------------- Tales of the Silver Gryphon – Duchess of Lorvyn

They’d seen nothing but prison cells for hours. Tia was beginning to think that the Duchess’ help was little more than trading one jailor for another. Close to sunset, the guards came for them, brought them a change of clothes and gave them a place to clean up. Emma’s robes had been cleaned and repaired. Giselle’s skimpy outfit had been replaced with a silken dress and an elven cloak. Even Tia was presented with a proper elven tunic to wear. But none of their things were returned to them.

When they arrived in the royal court of the Duchess of Lorvyn, they saw a different side of the woman they’d met just hours before. Here was the noble elf, more concerned about her choices and their impact on her people than her own personal safety, but playing the elven noble nonetheless. Two guards stood by, swords drawn, ready to strike at the first sign of trouble. Tia knew something of the two. They were not just guards, but lifelong friends of the Duchess, ex-adventuring compatriots.

“I’m sure you’re wondering why it is that I’ve brought you here. And I’m sure you think you’ve left one prison for another. Fair enough.”

Tia stepped forward, “Your Ladyship. We are concerned, obviously. But we are more concerned for the wellbeing of Foxmoor. Dark forces are moving in our Kingdom. I fear these things affect even the loftiest places of power.”

The Duchess frowned, “I will hear your evidence. I will listen, for if I do not, none may.”

Serenity spoke up, “Duchess, you might remember me as Serena Knight, an old friend of the Queen and of Foxmoor.”

“An old friend with a new face?”

“The story is too long for telling. But it gives me a unique perspective on the subterfuge that steals your nation’s soul.”

“Indeed. What have you to say, off-worlder?”

“Will you listen to my evidence? It uses advanced technology, my technology.”

“I will listen, and I will see your evidence, as I have said. I know something of your technology after all, Serena. Or don’t you remember your lessons?”

Serenity smiled, “Yes, Dahlia, I do. If I may have my scanner. We have enough to implicate someone within the King’s own court.”

“If that is true, then things are likely to get a lot worse before they get batter. I pray you continue to show wisdom in your choices for the foreseeable future. To act rashly now might cheat you of your one chance to ferret out this evil and smash it once and for all.”

------------- Credits

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