Ralph and the Pixie

‘What do you mean, “associates?”’ Doc inturrupted.

Referring to Pran, the Prince replied, ‘His family and friends, the Human woman who is your companion, and that Pixie vermin, the one that Pran and his associates have used to spy on his fellows . . . the one whose execution he was explicitly charged with carrying out, a little over one year ago . . . you see? there is nothing wrong with my memory.’ He said this last to Pran.

Gesturing carelessly to his soldiers, the Prince said, ‘Take them.’

No one moved.

Infuriated, the Prince cried, ‘Well? What are you waiting for? Do what I tell you! Take them! Or do the rest of you wish to suffer the same fate?’

Even as those words were uttered, there was momentary confusion as another group of soldiers approached on horse. The leader of this group stood in his stirrups as they drew near.

‘Hold! Hold in the name of the Thane.’

Some of this group were wearing the King’s livery, while others wore the Thane’s. Their leader rode straight up to the Prince with his sword drawn, and didn’t stop until he had the tip of his blade at the Prince’s throat.