‘Who has made these ridiculous allegations?’ saidGranddad.
‘I have.’ said Archwizard Firestorm.
‘Where is your evidence?’ asked Granddad.
‘The evidence will be shown at your trial.’
‘Kelnor when was this idiot’s position gazetted?’
‘Err . I don’t think it’s been gazetted yet.’
‘What.’ said Granddad
‘Everyone here knows that in Panmagica no one has anyauthority until it is gazetted by the Council. Furthermore thisperson cannot be the Chair of the Mage’s Guild as the Secretary hasto give all members seven days’ notice before an election. I am theSecretary and I haven’t announced an election.’
Granddad lookedat Hanson, the Captain of the City Guard and the captain’s eyesglazed over.
‘Captain Hanson have you ever seen this man beforetoday.’
‘No my Lord.’ said the Captain.
‘I wish to make a civic complaint that this man is falselypretending to have some type of Council Authority and causing apublic nuisance. Please take him into custody and lock him up untilthe Council can look into his identity.’
The Captainstepped forward to grab Firestorm’s arm.
Firestorm beganto say something but Granddad immediately used the power to garbleFirestorm’s speech.
He beganshouting all sorts of totally incomprehensible words and theCaptain grabbed him and clamped a magic restraint around his neckand ordered four soldiers to hold him.
‘Stop you can’t do that.’ said Kelnor.
‘He’s been appointed by the Council.’
‘But no one can be sure of that until it has been gazetted.’said Granddad looking at Kelnor who suddenly agreed withGranddad.
‘Why don’t you all go away and come back after it’s beengazetted then we can discuss when I should come withyou.’
‘Good idea.’ said Kelnor.
‘I should belt him over the head a couple of times, Captain.All that noise he’s making is sure to upset the locals.’ saidGranddad.
Captain Hansonagreed and belted Firestorm with a truncheon.
Firestorm wasincredibly angry as he looked over his shoulder at Granddad andusing mindspeak said to Granddad.
‘You may think you’re smart old man. This is only the firstround. You don’t know who you’ve provoked. You and your family aregoing to pay dearly for meddling in Mentarin affairs and I’m goingto enjoy every moment of it.’
Granddadteleported to the gate room to see how preparations were going andfound everyone working hard moving boxes though a gateway.
‘How long?’ he said to Daisy who was supervising thework.
‘Another ten minutes and we’ll have all the important stuffmoved.’ she said.
‘Good I think we’ll just about make it before they comestorming back like a pack of angry wasps. Now I’m going to closethe gateway when you leave. This problem might take a little timeto resolve. You’ve supplies for an extended stay. Boredom is likelyto be the main problem so keep them active and have a nice holiday.I’ll wait around here and watch what happens for awhile.’
Chapter 8 Miranda’sEscape
Ironwood quicklyawoke. ‘By my mossy beard, what intrigue have I been dragged into.’he thought.
‘First Glammer awakens me and suggests I look after this youngdruid girl and then we are attacked in my dream world and theWarden of Moonmist comes to our rescue and tells me she’s aPrincess and he upsets a Power of untold magnitude and the Ladyherself steps in to save us.’
‘Where is the Felynx bitch’ shouted Gemelica to the guards atthe healing sanctuary gate.
‘I’m sorry my Lady we are under instructions to refer allinquiries to Principal Healer Hypothet.’
‘I am Princess Gemelica of Moonmist. You will tell me were theFelynx bitch is or I will have you whipped.’
‘Err yes Your Highness she is down there under the tree.’ saidthe guard.
‘Thank you guard.’ replied Gemelica as she walked down towardsMiranda.
‘Quickly inform the Principal Healer.’ yelled one guard to theother. ‘I think there’s going to be trouble.
The other guardran off to find the Principal Healer.
Gemelica stoodover the sleeping body of the Felynx and said ‘So there you are youlittle bitch. You might have had your Warden friend to protect youin your dreams but he isn’t here now. You’re at my mercy here and Idon’t feel very merciful to bitches that try to steal my rightfulplace as Queen of Moonmist.’
‘Kill her.’ she commanded.
‘Stop!’ yelled the Principal Healer teleporting in.
The guardshesitated.
‘Stop. This Felynx is under my protection. While she is in mycare she will come to no harm.’
‘How dare you countermand my instructions, I am PrincessGemelica of Moonmist. What I say happens.’
‘I don’t care who you are. I am the Principal Healer ofMentar. Within my sanctuary, I say what happens. The Dark Lord gaveinstructions that she should be held here and healed. If you wishto object, go argue with him.’
Moments latersix sanctuary guards appeared behind him with swords drawn.
‘Kill her!’ commanded Gemelica again.
Her two guardsswung around to try and stab Miranda but froze as the PrincipalHealer cast a word of stunning.
‘Escort the Princess and her guards to the gate please.’ hesaid to his six guards and they surrounded Gemelica with swordsdrawn.
‘You have not heard the end of this.’ said Gemelica as she wasescorted away.
‘I’m sure I haven’t.’ replied Hypothet.
‘I wonder how long it will be before you seek my help to healyou of some dreadful disease Princess. You had best keep thatthought in your mind before you act precipitously. You would dowell to remember that in these grounds, I rule.’
Tigerlilly tookthe entire proceedings in.
‘Hmm ... Sounds like being a princess could be fun. I will bea princess too.’ she thought.
‘Can you wake her up. She needs to go and hide.’ mindspokeTigerlilly walking out from behind Miranda.
‘By all the Gods! Now I am told how to do my job by a woodendoll.’ said the Principal Healer.
‘Tell me why would I listen to you when I just told thePrincess of Moonmist to get lost.’
‘Because I am Princess Tigerlilly.’ she replied.
‘Ha ha.’ laughed Principal Healer. ‘Anotherprincess.’
‘Okay. Okay. I can see that it’s going to be one
