Something That Astra Can't Blame Fred For
The Never Ending Quest - Episode 59109
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Apparently it was the habit of the Governor to invite leading citizens of
the town to dine with him, rather as the captain of a ship might do with
the passengers, for he had no close family and his evening meals would
otherwise have been lonely affairs. Such invitations were rarely turned
down; it would not be wise to offend the Governor, and besides the food
and wines were always of the highest quality.
Gilder introduced Fred and Astra to their fellow diners as: "Ladies and gentlemen, this is Sir Rickard, from the Duchy of Suffex in Allaria, and his... er... companion, the lady Croix. Sir Rickard, my lady, may I introduce Senor and Senora Alvarez, Senor and Senora Gilder - Senor Gilder is a distant relative of mine - Senor Mayo, Senor Salazar, and Senor and Senora Columbo." As the meal got underway, Astra listened attentively to the conversation around the table, hoping to learn something of value about the Governor, the town of Corona or the nation of Hespan, whilst avoiding saying anything herself unless asked a direct question. To her surprise and relief, Fred seemed to have adopted a similar policy of discretion. Or perhaps it was just that he was too busy stuffing his face with the excellent food. Whatever the reason, perhaps he would avoid adding any further damage to that which he had already caused. The conversation proved not to be very enlightening however. It seemed to consist mainly of complaints about how unsatisfactory their servants were, occasionally interspersed with heavy hints to the Governor that taxes were too high. Then something unfortunate happened. Astra managed to knock over her glass of wine. But that was not the really unfortunate part, which was that - before she could catch herself - she exclaimed: "By all the Goddesses!" She noticed the Governor looking at her, the hint of a smile on his face. She thought that she could guess what he was thinking: No Allarian would use such an oath. In fact there is only one country that she could be from: Aqualaria. Why would an Aqualarian be in Hespan? And what is her involvement with the man, who seems a harmless fool and who I am fairly sure really is an Allarian as he claims?
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JH
6/3/2006 6:08:10 AM
Extending Enabled
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