Lord Fred's Audience of the King

The Never Ending Quest - Episode 15661

Lord Fred and his advisor were summoned to appear immediately before the King and his senior counsellors, Nim and Vlado. "We were very disappointed to hear of the failure of your quest, Lord Fred," the King told him. "Would you please describe to us precisely what occurred?" So Fred related the events up to and including those described in episode 1191.

"So the woman claiming to be the Princess Astra vanished at that point?" queried Counsellor Nim. "She did, sir, as a result of Dr Vincent temporarily losing control of his magic." "And you were afraid?" "Yes, I freely admit it. Not only for what might have happened to Astra but also for the possible consequences for myself. But Dr Vincent managed to regain control. He restored my hands, and made my body fit and strong again. He could not tell me what had become of Princess Astra, though. She might be dead, or transformed, or have been transported hundreds or even thousands of miles away.

"After that, I made my way to Caemlyn as fast as I could, for I knew that I must report my failure in my quest to His Majesty as soon as possible. It was a long and arduous journey, but nothing occurred that was worthy of report."

The King indicated that the audience was at an end, and Fred and his advisor left the chamber. When they had gone, the King said: "Well, do we believe D'Honaire's story?" "He seemed unwilling to go into details about his journey back from the Calamari, my liege," Vlado said. "However, I don't think that it actually matters whether or not his story is true. Did you see the haunted look in his eyes? He's a broken man, just like his father was after his encounter with the dragon. In this case, though, it may be that his encounter with this 'Bobo' creature is primarily responsible."

"What about his claim that his map was inaccurate?" "Hardly surprising, surely?" Nim said. "Few have dared go to the entrance to the Southern Caves, and fewer still have come back, and drawing maps has not nornally been foremost in their thoughts. And besides, the dragon is quite powerful enough a mage to rearrange the local geography should it suit his purposes.

"I'm not sure that I altogether agree with Vlado that D'Honaire's failure gives you an opportunity, however. You have to find a replacement for Zular, of course. But are there currently two suitable candidates for dukedoms, sufficiently able and yet unquestionably loyal to the crown? The two qualities do not always go together. In fact, the more able a man is, the more ambitious he is likely to be. And loyalty and ambition are not normally compatible. I know D'Honaire has failed in his quest, but there may be a case for settling the Trescent succession first, and letting the D'Honaires continue as caretakers of Suffex for a little longer. For the one thing they undoubtedly are is loyal."

  1. Continued discussions at court.
  2. Meanwhile Astra and Andrea...

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JH

4/15/2001 3:24:14 AM

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