In a Throne-room

The overall effect produced might have been quite impressive, were it not for Astra's nudity and that both of them were covered in stinking mud and were soaking wet. It would be a long time before the thrones they now sat on would be dry, and the upholstery might never be really clean again.

Fred and Astra looked around them in astonishment. They were in a spendid room, richly carpeted and with fine drapes and paintings hanging on the walls. Above them was a magnificent crystal chandelier, with hundreds of lighted candles. Apart from themselves, the room was empty.

It was Astra who regained the power of speech first. "Is this someone's idea of a joke?" she asked the world at large, as she brushed a large lump of glop off one shoulder.

"I don't know," Fred said unnecessarily. He stood up, with a loud squelching sound.

1. As a matter of fact, it is someone's idea of a joke.
2. It's just the fickle workings of fate.
3. The door at the far end of the room opens, and a man enters. When he sees Fred and Astra, he bows very low. "Your Majesties," he says.
4. Fred goes on: "But I know where we are. This is King Emry's throne-room. He's not going to be very pleased about all this mess."

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