Rachel, Morag and I headed into the castle, past servants and men-at-arms.  We found King Connor with Prince Eacharn and Prince Lugh – who seemed to be discussing some last minute logistics problems with the army that was forming in the city around us.

 

                “Father, we’re back, and successful in our quest!”  Morag called out.

 

                “Huh?  Oh, pumpkin!  It’s good to see you!”

 

                “Father!”

 

                “Oh, I’m sorry, Morag.  Forgive your old dad?”  He asked apologetically.

 

                “Of course I will, Father.”

 

                “That’s good then… So why is King Castiel covered nearly from head to toe in dirt?  Have you been wrestling with the Wurms, Lad?”

 

                “No, your Majesty.  I wanted to relate to you our very good news, before I retired to get cleaned up and find some more appropriate clothes.”  I began.  “I figured our news was more important to your ears than a little dirt on my pants and shirt.”

 

                “Aye, well let’s hear it then?”

 

                “Princess Morag has informed me of her desire to join both our houses, by marrying myself and Rachel when the time is right… and we have both agreed.  I think it will strengthen the bonds between us – and between the memories you and my grandfather held in times past.  I think it will be good for all of us – and I wanted to let you know, first thing.”

 

                King Conner broke into a broad smile.  “Good!  Good!  This calls for a celebration – or at least some sitting down and talking it out.  Your mother will be excited to hear the news, Morag.”

 

                “I rather hoped she would, Father.”

 

                Prince Lugh smiled, and embraced his sister.  “Congratulations on your betrothal, sister.  I know this is something you’ve wanted for a long time.”

 

                “Thank you, Lugh!”  Morag returned the hug with glee, and smiled at her brother.  “I think Castiel and Rachel will be excellent spouses as well.”

 

                “Aye, welcome to the family!  You’ll forgive me if I don’t hug you until you’re a little less filthy?”  King Conner laughed.

 

                “Aye, your Majesty.  I’ll go get cleaned up straight away, and we can talk later.  I take it things have been put into motion?”

 

                “You might say that, aye.  Prince Michael and Queen Hemlock have begun raising a militia to assist in the defense of Callenden – it appears that your news of a spy in our midst was correct.  Have Tika talk to my spymaster – we need to ferret out who this is now before we leave the Kingdom for war.”

 

                “I will your Majesty, as soon as I am more presentable.”  I replied.  “May I have your leave?”

 

                “Aye, Castiel, you have it.  My daughter and I have some things to discuss in the meantime.”

 

                I nodded, and took Lady Morag’s hand.  “Until later, then.”

 

                Morag looked surprised, but pleased.  “Until later.”

 

                I motioned for Rachel to join me, and I headed out of the room towards our chambers – I really did want to get cleaned!

 

                “What the hell was that?”  Rachel asked quietly.

 

                “What the hell was what?  Me being nice to Morag?”

 

                “Yes, but that’s not the way I meant it.”  She sputtered, sounding frustrated.

 

                “Rachel…  You know I have feelings for you.  They are undiminished, I assure you.  But if I’m going to be marrying two women, I refuse to treat one like a prop.  You’ll be my wives… and I intend to treat you both like my betrothed, and then my wives.  That does not include taking her to bed – unless in time we both want it, and you’re okay with it.  I refuse to treat either of you as less than the other.  It would be stupid, and I’m tired of being stupid.   Do you want your sister wife to be treated like she’s less than you?”

 

                Rachel gritted her teeth, and held her tongue, thinking about her words.  “I was just a bit surprised, Cass.  Do you like her?  Physically, I mean?”

 

                “Honestly, I would be lying if I said she wasn’t attractive, and I haven’t had lewd thoughts.  She’s a smart, intimidating and charming woman.  If we three mesh well in the future, I could see her at our side in all ways – if you permit it.  That being said, Rachel, I love you.  I proposed to you.  I gave you my grandmother’s ring – not Morag.  Take that as some reassurance.”

 

                “I… I will, Cass… It’s just being stuck half-way like this – neither man nor woman – plus all the self-doubt that goes along with it and my dysphoria… I guess I’m just worried that I’m not good enough – or not woman enough for you.”  Tears started welling in Rachel’s eyes.

 

                I wrapped Rachel in a tight hug, her head on my chest.  “Rachel, I love you.  I love you as you are, and as you will be.  If it wasn’t for your Ritual needing you to be chaste, I would take you to my chambers and show you how much I love you right this moment – but I will not ruin that for you.”

 

                “I… I know you love me, Cass.  I guess I just need to hear it sometimes, especially when I feel weak.”

 

                I took my girls’ face in my hands and looked straight into her eyes.  “Then I shall say it so often, you sicken of hearing it.  I love you, Rachel.  You are my light.”

 

                Rachel smiled, and leaned forward and kissed me – lightly, on the lips.  “Thank you, Cass.”

 

                “Anytime, Rache.”

 

                She smiled, and we walked on.

 

 

*              *              *

 

 

                Later, after a much needed bath and some clean clothes, I found myself looking into a luxurious full length mirror in my suite – and was a little surprised at what I saw.  I was tall and strong – I knew that intellectually, but seeing it – with a muscled physique and six pack abs, but lean, like a runner or swimmer instead of a body builder – was a bit of a shock.  I was smooth and hairless – and I liked it, and the thought of huge bulging muscles honestly made me throw up in my mouth a little.  I felt good.  No wonder Rachel and Morag thought I might be attractive!  My face looked different without its facial hair – a bit softer, but no less strong for it.  It was a pretty good face all in all – not too soft or flabby, not to angled or hard.  Just right.

 

                I smirked at my vanity.  I hadn’t been like this before I discovered my other side – Cassandra.  Now I cared about how I looked and presented.  Then again, was it vanity – or was I finally taking pride in being me, instead of someone else?  I tore myself away from the mirror, and went to get dressed – King Connor and his wife would surely like to talk to Rachel and I this evening, and I shouldn’t keep them waiting.

 

                I got dressed – the clothes from Ser Eldergleam were still some of the best I’d ever seen.  I’m definitely going to go back and get a few more outfits when this is all done, I thought.  I can just see his slogan now… “It’s worth the walk to Ender’s Hollow!”  I snickered to myself, and smoothed out my jacket – I looked awesome!  The very picture of a young king, or noble vigilant!

 

                I left my suite and headed over to Rachel and Alyssa’s room – there was no sign of Sir Fionn, or Eacharn at the moment.

My gentle knocks were met with Alyssa calling out “Just a moment.”

 

                The door opened, and I found myself with Alyssa, dressed in a lovely gown that I was absolutely sure she did not own yesterday…  “That’s a lovely dress Alyssa.  You look great!  Is Rachel nearly ready to head down to dinner with me?”

 

                “Aye, Cass.  She’s just getting some of her hair done.  A few of the maids are assisting us.  Would you like to come in?  Oh – and thank you about the dress.  Lady Morag sent some of her clothes over for us to borrow, which was very kind.”  Alyssa smirked and twirled a bit.  “I’ve never owned a dress so fine.  I think it suits me!”

 

                “I think so, too Alyssa.  Thank you.”  I stepped into the room, and saw three young ladies braiding Rachel’s hair and putting it up into a beautiful crown of locks on her head, decorated with silver beads and jewels.  She looked like a princess – or a queen – and I couldn’t help but smile with pride.  She was beautiful – and she’d only become more beautiful when she completed her transformation – like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly.  My heart ached with happiness for her. 

 

                I waited quietly, as Alyssa went back to assist the maids in taming Rachel’s locks into submission, and I wondered idly what my life would have been like if I had remained Cassandra instead of Castiel.  Maybe it would have been me in a beautiful dress, with my hair in braids.  Although part of that did appeal to me, I realized I was more than satisfied with being Castiel.  I couldn’t help but smirk at the idea of Callenden having three queens.  That would be gigantically strange, at least from an Earthly perspective.  I wasn’t sure about the Mercian view – but the way they took everything else about relationships in stride, it probably wouldn’t be considered too strange at all.

 

                Finally, the maids and Alyssa pronounced Rachel as being done, and they released her from their clutches!  She looked stunning, her long locks woven and braided with silver into a crown of hair that would have to suffice until I could place a real one upon her brow.  She looked glorious and beautiful, and I couldn’t have been prouder!

 

                I heard another knock at the door, and waved Alyssa away.  “I got it.” 

 

                I opened the door to see Eacharn!  “Hey, Eacharn!  How are you doing?”

 

                “I’m doing well, Milord.” He smiled.  “I just came to see if Alyssa would like me to escort her to dinner.”

 

                “Personally, I think she’d love it, but why don’t you ask her yourself?”  I turned to Alyssa, and motioned for her to come over.  “Prince Eacharn is here to see you, Alyssa.”

 

                “Hello, milord Eacharn.”  Alyssa replied, curtseying with her lovely dress, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks.  “It’s kind of you to think of me.”

 

                Eacharn smiled back, and took Alyssa’s hands.  “Always.  My thoughts rarely strayed from you, save when I was working.  Would you like to accompany me to dinner?”

 

                Alyssa blushed a bit stronger, and nodded.  “Aye, milord.”

 

                “And would you do me the same honor, Rachel?”

 

                “Of course, Castiel… But we should wait for Tika.”

 

                “Where is Tika?” I asked.

 

                “Right here, Cass!”  A tiny voice called out, and Tika emerged from behind one of the maids, wearing a tiny gown so perfect, and so obviously designed for a reechi woman, it was divine.  Tika looked so happy she was in heaven, and twirled the skirts of the dress to and fro just in the sheer joy of seeing the dress move on her.  “I’m ready.”

 

                I walked over, and offered Tika my hand, and she clambered up onto my shoulder.  “Thank you, Cass.”

 

                “No problem.”  I whispered to her.  “I know how careful you are about being trod on.”

 

                Tika nodded, and looked relieved.  I took Rachel’s hand, and we headed down to dinner.  The dinner discussion tonight would be rather interesting, I thought.

 

                When we arrived at dinner, King Conner and his wife Elissa were already waiting, along with Prince William, Prince Lugh, Princess Morag, and young Prince William, along with High Priest Kendall Serano, and two people we didn’t recognize – a man about William the elders’ age, with a distinct family resemblance – he must be King Roderic from Northhame, with his wife – and one we did.  Sitting next to King Conner was Alistair the wise, King Collin’s most trusted advisor!

 

                “Alistair!”  Prince Eacharn exclaimed.  “You escaped!  I’m glad!  How is it that you are here?”

 

                “Simple, my Prince.  Your grandfather planned for my escape, just as he did yours.  I have news.  You should join us.”  Alistair rose, and nodded in deference.  “Welcome, King Goeffrey.”

 

                “Thank you, Lord Alistair.  Of course we will join you!”  I motioned for our party to join the royals, and we all sat at our given places. 

 

                “How was your journey, Lord Alistair?”

 

                “Uncomfortable and as swift as I could manage, your Majesty.  Although your grandfather may have arranged for my escape, it was neither quick nor pleasant.  You should know that Lord Michael, your uncle, and Queen Hemlock are raising a militia to add to their already substantial armed forces.  King Collin, gods rest his soul, also warned me that his wife was a deadly sorceress with Body magic – a Flesh shaper of terrible power.  He gave me something that might aid you.”  Lord Alistair reached into one of his pouches and withdrew a potion – a vial of white viscous fluid.

 

                “He said to me that he arranged to have this made at great expense, in great secrecy.  It is a potion that may remove some or all of Queen Hemlocks ability to cast magic, for several hours.”

 

                “Lord Alistair?”  Alyssa began.  “Is it made from Hankle root, Audorin root and Bitter Krovas leaf?”

 

                “Ah!  So you’ve heard of the formulation, then?  It has those things, and more – some rare herbs from the jungles of Laeron, and some more imported from the realm of Lytherane, to the west.  It is most potent.  I am afraid the King knew his days were numbered – I’ve had this vial in my possession for over six months.  I was to bring it to his heir, when things went badly.  He named you true heir, Geoffrey – and I have the paperwork with his signature and seal to prove it.  Prince Michael and Queen Hemlock are now pretenders to your throne.”

 

                “This is excellent news.”  King Conner replied.  “These young ones have just gathered enough ingredients for a similar potion, which gives us twice the chance to stop that bitch.  And with your proof, we might be able to get some of Prince Michael’s troops to defect to our side…”

 

                “Indeed, that would be excellent.”  I began, “But we cannot assume his men will flee his ranks because of a piece of paper.”

 

                “I’m glad you see it that way, Castiel.”  King Conner replied.  “You’re right of course – but it will lend legitimacy to your claim in the eyes of the people – and that can go a long way as well.  It should not be discounted.”

 

                “Then this is good news?”  Rachel asked.

 

                “Aye, Serra Wilson.”  Lord Alistair replied.  “As good as can be had in times like these.”

 

                Suddenly, without warning, Tika leapt away from her place at the table, knocking King Conners wine cup into his lap – and raised her hand while concentrating on a spell! Before anyone could react, a trio of long barbed darts of wood shot from her hand, impaling a woman in serving garb through the arm, shoulder and leg – and pinning her to the wall behind King Conner. 

 

                Cries of outrage rose as everyone at the table drew weapons or stood, alarmed and angered – and above all the raised voices, came the wails of the impaled serving girl, screaming in pain from her injuries!

 

                “What’s the meaning of this, little one!?”  King Conner called out, waving back his guards for the moment.

 

                “That woman… She put something in Castiel’s cup – and yours as well, your Majesty.  I think she’s the spy I’ve been looking for!”

 

                “Do you have proof of this, Tika Calhoun?”  King Conner demanded.  “This is Darla.  She’s been in my service for over ten years.”

                “Check Castiel’s cup!  I’m sure she poisoned it!”  Tika replied.  “Don’t drink it Cass!  I saw her put something in it!”

 

                “I believe you, Tika.”  I said, gently.  “We’ve been friends since we first arrived. I trust you.”

 

                “Thank you, Cass.”  She said, relieved. 

 

                “Alyssa, is there a way to tell if this is poisoned?”  I asked, motioning to the cup.

 

                Meanwhile, Prince William searched Darla’s pouches, and came up with a small red vial.  “What is this, wench?  Poison?”

 

                Darla turned to Prince William, and snarled.  “I could have killed you all a dozen times over these past few years.  Damned Reechi!  How did you find out?”  She said, sealing her fate.

 

                “The plants in the garden heard you talking.  They told me what you said.  It only took me this long to find you because plants aren’t good at describing people.  All they knew was your smell… Lavender and soap, and tincture of Canubar.”

 

                King Conner looked at Darla, and spat on her.  “Take this traitorous bitch away.  She’ll be dealt with soon enough.”  His guards quickly moved to comply, and the injured woman was taken away…

 

                “Thank you for your help, Tika Calhoun.”

 

                “It was my pleasure, your Majesty.”  Tika replied, blushing.  “I couldn’t let you or Castiel get hurt!”

 

                “Your bravery will not go unrewarded, Serra Calhoun.”

 

                “I didn’t do it for a reward, but thank you, your Majesty.”

 

                Queen Elissa motioned for the food to be removed from the table, but Alyssa motioned for her to wait.  “I’m sorry, your Majesty, but there may not be a need to throw out all this food.  To be honest, I feel the fool here.  I possess Sight magic – I should be able to detect if there is poison here, had I previously the wits to seek it out.  I am sorry I was so stupid to not look before now.”

 

                Queen Elissa smiled kindly at Alyssa, and nodded.  “It’s not stupidity, young lady.  You simply aren’t used to courtly life and intrigue.  Now that we now you have this skill, would you mind using it, not only now, but at every meal henceforth until this nasty business is set aside?  It would be a shame to waste this feast provided by the kitchens, and it would ensure future meals are untroubled by death and disaster.”

 

                “Of course, your Majesty.  And thank you.”  Alyssa concentrated, and scanned the table.  “There is poison in Castiel’s cup – and in the remains of the King’s cup.  There is something I think may be poison in this dish…” She said, pointing at what looked like a cooked pheasant that had yet to be touched.  “…and that I think is all, save for the poison in that vial, Prince William.”

 

                “Thank you, Alyssa.”  I replied, giving my cup to a servant to dump.  “Would you mind casting that spell a few times each meal, at random intervals, until further notice?”

 

                “No problem at all, Cass. Gladly.  Alyssa replied, Eacharn giving her a small hug in congratulations.

 

                After a few minutes of cleaning away the offending dishes and cups, everyone relaxed and sat down at the table once more.  King Connor leaned over to me and spoke.  “King Castiel, I can see you are unused to such things.  This is yet another thing you may have to get used to, if you are to stay here in Mercia and rule.”

 

                “Aye, I can see that, your Majesty.  It seems I will need eyes in the back of my head.”

 

                “Aye, and so will your friends.”  Princess Morag replied.  “I guess this is your first lesson in statecraft, Castiel.  Be careful who you put your trust in.  We trusted Darla, and tonight it nearly cost me my father – and my future husband.”

 

                “And now, thank you to my lovely daughter, we come to the good news of this evening!”  King Conner began.  “King Castiel has decided he will take both my daughter, Morag, and Serra Rachel Wilson, to be his wives in matrimony, shortly after Serra Wilson completes her Twin Soul ceremony on the first of Harvestide.  I’d like to be the first in offering them my blessings, and well wishes!”

 

                “Thank you, your Majesty.”  I replied, followed by Rachel.

 

                Queen Elissa smiled at us all.  “I’m so happy for you all.  I can’t wait to help you plan the wedding.”

 

                “Aye, congratulations sister.”  Prince Michael, Prince William, and Prince Roderick exclaimed.

 

                “And congratulations to you, Rachel, on your engagement.”  Prince Eacharn added. 

 

                Rachel blushed, and smiled.  “Thank you, Eacharn.”

 

                “I know this wasn’t exactly what King Castiel and Serra Wilson had in mind, but I think working together we can become what we need to be to rule Callenden wisely and well, and bring stability to the nation… Plus, joining our two houses will make us both stronger for it.”  Princess Morag stated.  “And I hope that we can be friends, and not rivals, Rachel.”

 

                “I hope for that, too, Lady Morag.”  Rachel replied politely.  “Although I am still getting used to the idea.  I think in time, we will be friends.”

 

                “I am glad for that.”  Morag replied with a smile, turned to both Rachel and Castiel.  “Where is Sir Fionn this evening?”

 

                “I do not know.”  I replied.  “I hope he’s well.”

 

                “We’ll find him after dinner, Cass.”  Rachel said, taking my hand.  “I’m sure he’s fine.”

 

                “Yeah.  I guess with all the chaos tonight I’m just a bit worried.”

 

                We turned our attention back to the table, and the dinner chatter.  For the next hour or so we ate, discussed the matters of the day, and dealt with more congratulations about our engagement.   Later, after dinner was cleaned up and we sat over flasks of ale, King Conner addressed me.

 

                “Are you ready for war, Castiel?”

 

                “I’m as ready as I can be, Connor.  I know there’s a lot I don’t know, but I’m as ready as I can be.”

 

                “Good.  Good.  You should know that we’ll be ready to march on Callenden in three days.  Be ready… We leave at dawn three days hence.”

 

                I nodded.  “I will be.”  It was finally happening.  In three days we would be marching to war – and nothing was guaranteed.  We would win, or we would die.  I gulped in nervousness, but buried my fear within me.  I was a Vigilant of the Twins.  I would not be afraid.

 

 

*              *              *

 

 

                Sir Fionn shook his head at the situation he was in.  Here we are, deep in the dungeons of castle Erevale, following Kip, Tika’s adopted cat.  And why am I following Tika’s cat Kip?  He thought to himself.  Because I found him in the garden with a human finger in his mouth.

 

                “Lord Garret, you seemed to recognize the signet on the finger Kip found.  Is it important?”  I mean, he should know, Fionn thought.  He is King Connor’s spymaster after all.

 

                “Aye.”  Lord Garrent replied.  “I recognized it.  It belongs to Sir Janiver – he gave it to his wife six months ago.  She’s one of queen Elissa’s ladies in waiting.  The problem is, is that as far as I know, Sir Janiver and his wife Donella are alive and well – and not missing any fingers.”

 

                 “And that’s why we’re following the cat to find out…”

 

                “Exactly.”

 

                “How long have you been able to speak to animals, Lord Garret?”

 

                “Since I was a child.  I’ve found that no one pays attention to what they say in front of the dogs and cats, and it’s aided me well in doing my job for King Connor.”

 

                “Aye, our reechi friend Tika has found much the same with the plants.  That’s how she ferreted out that there was a spy in the first place.” 

 

                “Sir Fionn, in my experience, I have found there are always spies.  You count yourself lucky if you know who they are.  Even King Roderic, King Connor’s son, has a spy in court.”

 

                “Truly?”  I asked.

 

                “Truly, although I suspect he wouldn’t see it that way.  Prince William the Younger – Bill as they call him – corresponds frequently with Roderick and shares more information about court than he probably should… but they are family, so it seems innocuous enough… Until it isn’t.”

 

                “Are you saying Bill is a traitor?”

 

                “Hardly.  I’m saying Roderick is using his nephew as an information source – which could be seen by others as a spy.  Every court has them – in spades – and so will the courts of your young friends, King Castiel and Rachel, and Lady Morag.”

 

                “Hrmm.”  I muttered, thinking about that tidbit.  Were they prepared for that?  I doubt it.  “Where are we now, Lord Garret?”

 

                “I think I’d place us somewhere in the dungeons underneath the east tower.  We haven’t used this area much in the past few years – there’s been precious little need for the dungeons, with the years of peace and stability we’ve had.  This whole area was mostly closed off for a time.  Kip says we’re almost there.”

 

                “Kip’s a good boy.”

 

                Lord Garret laughed.  “Kip says ‘You’re damn right I am.’”

 

                “Cheeky bugger.”

 

                “You can’t blame a cat for having an attitude, Sir Fionn.”  Lord Garret chuckled.

 

                “I suppose not.”  I laughed in return.

 

                About that time, we came to an iron gate – locked – barring our path.  Kip easily fit through the bars, and awaited us on the far side, mrowing.

 

                “This shouldn’t be here.”  Lord Garret muttered, while fishing in his pouches for some lockpicks.  A few moments later, the gate was unlocked, and we were past it – and oddly enough, the gate opened quietly, without any screech of metal on metal – it was well oiled.  “Someone has been down here, and recently.”

 

                “Be wary, then, friend.”  I said, drawing my sword.  Reaching out with my Vigilant senses, I could sense no evil – but that didn’t mean we were safe.  Not yet.

 

                We searched the hall beyond the gate, and a few side rooms before we found anything interesting – right around the time we started to smell something very reminiscent of death and decay.  Lord Garret called me over – and pointed at a small alchemy lab set up on a table, next to some oil lamps.

 

                “Somebody has been brewing poison.”  He said, sniffing some of the vials and beakers.  “This is bad.”

 

                “Aye, and something down here is dead and rotting.”  I replied. 

 

                “Kip says it’s this way.”  Lord Garret replied, and headed down a side tunnel, following Tika’s cat.  A few moments later, the stench of death grew stronger – but we could see no bodies… But what we did see were the corpses of three rats that Kip had killed and eaten.  “Kip?  Is this where you found the ring?”

 

                “Mrow!”  Kip replied. 

 

                “He says the rats were fighting over it.  I’ll bet good coin that there’s at least one body nearby.”

 

                “Then we’d best seek it out.”  I said, motioning for him to spread out and search, while I did the same.  It didn’t take long.

 

                “Fionn!”  Lord Garret called out.  “Over here!”

 

                “What have you found?”

 

                “Bodies.  Three of them.”  Lord Garret said grimly.  “Lady Donella, the wife of Sir Janiver, one I can’t identify – it’s too far gone into decay – and the last one I think is – or was – Prince William’s new manservant, Clay.  His old manservant retired six months ago, and Clay was brought in to replace him. 

 

                “And I presume Clay seems to be alive an well?”

 

                “Aye, as does Lady Donella.”

 

                “So if Lady Donella lies dead, here, then who has been sharing Sir Janiver’s bed these past few months?”  I asked.

 

                “I know not… but I suspect he’ll want to know as well.  The only way this could be done is by Flesh-shaping, to perfectly duplicate someone’s appearance.  They were slain, and others were shaped to take their place.  We have a serious problem.”

 

                “Aye.  This appears to be Queen Hemlock’s doing.  We should tell the King.”

 

                “Aye.  It means we have more spies amongst us – two of whom we know, and one of which we do not.  We’ll have to apprehend them quickly.”

 

                “You have my sword at your side, Lord Garret.  I will aid you in taking them captive.”

 

                “No… I will speak to the King.  Perhaps he will wish to use these spies as patsies of our own?  Give me a day – and if I need your aid, I will come to you.”

 

                On the off chance I was being deceived, I looked at Lord Garret Bol with my Vigilant senses, and could detect no duplicity and no evil.  He spoke the truth, as far as I could tell.  “Very well, Lord Garret.  I will wait until dinner tomorrow.  If you have not dealt with the matter by then, I shall.”

 

                “Very well.  Now let’s be out of this foul place.”

 

                “Indeed.  Come, Kip!”  I called.  “You deserve a good fish from the kitchens.”

 

                “Hrph!”  Lord Garret chuckled.  “You cat has an attitude.  He said ‘You’re damn right I do!’”

 

                Kip Mrowed, and we both laughed.  I gathered Kip in my arms, and we headed back towards the surface, and began the long climb out of the dungeons of Erevale.