<div dir="ltr">June 20, 708 Arcas stood a good head above most of the people of Metamor keep, with only some of the larger lions being able to match his formidable size, strength, and mane (his red hair and beard might not be a mane, but it rivaled theirs). He was a bronzed man with golden-copper eyes and he wore the livery of Whales. On his side hung a rune-scribed Hammer, and she was Henbi-shnut. Besides him were three others from Whales (having come north with Prince Philip, Princess Clover, and the four royal children for the wedding of Misha Brightleaf) but each was more typical of a man of Whales: bronzed skin, dark hair and eyes. They were a bit shorter but no less well-muscled, being sailors and soldiers, and the royal guard. While he looked excitedly about the Keep and Euper, they kept in his wake, looking nervously at the various zoomorphs and women in pants or wielding weapons and wearing armor. They still hadn’t gotten over the arrival of Brian Brightleaf, brother to Misha. He’d come two days ago in what could best be described as a magical circus. One of the first things he’d done on arrival was create a series of rainbows that produced colored, flavored candy. Arcas still had a bag of it. “I wish Prince Phillip had just sent his regards,” said one. “Why’s that George? asked Arcas. “King Tenomides himself practically ordered him and the Princess and their children here, ill as he is.” “He doesn’t need us!” said another. “Or, I should say, doesn’t want us! We’re supposed to be guarding him and his family, but they’ve all opted to stay in that dreadful Keep!” “Keep a civil tongue in your head Alexander!” Arcas growled. “These are fine folks and those who Prince Philip feels most at home with. He and Princess Clover both ordered us to look around, and it would behoove us to do so anyway.” “Ain’t you afraid of the Curses?” asked the last. “What’s to fear Lukas? These folks are just like any others and happier than some!” “Ain’t you afraid of becomin’ a woman?” asked Lukas. “HA! I’d make a fine ginger lass! A bearer of children, should that be my fate! But I know what you fear Lukas: you’re a fool who thinks women weak and soft!” “Well, what of the child curse?” asked Alexander. “Surely you’d not wish to be a brat in diapers the rest of your life! And how would you even wield your Hammer?” “HA! I was no scrawny youth! And Henbi-shnut has just informed me she could change to match, so there’s no fear of that! But I know what you fear Alexander: you’re a fool who thinks children little better than witless animals!” “There’s the third curse, the animal curse, surely you’d not want to end up some beast!” said George. “HA! What do humans have that animals have not the better? One might argue we are in the image of Eli, but I do not believe that Eli could be so limited as our imaginations! But I know what you fear George: you’re a fool who thinks animals completely witless and credit them not with thoughts and emotions and souls of their own, different though they be to ours!” He glared at his companions as if to challenge them, but all three backed away. “In any case your fears are foolish indeed. We shall be here but seven days, and the Curses–if I understand them aright–take ten or a fortnight. Even were that time to get nigh, we could just go south and, I have heard, the time would reset. But it would be worth being Cursed to talk with Misha, and I know Henbi-shnut longs to speak with her sister.” The other three just shook their heads and went back towards the Keep. They had rooms there and enough humans around to feel comfortable until the royal family chose to leave. Arcas looked at them leave, huddling together each time they saw something strange as if they feared it would hurt them. He, however, went around and smiled. The Keepers, especially those who’d heard him rebuke the others, seemed a good deal friendlier. One, a sow, approached him. “Good sir, I heard you wished to meet lord Misha. Well, he and the lady Caroline will be at the Jolly Collie this eve to celebrate their wedding eve after spending this day meeting those who have arrived. I work there and can see if I can get you an audience.” He smiled at her. “That would be kind of you, my good woman. What is your name, and what can I do for you in return?” “I am Penwyn. I have nothing that I need right now sir, but your words are reward enough.” “Still, here is some coin, and if you don’t need it now you may at some time. Don’t thank me! Even if you don’t manage it, I’m still glad you will try.” She nodded and trotted away and he chuckled. He was pretty sure she wouldn’t be able to manage it, but then again the Keep was full of surprises! <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">–Next Part Below– </div>