Akira Toriyama (1955-2024)

 To my surprise (and sadness), I just learned that manga legend Akira Toriyama passed away earlier this month.

I don't think I've ever mentioned it on this blog before, but I used to be an avid reader of the Dragon Ball manga when I was younger. Every month, I used to go down to the local bookstore, or drugstore and see if the latest volume had come in and if it had? Well, needless to say, my day was made. 

I need not tell you of Dragon Ball's legacy. Its one of the most popular and influential comics to come out of Japan. What I will mention though, is its impact on the publishing of manga here in Sweden. 

Sure, manga and anime had been available in one form or another. before Dragon Ball. But, it was when Carlsen Comics decided to bring the adventures of Son Goku and his friends to the Swedish public, that the floodgates truly opened. I don't think its an exaggeration to say that Dragon Ball helped make manga and anime mainstream over here, in a way that it hadn't been before. 

Eventually, my interested in Dragon Ball began to fade (as a sidenote, I personally consider that Dragon Ball was at its best during its early years, when Goku was a kid/teenager and the comic was a comedic martial-arts/fantasy epic, influenced by Journey to the West), and today, there are plenty of other manga that I prefer over it. That said, I will always look back on it with fondness.

Rest in Peace, Akira Toriyama and thank you.

Dune: Part II

 This Thursday, my Mom and I went to the cinema together and watched the second part of Denis Villeneuve's Dune adaptation. Here are my brief (largely spoiler-free) thoughts on it.

As an adaption, Dune: Part II, is not completely accurate to its source material (though that was, perhaps, to be expected). Among other things, it reduces one fairly prominent character to a cameo and drops another completely. The Movie also diverges from the book in some significant ways, particularly in its depiction of Paul's and Chani's relationship. As a result, the film also ends on a different note from the novel.

Would the purist in me have preferred it if the film had stuck closer to its source material? Yes. Did I enjoy the film in spite of these liberties? Absolutely. 

Though I personally believe that the ideal format for a Dune adaptation would be an animated series, Villeneuve's films are the best adaptation of this classic work of science fiction that I can think of. 

Like its predecessor, Dune II looks great (this is a movie that demands to be watched in theaters) and, taken as a whole, the duology does capture the epic scope of Frank Herbert's novel. Acting is uniformly good and the only character who feels significantly different from their literary counterpart is Chani.

One quick final note: Part II does nothing to make sure that the viewer is up to speed. If its been awhile since you've seen part I, I recommend that you either re-watch it, read the novel (or, if you already have, re-read it). Alternatively, if you are feeling lazy, you can just look up a synopsis online.

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."