Conversation with Astra

"I do not know much of of this land, Astra. I have heard some speak of it as the name of a land which lies in the thick jungles which our explorers have not penetrated, but no one knows if the legends about it are true. The only thing everyone seems to agree on is that it is a land ruled by a woman. Some say that it is a nation of barbarian warriors, although you clearly show that this is a lie. Others say it is a civilization far more advanced our own."

"Our land does indeed lie in the jungles to the south of yours, Fred, but I remember that we have had a great deal of contact with Allaria. In fact, there are probably few in Allaria who haven't heard of the warrior princess Astra." She smiled wryly. "Most knights of your kingdom, the you I remember excepted, either are insanely in love with me or consider me an abomination. If it weren't yet another sign that something is deeply wrong here, I would almost consider it refreshing that you haven't heard of me."

If this woman is what she appears to be, thought Fred, it would not be surprising if I loved her. "So what do you remember about Allaria, Astra?"

"As heir to my kingdom's throne, I learned quite a bit about your nation, as I would likely have many dealings with them. Your king is named Emry and he is a decent man, although weak. He has two children, Gerard, who is a dilletante involved with some rather bad company, and his daughter Exotica, a woman of strong character although some rumor her to be a witch. You have a number of warring noble houses, and a parliament that was instituted in the reign of the previous king. There could be a civil war brewing over the quarrel between Zular and your father, and many suspect that Zular plans to assassinate the King. Its technology is far behind Hespan's and even ours, but its wizards, bards, and winemakers are said to be second only to Vjorica's. Your major exports..."

"I've heard enough."

1. "This is all true, more or less."
2. "I'm afraid much of that isn't the case."

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