Return of the Penguins

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER EIGHT

“So where did you find this feeble male Dwarf?” asked the Dwarven Queen.

“He was imprisoned in Asperia’s greatest prison, Ultricon, and he escaped with us,” replied Madeleine.

“Typical male! Escaping on the coat-tails of women!”

“There has been a revolution in Asperia, and the people there are not as hostile to Dwarves as they were,” said Madeleine.

“Yes, I’ve heard that. There seems to be a lot of anarchy on the surface,” said the Dwarven Queen.

“A great evil called Diablo is slowly taking over the world, both above and below ground,” said Madeleine.

“I’ve heard that a force is approaching the Orc Kingdom from Asoris,” said the Queen.

“Diablo wants to take over the whole world. I would prepare your defences. It’s only a matter of time before Asperia falls,” said Madeleine.

“We have been re-arming for some time. Don’t worry about that my child,” said the Queen.

Madeleine was slightly flattered to be called a child. The Dwarven Queen looked exceptionally old, but even so, Madeleine was coming to the end of her third decade.

“How long before the Dwarf I bought here, Klinto, will be healed of the toil?” said Madeleine.

The Queen laughed. “It takes a good six months for the toil to pass. You can either wait here or we can grant you passage to somewhere?”

“Six months?” said Madeleine.

“Yes. I suppose you and your friends will want to leave. I know the simple woman,” said the Queen pointing at Hilary dismissively, “but who is the blonde lady?” she said turning to Princess Candera.

“Prin..err..Candera,” said Madeleine.

“Not Princess Candera of Asperios?” said the Queen.

There was silence for a while.

“Yes, I am Princess Candera,” said Princess Candera. She read the expression on the Queen’s face as one of interest and not rage. She hoped she was right.

“Oh really! I’ve heard so much about you. You were banished from Asperia, weren’t you?” said the Queen.

“Yes, though with the current situation no one seems to remember. My father, the King, is dead,” said Princess Candera.

“It is good to meet you. So, you like women then?” said the Queen.

“Is there anyone who doesn’t know?” mumbled Hilary.

“Yes. Madeleine is my lover,” said Princess Candera brazenly.

“My respect for you goes up the more I know about you Madeleine,” said the Queen.

“Thank you,” said Madeleine, feeling embarrassed.