Chapter 83

 On the same day that Argath received Cornelius' package, the merchant-ship that her half-sister had been travelling on, finally reached its destination.

"Well, my Lady" the Captain said. "This is where we part ways. I wish you the best of luck."

"The Same to you, Captain" Merees replied. "May all Deities of Sea and Weather look upon your ship with favor."

 She held out a graceful hand, which the Captain took in one of his flippers and kissed.

While the crew unloaded the cargo, the passengers disembarked. Once back on dry land, Kyros, whose wounds were now completely healed, turned to Merees and asked if she had any instructions.

"Find a place where you and your men can set up shop" the dragon said, handing the mountain-lion a pouch filled with coins. "In the meantime, Risha and I will be making a courtesy call at the palace."

As she and Merees trod the cobblestone streets, Risha thought back on what she knew about the country in which they currently found themselves:

Unlike most countries, the people in it worshiped only one deity: The Sun, which they viewed as female and the mother of all. Mothers in general were revered throughout this realm, since the ability to give birth was considered definite proof of the superiority of the female sex.

Makes sense, you may think. So, what about women who were unable to bear children, or choose not to have any? I'm afraid that they were not granted the same respect, with the latter being outright shunned. 

As for women such as Risha herself? The Official policy of the country's government was that they simply did not exist.

Which meant that, as long as they were here, there could be no public displays of affection between Merees and herself, not even something as innocent as holding hands. For the duration of their stay, Risha would play the role of Merees' servant and nothing more.

There were no guards posted outside the palace walls. Instead, the lynx and the dragon found their way barred by an imposing metal gate. Risha went up and knocked on it. Immediately, a hatch slid open and two eyes peered out suspiciously.

"Who goes there?" A  voice demanded. "State your business."

"Tell the Queen Mother that a kinswoman of hers from distant lands seek audience with her!" Merees called out in response.

The hatch shut and, from the other side of the gate, sounds of footsteps retreating could be heard. 

The Minutes crawled past with the speed of an unhurried snail. Then, the gate swung open and a tortoise, carrying a staff taller than himself, appeared.

"The Queen Mother has decided to grant you an audience" announced tortoise . "You may both enter the palace grounds."

"Finally" Risha sighed. "Well, then, take us to your leader."

She took a step forward, only to find her way blocked by the tortoise's staff.

"What's the meaning of this?" Merees asked. "You said..."

"I said that the Queen Mother will see you", replied tortoise. "Alone".

****

While waiting for Merees to return, Risha decided to explore the grounds. She went down a stairway and found herself in the palace garden. As she walked through the garden, occasionally stopping to smell a flower, the lynx's appearance caught the attention of several passers-by. One of them came up and, having introduced himself, asked her, with great politeness, if she wanted to go somewhere private.

Gagging on the inside, Risha, with equal politeness, declined. Then, so as to not arouse any suspicions, she explained that she was engaged and that she would only let her fiance touch her. Hence the short-sword that hung by her side.

After that, she was left in peace.

Feeling thirsty all of a sudden, the lynx stopped and drank from a fountain. As she did, she heard a voice behind her, calling her name. 

Risha's ears twitched and she frowned confusedly. Though unmistakably female, the voice was not Merees', but who else knew she was here? Perhaps she had just misheard?

"Excuse me" the voice insisted. "You are Risha, aren't you? From Vinoli?"

This time, there was no mistaking it. Risha turned around.

Standing in front of her was a ferret, wearing blue dress, decorated with a pin shaped like a dragon's head. A purse hung from a belt around her waist.

I know this, person, Risha thought to herself.

"That's me" she said out-loud, tasking her mind with trying to remember the other's name.

"I knew it!" The Ferret exclaimed giddily. "At first, I thought I was mistaken, but no. Do you remember me, Risha? I'm..."

..."Alys!" Risha's exclaimed, snapping her fingers. "We were at St. Alma's together."

"That's right" Alys said. "It's great to see you again" she added, reaching out and taking Risha's paws in her own.

"Likewise."

Truth be told, Alys' enthusiasm over their reunion left Risha somewhat perplexed. It was true that they had both been at St. Alma's, but they had belonged to different houses and had not had much to do with one another. In fact, their most memorable interaction had been when Alys had made a comment about Risha when the latter had been within earshot. As a consequence of that comment, the lynx had been sent to the principal's office and the ferret had been led away to the school's infirmary, a handkerchief pressed to her bleeding cheek.

Not even a decade had passed since that incident, but to Risha it seemed as if it belonged to the distant past, or something that had happened to two different people.

Well, isn't the case? The Lynx mused. After all, I'm no longer the girl I was and neither is she, evidently. Wonder what our past selves would see if they saw us now?

Alys' voice brought Risha back to the present.

"I'm sorry" she apologized "what did you say?"

"I said that everyone at St. Alma's were surprised when you did not come back for your last year. May I ask, why you dropped out?"

"It's... complicated" replied Risha. "I'm sorry, but I do not wish to talk about it."

"Very well, I won't insist. Though you can tell me what you have been doing since then, can't you?"

Risha shrugged.

"I belong to a band of professional adventurers. Lately, we've been working for a person of noble birth, that's all I can say for the moment."

"How exciting! So, that's why you carry that sword. Tell me, has it seen much use?"

"Some. What about you? How did you end up here?"

"I'm attached to the Vinolian embassy, as a junior diplomat."

It was evident from Alys' voice that she took a great deal of pride in her position and Risha obliged her by looking suitably impressed.

"I doubt its as exciting as the life you must lead", the ferret hastened to add. "But, it has its perks."

"I can imagine. So, how long have you had this job?"

"Since I finished school. I was approached by two employees of the Crown. They had had me under observation during my time at St. Alma's and had come to offer me a position. It sounded more interesting than joining the family-business like my brother, so I decided to accept and here I am."

"Do you miss Vinoli?"

"I do, but I take solace in the fact that I'm serving my country. My apologies, of course, I meant 'our country'."

Just then, their conversation was interrupted by a deep voice calling out Alys' name. Moments later, the two women were joined by another ferret, this one a male.

"This is my betrothed, Grahm" Alys explained, clinging to the newcomer's arm. "Grahm, this is Risha, one of my old schoolmates"

"Yes, you've mentioned her before" Grahm replied. He gave Risha a searching look, which made the lynx wonder what exactly Alys had told him about her? Could she have mentioned that one time? "Jeraddin's daughter. Right?"

"That's right", Risha said, taking the paw that was extended to her. "I take it you're a junior diplomat as well?"

"I am." Grahm turned to Alys. "Actually, that's why I came to get you. We have been summoned to an emergency meeting."

"Emergency meeting? What for?"

"No idea. All I can say is that its in the Eastern Pavilion."

"I guess duty calls" Alys sighed. " She reached into her purse and took out a small card, which she handed to Risha. "Our address is written on it" she explained. "Feel free to stop by when you have the time. I'd love to catch up some more and for you tell me about your adventures. Well, bye for now."

"Bye" Risha said, glancing at the card. She had only listened with half an ear to what Alys had said; her thoughts had been elsewhere. 

Could this emergency meeting have something to do with Merees' audience with the Queen Mother? Something told the lynx that this might very well be the case.

Anyway, there was only one way to find out for sure.

The Last Wish

 2023 is almost over and, so, I've decided to wrap up this year of blogging by sharing my opinions on a movie I saw fairly recently. 

Puss in Boots 2: The Last Wish, is an animated feature from DreamWorks that came out last year. While I'm not a huge fan of DreamWorks (though they have made some movies that I do like), the positive buzz surrounding this move, piqued my interest. Having seen it, I was not disappointed.

I should point out that I have not seen the original Puss in Boots movie, that came out way back in 2011. Prior to The Last Wish, I only knew DreamWorks' (and Antonio Banderas') take on the character from his debut appearance in Shrek 2. That said, as a sequel, Puss in Boots 2 stands perfectly well on its own, so watching its predecessor is not really necessary.

Visually, the movie definitely owes a debt to 2018's Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. However, while I enjoyed Spider-Verse, between it and The Last Wish, I consider the latter to be the better film. A major reason for this being that I found Puss' existential crisis, his struggle with coming to terms with his mortality, to be more interesting than Miles' rather standard superhero origin story. Other reasons include a more engaging cast of characters and the fact that adventure stories of this type simply appeal to me more than superhero shenanigans. 

Speaking of the characters, I liked our trio of protagonists, including Perrito (there's something you don't see every day; a comic-relief character who is actually funny. Imagine that). Character-wise, the best thing about this movie though, are its villains. 

Yes, I said villains, as in plural. Unlike most animated films, Puss in Boots 2 feature not just one main villain and a group of henchmen, but a minor gallery of rogues. There are three different villain factions in this movie, each one representing a different type of antagonist for Puss & Co to contend with in their quest for the wishing star.

First up is are Goldilocks and the three bears, here portrayed as a family of cockney-accented criminals. Goldie and the bears are the movie's sympathetic villains. Actually, an argument could be made that they aren't villains, so much as antagonistic anti-heroes. Aside from stuffing an old lady in a piano and kidnapping a dog (the aforementioned Perrito), they don't do anything outright bad. Sure, they are criminals, but so are Puss and Kitty. In fact, the movie could (and in some ways it is),  just as well have been about these guys, as it is about Team Friendship.

Next, we have 'Big' Jack Horner, who is the complete opposite. A villain of the old school, Jack is fully aware that he's an irredeemable monster and revels in it, even mocking the one character who tried to reach out to and find any semblance of goodness in this pie-making crime lord. What Jack lacks in nuance, he more than makes up for in sheer entertainment value.

But the greatest threat that Puss has to face is neither of these two, but Death itself, in the shape of a wolf. Relentlessly stalking our feline protagonist, his appearances heralded by a sinister whistling tune, Death is easily the most menacing villain I've seen in an animated film since Rango's Rattlesnake Jake and rounds out the movie's rogues-gallery, perfectly.

Entertaining and genuinely poignant, Puss in Boots 2: The Last Wish definitely ranks among the best DreamWorks films that I've seen and comes highly recommended.

That's it for me. Have a Happy New Year, Dear Reader and I'll see you in 2024. 

Back to Prydain

 When I was a boy, one of my favorite authors was the American Lloyd Alexander (1924-2007). I read all the books by him that I could find at the local library, including, naturally, what must be his most famous work: The Chronicles of Prydain.

For those not in the know, The Chronicles of Prydain are a series of five YA (I'm not sure the term existed back then, but that's what they are) fantasy books inspired by Welsh mythology. They chronicle the various adventures of Taran, assistant pig-keeper of Caer Dallben and his companions in the land of Prydain.

Seeing as how it had been almost twenty-five years since I last read these books, I figured that it was high time that I revisited them, this time in their original language (last time, I read them in Swedish). 

I finished the first two books in the series (The Book of Three and The Black Cauldron) recently and was gratified to find that they've held up really well. No, they are not masterpieces of the fantasy genre, but, I wasn't really expecting them to be. They are, however, enjoyable reads, with engaging and likable (except when they aren't meant to be) characters. My only real complaint is that some of the running gags, such as the strings on Fflewddur's harp snapping whenever he tells a lie, or exaggerates his accomplishments gets old fairly quickly. 

I suppose I should write something about the Disney film. Frankly, the movie is no substitute for the books, being one of Disney's weaker efforts. I know that the movie has its fans (is there any movie that doesn't have at least one person who genuine loves it?) and that's fine, but I'm not really one of them (though I will admit that its version of the Horned King is a memorable - if not top-tier- Disney villain).

The Books are a different matter though. I'm glad that I returned to Prydain and will continue journeying with Taran, Eilonwy and the other denizens of this country for a while longer. From what I remember, the last two books: Taran Wanderer and The High King, were the best ones, so I'm looking forward to revisiting them in particular.

In a Fix, In a Bind, Call on Us Anytime

 Every once in a while, I like to go back and revisit media that I have not watched/read since childhood, in order to see if they hold up. Most recently, I did this with two of Disney's animated features: The Rescuers (1977) and its sequel, The Rescuers Down Under (1990).

Now, as a young'un, I watched these movies in the reverse order from when they were originally released (as a matter of fact, The Rescuers Down Under is one of the earliest films I can recall watching) and so, for years, my opinion was that the sequel was the better movie. As an adult, this is no longer the case.

Credit where credit is due, there are certain aspects in which Down Under outdoes its predecessor: For one, It's undeniably a much better-looking film,(though the art-style of the original The Rescuers is not without its charm), with some truly impressive flying-scenes  and as far as child-characters go, Down Under's Cody is more palatable than The Rescuer's Penny. I also kind of liked Jake, the kangaroo rat and appreciated that the writers didn't go the obvious route of making him into a complete douchebag. 

As for each film's respective main villain; Madame Medusa and Percival C. MacLeach? I'd say they're about equal in my eyes. Neither is among my favorite villains (or even favorite Disney-villains), but they both play their roles well and are entertainingly loathsome (though MacLeach has the better animal sidekick; Joanna the Goanna is easily the best character introduced in the sequel and completely steals the film).

So, why do I prefer The Rescuers to its sequel? Well, one major reason why is that, although both movies are the same length,  the original makes much better use of its runtime, with every scene advancing the plot in some way. Meanwhile, Down Under gives way too much attention to the antics of bumbling comic relief characters, who either should have had their screen-time reduced (Wilbur), or be cut from the movie altogether (Frank). 

Another reason is that, despite the movie being called The Rescuers Down Under, there isn't really that much of the two titular characters in it. Bernard and Bianca does not appear until almost half an hour into the movie (and keep in mind that we're talking about a film that runs to a grand total of 77 minutes) and throughout the film, they feel oddly inconsequential. Though at least, Bernard actually gets to do things, unlike his colleague/love-interest. Poor Bianca is just completely wasted in the sequel. It's a shame, because she was a great character in the first movie, easily the most charismatic and engaging female lead to come out of Disney up until that point and would remain so, until the Renaissance Era.

Despite what I wrote above, I must make it clear that I don't think The Rescuers Down Under is a bad movie. Certainly, I've seen far worse animated films, including worse from Disney (if you put a gun to my head and forced me to chose between watching The Rescuers Down Under or Home on the Range, I'd pick the former without any hesitation). I simply do not agree with those who think that its an underrated classic, or superior to its predecessor.

And that includes my younger self. 

Chapter 82

 In her study, Argath was busy putting her seal on a stack of death sentences, when there was a knock on the door.

"It's Lorenzo, Boss."

"Come in."

"Sorry to bother you, Boss" the fox said, as he entered the room. "A package came for you. Naturally, I had someone open it outside. Just in case. "

"Good. What was in the package?"

"This" Lorenzo replied and handed over the contents of the package to Argath. The Queen studied it with mild interest.

"Seems to be a journal of some kind. Who sent it?"

Lorenzo shrugged.

"No idea, there was no return address."

"Thank you, Lorenzo, that will be all."

Once she was alone, Argath went back to her work. However, every once in a while, she found herself glancing at the journal, which laid on her desk. It was as if it was calling out to her: Open me, it seemed to whisper and learn my secrets. 

What the Hell, I deserve a break, Argath thought.

Her curiosity having thus won out, she reached for the journal and opened it. As she did, a piece of paper fell out and landed in her lap. Intrigued, the Queen picked it up and read the following:

Some time ago, I found this journal written by one of my ancestors and am now thinking of publishing it. Before making it available to the public, I send it to you, Your  Majesty. I hope it will divert you as much as it did me and would be greatly honored if Your Majesty would grace my humble home with her presence, so that we may discuss its contents further.

Your subject, Cornelius.

PS: I believe that Your Majesty will find what's written on pages 45-47 of particular interest.

Argath repeated the name of the sender thoughtfully to herself. The Last time she had seen the former Councillor was when she had banished him from court. Naturally, she had ordered Lorenzo to discreetly keep him under surveillance, suspecting that he might have connection to the underground Sharanist movement. However, nothing had turned up. It seemed that, too all appearances, Cornelius was content in living out the rest of his days in quiet obscurity.

Until now that is. Very well, let's see if what his ancestor wrote should be shared with my subjects.

Making herself comfortable, Argath flipped to the pages indicated in the letter and began to read.

A moment later, she put the journal down and summoned a servant.

"Tell Our litter-carriers to make themselves ready", she ordered. "We are going out."

*****

Aemon was working in the garden, when he heard someone knock on the front door. At first, Aemon waited for the maid to get it, only to recall that it was her afternoon off and that she was out.

Reluctantly, the cat put down the pruning shears and went to answer. Hopefully, this would not be another door-to-door salesman.

Upon opening the door, Aemon realized that he would have preferred the peddler.

"We have come to visit Cornelius" Argath said, with ice in her voice. "We trust that he's available?"

"He's in the drawing room" Aemon began, somewhat shaken by the Queen's sudden appearance. "But, Your Majesty, he..."

He stopped mid-sentence, as Argath swept past him, leaving Aemon to feel like a skiff that had just been cut off by a battleship.

Upon entering the drawing room, Argath found Cornelius reclining on a sofa, a blanket covering his legs. Next to him stood a table, with a stack of books and a few bottles of medicine on it.

"Your Majesty must forgive me for not standing up" Cornelius said in a calm, but hoarse voice, his face showing no surprise at this sudden and unannounced Royal visit. "As you can see, I am gravely ill."

One glance at Cornelius was enough for Argath to see that he was telling the truth. The Canine seemed to have aged one, maybe even two decades, since they had last met:  His fur was dull and lifeless and the gown he wore hung loosely on his limbs. 

"Your Majesty, on the other hand, looks like the very picture of health" Cornelius continued. "Then again, what else is there to expect of a mother-to-be? When is the heir to the throne due? A dragon's gestation period is two years, is it not?"

"Enough! You know very well the purpose of Our visit and it was not to discuss child-birth, or your health."

"Indeed. But, a woman in your condition should not be left standing. Why don't Your Majesty have a seat and then we shall talk of serious matters."

He gestured to a large armchair, which Argath squeezed herself into.

"So, what did Your Majesty think of the gift I sent?"

Before Argath could answer, Aemon joined them. Cornelius' partner did not know what the Queen was doing here (though he did suspect that it had something to do with the package he had seen the maid carry under her arm when she left the house), nor did he relish having her under his roof. Still, she was a guest and the cat took his duties as a host seriously. 

"Can we offer Your Majesty anything?" He asked, with great courtesy. "A bite to eat, perhaps? Or something to drink?"

"Thank you, no" Argath replied, her voice not thawing. "We won't stay long."

Since the Queen declined the offer, Cornelius did the same and with that, Aemon excused himself and went back out to the garden. 

"So this is how you repay Our kindness?" Argath sighed,  her voice like razor-blades coated in honey. "With blackmail. We are disappointed in you, Cornelius. We never thought you'd be capable of such...ingratitude."

"Your Majesty's definition of kindness differs from that of mine. I would hardly call having a person banished from court merely for speaking his mind a kindness."

"We do, We could have had you treated much harsher. It was only your age and the many years of service to Our Kingdom that stayed Our hand that day."

"I suppose I should be grateful. Though I can not help but think of the many who have criticized the government and was not granted the same mercy."

"Mercy? Argath snarled. "For traitors? Don't make Us laugh. Speaking of traitors, blackmailing your Sovereign is surely an act of high treason, wouldn't you say?"

"Indeed. However, I'd say that conspiracy to assassinate your Sovereign is even worse. Not to mention, going through with it."

Argath leaned forward and glared venomously at Cornelius. Oh, how she would have liked to wrap her fingers around his throat and squeeze until the head popped off. Alas, she knew that doing so, while momentarily satisfying, would lead to her own undoing. And so, she sank back into her chair, silently cursing Cornelius and his ancestor.

*****

The Next day, a proclamation was issued throughout all the land and this is what it said:

To All Our Subjects.

By Royal Command, We hereby declare the following:

The Censorship Bureau is hereby closed. Employees will be provided with new positions elsewhere.

Furthermore, the death penalty is hereby abolished throughout Our realm and, as a gesture of good will, We hereby grant amnesty to all those currently interned for having spoken out against the Government in the past.

Signed: Argath I, Ruler of Vinoli and its vassal-states Frigonia and Guanaca.

As expected, the announcement caused quite a stir. 

"This is great!"  One group of the population cheered. "It'll be just like when the old King was alive."

"The Queen must have lost her senses" grumbled another. "What good will this do?"

"This is a trick of some kind" muttered a third. "Better keep your heads down, or lose them later."

And what of the Queen herself? To answer that question, we must return to the previous day. 

Argath returned to the palace with a face like a storm-cloud. Having taken out her anger on the nearest handmaiden available, she summoned Lorenzo for a private conference in her quarters.

"So, as you can see, we are in quite a bothersome situation" she said, once she had finished explaining things to the fox.

"No kidding" Lorenzo said, letting out an impressed whistle. "Still, who would have thought that this ancestor of Cornelius' suspected you of plotting against Sharan? Not that he had any proof, of course."

"No. Did you know that my fa...the old King actually received an anonymous letter, warning him that a member of his own family wished him harm? I always wondered who sent that letter and today, I finally got the answer."

"I take it that the letter in question did not mention you directly, or we wouldn't have this conversation."

"Indeed, it was a vaguely worded, no doubt the ancestor wanted to cover his back, in case his suspicions turned out to be unfounded. "You know, Sharan actually thought that the letter was about Kheros and asked me to keep an eye on him."

"The Ancestor were much more open about his suspicions towards you in his journal though" Lorenzo reminded his mistress.

"True, damn his eyes."

"I suppose that this is not the only copy?" He asked, putting one paw on the journal.

Argath confirmed the fox's supposition with a movement of her head.

"Cornelius told me that he had multiple copies made and left in the care of people he trusted. Lorenzo, I need not tell you what the consequences would be if the contents of that journal were revealed to the public."

No, you do not, Lorenzo thought. 

Years after his death, the late King Sharan was still fondly remembered by the Vinolian people and why not? He had ruled them for several centuries, after all. And if there should surface a rumor that said that his own daughter had had a hand in his murder? Well, the fox and the dragon both knew that it may well light the spark of rebellion, turning even those among Argath's subjects that were now loyal against her. Especially, if said rumor came from the ancestor of a respectable person such as old Cornelius. 

Reflexively, Lorenzo brought his fingers up to his neck and down again.

"What do you intend to do?" He asked.

"What can I do? I have decided to acquiesce to Cornelius' demands. For now."

And what those demands were, you already know, dear reader.

"For now?"

"Cornelius is ill" Argath explained, "Gravely. Find out which doctor he consults and see if you can learn from them how long he has left."

"Once the old dog's dead and buried things will go back to the way they should be, eh, Boss?" Lorenzo sniggered. Then, he thought of something. "But, what if one or more of the people who have the copies decide to release them after Cornelius' death?"

"That is why you must also track down those copies while Cornelius is still alive. Use any means at your disposal, but do it discreetly."

"You can count on me.I shall begin my investigations immediately."

With those words, Lorenzo rose from the chair he had occupied and, with a bow to Argath, left.

The Queen stood up as well. She picked up the journal and tossed it into the fireplace. She then bent down over it and exhaled. 

As she watched her flames devour the hated object, the Queen's mood began to improve. She decided to send word to the kitchen to have some food brought up. 

Just then, she felt the baby kick her. She put one hand on her stomach.

"Just wait, my child" she cooed softly. "Mommy is not going to let that mean old mutt, or anyone else get in her way.  She'll destroy them all. Yes, she will."

Chapter 81

 As she and the others ran through the jungle, a thought entered Risha's brain, like an unwelcome guest:

What if something had happened to the boats? What if the island has destroyed them, or swallowed them up? 

If so, they would all be up the creek without a paddle, for there was no way they would be able to swim all the way back to the ship. 

Please, Risha prayed fervently in her head. If any of you Gods are watching this, do not abandon us in this place.

At last, they arrived at the beach, where the boats lay in the sand, just as when they had left them. Risha could almost jump with joy, but she feared that if she did, her legs would give out under her. 

She was not the only one. Many of the others were exhausted from their long run. However, they barely had time to catch their breath, before the first-mate began to bark orders:

"No time to rest yet, men! Get these boats in the water, now!"

"Wait!" Risha called out. "What about Kyros?"

The First-Mate shook his head.

"Look at the sky, we still have an hour, maybe two 'til sunrise and who knows what might happen in the meantime? Our enemies might decide to stop squabbling among themselves and come after us."

"So, you're just going to abandon him ? After he made sure that we could get away?"

"That was his choice. I have to think of the safety of everyone here."

"It's mostly your own safety that you think of" the lynx said, with scorn in her voice. "Back in the jungle, you seemed all too relieved when the leader of those savages told us that they would let us go in exchange for Merees."

"How dare you?" The First-mate growled. "Your attitude is starting to try my patience, lynx."

"Your cowardice is beginning to try mine" Risha growled in retort.

The Two of them each took a step forward and for a moment, it looked as if they were about to come to blows, when Merees stepped between them.

"Both of you, stop it."

The Dragon-Princess did not even raise her voice. Yet, such was the authority found within it, that the two antagonists immediately obeyed .

"For shame, you two." Merees scolded them,as they looked at their feet like a pair of abashed children. "This is no time to bicker amongst ourselves. Now, if Kyros waited to leave the clearing until after the last of us were already gone, then he must not be that far behind. Surely, we can wait at least another ten minutes?" She asked, turning to the first-mate.

"I suppose" the first-mate grumbled. "However, if there's any sound coming from over there (he pointed at the jungle) that signals the approach of those damn bats, we leave. At once."

"Agreed. Risha?"

Despite her current feelings of animosity towards the first-mate, Risha had to admit that what he said was not without reason.

"Fine" she sighed.

"Great" Merees said, satisfied. "Incidentally, does anyone carry a timepiece?"

A member of Kyros' group had one and so, they all settled down to wait for the mountain-lion to arrive. 

By now, the island had settled down, most certainly recuperating from the wounds that Risha and Kyros had inflicted upon it. If they hadn't already been told, none of those present at the beach could have guessed that they were standing (or sitting) on a living entity. 

But they did know and that knowledge did nothing to alleviate the unease they all felt.

Every once in a while, they looked back at the jungle. From deep within it, they could hear voices; the bats, still caught up in their own dispute. 

Suddenly, a new noise appeared on stage, one that silenced all the others. It was a high-pitched shriek and when those on the beach heard it, their blood run cold. 

In its wake came another sound,  even more disturbing than its predecessor.

That of wings, coming closer.

This time, there was no arguing, knowing the danger that was approaching, everyone scrambled to their feet and with a collective effort, got the boats in the water. Moments later, the splashing of oars in water could be heard.

In the second boat, Merees tried her best to comfort Risha.

"We had no other choice" she said, touching the lynx's shoulder. "You mustn't blame yourself."

"Who should I blame then? The First-mate? Or you?"

A sting had snuck into Risha's voice as she asked that last question, but Merees took no notice of it. Or at least, she pretended not to.

"Would it make you feel better?" She asked gently.

Risha was just about to reply that no, it wouldn't, when someone let out a cry:

"Look!"

Everyone looked in the direction the person who had yelled was pointing. Though the distance between the boats and the island had grown with each stroke, they could make out a figure on it, currently under attack by a quartet of island-dwellers.

"It's Kyros" one of the crew announced, quite unnecessarily. "Poor sod, he's done for."

"No, he's not" Merees said. "Stop the boat" she commanded.

The Rowboat came to a halt. So did its twin, which was a bit further ahead, but whose passengers were equally curious as to what the Princess was intending to do. 

Merees stood up, just as the boat was rocked by a wave, causing her to lose balance. Risha reacted promptly, wrapping her arms around Merees' waist.

Lynx and dragon smiled at each other.

"Thanks, hon" Merees said.

"No problem. I figured that you weren't planning on taking a bath. Your magic's back I take it?"

"Yes. I know a spell which should allow us to save our friend. It requires focus on my part though,  so...."

"Say no more, we'll keep our traps shut. Right, guys?"

Everyone agreed and silence settled over the rowboat. Turning her attention back to the island, Merees took a deep breath. She had not told Risha and the others that the last time she had just been a child when she had last attempted to cast this spell and said attempt had not been crowned with success.

This time, things will be different.

Sending a silent thought to her long-deceased tutor in the magic arts to watch over her, Merees took a deep breath and began...

*****

On the beach, Kyros continued his fight against the bats. A fight which, although he did not like to admit it, was not going well for him. The Mountain-lion was an experienced warrior, but his opponents both outnumbered him and had the advantage of flight.

Shutting his ears to the bats' taunting, Kyros concentrated on blocking their attacks, as best as he was able. In the corner of his eyes he could see the boats,  way out there. He might be able to swim out to them and if not? Well, drowning would most certainly be a quicker and less painful death than whatever his foes had in store for him.

Not that the bats were going to let Kyros choose. They kept circling around him, cutting off his escape route.

Did Kyros blame the others for not having waited? No, if anything, he blamed himself. Leaving the leader of the bats alive had been a mistake. Still, the leader had been unconscious at the time and Kyros could not bring himself to slay a defenseless enemy. He had done that, many years ago and had vowed to never repeat the experience. 

Of course, he might have been able to reach the beach in time, if not for the briar patch which he had fallen into. 

Bah, no point in ruminating on what could have been. Face it all, old boy, it looks like this is your final stand.

That's when Kyros' feet left the ground and, to the astonishment of his foes, he began to drift out over the ocean, like some sort of feline cloud. 

While at first, Kyros was just as taken aback by this new development as the bats, it didn't take long for him to figure out what was going on. Obviously, magic was involved and Kyros could think of only one member of the expedition who would be able to perform a feat such as this. 

Under any other circumstances, the mountain lion would likely have profited from the experience. How often was it that one of the wingless races got the chance to soar through the skies? At the moment, however, he was too exhausted to enjoy himself. All he could do was trust that Risha's lady-friend knew what she was doing.

*****

"Almost...there" Merees grunted through clenched teeth.

As Merees worked her magic, Risha gazed up on her in quiet admiration. Admiration which was only increased by the fact that her beloved was obviously struggling, her forehead shiny with perspiration and her breath coming in short bursts.

Despite this, Merees persisted, moving her arms as though she was pulling on an invisible line. 

Risha hugged Merees tighter, both to communicate her support, but also in the hope that somehow, some of her strength would be added to that of the Princess' own. 

That's when the 'line' snapped. There was a splash and Merees staggered backwards and collapsed on top of Risha. 

The Lynx extracted herself from underneath Merees. The Others were leaning over the side of the boat, looking in the direction where Kyros had fallen.

"He hasn't come up yet" one of them said.

"He wasn't that high up in the air. Surely, he could not have drowned."

Risha only listened with half an ear to the conversation around her. She was focused on trying to comfort Merees, who was lying on her back, breathing heavily.

"Failed again" the daughter of King Sharan mumbled weakly. 

"You did your best, babe" she said, patting the dragon's hand.

"Maybe, but my best wasn't good enough and this time, it may have cost a good cat his life."

"No-one is going to blame you" Risha tried to reassure her. And if they do, they'll have to deal with me, she thought.

They were all about to give up hope, when suddenly, Kyros' head broke the surface. A cry of cheer shook the boat and the next moment, the mountain-lion was helped into the boat, tired, wet, full of scratches, but alive.

"What was that you said about your best not being good enough?" Risha asked, nudging Merees with her elbow and smiling cheekily.

"Just don't ask me to do it again" Merees said, with a smile of her own.

****

In his quarters, the Captain had just finished listening to his first-mate's recounting of the events that had taken place on the island. Risha and Merees were also present, but not Kyros, who was being patched up by the Ship's medic.

"That's quite a story" he said, sucking thoughtfully on his unlit pipe. "I'm glad you got out of that place in one piece."

"Sir, shouldn't we make a report of this island in the next harbor? The First-mate asked. "So that other sailors might know to avoid it?"

"We will, but I fear that not many would believe us. No, other people will set foot on that island and some of them will not be as fortunate as you were."

Later, as they laid in bed together, Risha turned to Merees:

"Mer, there's something I've been meaning to ask you."

"What is it?"

"If Kyros and I had not wounded the island, would you have accepted the bat-leader's offer?  To become the next sacrifice in exchange for our lives?"

"I would have" Merees said, after a moment's pause. She stared up at the ceiling. "My father once told me that the needs of many outweighs the needs of the few, or the one. I would laid down my life to say you all, but mostly to save you."

"But you wouldn't have saved me" Risha protested. "Because I would have stayed with you."

Comics That Should Be Translated: Silence

Originally published in 1980, Silence is a graphic novel by the Belgian artist Didier Comés (1942-2013).Set in Beausonge, a fictional village located in the Ardennes, some decades after the second World War, it tells the story of its titular character, a young man who has been mute since birth.

Possessing considerable physical strength, Silence is nonetheless mocked and exploited by the rest of the village, particularly his 'master', Abel Mauvy, the richest and most powerful man in Beausonge. 

Not that Silence realizes any of this, pure of heart (or simple-minded, whichever you prefer), he knows nothing of hatred or the evil that dwells within the human soul.

However, an encounter with the blind woman who lives in the outskirts of Beausonge will change all that. It is this woman, known only as 'the sorceress' who will reveal to Silence the truth behind his origins and spur him to assist her in her revenge against the village who has made them both suffer. 

Silence made a great impression on me when I first encountered it in its Swedish translation many years ago and I'm happy to say that time has not diminished its potency. The Drama that unfolds is dark and utterly absorbing, blending the everyday with the fantastic and exploring several themes (good and evil, love and  hate, resistance against tyranny superstition, the treatment of 'the other' in society and so on). Comés' black and white artwork perfectly matches the writing, being very expressive and atmospheric.

As for the characters, Silence's innocence, his connection with nature and his empathy with all that lives makes him a moving and sympathetic protagonist, while  his antithesis, Abel Mauvy is one of the most striking portrayals of human evil I've come across in comics. 

As a rule, the characterization is superb, with each character from the blind sorceress, to her rival, the villagers and others all being memorable in their roles.

In conclusion, Silence is without a doubt a masterpiece. However, now that I think about it, its a bit strange that this is the only comic by Comès I've read, despite being aware of his other works for years. 

I think its about time that I did something about that.