On the way...

Later

The Doctor

"Heh!" I hear Chiana (who's chosen to be the spokesperson informing me of her sisters decision) fleer defiantly at Queen Helia.

While sad that Chiana's sisters shall not be accompanying me further on my travels (at least for the foreseeable future) I am also somewhat secretly relieved. The triplets could . . . be a handful, I foresee.

As for all that, right now with Queen Helia. bristles at the open display of disrespect by the young woman, but keeps her peace when Inquirer places a firm hand on her shoulder and hisses something softly to her.

Perhaps it wasn't something particularly friendly (whatever was exchanged) but at least my wife has taken it upon herself to protect the matriarch from "accidents" that . . .cough. . . happen to her before she is given "the boot".

Yes, in case you were curious both Regent Malachi and Queen Astra sided with Inquirer ALL the way in both treatment and sentencing. Both had gone one further by stating that IF . . .

With Regent Malachi (with her life essence still being linked to the land of Ethiopia) if she detects Helia's and her sorceress' presence still upon her lands after 48 hours she would personally come forth and burn both to a crisp.

Queen Astra? Well, I am not exactly sure what that curse sigil was that leapt off the pages of the official proclamation that Alicia had handed to both Helia and the sorceress, but given the limited knowledge of the intricacies of . . . the magicks that Queen Astra has as high priestess afforded her as head of state (no separation of church and state there, old chap). However, the glowing red symbols of broken chalices (symbol of breaking of sacred oaths?) adorning both of their cheeks IS serious, whatever the case. They too probably have a time delay upon them which could go into effect after spending too long upon this realm, so speed is of the essence for them. I DO not want to find out what "divine wrath" the powers that Queen Astra trucks with will do to the two women here, thank YOU! And I am very sure they do not either. Oh, Queen Helia might have ideas, but . . .

Well, let's not dwell on unpleasant consequences, eh? I was assured that the awaiting curses through Alicia (who had been somewhat uncomfortable with being the delivery person herself, what with her being of a different church and all that to Queen Astra of the Amazon Nation) that those would fade IF the Helia and that sorceress vacate within sufficient time (never to return).

. . .

Well now! Let's get down to business! "Bambi" and "Fifi" have been administered the poultice that we HOPE shall remove the curse upon their minds (even IF we cannot as of the moment even attempt to reverse the transformation upon their bodies). Both sets of bawdy girls (them, Freda and Astra) have been brought together into this large laboratory room after all which could be done to them up to this point.

It is hoped that the unexpected magical interaction between bawdy girls had upon coming into this realm will still be in effect to aid in their recovery of all . . .

And not the reverse.

Sigin had sighed, stating that IF he'd been still capable of it -- that one mystical ceremony which had temporarily boosted his analytical skills to incredible levels (re: 10350)-- then he'd know without doubt. Now? I believe he has his "fingers crossed".

Now, it is time for the next step. After this, we'll see how the others are coming along unscrambling Dr. Vincent's teleporter logs (and getting an idea on just where to send some folk back).

First, however, we must awaken our first set of sleeping beauties.

I DO hope we are doing this right!!

So, one set stirs slightly, smiles and opens their eyes . . . and blinks looking around in consternation at seeing us all.

1. "My dear," I say softly. "Do you know who you are by chance?"

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