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Astra, shielding her eyes from the scorching tropical sun, peered out over
the wide, blue expanse surrounding the island. Sure enough, barely
discernible on the horizon was the masts of a massive slaving ship, it's
many unfurled sails bearing the crest of Hespan. “Yep. We've got company,” she
said. Robert seemed unsure. “I don't see anything,” he insisted. “Are you sure?” “They're right,” said Fred. “It looks to be a ship of Hespan origin, and it seems to be headed right in our direction, fueled by the same winds that drove off the yacht.” He paused to look Robert in the eyes. “This could be bad,” he added.Robert tried to put a brave face on his new predicament. He was, of course, a wanted man in Hespan proper – well, he was a wanted man in just about every kingdom, fiefdom, small principality, and independent hamlet in the known world. “Um, um,” he stammered. “Fred, you stay here on the beach. Pick two hotties you wish to stay with you. When they come ashore, offer the hotties as gifts and politely inform them that this is the sovereign Isle of Billings. If they wish to have an audience with King Billingsley, they'll just have to wait. Astra and I need to catch up on our beauty rest.” Fred, though, didn't seem too enamored with the plan. “Are you sure I should deal with them, your Majesty? Hespan and Allaria have been at war for twenty years now,” he quickly pointed out. “If they realize I'm a knight of Allaria, it could get hairy.”“Hmmm, yes,” Robert mused. “Alexis, you deal with them.” “Okay,” she replied. “Sounds good. They shouldn't arrive for a few more hours, anyway.”Astra placed a hand on her siblings shoulder and gave her a reassuring squeeze. “Don't worry,” she said. “Everything is going to be alright. But be careful, okay? Just be careful.” Alexis placed a hand on her sister's shoulder and returned the same advice. “Alright, come along Astra!” interrupted Bob. “Let us retire to our chamber. Fred, look after that bottle. Hide it somewhere, we can't let it fall into their hands!”Astra felt a wave of nausea wash over her at the mention of 'our chamber'. “You alright, my love?” asked Robert.“Never better,” the princess lied.
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5/23/2009 6:58:00 PM
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