‘I had my first clue that you were involved somehow whenMiranlla revealed that it was you that blocked her memory and itwas likely you that placed the tattoo on her.’
‘I now know why you were never around to be a real mother. Youwere too busy running around doing the Lady’s errands.’
‘I gave you all the time I could spare. We had a wonderfultime together in Alpha and after we got out you had Terren with youever moment of every day. You also had my sister as a surrogatemother as well.’
‘I take it that Granddad and the rest of the family don’t knowabout your real occupation?’ replied Aquitain.
‘That’s correct. It’s our little secret and let’s keep it thatway. Astaria is a very interesting place as no god has claimed itas a part of their territory. To claim it would mean that they aresomehow involved in its secret. Since it is unclaimed Astaria canbe your own kingdom if you are strong enough to hold it. Have youany plans?’
‘Yes Mother, I wish to bring Astaria to life. I will beAstaria and Astaria will be me. I want make it a living city, acentre of magic and a wonder to rival Panmagica. I want to use itas a base to help Moonmist develop and evolve. I want half dragonsand Llanlleans and the other creatures on Moonmist to be recognisedas the unique creations they are. I want us all to be recorded inthe Book of Life so that they might live and exist with dignitylike all other creatures in existence.’
‘I know that we are all a part of some big plan of the Lady’s.Please beg her to give us time to develop, to learn andgrow.’
‘Interesting!’ she stated. ‘What are your intensions withAstaria’s secret?’
‘I know the secret. I know about the portal to the netherworldand the Cadalthian. It should not be allowed back into our world. Ihave the power to keep the portal closed and forget it exists untilsuch a time as the Lady wishes it to be opened. I also know how theCadalthian was made and given time, I may be able to work out howto unmake it, if that is her desire.’ he replied.
‘She has taken a liking to Tigerlilly. She needs protectionand training. I will ensure she gets it and petition the Lady togive you the time until she comes of age. I cannot promiseanything, however, if she approves of your action you will berewarded.’ and she vanished.
He teleportedback to Miranlla and moved her and Glammer into a mind arena.
‘What’s happened?’ they asked.
‘I’ve just had a chat with Lithgala. Raptor covered for metelling her that her son had left. She wanted to punish me forIshtar but Helix showed up and convinced her that it was a badidea. Then a messenger from the Lady showed up and Lithgala left ina huff. I would guess the Lady warned her off. It seems Astaria isnot claimed by any gods so we can do what we like here. I asked themessenger to ask the Lady to give us time to develop Astaria. Shesaid she would pass the message on. So we have a free hand untilsomeone objects.’
‘There’s one more thing. It seems the Lady has takenTigerlilly under her protection for training.’
‘What! Doesn’t she trust me? She’s taken Tigerlilly as ahostage.’ cried Miranlla.
‘No. I think she feels that we will have a hard enough timetrying to hold onto Astaria without worrying about Tigerlilly’ssafety. She is giving us the time until Tigerlilly comes of age togrow more powerful and find work out how to fix Astaria’sproblem.’
‘But she’s taken our daughter.’ cried Miranlla.
‘She also said that she liked Tigerlilly and that guaranteesher protection and that if we do the right thing by her we will seeTigerlilly again.’
‘But she’ll grow up never knowing us.’ repliedMiranlla.
‘It’s better than Tigerlilly never getting the chance to growup.’
‘I suppose that you’re right’ she replied. ‘I do hope that shesafe’s and happy and I’ll really miss her.’
‘I’ll miss her too Mandy and I’ll sure we’ll see her again inthe future but for now we’ve been given a few years to learn andgrow and then I’ve no doubt there will be moreproblems.’
‘Until then let’s build a magical city state that everyone onall the worlds will want to visit, one where being different issomething to be proud of not something to be despised.
’
Chapter 48 Epilogue
Aquitain advised theYith troop that had accompanied the dragon Adonis that their leaderhad left in haste for some reason and deserted them. He offeredthem safe passage but they refused to listen so he invited the YithLord Asaba to come and convince them to go. This was moresuccessful and Asaba was both pleased to help and grateful for theopportunity to discuss possible business arrangements withAquitain.
Aquitainoffered them a deal. He would trade in magic items with the YithFederation on similar terms as with the Panmagicans if they keptout of both Mudrun and Moonmist. He also promised to disallow anytransport or trade in Lizardbane. The Yith could set up an embassywith an agreed number of staff. The Yith would be allowed to visitAstaria for trading purposes but would at all times be required toadhere to Astarian regulations. They accepted these conditions andsigned a treaty recognising Astaria as an independent sovereignstate.
Once the Yithtroopers had left Ignatius visited and advised Aquitain that theMentarin Council had accepted his broad proposal in principle andwished to work it out in more detail. Ignatius and Katarina wouldbe the liaison between the two parties. After some time, theyfinally agreed on a new Mentarin trade agreement with Astaria butkept an agreement with the Panmagicans until such a time whenAquitain could show that Astaria could act as reliablemiddleman.
Aquitain andMiranlla visited the Crin to find out what had happened toTigerlilly and Allalanllea. She was told that Allalanllea hadarrived and stated that Miranlla wanted her taken to a secure placeso as not to endanger the Crin. Gizel was unhappy lettingAllalanllea take Tigerlilly away but the Queen had vouched for heras Miranlla’s nanny so she reluctantly agreed.
Allalanllea
