Hello, Everyone!
How have you been? I’m doing as good as I can, given the busyness of NaNoWriMo. Honestly, this isn’t the best month for NaNo, at least for me. But I’m doing what I can!
Anyway. Last time we spent some time with our precious Mary and her friend Aurum, they were talking to Dynatos Perres, the ruler of Pamagos. They wanted to get some recommendations, with which they were hoping to get in the elven city Myth Adofhaer without much trouble. However, Mr. Perres seemed very interested in our friends. He even turned out to be a fan of ‘Mary Windfiddle’s Grand Adventure’.
“So, Sir Aurum.” Dynatos Perres smiled. “Tell me about yourself. How’s life treating you after Zerakas tol?”
Mary gasped. “How did you...?”
“Oh, I saw him at Edmund’s birthday,” Perres said.
“You were there?”
“Oh, yes, of course!” he said. “As the ruler of Pamagos and a personal friend of the hostess I was--naturally--invited.”
“Say," Aurum said and took a bite of a piece of cake, "what do you think about dear old Francesca?”
Mary almost choked. How could he be so casual about one of the most important people in Eastern Erathos for the last seven hundred years?!
Dynatos Perres stared at the bard for almost a full minute. Then, he waved a hand and addressed the guard posted by the door.
“Would you leave us? And, please, tell everyone to take the afternoon off. I think we're done for the day."
The guard nodded, mechanically, as if that wasn't a big deal, and went out of the room. They heard some voices behind the door, shuffling of feet and then silence. A few other employees came from the adjacent office, took their coats and saluted Mr. Perres on their way out. Only the thin woman stayed. She sat on a chair in the corner and started reading a book. Mary glanced at the cover out of curiosity but it was wrapped in brown paper and she couldn't see the title.
A fluffy white cat crossed the room and jumped in Dynatos Perres' lap.
"Oh, Miyuki, there you are!" he said and caressed it gently. "I was wondering when you'd show up. "
The cat purred and arched its back.
"So, about 'dear old Francesca' Dynatos Perres said with a wink. "She's a very good ally and a formidable force. You know she's died several times in the past, right?"
"She's done what?!" Mary gasped.
"Died. In battle. Many times," Mr. Perres said. "It doesn't seem to faze her. She has her army of 'Devoted' and… Well, let's say that if Pamagos has most of Eastern Erathos' resources, then Zerakas tol is the one holding most of its military force."
“And what, might I ask, are the interests of Pamagos and Zerakas tol in the current political climate?” Aurum said.
Dynatos Perres sipped from his cup.
“My own interest is mainly to keep the peace in Eastern Erathos until Edmund Bright came of age,” he said. “I like the kid and if he is really like his grandfather, then I’d be more than willing to give him a chance. Francesca? Well, I think our goals in that matter align pretty well. She was very close with Emperor Ignas and obviously wants to keep his legacy.”
Silence fell on Dynatos Perres’ office. The man was looking at the map on the wall and absent-mindedly stroking Miyuki. A long sigh sounded through the open glass door of the balcony.
“Mr. Perres,” Aurum said with a knowing smile, “I think that your red-haired associate is losing her patience.”
Mary turned and watched in astonishment as a beautiful half-elven woman casually appeared in the frame, as if entering the fifth-floor through the balcony was the most normal thing to do. Her hair wrapped around her pretty face and shimmered like a fire. She was dressed in greens and had a bow sticking out on her back. Perched on her shoulder, there was a small red dragon-like creature who gave them a suspicious look.
How did Aurum know about that woman?!
"Elaria, welcome!" Mr. Perres said. "How was your mission?"
Before answering, the woman's eyes flashed to the same spots that Mr. Perres' had when Mary and Aurum fIrst entered his office: wand, bell, weapons.
"Successful," she said afterwards. "Two targets found and neutralised."
"Wonderful," Mr. Perres said. "Care to join us for some desserts?"
Elaria shook her head. Then, just as casually as she'd entered, she headed to the balcony and disappeared from view. The sound of someone climbing to the roof faded in the distance.
Mr. Perres met Mary and Aurum's questioning looks.
"Elaria takes care of any people that are trying to kill me," he explained. "She is very efficient but she doesn't stick around for sweet talks. I hope you'll stay a bit longer, though. I really enjoy your company!"
There’s not much to say about this episode. Elaria is cool and Dynatos Perres is strange.
Is there anything that you would like to say? Don’t hesitate to post a comment, I really enjoy them!
Hope to see you next time!
Take care and be well!
P. S. Here's a picture of Miyuki the cat. Its appearance was inspired by its namesake from Avatar: The Last Airbender
(Also, here's a link to the Chapter Guide and the Glossary for the series. You're welcome!)