comments please.

[Blade]

HEY ALL OUT THERE IN FANTASY LAND - THE CHARACTER OF BLADE WILL RETURN EVENTUALLY. THERE IS MUCH TO DO IN THE LAND OF TAALRUUM FOR NOW.

BELOW I HAVE A STORY I HAVE BEGUN, I DON'T INTEND TO FINISH IT ON FANTASY LAND. I THOUGHT I WOULD GET SOME PEOPLE'S OPINION ON IT.

INCLUDING ANY RECOMMENDED CHANGES ETC.
ALL COMMENTS ARE WELCOME WHETHER POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE JUST NOT THE SLANDEROUS ONES

THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME IN READING THIS.

Flynn was a young girl when she ascended the throne. No one knew how she usurped it from the king’s heir, especially at the age of six but she would make a fine queen. She was not yet old enough to hold the throne outright, so she appointed a Regent. The Regent was appointed from among the courtiers at the imperial court. Flynn chose the most unlikely candidate, a courtier by the name of Liam. Liam was a small man. He could have weighed no more than ten stone. He was shorter than all that had preceded him in his royal ranking; he was seven and a half hands tall. He was of medium build for his stature. Liam had light brown hair, a broken nose, and blue-green eyes. Liam was a man of no moment.
The king’s heir may live to regret having passed the throne over, for even at the age of six Flynn appeared a formidable adversary. The tall man had promised the girl his father’s throne just to satisfy one of her childish flights of fancy. Never did he expect her to enforce that claim but no sooner had he promised her the throne, were his rights to the kingdom annulled. The paperwork was completed and Alan was a lesser man; no longer would he ascend the throne upon his father’s death.
Alan, realising what he had done, sat on the courtyard steps with his head in his hands. He no longer had rights to anything that his family owned. She could not enforce such a ridiculous idea that he could not touch what his family possessed, could she? Alan shoved that thought aside not wanting to entertain the notion any farther. It was about that time one of the most beautiful women Alan had ever saw crossed the royal compound and entered the stables.
Alan’s mouth dropped in adoration and his big puppy eyes were filled with wonderment as he watched the athletic blond mount the black stallion. She was one to behold. No, Alan pushed the thought away, she was not one to behold but one to be held. It was at that point he became enraptured by her.
In full equestrian outfit she galloped out into the fields and beyond out of the former heir’s sight. Alan sighed.
“Alan,” a little girl’s voice called him. “Alan.”
Alan was silent and only twitched a little when he heard his name called. He had not left the chalked-white steps that he had been seated upon, when Flynn found him. Flynn looked into the distance where Alan was staring she could see nothing. “You poor thing,” she said as her little hand touched his cheek. “To give up so much for me,” she looked at him contritely. Alan’s attention had at last been given to Flynn; he now looked at her with regret. She smiled at him. Her dark eyes twinkled like the sun that shone off the mystery woman’s hair.
“Ah,” was all Alan could say. Flynn sat herself down firmly in his lap and looked up at him with her innocent face. He paid her no attention. His gaze remained fixed in the distance. A reasonable period of time had passed when Alan repeated himself. “Ah,” he said, “Flynn would you like to go for a ride?” The little girl looked up at him. Alan didn’t seem to notice. “Come on,” he said, as he picked her up and carried her on his back to the stables. The stablehands rushed to Alan and Flynn’s aid as soon as they appeared. Alan made a subtle inquiry as to who was riding Raven, the black stallion. The stablehands looked at each other then at Flynn. Flynn gave them a little smile and firmly shook her head. “We’re sorry,” said one of the stable hands, “we’re not permitted to give that information to peasants.” Flynn gave a little giggle.
“Saddle up Firebrand, the heiress and I would like to go for a ride.” The stablehands made no fuss and did as asked.
Firebrand was a mature bay colt with a flash of white on his hocks and streaks of white in his mane. Alan and Flynn trotted the bay out amongst the pines in the open field down by the meadow where the wildflowers grew. Alan had expected to find the mystery woman down there where nature was at her most striking but to no avail. Flynn snuggled into the man’s chest and appeared lulled by the scenery.
Alan scanned the countryside for the flaxen-haired woman. He spotted her well into the distance. She was not frolicking with the horse and enjoying the outdoors as Alan had expected. Instead, she was putting Raven through his paces on his estate. Well it was his estate until Flynn had stripped him of his title.
Flynn grasped the reins tight beneath Alan’s as he launched Firebrand into a steady canter for the stone white walls that marked the boundaries of his former estate. He could see Raven making great leaps and bounds over those obstacles, often clearing a length or two more than he had to. Alan slowed Firebrand to a trot as he approached ‘Lyrica.’ He reigned in some distance away as he watched the woman with golden locks worked Raven with adept skill. “Ah,” he sighed.
Alan watched the striking woman upon Raven’s back for quite some time. Alan did not dismount but walked the horse closer. As Alan was about a hundred yards away, the woman seemed to notice him. The mystery woman calmed Raven as he saw the other rider approach. Raven could be temperamental at times. She carefully rode Raven out to him. “Good day, Sir,” the mystery woman said in her urban accent.
Alan looked down to see Flynn asleep. “Indeed,” Alan replied.
The woman looked inquiringly at Flynn then returned her gaze to Alan. “Are you the heiress’ minder?” she asked.
Alan took on a slightly sullen look. “For now,” he said.
Both were still on horseback. “I’m Natasha Finlay,” she extended her hand.
“Alan Peterson,” he stated his name and pressed Natasha’s hand to his lips.
“Charmed to be sure,” he had earned a smile from Natasha.
“I saw you ride Raven from the stables. I hadn’t seen you before, I was intrigued,” Alan said.
“Were you?” Natasha responded concealing something. Her question had clearly meant to be rhetoric.
Natasha gave Alan a quick nod then dug her heels into Raven’s flanks and galloped back towards the stables. Alan was quick to get Firebrand into pursuit. Firebrand was no match for Raven’s long strides. Natasha on Raven put some distance between Alan and Firebrand on the return journey.

Liam was pacing the throne room. The King was absent but that was not unusual. Liam was stressing over the elusiveness of the little heiress. “Flynn,” he muttered. He had been pacing consistently for a while when Victoria walked by. A young woman at the court that Liam fancied. Victoria was a little taller than Liam was. She was a blonde who accentuated her fantastic brown eyes with cosmetics. Just a little detail like that made her stand out as one of the most beautiful women to walk the earth. He was absolutely engulfed by her.
Victoria had seen Liam’s constant pacing and entered the throne room. “What’s wrong Liam?” she asked.
Liam straightened and made direct eye contact with her as she spoke. “Nothing,” he replied.
“Come now, you know you can tell me Liam.” Victoria was one of the more casual yet more civilised women at court.
Liam remained silent briefly, as he was astounded that she was speaking to him. He came to his senses slightly. “Flynn,” he muttered.
“I see.”
A fleeting moment had passed when Alan entered with her Royal Highness fast asleep in his arms. “Flynn!” Liam almost screamed as he went and retrieved her from Alan’s arms. Victoria continued on her way to perform her duties as this exchange took place.
“We went for a ride,” Alan explained.
“Nice of you to tell me,” Liam flippantly replied, “You do realise I am responsible for her Royal Highness, do you not?”
“Yes I do.” Alan said looking Liam square in the eye not appreciating this man’s newfound condescension.
“Good” came the reply as Liam had turned to take Flynn to her bedroom.
Alan had been left alone in the throne room again. Alan was bemused by that thought.
Every time he would go to spend some time with his father, the King, he would find some excuse to leave the room. One day confused by that very issue, he braced himself for an upbraiding when he asked his father ‘Why do you always leave when I come?’ Alan of course had expected some great lecture on ‘I am the King, I do as I please.’ The falsity of that would have been too transparent. Instead, his father replied, “To see what it is like to be King.” Alan had never forgotten that day. It was entrenched in his memory as everyone of his conquests had been. Regardless whether she had been a redhead or brunette. He knew how he obtained his every desire with everyone of them.
Never once did it occur to him it may have been because he was crown prince.
Liam didn’t return. Alan was left in the throne room with his idle musings. When he realised Liam was not going to come back; Alan took a look at the large oppressive throne that his father had filled. He had always a desire to sit on that throne and wield the power that it held but now he had given it away. Nonetheless the thought remained as a dim flicker on the edge of his consciousness. Some impulse grabbed him while he was once again in his solitary confinement in the Royal throne room. He did something he had never done before and was never likely to do again. Alan dragged himself up from his despair with some determination and deliberately walked to the throne and seated himself upon it.
Alan didn’t know what he had expected. Some overwhelming power that said this is the command seat for the nation. That was not the impression he got at all. Seating himself on the throne, the feeling he got was not one of greatness but one of powerlessness. Alan decided at that point, he was glad to have handed the useless throne to another. He quickly removed himself from that wasted space.
Alan began to leave the room when Victoria returned. “My Lord, I mean Master Peterson,” she said flustered, “your father has passed on.”

[lochinvar]

Do you want our comments/critique posted on the board, or PM'd to you?

[Blade]

I didn't really consider that.

Whatever you think best suits your response.

Thanks for looking Loch.

[lochinvar]

Don't want you to think you've been forgotten, Blade!

Check your PMs for my first installment...

[Blade]

SORRY LOCH, I'VE BEEN TOO LAZY TO GO OVER YOUR PM COMMENTS AGAIN. NO ONE ELSE SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN INTERESTED IN THIS THREAD SO I'LL ADD SOME MORE. I'LL GET TO THAT PM STUFF AGAIN EVENTUALLY

Alan was of course shocked by the news, he had not expected his father to desert him unexpectedly, but death is always unexpected. One can never be sure when it will come.
The full meaning of his father’s death never really dawned on him until after his funeral. Alan felt no grief at the loss of his father only a resurrection of his own grief of being left isolated again. It was double jeopardy for Alan, it meant now that he really was a peasant, he had no power, and that Liam the man that was once dubbed the most powerless at court had now become the most powerful one. At least, until Flynn was eighteen years of age when she would ascend the throne.
Liam had underestimated Flynn much more so than Alan had. Alan originally took her for a child and learned that Flynn meant what she said. She was not playing games when she stole the crown from Alan. Liam mistook her the same way as Alan did – as a child. Liam knew no better, he did not realise at the age of six that Flynn was not just another spoilt child but a clever conniving woman.
Flynn had appointed Liam as her Regent herself. No one other than Flynn could fathom why. Liam acting as Regent for Flynn duties were to tutor her as royalty. That was why many could not understand his appointment. Liam would have to be the man at court with the least knowledge on royal behaviour. His duties included everything from basic mathematics to explaining and signing decrees on Flynn’s behalf.
Flynn had cleverly chosen Liam, as at a young age she was a gifted child, she all ready knew the ways of the court. Which chambermaids idle gossip to pay attention to, which ladies-in-waiting advice to adhere to. Flynn was an extremely talented and mature child. The one thing she insisted upon even at such a young age was to bathe alone. She would permit no one to wash her. Of an evening when Flynn had bathed, the soft baby scent of her skin lingered and wafted through the palace. Everyone knew when she had used the bathhouse.
One evening as Flynn came traipsing through the royal chambers into the throne room where Liam was using a makeshift desk to do some accounting. She was wearing her official royal nightdress; it had white fleece trim on the collar and cuffs. She had that gleam in her eyes that tell you children are up to something. She walked directly to Liam, looked up, and fixed him firmly in her gaze and said, “I’m going to marry you.”
Liam was not taken aback, at the least; he merely placed it down as one of Flynn’s childish whims. “You have plenty of time for that Flynn, you will find some one much more worthier than me.”
“I will marry you,” she said and left the room as quietly as she entered. Liam was actually quite bewildered. He had never seen her behave so oddly before.

Natasha was in the stables sharpening her sword when her whetstone broke. “Damn, I’m going to have to ride into the local smithy just for a new whetstone. Stuff that! Come on Raven,” she said as she remounted the horse and swung out into the fields again. Today, Natasha was not in equestrian uniform nor was she tempted to put Raven through his paces again. She was a different woman altogether today. She sat alert in her saddle and her eyes were honed to the ground. She had a warrior’s indifference about her. She was a warrior. Her sword sheathed and bound to her waist. Natasha scanned the ground for a rock that would replace her whetstone. At last she found one in the meadow, where Alan had expected to find her the other day. Natasha dismounted and picked up the rock that was lying by the stream. She examined it closely and smirked with triumph. She had certainly not expected to find a sharpening stone here, but it was.
Suddenly alert as an owl in the night, Natasha had heard a noise that brought her battle instincts to the surface. She was relieved to find it was only a young couple meandering their way into the meadow for an afternoon of pleasantry. It must have been the sword strapped to her side that had put Natasha in battle mode. She was glad the moment had passed.
It was then that she realised the couple had stopped and were staring at her. The man had obviously recognised her outfit and had placed himself in front of his mistress. Natasha immediately realised the distress that she had placed the young couple in. She was dressed in half battle gear and had a well-built stallion by her side; there was no wonder they were frightened. “No harm shall come to you,” she called across the meadow. Natasha drew her sword, the man stiffened to his full height and planted himself firmly in front of his partner his defiance obvious, when Natasha placed her sword on the ground. “I never intended you harm,” Natasha spoke calmly as she crossed to where the man and woman stood. “I’m Natasha,” she said as she approached the couple, her warrior instincts replaced by her friendly demeanour. The man could see no deceit in her eyes but he was wary. “I am Jamal and this is my wife Catherine,” he said in a tone of neutrality. “We had just come to enjoy the warm sun this afternoon, we did not expect trouble.”
“No trouble shall be given to you, Sir,” Natasha replied, “I’m sorry to have troubled your day, I shall return to her Royal Highness’s estate.”
The man let his guard drop. “I am sorry, I did not realise you were a member of the Royal Guard, you bear no insignia.”
“For I am not kind sir, merely a guest under royalty’s roof.”
“Warrioress, I did not mean to disturb you in whatever quest you are upon. We were to head towards the royal compound in the early evening to entreat her Highness for places within the court,” Jamal carefully pronounced each word in imitation of the way royalty was thought to speak.
“No quest good sir, they are mere superstition. In show of my good faith and your honesty, I will appeal to the Regent on your behalf for your petition this evening. Now if I may sir I must away.” Natasha retrieved her sword and remounted Raven and galloped away.
The young couple exchanged looks and they both simultaneously let out an explosive breath. Both had been scared to wits end.
Evening descended with a breathtaking sunset. Jamal and Catherine approached the royal gates where they were admitted immediately. A page of the court told them to follow him into the inner sanctum. Jamal and Catherine followed the page and were numbed by their rich surroundings. The page presented them to the Regent and made his departure.
Jamal introduced themselves. “Catherine,” Liam repeated as he took Jamal’s hand in a firm embrace. Liam had been awestruck by another pretty face.
Catherine was about the same height as Liam, perhaps a little taller. She had hair that varied from dark brown to black with dark eyes. She was an attractive woman with as much muscle on her as most men, which only added to her physique.
“Jamal, Catherine, our guest Natasha Finlay has lobbied a great deal on your behalf to put you in service. She asks a great deal of me to do this but I will consider it. Now I must ask what can you provide for us?”
Catherine looked at Liam then looked away. She did not do it because she seemed shy. Nor did she do it because her intent was spiteful. Catherine was wary. Jamal spoke.
“My Lord, I have acted as a mercenary these last few years to my wife’s discomfort and have come to offer my service not as a member of the Imperial Army but as a bodyguard for you and the heiress.”
“And Catherine?”
“Catherine will be content with whatever duties you assign her.”
Liam turned to Catherine to see if she was agreeable but she didn’t even seem to be interested in the conversation that was going on before her.
Liam doubted that these people could be useful to him in any possible way, they could be spies from Maral. That nation was always meddlesome in affairs of the kingdom. “We shall think upon it. You may be our guests tonight and may sojourn in the guest suite of your choice.”
The page that had escorted them into the inner sanctum immediately appeared and once again led them to their destination.

AND IF ANYONE KNOWS WHERE YOU WOULD REALLY FIND A WHETSTONE OR SHARPENING STONE IN NATURAL TERRAIN I'D APPRECIATE YOU PASSING ON THE KNOWLEDGE

[lochinvar]

Before the advent of man-made, compressed carborundum 'stones', the most sought after sharpening stone was the so-called "Arkansas stone", a particular type of smooth fine-grained, even-grained stone quarried in Arkansas. Some knife and blade aficionados still prefer it to the man-made variety.

But there is no specific type of stone known as 'sharpening stone'; any stone will do, if it's hard enough, has a flat surface and has a fine enough grain. Just some's better'n others.

[Blade]

THIS NEXT BIT IS SORT OF A HOMAGE TO A MOVIE, EITHER THAT OR A BLATANT BREACH OF COPYRIGHT, FEEL FREE TO REMOVE IT IF IT DOES BREACH THE CODE.

Natasha had just returned from a morning ride. Alan seemed to appear from nearby the stables and helped her dismount. “Thank you,” she said.
“Sherlock,” Alan addressed one of the stablehands, “I would look upon it a favour if you found us some refreshments.” The stablehand immediately headed off.
Alan and Natasha began to talk in earnest. A while had passed before Sherlock, the stablehand, delivered some pitchers of punch. A brief interval after the stablehand had left; Alan made a remark that got him in trouble. Natasha turned to him and said “Look, I wouldn’t expect a man of your experience to understand my beliefs.”
In feigned shocked Alan exclaimed, “What’s that suppose to mean?” Natasha had begun to walk away and without turning back she replied, “I’ve been very well informed of your reputation.” Alan had no choice but to follow her.
“What have you heard?”
“You promise the world to those who you wish to have your way with.”
Alan had had enough. He had to put a stop to this if he was to court Natasha any further. He put his hands to her shoulders in a halting gesture and asked, “Who told you this?”
“A friend told me.”
“Have they no respect?”
Natasha looked at him. “Why do you sound so surprised? It’s the truth isn’t it?”
Alan returned a meaningful look and said “if you say so,” and walked away without another word.
Alan engaged a conversation with his only confidant and long time friend Hans. “Unbelievable! Somebody told Natasha about me, describing my mischievous tactics.”
“Any ideas who it could be?” Hans asked.
“Hans, if I had any idea who it was, that person would be in a momentous amount of pain,” Alan replied as he paced the floor of Han’s abode.
Hans turned as if he had had an inkling of an idea. “Where did the little girl say she was from?”
Alan’s pacing had not subsided. “Balthazar. Who the hell do I know in Balthazar?”
Hans sat upright. “Gregor.”
“The muscle head who thinks he’s a hero.”
“The one and only. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re from the same district.”
“It makes sense. The guy hates me, I entertained some of his favourite womenfolk.”
“Something tells me that didn’t bother him much. He has more of a liking for the other kind.”
“You’re kidding!” Alan was genuinely amused and his pacing stopped for an instant.
“I’m not, my source is quite reliable.”
“A pity he’s in Balthazar this summer.”
“Not any more.” Hans shook his head.
This brought Alan’s pacing to an abrupt stop with a questioning grunt.
“He’s back on some other fool errand. He’s all ready called on me to do some things.”
“Looks like its time to call in some favours.”

It so favoured Alan that he and Natasha were quartered in the same area of one of the guest manors. These manors were fond of new fads and this particular one had an indoor lake. Alan was relaxing lakeside when intruded upon by Natasha who was upset with something he was doing. Alan however wove his charm and produced a gift for her. “Just a little something,” he said.
“You didn’t have to do this,” she said as he really looked at Alan for the first time and began to reassess him.
“You don’t like it.” Alan snatched his gift back. Natasha snatched it back just as quickly.
Natasha shook her head and said, “No, its just you didn’t have to do this.”
“I know its late and all,” Alan said, “but I was wondering if I could trouble you to put aside whatever errand you’re on, for a swim.”
Natasha accepted the invitation and said she would return.
Natasha returned wearing a fleece robe bound at the waist. She could see no sign of Alan. She called out after him. That’s when she saw him by some greenery.
Alan’s back was turned to Natasha and he was completely naked. Natasha’s mouth dropped. Alan turned completely around to face her unfazed. “Would you mind turning around so I could put on my bathing suit?” Alan requested using his finger indicating a turning motion. “I’m sorry.” Natasha managed to say after her mouth dropped further. She turned and covered her eyes. “Oh my,” she said, “that was so embarrassing.” After dozens of battle skirmishes, something like that still embarrassed her.
Natasha heard a splash. She realised that Alan had entered the water and made her way to a seat where she hung her towel and removed her fleece robe to reveal her bathing suit. She spoke to Alan as she began to ready herself for a swim. “It amazes me someone as charming as you can be so manipulative.”
“We’re not going to start this nonsense again are we?”
Natasha wended her way into the water. “What was my favourite part again? Oh right.” She began to recite. “… Even more treacherous than he is attractive. He’s never uttered a single word without some dishonorable intention. Every woman he has successfully pursued has regretted it. Stay away from him.”
Natasha was fully immersed in the water by this time. Alan swam closer. “You know you could at least have the decency to tell me who is badmouthing me so I might have the chance to hurt them.”
“Not a chance.”
They swam. After a while they just seemed to float around near each other. “You’re right,” Alan said, “I’ve done some things that I’m not proud of.”
Natasha regretted what she said moments before. “I didn’t mean to be hurtful,” she apologised.
“I envy you,” Alan said, “you’re smart, you’re beautiful, you’re determined.”
“Listing my qualities on your fingers won’t get you anywhere with me. First you can hope for is my friendship and you’re really walking a fine line at that.”
Natasha left the swimming pool and made for her bedroom.
Alan shouted something after her in distaste.

THERE IS ANOTHER LITTLE SCENE IN THE STORY THAT FOLLOWS ON FROM THIS BUT THE REST I GUARANTEE IS COMPLETELY ORIGINAL

[Swordsman]

I would suggest you quit with this story until you can write it yourself. I mean no offense here, keep in mind. But I have a .doc on my hard drive that I discovered someplace over a year ago. It is a full-length novella - and the beginning has many passages, pages long, that match your postings exactly. You should probably wait until you can write your own.

[Blade]

That's because I sent it to you via email

aeon's ago. I think you may have even asked me to send it to you.

This fantasy land board is so slow on story I quit for a while, that and outside committments of course as we all have. I come back and not much has changed.

So offense was taken cos 99% of the story is my own.

The file is probably called Book.doc and I'm not sure what things transcribe to from a PC transfer but Book properties General tab will state it was started in May 2001, Summary Tab will say Title Gondwana, Subject: Historical Fiction (which isn't really true), Author D.J.Quinn being my real name. I could go on and on.

If you don't remember all this then, well fine!

And if you still don't believe me, don't make me go dragging out my icq history. Oh, and that is nowhere near a novel, its only just beginning.

[ 04-28-2002: Message edited by: Blade ]</p>

[Munqi]

Seems like a case of a simple mis-understanding.

Good story, though.

[Swordsman]

[OPEN MOUTH][INSERT FOOT]Okay, I remember that now. Yes, it is Book.doc. I just thought I had it from a lot earlier than that. Wow, I feel like a fool now. [HUMOR]Stop plagiarizing yourself, man![/HUMOR] Well, I apologize for my accusations. I thought it seemed very out-of-character for you to do something like that. Next time I'll make sure I remember where it's from... But once again, I'm sorry for my mistaken accusations.[/REMOVE FOOT][/CLOSE MOUTH]

[Blade]

Now we've got that sorted.
Sorry for being slightly nasty, I've had a bad week and I mean bad.

Now Swordsman, have you read that novel, as you call it yet?

Steve/Munqi and others - that is the end of the first instalment now. Do the members of this board want it to continue? I'll a) post some more when I'm bored b) post when at least 5 ppl reply or c) 10 ppl cos if ppl aren't interested, what's the point?

[Munqi]

Hey, it rocked, dude! Keep going!

Good to see you guys have shaken hands and made up. lmao.

Arguments are too easy to start in text form. You can't really show emotions, or inflect your voice. I've been in much bother for that sort of thing.

Anyway.

Laters.

[Swordsman]

Not a problem at all, Blade! You were completely within your rights - I was making some pretty serious accusations. I haven't read the full thing yet; for a while I forgot I even had it. And right now, time is at a serious premium. I've got the SAT on Saturday, which I need to study for. Next Friday, I've got an AP US History exam - which I AM going to fail. I also have at least three major projects, including a German paper, severe English paper, and a 'work of art' to do. I'm swamped. (I've got my wedding to plan, my country's five-hundredth anniversary to arrange...)

So, I have no idea when I'll be able to get to it.

[Blade]

I'll consider that two replies.
Three more needed before the story continues.

Three more from ppl other than Swordsman and Munqi.

[Blade]

Well it seems I have been forgotten Lochinvar.

Clean up ur PMs please Swordsman, I'll send a response lest I post it here.

[Swordsman]

PM's are cleaned up!

[Blade]

Dawn came. Liam was sitting out on the balcony of the royal apartment he shared with Flynn agonising over his decision about Jamal and Catherine. It was unusual for Liam to be up this early when business did not start for another three hours. On this fine summer morning Liam witness the activities of the court that he wasn’t usually privy too. He saw the stablehands head out to groom and care for the horses. He smelled the fresh bread baking from the kitchens. Liam also unwittingly witnessed the flight of couples that had intimate moments during the night from the stables and other assorted places. He just thought they were grooms, housekeepers, and the sort going about their business in the early morning. Liam was tired. He had gotten minimal sleep during the night and he knew the first item of business was to deal with Jamal and Catherine. He had no choice, he didn’t believe they were Maral spies, nor did he wish to broach the subject with them, so the only alternative was to tell them that the palace has no positions available for them. Liam still had to think of a reasonable excuse though. Liam didn’t move from the balcony, as the palace yards became a myriad of life and his decision indeterminate.
Flynn rarely showed her face at this time of day and had managed to discuss the matter of Catherine and Jamal with Liam. She didn’t think he believed a word she said. Flynn thought Liam only saw a child and she hoped she was right. If she was to save Liam from making a terrible mistake today, she had to be out and about bright and early but look artfully tired and distressed. Flynn exchanged her royal nightrobe for one more akin to what her subjects would be wearing.
It was time. Liam had to tell Jamal and Catherine there was no room for them in the inn. Liam met them once again in the inner sanctum. Jamal and Catherine presented themselves to the Regent. Liam gave them a warm welcome and asked did they find their accommodation satisfactory. Catherine stepped forward and replied, “Yes, we found our surroundings rather refreshing.”
Liam smiled. “Good to hear. Now shall we get to business?” Liam was rather surprised Catherine had spoken. She didn’t seem to be the least bit interested yesterday. He rather preferred it that way, so he could just admire her from afar. “I’m afraid,” continued Liam, “we cannot offer either of you a position within the palace grounds. I realise that Natasha Finlay lobbied for your cause but we just don’t have the time to spare training you in the ways of the court.”
“Oh poppycock,” said Catherine. She then lowered her eyes; as if surprised she had spoken.
Jamal stepped forward. “We understand,” he said. Jamal and Catherine turned to leave when in came wandering Flynn with a well-worn teddy and dressed rather shabbily. She looked as if she had just woken up. “Liam,” she addressed the Regent, “what did we decide to do about Catherine and Jamal?”
Liam knew how much Flynn wanted to keep Jamal and Catherine on. He couldn’t understand why but he thought Flynn’s just a child. He had tried explaining to her why they couldn’t keep them on but she just didn’t seem to be able to understand. Now he was under some pressure as he was usually quite frank with the heiress but he was still in the presence of Jamal and Catherine. They had halted their exit. It was considered rude to leave a room when royalty enters.
Liam tried to approach the situation diplomatically, as he was capable of. “Flynn,” he said, “you look tired, why don’t you go back to bed?”
“Don’t be silly. I just got up.” Flynn replied rubbing her eyes. “Oh Catherine, Jamal, I didn’t see you there.”
“Your highness,” they said in unison making the appropriate bow and curtsy.
Natasha entered the inner sanctum as well. “Liam-” she was saying until he realised he had company. “Oh, you’re here,” she said referring to Catherine and Jamal, “so have you made a decision yet?”
“Warrioress!” Jamal paid his respect. Natasha smiled and lightly touched his sword arm, a sign of equality and respect among swordsmen and mercenaries alike on formal grounds.
Liam was being confronted from all sides. How could he deny Jamal and Catherine positions in the palace?
Flynn was absolutely enthralled, she could never have predicted Natasha’s arrival, but her timing was almost impeccable. There was no way Liam could turn down Catherine and Jamal now.
“I had just informed Jamal and Catherine, that we cannot spare the time to train them in the ways of the court but I have an idea, there may be something they can do. Jamal, you’ve been a mercenary for some time, I can see. How would you like to become an elite professional warrior?” Liam didn’t wait for Jamal to answer but continued on. “You can train with Natasha for as long as she remains on our grounds. You will do everything she says. Catherine can for the time being…go to the kitchens and cook until we can find her a more suitable position. You will remain in your current lodgings until we can reach a more appropriate arrangement.”
“Splendid!” said Natasha. “Rumour all ready abound in the palace. Catherine has excellent culinary skills.”
Liam sat back exhausted. “Yes, what is it Natasha?” Before Natasha could speak Flynn spoke up. “Catherine, Jamal you may go now.”
“Yes, your Highness,” they once again said in unison and made their respective bows out. Flynn still looked tired but she idly wandered over to Liam whom without a second thought picked her up and sat her on his lap.
“It’s these living arrangements with Alan, I just can’t handle them,” Natasha said.
“Natasha, you requested them.”
“I know but…”
“Alan does have just as much as right as you to be there, he did once hold the title to the throne.”
“Isn’t there anything you can do?”
“What do you suggest my dear?”
Natasha could only shrug.
“I’ll discuss it with Flynn and see what we can come up with. For now we have other matters to attend to.”
“Thank you.”

News had reached Alan that Gregor had been caught in a compromising position with one of the locals. Alan decided to thank Hans immediately. Alan all ready knew that Gregor would have paid off the witnesses that would have caught him, so the news wouldn’t spread any further. He knew now that it was time to pay Gregor a visit.
He did just that. “Alan, it’s not what you think,” Gregor said.
“I know, I know, you’ve never done anything like that before, yada yada yada.”
“Just don’t tell anyone I know I can’t buy you, with who you are and all. This could ruin my whole career.”
“You’re career, what career?” Alan realised that Gregor didn’t know he had lost his right to the throne. This information may come in useful later.
“I’ll do anything, lets just forget about this whole thing.”
“No can’t do that, its you that’s been badmouthing me to Natasha Finlay, you’re the only one that knows her.”
“I never said a word to her I promise,” Gregor was becoming fearfully agitated.
Alan thought upon it for a moment. “All right, I believe you, your secret is safe with me,” he paused, “Actually there is something you can do for me.”

Natasha and Gregor were taking a stroll in the meadow. “What else do you know about Alan?”
“Well he’s smart, really dedicated to achieving his goals, always giving things his best, he’s always watched my back. He’s got a bad reputation but it’s mostly rubbish.”
“I don’t know I’ve just been hearing some really bad things about him.”
“Yeah from who?”
“I can’t really say I’m sworn to secrecy”
“Natasha how long have we known each other?”
“Forever.”
“Exactly, now it’s my job to look out for you. You’re like a sister to me. Its me Gregor, do I look like some gossip queen to you?”
Natasha laughed. “Okay, you promise not to tell anybody?”
“Tasha, I swear to you on my mama’s life,” Gregor said raising his right hand and putting his left over his heart.

[arcon]

this is a test,just a test had this been a real post you would have been asked to read it.

arcon