Grave Situations

Andrea looked at Astra with downcast eyes. "Now is not the best time for much of anything, is it?" she said. "My father is imprisoned or... dead! My servants are locked up or forced to work for traitors! My family's lands are subjected to the Dragon and men of the Dragon! This can't be happening, but it is!!! You are right, woman of Aquilaria, this is no time for talk. But neither is it time for theft; these are still my father's lands, and my father's people. As his daughter I have the right to take the common property of any village or town within North Umbria. This is not theft, it is a right of blood. I have never needed to skulk within this forest, so my bearings are off, but I am sure that soon we shall sight a hamlet or a woodmen's village. Once there let us take what is rightfully mine and make haste to the King!"

Astra stared at the younger woman, surprised by her emotion, fervour and resolve, and a bittersweet smile formed upon Astra's lips.

Days to the south, in Caemlyn itself, a most incredulous Crier called out the news to the private court of King Emry Exultaine.

"Hear ye, hear ye! From the Duchy of Trescent, the Duke Zular Mollari has been found dead! murdered! his dismembered head stuck on a pike and planted outside his very walls!!! Sire Garrak, Accounter of House Mollari has come bearing this tragic news and the details of this terrible affair.

"Hear ye, hear ye! From the Duchy of Suffex, the Lord Frederigo D'Honaire has returned from the southern caves, and he has reported his crusade a failure! The Most Terrible Dragon still lives!! Our Dragon-Hunter hunts no more!! Sire Crom, Elder within the House D'Honaire has come accompanying Lord D'Honaire himself bearing this crushing news and the details of this horrible passing."

Then the Crier retreated from the chamber leaving the King, his wife, and six elders in complete astonishment at the news, and Sire Garrak, Sire Crom, and Lord Fred waiting outside in an antechamber.

1. the King and his elders discuss the situation
2. Sire Crom notices something strange about Fred
3. Fred gets ready for his next victim

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