedy seen in games like Day of the Tentacle, with a genuinely gripping plot; one whose twists and turns keep the player engaged from the moment when Manny makes his first appearance on screen, to when the credits begin to roll.Personally, I'd say that the game reaches its heights during the second year, Rubacava is one of my favorite settings found in any game and as always, I found myself almost reluctant to leave it.

Great as the story may be, the game's greatest asset is its cast. Perhaps more than any other developer in the genre, LucasArts was known to populate their games with strong characters and Grim Fandango is no exception to that rule: Each and every character in the game, from the major players like Manny and Glottis, to the tiniest bit-parts, all have distinct, memorable personalities and are brought to life (or after-life) perfectly by their voice-actors. Some characters I love, others (like Domino), I love to hate, but there's not a single character in this game that has not left an impression on me, one way or the other.

Gameplay-wise (the most important aspect of any game), Grim Fandango comports itself well. In the past, I never had much trouble with the game's original keyboard controls, but I can't deny that being able to play the game with the mouse is a boon indeed. Puzzles are usually good as well; being challenging, but rarely a source of frustration. Although I've never been a fan of some of the more time-based puzzles, such as the one involving the player having to control a forklift in an elevator.

As you have probably guessed, my feelings toward this game remain unchanged. Grim Fandango will always have a place among my favorites, everyone who has an  interest in adventure games (or games in general) should travel the afterlife in the company of Manny Calavera at least once before they have to enter it for real.

Gallery

Siblings

"Mom is going to be fine, isn't she?" Risha asked, turning to her father with a concerned look on her nine-year old face.

"Of course, dear" Jeraddin replied, smiling.

He reached out and ruffled the fur on his daughter's head.

"Rose is with her, she is the best midwife in the district. She helped bring you into the World."

Though he had uttered these words with assurance, Jeraddin was far more worried than he let on. A couple years after the birth of their daughter, he and Nasari had decided to conceive another child. It had ended in a miscarriage and, as a result, Nasari had fallen into a deep depression. Risha had been too young at the time to remember it, but Jeraddin could still vividly recall that dark time in their lives.
Eventually, Nasari had managed to overcome it and life had resumed its normal course and now, their second child was about to be delivered. Though not particularly religious, Jeraddin sent a silent prayer to every deity whose name he could remember that the birth would be a success, not just for the child's sake, but the mother's as well.

"What are you hoping for?" Risha asked suddenly. "A boy or  a girl?"

Jeraddin thought about it for a moment. He loved his daughter; she was the apple of his eye and certainly if his second child turned out to be a girl as well, he would love her just as much.
That said, he could not deny that he was holding out hope for a son. He told Risha as much.

"Yeah, a brother would be fine, I suppose" Risha said in an exaggeratedly casual manner, her shoulders briefly touching her whiskers.

Time passed at a snail's pace. Soon, Risha's eyelids became heavy and she fell asleep. Albert the servant came by to ask if he should take her to her room.

Upon hearing her name, the young girl opened her eyes slightly and shook her head.

"No bed" she muttered, stifling a yawn. "I want to stay here."

Albert turned to his employer for the final decision.

"She can stay" Jeraddin said. "Just a fetch a blanket for her."

Albert left and returned momentarily with a blanket. Thanking him, Jeraddin took the blanket and wrapped it around Risha.

"I have some matters to tend to in the kitchen" the goat said. "I pray that the mistress will have a safe delivery."

"Thank you, Albert" Jeraddin replied warmly. "So do I."

 Having excused himself, Albert left once again. Jeraddin looked at Risha, who was visibly struggling with staying awake.

"Go to sleep" he said.

"Will you wake me when its time?"

"Of course."

At that moment, the sound of a door opening banished any thought of sleep from Risha's mind. She sat up straight in her chair and looked at her father: That was the door to the master bedchamber right now, wasn't it? The Next moment, Rose appeared in the hallway, wiping her paws on a towel.

"How did it go?" Jeraddin asked, rising half-way from his seat, the sweat of trepidation hanging on his brow.

"You can relax, General" the midwife replied. "Everything went well; the baby is born and both he and your wife are doing fine."

Jeraddin breathed a sigh of relief. He was about to ask another question, but Rose anticipated him:

"Yes" she said. "you may go in and see them."

This was all Jeraddin needed to hear. His eyes met his daughter' and then, the two lynxes rushed towards the master bedroom. Rose watched them go, shaking her head in amusement. Then, she sat down in the chair previously occupied by the house's owner, in order to get some well-deserved rest.

******

Nasari was lying in bed, nursing her newborn child, when her husband and daughter came in.

"How do you feel?" Jeraddin inquired, as he and Risha approached the bedside.

"I'm fine" Nasari replied. "Look, Jer, it's our son. Isn't he the most beautiful boy that you've ever seen."

Jerddin leaned down and looked at the tiny bundle that his wife cradled in her arms.

"Incredible" he said, shaking his head in awe. "He is the spitting image of his mother. Its like I'm looking at a tiny, male version of you, dear."

"He has his father's eyes though" Nasari said and turned to her first-born. "Risha, say hello to your brother."

Risha looked at the newcomer. When her parents had told her that she would soon have a little brother or sister, she had been opposed to the idea. Why do they need another one for? She had asked herself. They already have me, am I not enough? Then, as it had a tendency to do; Risha's fertile imagination had begun leading her down an unpleasant path.

"Are you guys tired of me?" She had asked, her voice quivering.

"Oh, sweetie, of course not" Nasari had said, wrapping her arms around her little girl.

"When the baby is here, it will take up most of our time" Jeraddin chimed in. "However, that does not mean we love you any less."

Risha had felt reassured by these words, though she was still not very keen on the idea. Feeling a sting of jealousy at the knowledge that soon, the days when she had a monopoly on her parents' affection would be gone forever.
Well, now that day was here and as she looked down at her brother, Risha could sense any lingering feelings of jealousy disappear. After all, it simply wasn't possibly to be jealous of something so tiny and adorable.

"What are you going to call him?" She asked.

"Well" Nasari said and looked at her husband. "There is a name I've always wanted to give a son, if we ever had one..."

"Any name you decide is fine by me, dear" Jeraddin said magnanimously. "What did you have in mind?"

Nasari looked down at her infant son and smiled.

"Leorin" she said softly.

"Leorin" Jeraddin repeated the name to himself then nodded. "Very well, Leorin it is.

"Welcome to the World, little Leo" Risha said, a smile brightening up her face. "I know you can't understand me, but I'm your sister: My name is Risha."

She leaned in closer and whispered:

"Just wait, when you get older, the two of us are going to have so much fun."

*****

"Leo, what are you doing in my room?"

From the bed he sat on, Leorin looked at his sister. She was standing in the doorway, wrapped in a large towel.

"Hi Sis" he said cheerfully. "The Door was open so I let myself in." He looked around the room. "You have a lot of books here. Have you read all of them?"

"No, Leo, I have not."

"Can you read one of them for me? Please?"

Risha sighed. Normally, she would be more than happy to oblige. Right now, however,she was not in the mood.
Summer was here and Risha had returned home from school for the holidays. She had been out on her daily stroll when the clear summer skies of the past few days, suddenly and without warning, had changed from blue pitch-black and a heavy rain had begun to fall over the roads and fields of the countryside. Risha had returned home completely drenched and all she wanted to do now was change into some dry clothes.
She was just about to tell the hyperactive five-year old who was currently dangling his legs on her bed to get out so she could do that, when her brother piped up again:

"This book looks interesting" he said, brandishing a slim volume that had been lying next to him on the bed.
Risha recognized it immediately; her eyes widened and a pink blush spread across her cheeks.

"Leo" she said, taking a step forward, one paw outstretched. "You better give me that book."

"It was hidden under your mattress" Leorin continued, paying no attention to his sister's demands.
"What was it doing there?"

He flipped the book open on a random page and stared at it with a puzzled look on his face.

"Sis, I don't understand what's going on in this picture. Can you tell me?"

He turned the book around so his sister could see.
Risha's blush assumed a deeper shade of red. She remembered an old story she had read once; it had been about a man who had killed his younger brother and although she knew she could never do anything like that to her own sibling, right now, she felt a deep sympathy for the man in the story.

"If I do, will you please get out?" She asked exasperatedly.

"I will."

"Fine" Risha sighed. "The Tigress was bitten by a snake and her friend is sucking the venom out. There, are you satisfied?"

Leorin seemed to consider this for a moment, then decided that he was and nodded.

"That makes sense" he said. "I'll leave you alone now, Sis."

Risha watched him get out of her bed and walk towards the door. Once she was alone, she opened her wardrobe and changed into a new pair of clothes.
Later, at the dinner-table Leorin turned to his father:

"Dad, can I ask you a question?"

"Of course, my boy" Jeraddin replied, putting down his fork. "What is it you want to know?"

"If one of your friends have been bitten by a snake and you have to suck the poison out, does it work better if the two of you are naked?"

"Is something wrong, sweetie?" Nasari asked Risha, who was bent over coughing loudly. "Do you need help?"

She was just about to slap her daughter on the back,  when Risha shook her head.

"I'm fine, Mom" she said, lifting her head up. "I just swallowed some water down the wrong pipe, that's all."