re-enter the dining hall giggling & reliving the delightful romp we just had in the Atrium amidst the palms and pool. It only takes a minute for the tension of the room to intrude upon this tete-a-tete, and it seeps itself into the very marrow of my bones.

"You have already seen the extent of the hospitality you will be shown to-night, Blackguard; now make your exit from this Hall, or if you will not I shall relieve your brother of his obligatory and gentlemanly restraint. You see, my guests have grown weary with the simplicity of country life, but I'll wager they'll find cause to applaud if your brother were to relieve your shoulders from the burden of your head," Father roars from the head of the table at a strange, yet somehow familiar, man sitting at the long table's foot.

A great beast of a man, his hand on the hilt of his sword, looks ready to attack the unwelcome guest.

"Father, who is that? I certainly didn't invite him. Shall I assist Edmund in showing him the door?" I ask as I walk to his side. Elspeth, momentarily forgotten, follows in my wake.