Glad you could join us for the next eye-popping episode of Elliot’s Adventures. If you’re new here, you can catch up by returning to the beginning, and reading really fast…
With that image fresh in his mind, Elliot easily resisted the Bols de Mort. He pushed headlong through the malodorous meadow to arrive at the Hive at the tail end of twilight.
Vernon, Liaison to Queen Lilian the Undisputed Monarch of Fen, notified the Queen the instant Elliot returned. She met him in the bower moments later.
“Your Magnificence, one of Spike’s rebels has taken Cassandra. He knows she’s King Arnie’s daughter. I’m afraid I’ve put her in grave danger.”
“Don’t blame yourself, Elliot. Word would have spread soon enough, and we know there are rebel spies scattered throughout Fen and Bog. I think we don’t need to worry about Cassandra’s safety just yet. She’s a valuable hostage. I’m sure it won’t be long before we hear from Spike.”
Vernon appeared at the entrance. “Queen Lilian, one of the rebels has come to ‘strike a deal’.”
The Queen nodded to Elliot. “See?” Turning to Vernon, she said, “Offer him some refreshment and tell him we will meet with him shortly. Let’s not seem too anxious.”
“Your Magnificence,” Elliot announced as the mushrooms began to glow, “I have complete confidence in your wisdom. I know you will save my love if it’s at all possible, but if it isn’t — it will be the end of me.”
“My dear Elliot, I will do everything in my power, use every resource at my command, to put an end to this rebellion and save Princess Cassandra for Bog and for you.” She turned toward the doorway. “Let’s go talk to the messenger.”
~~~
Looking up from his daub of nectar, the rebel paused to wipe his arm across his lips. “Queen Lil,” he smirked, his voice as deep as a moonless midnight, “how ahre you dis fine evenin’?”
“Your name?”
“Dey cull me Mistuh D’Arc.”
To be continued. . .
Previously, on Elliot’s Adventures ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Next time . . .
Space, Time, and Raspberries 
A snail converses with other critters? OK.
A frog impregnates a snail? OK.
Rulers are competent, flexible, and generous? Uh-oh. King Arnie and Queen Lillian are too fanciful for readers in Trumpistan.
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Haha! It certainly strains American sensibilities, doesn’t it? But because Trumpistan is so new a phenomenon in America’s history, I don’t believe all of us have become so jaded yet that we can’t appreciate the possibility of better leaders (idealized as they may be) than we currently have. Even as a fantasy/adventure, this world has rulers who exemplify aberrant, abhorrent governing styles. So far, they’ve caused most of the societal distress here, and haven’t succeeded in conquering the lands they’ve attacked. Elliot still hasn’t experienced a democracy of any kind; he’s seen only Bog and Fen — and his homeland, which he was eager to leave, but hasn’t talked about. As his future unfolds, I anticipate expanding his horizons both forward and back. I hope you’ll stick with us, even though Trumpistan’s influence may become darker before another Golden Age dawns in our own lives. 😉
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Hopefully the Queen can negotiate…😢
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She is masterful, so there’s a good chance!
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