Belinda Steps In

Reaibn glared at Astra, and pointed at her dramatically. "I can do what I wish, when I wish. Do you understand me?" beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, as his face reddened. "When I have the kindness to invite you to dine with me, you should know your pla-" and then Belinda touched his arm.

"Dear, I don't think she meant any harm..." Belinda said, and Reaibn's demeanor abruptly changed again, a mad smile appearing on his face as he patted her hand.

"Of course, of course," said Reaibn. "All is forgiven. No harm done."

"Can you remove the shackles, then?" asked Belinda, with a coy smile.

"Absolutely, love," he replied. "After we have all finished dinner, I will be sure to do so." and he winked.

Everyone resumes eating, and indeed Astra has to admit to herself that whoever the cook is, he is doing an amazing job. "I do say," said Fred, shocking Belinda and Astra with his ability to speak again, "Reaibn you lay out a fine feast!"

Reaibn smiled and clapped his hands. "Excellent! The knight speaks as a Knight, and shows appreciation for my generosity. And so his speech is restored, as I promised. This day is ending up superbly well. I only have one question."

Reaibn grabbed the Eye and looked into it, then, still smiling, but with cold eyes, looked at Belinda. "Why, my love, have my people not been returned to Allaria yet? It has been an hour."

"Reaibn, darling," she said, placatingly, "it will take longer than that. I am sure, absolutely sure, that by morning it will all be done."

Reaibn stood up from the table, and waved his hands, the shackles on Fred and Astra vanishing. "Then, we have nothing to worry about," he said. "But at dawn, if they are not back, my vengeance will be terrible, and no amount of coy words or soft touches will stay my wrath. Good night to you." and he vanished into mist.

1. Astra asks Belinda what the chances of that deadline being met are.
2. Reaibn has other business to attend to...
3. Meanwhile, the return of the Allarians has hit a snag...
4. Meanwhile, the drunken gravedigger Emry has strange dreams about being King.
5. Meanwhile, in North Umbria, a plot thickens...

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