Ralph and the Pixie

There were cries of protest from a few, who mentioned the King and Prince Cir, and the Law, but they were quickly silenced and reminded of the roles of their Sovereigns in the coming civil war.

Directed by a page, Malina left the podium and resumed her seat. She was very pale, and quickly reached for Ralph’s hand with both of her own, which were clammy and trembling. He put a protective arm around her, only to find that her shoulders, too, were tense and shaking almost uncontrollably.

Seeing her discomfort, the Thane, no longer speaking in his orator’s voice, smiled at her and said kindly, ‘You did well for a novice, young lady. You said what needed to be said, and no more. And most importantly,’ he added, ‘you made clear that Faeriekind is not so easily dismissed.

‘Now,’ he said, turning his attention to Ralph and Pran, I would know about this weapon. Even if it is of little or no use to us, still, I must know why Prince Cir had cause, or thought he had cause, to react so strongly to its presence.’

Reaching into a pocket, Pran produced the arrowhead and handed it to one of the Thane’s aides across the table. Taking the object from his aide, cocking an eyebrow at Ralph, the Thane said, ‘Is this a jest?’