Astra.

From this disadvanteogus vantage point, he saw several things happening.

Exotica landing a punch in the sword holder's gut. Velus leaping for the ankle, growling madly.

A booted foot came of nowhere. Fred was flung back, his left nostril sliced clean through.

He sprange to his feet, blood streaming down his cheek. His sword was out and he was ready to fight.

But he couldn't.

A mightily familar warrior lady (Astra! Clothed!) held the tip of her sword out and against the neck of Princess Exotica. Velus had backed up, still growling.

"Call off your dog, sir!" Astra cried. "Or your wood nymph gets it!"

"Wood nymph?" said Exotica. "I'll have you know, woman, I am Princess Exotica, daughter of King Emry, ruler of the Great Kingdom."

"Well, la de dah." she said. "I'm Princess Astra, daughter of Queen Guinivere, ruler of the land of Aqularia. Again, sir, call off your dog!"

"Velus! Come here!"

Velus retreated to Fred's left side.

"Better." said Astra. "Why did you pop out of nowhere?"

"A trick of the dragon's." Fred said. "Whom I presume you are questing to destroy."

"Who told you?" Astra said. "Was it that whiny bard?"

"No. Have you heard of the concept of time travel?"

"Don't be daft. Of course."

Fred was presented with a dillema. He had met Astra later in Astra's future, after she had been shanghaied into service to the dragon. And now something really screwy had happened to send them back in time. Also circumventing many of the dragon's own protective spells themselves! Was this really the work of the dragon or a different source? Major problems. Also, his companion was being held at sword point.

1. Tell Astra everything.
2. Tell Astra nothing. Try to convince her to let Exotica go.
3. Exotica zaps Astra with a spell.

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