Chapter 85

 The Sudden tapping on her shoulder caused Risha's fur to stand on end. Cursing herself for not paying more attention, she turned around and was relieved to find that the person who had surprised her was none other than Merees.

"Damn it, Mer" Risha hissed. "You nearly scared the crap out of me."

Merees was about to apologize, when she noticed that Risha was gesturing for her to both get down and be quiet. She obeyed both instructions.

Just then, the two of them could hear the sound of a chair being pulled out and someone rising from it. The Lynx and the dragon both looked at each other and then, quickly crept around the corner of the building. They had barely done so, when the door opened and Grahm stepped outside. The Weasel looked in each direction, shrugged and went back inside.

"I'm sorry, hon" Merees said, once she and Risha had made enough distance between themselves and the pavilion. "I guess I ruined your eaves-dropping."

"It's fine" Risha said. "I think I had heard enough."

Merees gave Risha a searching look. 

"The People you were spying on" she said, rubbing her chin.  "They wouldn't happen to be countrymen of ours, would they?"

"I'm afraid so and they know that you're here."

"I see. I suppose my presence being discovered was inevitable. Although, I would have preferred if it had happened later rather than sooner. What else do they know?"

"Nothing" Risha said. "That's it."

She proceeded to tell Merees about her encounter with Alys, as well as what she had learnt from her snooping. As she did this, a thought came to her. It was the kind of thought that furrowed the lynx's brow and made her bite down on her lower lip.

"Something wrong, Risha?" Merees asked with concern.

"It's the Vinolians. What if they  make an attempt on your life while we're  here?"

Having made sure that there were no prying eyes about, Merees touched Risha's lips with her own.

"Don't worry" she said. "I am still their Princess, after all. I doubt that they will act against me on their own volition. Of course," she continued after a brief pause. "Most likely the Ambassador has sent word to Argath that I'm here and are awaiting her response."

"Then we have to make sure he does not get it". As she uttered this simple statement of fact, Risha traded the expression of worry she had worn, for one of determination.

****

Jeraddin was in the garden, practicing his swordsmanship on a training dummy, when he became increasingly aware that he was being observed.

"Yes, Flora?" He asked, without stopping what he was doing. "What is it?"

Flora was glad that her employer still had his back to her, so that he could not see her blushing. The Hedgehog had spent a minute drinking in the sight of Jeraddin's broad shoulders and chest, both of which were on full display. Her eyes had also wandered downwards, past the lynx's belly button, as she fantasized about the part of his anatomy that remained concealed by clothing; imagining its length, its girth and how it would feel in her paws, in her..."

With supreme effort, Flora banished these thoughts to deep recesses of her mind, to be plucked out and mulled over when she was alone.

"There's a message for you, Sir" she said, stepping onto the lawn. "Bearing the Royal seal."

Jeraddin lowered his blade and took the letter his housekeeper handed to him. 

"Flora" he said, having skimmed over the contents of the letter.  "Be so kind as to fetch me some water and a towel  and take out a new pair of clothes. Thank you."

****

Jeraddin had barely set foot inside the palace when he realized that something was happening. In the hallways, people from all rungs on the social ladder huddled together in small groups and talked in hushed tones to each other. The General was about to ask what was going on, when his ears and those of everyone else, were assaulted by a woman screaming. 

Ah, he thought to himself. So, that's what's happening.

Knowing what he now knew, Jeraddin was not surprised when he was shown into Argath's study and found that it was occupied, not by the Queen herself, but her right-paw. 

Lorenzo was standing with his back to Jeraddin, busily feeding something into the lit fireplace. On a nearby table laid two stacks of some kind of pamphlet. Looking closer, Jeraddin noticed a name written on them:

Cornelius.

Quickly, the lynx snatched up one of the pamphlets and hid it in his coat. Having done this, he cleared he knocked on the table and got the satisfaction of seeing Lorenzo make a little jump, before turning around.

For a moment, the fox stared at Jeraddin with his solitary eye, then his face was split by a grin.

"Ah, General Jerradin" he said. "Good of you to arrive so promptly."

"What does Argath want from me now?" Jeraddin asked, not returning the smile.

"Her Majesty is sending you to Frigonia. Apparently, there's unrest brewing there and the Governor has requested your aid in dealing with it.

"I see."

Jeraddin was about to leave, when Lorenzo told him to stay.

"There's another reason why you were sent for" the fox said.

"Which is?"

"Since its size have grown exponentially in recent years, the Queen have decided that management of her army is too heavy a burden to be laid on only one person. So, beginning with your return from Frigonia, you will be sharing your power with two other Generals."

"Both of whom are handpicked by Argath herself, I assume?"

"Correct. That's all, General, good luck in Frigonia."

Having left the study, Jeraddin went in search for Nasari, to tell her the news. While looking for her, he came across Faljan, who was pacing nervously back and forth. For a moment, Jeraddin considered congratulating the Royal Consort on his imminent fatherhood, but decided against it and simply greeted him with a respectful bow.

Poor fellow, he thought,having taken his leave of the fennec. He must know that his life hangs by a thread.

2014-2024

 Going through the archive I realized that this year marks the 10-year anniversary of Vik's All Purpose Blog (if we're going to be pedantic, it turned ten on May 5th, so that's when this post should have been made. Still, better late than never and besides, I doubt anyone noticed but me).

You may think I'm being presumptuous and silly, but I can't help but feel a modicum of pride knowing that I've kept this blog going for this blog for a decade (even if I feel I don't update as often as I perhaps ought to). I realize that, as far as accomplishments go, it's not terrible impressive. Still, it's better than nothing.

Anyway, I'd like to thank anyone who has ever read what I've written. Whether you stopped by once, came to the conclusion that I was a fucking moron and left vowing to never return, or are a recurring visitor (some of you must exist), you have my gratitude for giving my writings your time and attention.

Thank you.

The Visitor Revisited

 Author's Note: Decided to do a new version of one of my old stories. This is the result. 

A few hours journey away from the Vinolian capital lies an estate of reasonable size. At the time of our story, it belonged to an iguana named Maja.

Maja was a widow, her husband, a fellow reptilian by the name of Manfred had died six years earlier, under circumstances which will be revealed later in our story. Leaving Maja to raise their son, Felix (who was two at the time) by herself.

Aside from Maja and Felix, the household also consisted of a handful of servants, as well as a private tutor.

In his second year, Felix was almost carried away by an illness. His health had been a constant source of worry for his mother, ever since.

A few words about Manfred. Maja had first met her late husband in one of the capital's bookstores. Both of them had reached for the same book, their eyes had met and a spark had been struck between them. A tiny spark, yes, but one that would grow brighter with subsequent meetings. 

On this day, Maja was sunbathing on her veranda, while Felix played in the garden. She had almost fallen asleep, when she was woken up by her son's voice.

"Mom! Mom! We have a visitor!"

A visitor? Maja wondered. Who can that be?

She did not need to wonder for long. Following in the heels of her child, was a person Maja had not seen in almost a decade and had thought she would never see again.

"Hello, Maja" Argath said. "It's been a while. Missed me?"

****

Nine years earlier, Maja was sitting on the edge of Argath's bed, after the two of them had finished making love.

"I can't help but notice that you seemed rather preoccupied today" Argath observed. "Is there something on your mind?" 

"There is" Maja replied, after a moment's silence. "I've been seeing someone."

"That would explain why I haven't seen much of you lately. Is this person male or female?"

"His name is Manfred. We're getting married, in the spring."

Argath stared at Maja, it was the first time the iguana had seen her at a loss.

"Married..." Argath repeated the word, as if she had never heard it before. "Oh, well" she shrugged, "it's not like it will affect our relationship."

"But it does. Don't you see, Gath, once I'm wed to Manfred, I intend to be faithful to him. That means we can no longer be lovers, but I hope we can still be..."

Maja stopped, the look on Argath's face was unlike any she had seen before.

"Don't say 'friends' the dragon snarled. "Don't you dare."

Maja felt that maybe she had better leave. She stood up and was about to head for the door, when Argath grabbed her by the arm.

"I could kill you" the Crown-Princess' voice was soft as she spoke. "Perhaps I should."

"I'll scream" Maja said, a faint tremor in her voice. She did not try to get free of Argath's grip, knowing that it would be futile "Besides, how will you explain my body?"

Argath shrugged.

"Accidents happen, even in bed."

The Two of them stared at each other. Then, Argath relaxed her grip.

"Go" she whispered in a strained voice. "Get out."

With her heart in her throat, Maja left the chamber on unsteady feet. A few months later, she and Manfred were married. Felix hatched from an egg, half a year into their marriage.

****

Now, it should be mentioned that Manfred's parents had died when he was very young and so, he had been raised by an uncle. Said uncle was an official at the Court and as an adult, Manfred worked for him, which kept him away from home, sometimes for days.

Even so, their marriage was a happy one. Whenever he was home, Manfred did everything to make up for his absence, both to his wife and his son. 

Then, one evening, after Felix put to bed, Manfred revealed that he had been chosen to be a part of a diplomatic mission to the Kingdom of Guanaca. The Mission was to be led by Argath.

"And you've accepted?" Maja asked.

"Well, I couldn't exactly refuse a request from the Crown-Princess herself. Besides, it's a great honor to be chosen." Manfred frowned. "I thought you'd be happy for me."

"I am. It's just that, Guanaca is far away. You'll be gone for such a long time."

"I know. If its any consolation, I shall miss you and Felix as much as you'll miss me. Maybe even more."

Maja looked down at her hands. 

"How soon are you leaving?" She asked quietly.

"In three days, though I will spend those days with you."

Three days later, Maja stood in the harbor, lifting up Felix so that he could wave good-bye to his father. Neither husband nor wife knew that this was the last time they would see each other.

Why didn't I stop him from leaving? In the years to come, Maja would ask herself that questions many times.

*****

"Go find your tutor, sweetie" Maja said to Felix, who was tugging at her sleeve.  "I believe its time for your next lesson."

Felix was about to protest, but something in his mother's voice told him that he had better do as he was told. With a quick bow to their Royal guest, he disappeared behind the house.

"An obedient child. And polite too. You've raised him well."

Maja ignored Argath's comment.

"May I ask, Your Highness, to what we owe the honor of this visit?" She asked, as politely as she was able.

Argath made a careful study of her claws.

"Well, I happened to be in the neighborhood, when I was suddenly overcome by a desire to see you again. It's been so long and  during our last time together, I might have overreacted a smidge."

Maja's was aghast. Her eyes widened in disbelief.

Overreacted? She thought. That's one way of putting it.

"Since Your Highness is here I wonder if you would humor your subject by granting a request" she said, after a pregnant pause.

"But, of course" Argath beamed. "Your wish is my command. And all I ask in return is that you call me by name, like you used to."

"As you wish....Argath."

Had Argath been feline, she would have purred.

"Like music to my ears. So, what can I do for you?"

 "There's a question I want to ask you and I want you to swear that you'll tell me truth."

"Have I ever lied to you? Very well", Argath placed one hand on her chest and raised the other. "On my honor as a Princess, I swear to tell you the truth, cross my heart and hope to die. Is that satisfactory."

"It is."

"Glad to hear it. So, what did you want to ask?"

"Why did you choose Manfred to be part of your mission to Guanaca? I can't think of any reason. Unless..."

"Unless I had an ulterior motive. It's true, I did. My plan was to tell your husband about our relationship and how I would like to rekindle it. I figured that if he was open to it, any qualms you had would melt away like ice in the sun."

"You did, did you?"

"Can you honestly tell me that there haven't been moments during all these years when you missed what we used to have?"

Instead of answering Maja, merely looked away.

"Anyway", Argath continued, "it's not as if I wouldn't have been grateful to Manfred. Quite the opposite, I would have given him anything he wanted. Unfortunately, before I had the opportunity to broach the subject with him in private, he left this World. It was all in that letter I sent you, which I'm sure you still remember."

Of course Maja remembered the letter. It had been written in a dry, impersonal style and  the first lines had caused her legs to give out under her.

The Memory of that day made tears come into Maja's eyes. Had she been alone, she would have let them run freely down her cheeks. However, the thought of crying in front of a visitor made her feel embarrassed and so, she wiped them away.

She realized then that Argath was not watching her. Instead, the Crown Princess was looking up at the sky, her hands behind her back. 

"Tell me, Maja" she said. "Did you ever suspect me of having a hand in your husband's death?"

After a moment's hesitation, Maja nodded.

"The Thought did occur to me. After all, you did not take me breaking off our relationship very well."

"True. To be fair, you had just ripped out my heart and stomped on it."

Maja rolled her eyes.

"Please, you were with plenty of other girls while the two of us were together."

"Yes, but there's a difference between them and you, Maja."

"Oh? And what difference is that?"

"You're an intelligent woman, you'll figure it out. As for Manfred, I swear that I had nothing to do with his death. What happened to him was an unfortunate accident, nothing more."

"And what would you have done if he had refused your proposition?"

"I guess we'll never know. Though I don't think he would have. I might not have known Manfred as well as you, but I could tell that in some ways, he was a reptile after my own heart."

Maja could not think of anything to say to that and for a moment, silence reigned on the veranda. Eventually, Argath decided to break it:

"Well" she said jovially, while rubbing her hands together. "This has been nice, but I think I've imposed upon you enough. Farewell, Maja. I shall not ask for a good-bye kiss, but I'll gladly accept one if offered."

She looked hopefully at Maja, but received no response. The Iguana was staring down at her feet, evidently deep in thought. Deciding to take the initiative, Argath went up to Maja and kissed her on the cheek.

The Kiss brought Maja back to reality. Blinking a few times, as if newly awakened, she raised her hand to her face and touched the spot that had been in contact with Argath's lips.

Realizing that she was alone on the veranda, the iguana looked around to see where her visitor had gotten to. She soon spotted her, heading towards the gate, her cape fluttering in the breeze. 

At first, Maja merely stood there and watched as the distance between her and Argath grew. Then, she called out the dragon's name and, as Argath stopped, Maja hurried down to join her.

Chapter 84

 The Queen-Mother looked with interest at the person who was kneeling in front of her.

"You may rise" she said. "Welcome Genaria, Princess."

"Thank you, Your Majesty" said Merees.

As she got to her feet, the dragon looked up at the Queen-Mother. In her features, she recognized, though faintly, her own mother. Dead long since.

"Call me Isadora" the Queen-Mother replied in a friendly voice. "And I shall call you Merees. No need for formality between relatives, don't you agree?"

"Absoutely, Your...Isadora."

"I must admit, when I woke up this morning, a visit from the daughter of my great-great-aunt and the King of Vinoli was the last thing I expected. Speaking of which, though they come late, allow me to express my condoleances for the death of your father."

Once again, Merees thanked her relative and the Queen-Mother, deciding that it was time to get down to business, asked the Princess for the purpose of her visit.

"Though I'm glad to see you, I doubt you came all this way for a mere social call" she added. "Did Argath send you?"

Merees shook her head.

"No, although she is the reason why I'm here."

One of Isadora's eyebrows moved upward, she gestured for her guest to continue.

Merees inhaled. This was it, the time had come for her to lay her cards on the table.

"Forgive me if this sounds impertinent cousin" she began, "but were you aware that Argath planned on breaking the international treaty concerning Guanaca?"

"No"replied Isadora with emphasis. "When I learned that she had actually wed herself to King Faljan, I was about to send for the Vinolian ambassador and demand an explanation. Before I could, the ambassador himself showed up and requested an audience.

"And what did he say?"

"He was quite distraught. He assured me that he had not had any knowledge of what his Queen was planning, either." 

Isadora paused and let out a sigh.

"Frankly, Merees, I was completely  taken aback. To break a centuries old treaty? I might have expected it from a male, but from one of the few female rulers, beside myself? Even now, part of me still find it hard to believe that your sister would do such a thing."

"Half-sister. Sadly, I can not say that I share your surprise, Isadora. I'm afraid that Argath is capable of much worse"

And so, Merees proceeded to reveal the truth concerning the old King's death. How she had failed to prevent it and, how she, together with a pair of true and loyal friends had fled Vinoli, so as not to meet the same fate as her father.

"I do not ask that you believe my story" the Princess said, when she had finished. "I have no proof to offer that it is true. All I can offer, is my word of honor. As a Princess and as your kinswoman.

"Moreover" she went on. "You may wonder how this concerns you? Isn't her takeover of Guanaca proof that Argath is not content with merely ruling over her own nation? And, with the Desert Kingdom under her control, she will only grow stro...."

Before Merees could finish her sentence, the Queen Mother raised her right paw, indicating that she would speak and that the time had come for her visitor to be silent.

A bit later, Merees left the throne room, with Isadora's words repeating themselves in her ears:

"What you say make a sense. However, I am no dictator, who can declare war on another country as it pleases me. I must convey a meeting with my Council. You will be informed of our decision within the next few days. Until then, you and whoever travels with you, are my guests. And now, I must bid you farewell, dear Merees. It's been a pleasure meeting you."

I suppose all I can do now is wait, Merees thought. Time to reunite with Risha. Hopefully, waiting for me hasn't been too boring for her.

****

Merees did not need to concern herself; bored was the last thing that Risha was. 

Having discreetly followed Alys and Grahm to the Eastern Pavillon, she now crouched outside one of its windows. Though the window was shut, the lynx's fine hearing allowed her to hear what was being said on the other side of it, as though she had been in the room itself.

"I hereby declare this emergency meeting open" said a voice that Risha did not recognize, but realized must belong to her country's Ambassador. "Elro, tell the others what you told me."

"Yes, Your Excellency" an oily voice replied. "I was passing through the corridor outside the throne room, when who should I spot, but none other than our beloved Queen's sister, Princess Merees.."

"Who, fortunately, did not see you"interrupted the Ambassador. "Thank you, Elro, you may sit down."

There was the sound of a chair being pulled out. Then, the Ambassador continued:

"Princess Merees disappeared following the death of the old King. No-one has heard anything of her since then. Until today, that is.

We do not know for what purpose the Princess has come to Genaria and why she has sought an audience with the Queen Mother, but it is something we must find out and soon. Yes, Alys?"

"Just before this meeting I ran into General Jeraddin's daughter. I doubt its a coincidence that she and the Princess are both here at the same time."

"Interesting, and you're acquainted with the lady in question?"

"Yes, Your Excellency, we were at school together. If she is involved in whatever the Princess is plotting, than I'm sure I can lure it out of her."

That's what you think, Risha thought.

Just then, she heard a voice behind her:

"Hey! What are you doing there?!"

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.