(BEST VIEWED FULL SIZE!) "... and twelve finely wrought bladed weapons of various types, including a few pieces that may interest our armorers. I disposed of a similar number of common weapons among the local citizenry." Galen's voice drifted down the hallway as she hurried to her official audience with Lord Jobil. Galen kept meticulous records of everything he did, and now she knew why he did so. She strode briskly to the grand open double doors where an elite guard in polished armor posted the entrance. Despite fine weapons and armor, they were not court dandies: They had a quiet, totally competent look about them. She approached with some trepidation, but a tall guard in ornate gold-filigreed armor smiled at her, "M'lady, you are right on time, he is expecting you." Offering his arm, he escorted her into the large vaulted room, and approached to within ten paces of a large man seated at a chair and table. They stood silently as Galen wrapped up his report. Lord Jobil dismissed the captain with a nod and a smile while Galen gestured for her to approach. "And here my lord is Aranée D'Mere, the remarkable woman I spoke of earlier. Aranée, please meet Lord Jobil, ruler of this castle and these lands - and my master." Not sure what to do next, she mimicked the attentive stance of the recently departed captain and bowed from the waist. Lord Jobil smiled warmly. "Relax my dear, you are among friends. No need for formality when we are in private audience." He rose and came to her, taking her hand in his own. She was amused when he brushed his lips to her hand, and surprised when he bowed to her. "Aranée D'Mere, we have heard Galen's report and we are indebted to you." She looked askance at Galen but he wore a carefully wooden face, betrayed by a crinkling around his eyes. "What you could not possibly know my dear is that we regard Galen here as the son we never had. On at least two occasions, you saved his life - and this has earned our undying respect and gratitude. Thank you." He released her hand and returned to his seat, leaving her stunned. "I understand you wish to be Galen's deputy in the Disputed Lands?" She nodded silently and he continued. "Then let it be so - and your compensation shall include your trip here." A short pause then, "We understand you are an expert woodsman. How long before the Lonesh River becomes impassable for the season?" She relaxed a bit. "About four weeks my lord." He nodded with grim eyes, then said, "We have immediate work for you. A band of Greeners has been raiding our villages along the northern Lonesh. We want the two of you to go deal with them, and then return here before the river becomes unsafe." Galen and Aranée exchanged glances, and then nodded acceptance. He leaned back in his chair, intently regarding her over tented hands. "But for now my dear, we want you to sit with us awhile and tell us more about yourself - and of your quest to enter the mountain fortress..." --- TO BE CONTINUED! View the series in numbered sequence to get the entire story. Thanks for you support on this long-running story. Leave your comments or criticisms - they keep me going! Image and story © 2009 by Larry Hodge