Mister D’Arc

Glad you could join us for the next negotiated episode of Elliot’s Adventures. If you’re new here, you can catch up by returning to the beginning, and reading really fast…

“Well, Mr. D’Arc,” Queen Lilian began, “what is your master offering?”

“Ahfering? I tink you hahve misunderstood de situation. De Commahnder issues a wahrnin’.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. If you care about de young Princess, you will convince de King of Bahg to step down from his trone and surrender himself to de Commahnder.”

“Or?”

“Or de young Princess will not grow to be ahn old Queen like you,” smiled Mister D’Arc.

The tight corners of Queen Lilian’s mouth lifted as she chuckled. “Why has your master sent you to me instead of King Arnie of Bog?”

“It is de Commahnder’s understahndin’ daht de King don’t know about de Princess. De Commahnder tinks de King will take de Queen’s word before he take de word of de enemy.”

“So your master needs a favor from me. As I said, what does he offer?”

Glancing pointedly at Vernon, Mr. D’Arc turned to level a bold stare at Queen Lilian. “If you cahn deliver de King, de Commahnder is willin’ to cease hostilities against Fen.”

“And the lives of the King and the Princess?”

“Dey ahre not pahrt of dese negociacions.”

“You may inform your master I believe they must be. I’m willing to give him a day to consider it, then I will send my representative to confirm the Princess is still alive before we conclude these negotiations.”

“I will let de Commahnder know. Tanks for de drink. We will welcome whomever you send wid our own style of hospitality.”

Watching Mr. D’Arc disappear among the early stars of evening, Vernon stiffened. “My Queen, I request permission to serve as the Queen’s representative to the rebels tomorrow.”

“Do you think it wise, Vernon?”

“Perhaps not wise, your Magnificence, but fitting and right.”

Sighing, the Queen regarded her Liaison with fondness and resignation. “Granted.”

To be continued. . .

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