Behavioral Modification Under Pressure

"They have up until now," Vincent pointed out.

"But that's been from a distance," Astra said. "Once we're in Pronklezilch's clutches, it'll be so much easier for him to find some way to get around them."

Fred(a) nodded. "Then he'll just makes us a couple of really Bawdy Girls, or turn us into statues or something."

"She's right," Astra said. "And I don't want to be a statue or something. I mean, just being a Bawdy Girl is plenty good enough. Bad. Sorry, I meant bad enough."

For a moment, Vincent said nothing, noting instead that under duress, the two of them had begun behaving differently - acting and sounding less like a dispossessed princess and knight, and more like Bawdy Girls. Nothing too overt, but the manner in which they carried themselves, the way they spoke, their attitudes, even the way they unconsciously put a provocative emphasis on certain words - it was much easier to think of them as being what they now appeared as.

Finally, Vincent said, "I grant you, it's possible, but these wards are quite strong - I assure you, I'm every bit the sorcerer Pronklezilch fancies himself."

"Mmmmmmm, I still don't like it," Astra said, stretching languorously. She glanced at the Queen and, disdainfully, raised an eyebrow. "And I suppose you want me to just sacrifice myself so you can get the 'real' Princess Astra back, eh, mother?"

Helia's first thought was I do indeed!, but she considered the situation for a moment. "If Norla is correct, you are every bit as much Astra as my 'real' daughter. I do not pretend to understand what is going on - but without Norla and Xyllis to help, we have no way of finding out what is really going on. If you are who you say you are, you will understand - you both will - and you will help."

As they reflected on Helia's words, they had the desired effect on the par. Both Astra and Fred(a) drew themselves up and nodded somberly, comporting themselves more in the manner of nobility.

"What you say is correct, mother," Astra replied. "Very well, we will agree to this exchange."

"But how," Fred(a) wondered, "will we contact Pronklezilch?"

1. "We'll just use the CCMV - all sorcerers and wizards have them you know."
2. "I'm afraid we'll have to go to his castle in person."
3. "I'll send Bobo - he's very fast, and he should be back in a day or two."
4. "No need," came Pronklezilch's mocking voice. "I'll simply contact you!"
5. Before Vincent could answer, a swirling vortex appeared and three forms emerged.

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