Chapter 13 Chapter Thirteen

Elland stood there speechless. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't accept what he saw: this was where the first day of the Queen's 75th ceremonies took place.For hundreds of years, Kesh's best engineers have continued to renovate, supplement, and work hard on its design, until this unique masterpiece in the world stands in front of Eland in shock.This gigantic arena cuts into the middle of the Upper City on top of the hill - the Royal Palace is next to it.It exhausted the skill of the artist, the sweat of the craftsman, and the blood of the slave.There is seating for 50,000 people, more than the population of Krondo and Rilanon.

Erlander instructed his companions to walk with him, and there was still an hour before their appearance.Kefi Abkhariz, the ever-present guide, waited beside Erlander to answer questions. Finally Eland said, "Kafei, how long did it take to build this place?" "Hundreds of years, Your Highness." The desert man replied.He pointed to the bottom of the huge wedge that cut into the top of the mountain in the distance, "There, near the edge of the lower city, many years ago, there used to be an emperor of Kesh, Su Jin Rui Ni Kanafel - people call him Renjun ——Determined to abolish the prohibition that citizens who are not true blood are not allowed to stay on the top of this mountain, and create opportunities for his people to obtain more important positions. Many ceremonies, including several death sentences for treason, can determine this emperor kindness.He felt that the proposal ultimately failed at the hands of those who had a stake in it. "

"So he issued a decree that everything here belongs to the high ground, including her lowest part, which also affects a part of the upper city. Then he built a small arena there, which is about ten feet higher than it is now." Sweeping the front with his hands, Kefei began to talk about his next point of view, "So a wedge-shaped rock cut in there, so that those who cannot enter the upper city can also see the palace from there." "It looks like it's been expanded several times," Locklear said. "Yes," Kefei said, "only the entrance has been re-expanded five times, and the royal box has been redecorated three times." The large area covered by the huge silk he pointed to was where Eland and his party walked. Half-moon center on one side.Touching the prince's arm politely, Kefei pointed out the queen's private area for him. "Mother of Kesh, blessed by the gods, will be there to watch the celebration. Her golden throne is set on a small canopy, and around it are the seats of the royal family and her servants, and those of royal blood will be there Feel very comfortable. Only some of the highest nobles are allowed to enter that area. Entering there without royal papers is a death sentence, and the queen's Izmali guards will be guarding every entrance."

Pointing to another row of boxes, each of which is lower than the royal box just now, Kefei said, "Those who sit in the box near the queen are people born in high-ranking families in the empire, and they are members of the gallery." He recounted all the places at their altitude. Eland said, "Five thousand or six thousand people could stand on this floor, Kefi." The desert man nodded, "Maybe more. This layer is connected to the ground, like arms on both sides of the body. At the end, we will be a hundred feet below the queen's throne. Come, let me introduce you to more many things."

The desert people wear a dark blue and pure white robe for this formal ceremony, which causes them to be looked down upon by others on this floor.As they walked, the nobles here thought that the prince and his party had come to catch a quick glimpse of the queen, and some even asked the prince of the kingdom of Ayer to bow to them.Erland noticed that the passage behind the box was all open. "These are not all handled by the palace alone, is that impossible?" Kaffi nodded, "Aha, but they did." Eland said. "I'm thinking about the queen's safety and I'm disappointed once or twice a year by these noble passages. Those passages are a good shortcut for intruders to enter the palace."

Kefei shrugged, "In theory, my young friend. Because you have to understand that if the invaders threaten those passages, then they must control the lower cities, and if they occupy the lower cities, it can be said that the empire will Already destroyed, Kesh will become a thing of the past. This is the heart of the empire, and ten thousand imperial soldiers will swear to defend it. Do you understand?" Elland thought about it and nodded, "I guess you're right. We were born on an island and sailed on a sea with many neighboring countries...so we think about things a little differently."

"I understand," Keffi replied, pointing at the section between the winding box and the arena floor.The stone was cut away regressively and added concentrically, so that the grandstand was hewn from the rock of the plateau.There are dozens of stone stairs connecting from the ground to the lower floor of the box, and the citizens are crowded with brightly dressed citizens. "There are seats for petty nobles, guild chiefs, and wealthy merchants. The center of the arena is to be kept clear for the queen to enter." Kaifei said, "You and your party will enter from here, Your Highness, your mission will enter after the nobles and before the missions of other countries. In order to show the love of the Kingdom of Ayer, it is the mainland of Kemiya after the Kesh Empire. Only the queen can make such an arrangement because of the respect of the second largest country in the world."

Ellander grimaced James at the Queen's remedy, but said, "We thank Her Majesty for her kindness." Maybe Kaffi agrees with the sarcasm, but he keeps it to himself.As if there had never been an iota of politics, Kefi continued, "The people of Kesh are allowed to watch this celebration from the arena entrances, rooftops, and other available places." Eland looked towards the lower city, thousands of civilians were stopped outside by a long line of soldiers.The rooftops and windows on the street in front of the arena are excellent viewing points.It's a bit of a thrill to have such a large number of people crammed into one place.

Jamina, who has been walking quietly beside her husband, said, "I think they can see this." Kefi shook his head and said, "Maybe, but they couldn't see anything until Sujinrinikanafi ruled." "Your Excellency Abkhariz," said Locklear, "before you continue our introduction, can you join me in preparing the speech that our prince will give today?" Kaifei understood that this was an excuse for him to leave, but he had no reason to refuse the request, so he had to leave the prince with Locklear.Many of Kesh's servants entrenched around the prince and his party, serving them earnestly.There was no need to think about the secret agent of Cash's court among them, Eland thought of this and glanced at James. "what?"

James turned and leaned against the marble railing by the corridor, as if looking down on the arena. "Jamina," he whispered. Jamina closed her eyes, and her voice came into Erlander's head: "They're watching us." Erlander tried to keep his voice as quiet as possible. "We expected that," he replied. "No, this time it's a magic needle test." Eland restrained himself from coming up with dirty words. "Can they hear us talk like that?" "I don't know, she replied, my father could, but few were as powerful as he, and I don't think anyone could hear us."

James' voice said, "It's spectacular, isn't it?" and the message came from his mind, *I promise they can't do it, or you can feel it.And I don't think we'll be under any scrutiny anytime soon, and we can only hope we're right. " "Yes," Gamina replied, "I didn't know it was magic until I found it, it's cunning, and it's brilliant. I think its caster can hear our conversations and even see our Action. But if he can touch our hearts, I'll see." Jamina closed her eyes, as if dizzy from the heat.James steadied his wife.After a while, *I decided it wasn't Psychic Detection, otherwise I would have been able to reach its caster. " "What do you mean?" Elland asked. "I think we're being located by a magical device. Maybe a crystal ball or a mirror. My dad used it a lot in the lab. If so, I'm sure we can be seen by him, and we're not lip-reading." Even voices can be listened to. But I'm sure our minds are safe." "Fine," James said, "I finally got a call back from the agent here. That was a hell of a connection." "How long are we going to stand here?" Jamina asked absently. "I think it will be a few hours." James gave his opinion.At the same time he said to Erlander, we sat in a steam room, and it almost cooked me.Someone here is plotting to overthrow the Queen, and that's what our agent finally came up with. " Pretending to be bored and yawning, Elander said, "I hope I can cheer up all the time." Inwardly, Elander said, "What forces the Kingdom and Kesh to fall into a war?" "If we know this, we'd better know who started this rebellion. I feel bad, Erlander." "Putting aside the obvious danger, the city will have a large number of soldiers this afternoon. Every lord will bring his troops. In the next two months, there will be thousands of soldiers who are not directly under the Queen's command. Soldiers are stationed within the walls of Kesh." "Excellent," Eland replied. "Well, we'd better take a break before this ordeal begins." James said, "Yeah, I think that would help." Jamina asked in both minds simultaneously, "What are we going to do, James?" "Wait, that's all we can do now, that's his answer. And stay alert." "Kafel is back." Jamina reminded. The desert man said, "Your Highness, your comments are more refined and sincere than theirs. But after today's ceremony, I'm afraid you will see that short speeches do not conform to the characteristics of the empire." Eland was about to answer, but Kefei said, "Look, it's started." A tall man, old but still fit, entered the royal box and came to the edge of the stands.He wore a trueblood costume of skirt and sandals, but he also wore a gold collar that Erland reckoned weighed as much as a piece of leather armor.In his hand he held what looked like a wooden cane, with a golden head in a peculiar shape - a falcon perched on a disc. Kefei whispered, but let Elland and others can hear, "Kash's eagle, the symbol of the royal family. It only appears in the highest level of celebrations in the public. The falcon controls the trajectory of the sun and is sacred to the true blood. symbol of." The old man lifted his crutches, and then slammed it down heavily on the stone. The loud noise surprised Alander.Then he said, "Oh Cash, greatest nation, listen to me!" The acoustics of the arena are excellent.Even the people sitting on the roof of the avenue separated from the arena can clearly hear his speech after the surroundings are quiet. "Here she is! She is here! The mother of Keshi has arrived, she has added supreme brilliance to your lives." At this time, a team of several hundred people of true blood began to slowly enter the box. "The stars will bow at her feet, for she is the center of honor! The birds will cease their chirping for her voice, for it is the language of knowledge! The scholars weep for her thoughts, for her wisdom is unmatched! Fallen people tremble because of her, because her eyes can analyze people's hearts!" More true blood of different ages and official positions flowing with the blood of the queen walked into the box. Elland once thought that he had met many celebrities around the queen, but he still saw dozens of unfamiliar faces in the royal team that had just entered the arena.The only one of them who ever talked to Eland was Mr. Neromo, a stout, funny-tongued nobleman who was the aide to Prince Avory who greeted them when they entered the Upper City.Erland was surprised that he was also a member of the royal family.But at the same time, it's worth considering that there must be a reason for such a lowly person to be in such a high position.While the ceremonial officer continued to chant the queen's virtues, more male and female royal descendants entered. "It's really memorable, Ai" Rand tried to establish a connection with Jamina. James' wife patted him on the arm and replied, "Yes, James thinks so too." "Kefy," Eland said. "What's the matter, Your Highness?" "Can we stay here the whole time?" "There is no problem until your appearance, Your Highness." "Very good," Elland smiled satisfied at his thoughtfulness, "Can you answer a few questions?" "To the best of my knowledge," Kaffi replied. "You can always have your say, James," he added. Jamina delivered the message, and James nodded slightly in agreement. "How come there are so many people in the royal box, and I don't see any lords and officials among them?" "Only those members of the royal family who are in the line of Her Majesty the Queen are allowed in the box, and servants and guards are of course no exception." "Of course." Elland repeated. "This means that there are at least a hundred people who are recognized and legitimate heirs to the throne," James added. "If many people die because of reasonable orders." Elland added coldly. "That's right," James replied. When the Queen's relatives finished entering the arena, the first signal of discord appeared: some black armored warriors suddenly appeared in the box.They wore turbans on their heads and masks on their faces, leaving only their eyes exposed.Wearing long clothes that are easy to move around, with a machete hanging on the belt.Elland had heard of them: the Izmali, the legendary warriors of Kesh's Shadow.Gossip renders them almost magical.Only those whose status in the empire cannot be higher can be protected by these bodyguards.They were super-soldiers, but also super-secret agents—and people talked about their assassination skills in private. Eland tried to control his voice so as not to appear too excited, "Mr. Kefei, isn't the queen's royal guard guarding her side most of the time?" The desert man narrowed his eyes slightly, but there was no change in his expression, "Be more cautious with Izmali, they are invincible." "It shows," James told Eland through Carmina, "that the Queen no longer trusts her Royal Guard." When Izmali was in place, a dozen strong, anointed slaves appeared carrying the queen of Kesh on a palanquin.Throughout the royal entrance, the old man with the golden scepter has been chanting a lengthy ceremonial introductory tribute to the exploits of Lakeisha, Queen of Kesh.Suddenly Elland felt the tension around him, and began to listen carefully to the introduction of the ceremony. "... smashed the rebellion of lesser kesh." The old man chanted.Ailander thought of the history of Kesh he had learned. About the year he was born, in the south of the two transversal mountain ranges of the empire—Kash's ring belt—several successful independence for more than 20 years The country once again accepted the fate of subjugation.The Cash Dominion paid dearly for this rebellion.Thousands of people were executed, and only a few escaped to the kingdom. The destruction was a turmoil unprecedented in the history of the kingdom-entire cities were burned and the people there were sold into slavery.People, nations, languages ​​and cultures were wiped out and existed only among slaves.There were angry murmurs from the crowd - not just in the streets outside, much of the discontent was from the lesser cashes nobles in the lower ranks of the arena - the conflict of blood still existed between the people and their rulers . Kamina turned pale, Keffi noticed and asked, "Is Ma'am feeling unwell?" Jamina grabbed James' arm, leaned against him, and shook her head. "The weather, sir. I want a drink." Kefei just summoned a servant who was by his side.Soon he brought Jamina a glass of cold water.Gamina teleported to James, Locklear and Erlander while drinking water, "I was a little caught off guard by the onslaught of angry and hateful thoughts. Many people wanted the queen dead, and many, many such thoughts came from the royal box. " James softly stroked his wife's arm, and Locklear said, "If it's inconvenient for you to continue standing here, Jamina..." "No, Rocky. I'm fine. I just need some more water." "Sensible," Kaffi said. Elland turned his attention back to the team that entered next.The prince and the two princesses of Cash came on stage after the queen, and at this time the most powerful lords and lords also began to announce their entry. Mr. Jaka, Commander of the Royal Chariot Regiment, enters the arena. "How important is the chariot regiment to Kesh, Kefi?" Erland asked. "I don't quite understand what you mean, Your Highness." "I mean, are the chariot regiments just a traditional unit, or are they the real backbone of Cash's army? In the past, when there were occasional... disagreements between our two countries, we faced your terrible dogs Soldiers." Ke Fei shrugged, "The Chariot Regiment is the vanguard of the Alliance, Your Highness. But your border is in the far north, and unless there is a major need, they will not be sent to the border thousands of miles away from the capital. " "Jaka is the one who can create or destroy this conspiracy to overthrow the Queen." James put forward his opinion. Eland nodded, as if approving Kefei's answer.To Gamina, Locklear, and James he "said," "On the face of it, Jaka is loyal." "He's a key man, Ellander," James replied. "Neither the coup nor the suppression side could succeed without his support." Kefei patted Eland's arm, "The spokesperson for the dog soldiers, this is their master Surajafibuta. He commands the prince's regency troops, and is also the leader of Kestan, Isan, Paji and other Kais. The hereditary ruler of Xu Bingyuan County. The man was plainly dressed, and his black skin made him look like a true blood.White skirt, sandals, and a bald head, his skin the color of ebony in the sun.Many of his retinue were similarly dark-skinned, and some were recognized as true blood by the uncommon-sense Arlander. Elland looked to James, who said, "He is an unknown player, Elland. His allegiance is open. His people were the first to be conquered by their neighbors, and they were the first in this country, It is the second place after True Blood. Abu Bakar, Minister of Military Affairs of Cash, is the real commander of this army, but this person also has great influence in the army." Kefi said, "Perhaps we can go down, Your Highness Prince Eland. Eland, "Please lead the way." A group of guards broke into the vicinity of the prince and his party, which shocked Erland for a moment.He didn't see them approaching him silently from the crowd.People in the aisle behind the box seemed to instinctively sense their approach and make way.James commented, "People in this class seem to be on the alert at all times when they appear closer than those of their higher class." Kefi spread her hands and shrugged. "Ma'lish." Eland understood that in Benny—Kafei's national language—it meant, "I'm sorry." It is a way of saying that Benny people feel helpless about fate. Lord Ravi cut in ahead of Elland's team, and then he looked back to check the other teams coming in.The people at the front of the line are all bald, except for a long strand of hair left in the center of the lower head, which is kept standing up with pomade and wax.The drooping ponytail is tied together with a leather ring against the wearer's skin tone.They wore only a loincloth, their anointed bodies glistening in the sun.Their skin was sun-baked, but it looked paler than most Keshis, and a little reddish.Most of them are brunettes.Standing behind them were some long-haired young men, who also followed the example of their predecessors and tied their ponytails, but their hair was curled around their ears.They wore brightly-hued leather armor with a garish flare at the top, giving the impression that the width of their shoulders was exaggerated.They also only wore loincloths.Wearing leather boots made of fine calfskin. Eland stopped him, "Kafei, who are they?" Kaifei could hardly conceal his contempt for those people, "Ashanta horsemen, Your Highness. Lord Ravi is the commander of the Brotherhood of Warhorses. This is the army that the Ashanta people are best at, and they are the worst A group of people—" Keffi found himself almost phrasing his point, "conquering them is difficult, my lord, but they still maintain their national identity. They are only allowed to enter the court because of their loyalty to the Empire." "Also because their city-state is on the wrong side of the Ring of Cash," James added, "from our reports, Abbotta, the queen's general had to force them to fill up the cavalry against the rebel alliance. " As they continued to move toward the bottom of the arena, Erlander asked, "Is there a reason I don't see any women?" Kefi said, "Ashantas are a strange people. Their women—" He glanced at Jamina, hoping not to offend her—"their women are considered property. They can be bought Swap buying and selling. Ashantas don't see women as human beings." Even though he dislikes it, he hides it well. Eland did not let go of this opportunity, "Didn't your people give women a lot of freedom?" Kefei's blood poured up and colored his black cheeks, "It is so on the surface, Your Highness, from our ancestors. But we are also a group of people who keep learning from our neighbors, and we don't trade our daughters for camels anymore .” He squinted at the box where Lord Ravi sat. "But girls are sold there, and if a woman offends a man, a man can do anything he wants to her, including killing her. They disparage feelings and preach that loving a woman makes you weak. They see sexuality as a Procreation is necessary, but love is..." He shrugged, "There is a saying among our people 'Even the man of highest birth is only a servant in his bedroom.' Many eminent rulers accept that Advice from their beloved wives in their arms, governing the country with benevolence." "But there—" Kaffi glanced, "I'm sorry, I didn't want to give a speech." “Not at all,” Jamina said. “I thought that was touching.” To others, she said, “he just personally doesn’t like any social customs of the Ashantas at all. He hates them.” Kefi said, "A long time ago, when I was a child, my father served the mother of Cash and brought glory to the family before me. Here, I met a man who was the son of Lord Ravi. At that time, we were just two boys who didn't know the world. Ravi's son - Lanaiwei was a wonderful boy, and we often rode together. Who is the best knight is a recognized question in the empire, Ashanta People are still Zhapu people. We often compete our riding skills on the grass in front of the city gate, he rides his Ashanta pony, and I ride my desert horse. We have become a pair of friends so-so.” "There was a girl. I later found out that she was an Ashanta." Kai Fei said blankly, "I wanted to change her back, it was their custom, but Ravi marked her for one of their festivals. She was finally won home by a samurai. I believe, she was the third or fourth wife of that samurai." He waved his hand, as if those were things that should have been forgotten, "They took their The women walked in the crowd with collars tied in a string. They didn't let them wear clothes, only a loincloth for shame, even in cold weather. Their lack of clothes didn't matter at all in the eyes of True Blood, But Her Majesty, and her mother, found the treatment of women by husbands, sons and fathers a little repulsive. So Lord Ravi and some others, with their keen political eyes, saw that this would offend the Queen, and never Take their women to the palace. But that's not all. The queen's grandfather, it is said, decided to see a performance by young Ashanta girls. It was the Ashanta who spontaneously entered for the emperor's request... for entertainment Dedicated, so the Brotherhood of the Horses was elevated in the court of the Empire." "The strength of a nation can also be seen in this matter." Locklear mentioned dryly. "That's it," Kefi said. They reached the bottom of the ramp, where a line of soldiers stood, clearing the crowd for the various teams that were allowed to attend.Ellander's guard, dressed in the uniform of the kingdom, with the embroidered sash of the Krondor's royal palace guards, awaited their prince below.Eland noticed that Queeg's representative was standing behind his men, complaining that their country was ranked below the kingdom of Ayer. Erlander turned his attention back to Kaffi's story. "Lanavi wanted to steal the girl for me as a gift. It's a custom among them too, if you manage to steal a woman from a rival's house—bring her back to your own— She's yours. Not seventeen Lanevi tried to steal her back from the man who won his sister home. But he didn't succeed, he died." There was no poignancy or emotion in his words, "In this way, you understand why I cannot appreciate the noble qualities of the Ashantas." Softly, he added, "Anyway." Jamina looked at the deserter sympathetically, but didn't say anything. They stood for ten minutes, waiting to go up into the arena.No one had spoken since Kaffi finished his friend's story.Locklear felt that it was time to change the subject, "Mr. Kefei, where is the mission from Liberty City?" "They were absent, Your Excellency," Keffi replied. "They did not send anyone to the ceremony. Those people who were once the Bassanian Empire still have no diplomatic relations with the Empire." "The grievances run deep," James said. Eland said, "I don't understand. In my age, the Empire fought three wars with Queeg, and there were frequent border conflicts with Ayer. But why is it so difficult to be diplomatic with the Liberty City?" Walking forward, Kaffi explained, "Those who lived in what you call the Free City were once loyal to us. When the first Alliance rebelled, many years ago, Kesh mobilized her Zap All the garrisons in the north, let those colonists be self-sufficient, Queeg, on the other hand, she succeeded in independence ten years ago, and is a country with great potential for development. You Aier country will always be a foreign country to us, But those who dwell in the Free Cities are rebels who have betrayed their rulers. They, the farmers and innkeepers, are left to defend themselves." Aland walked forward while thinking about this, waiting for someone to announce their admission.He glanced at the corridor leading to the top, and saw the last few lords and nobles entering the arena.Bassania is a piece of land in the Principality of Coredia, which is now part of the Kingdom. Before it was conquered by Elland's great-great-grandfather, there were a large number of goblins, trolls, and dark clans, a barren land.Without an army stationed there, life must have been a constant struggle.Eland can understand why people in the free city still have deep-rooted hatred for the empire. Then he heard his name read, and Kaffi said, "Your Highness, it's time." Like one person, the entire kingdom mission began to enter the arena, only Jiamina couldn't keep up with the rhythm of the others, and stepped on the slate floor of the arena with a militarized pace.It took five minutes to cross the bowl-shaped bottom of the arena, but finally they emerged under the scorching sun, the Prince of Ayer officially appearing before the Queen of the Great Cash Empire.Before that, Elland hadn't really understood the reality of Borric's disappearance.It was he, not his brother, who stood before the world's most powerful ruler, and one day he might find her successor his deadliest enemy, for it was he, not Borric , will one day be king of Ayer.He hadn't been so frightened since he left his mother's arms. Admission gets a little blurry.Ailander almost forgot to introduce himself to the royal family, and almost lost any memory of the lines he had memorized in advance.No one commented or laughed. He assumed that what he said was decent, and he couldn't remember which country's representative came out after him.He is now sitting on the stone chair on the lowest level of the arena, and beside him are the embassies from various countries who have brought blessings to the queen's seventy-fifth birthday ceremony.Trying to adjust himself to the sudden fear, he said, "Kaffi, why is the banapis festival postponed?" Kefi said, "Unlike your people, we Kesh do not count Midsummer's Day as our birthday. Here with us, everyone who knows their date of birth celebrates it on their own day. The mother of Kesh descended on the fifteenth day of dzanin, so we will celebrate her on that day, which will be the last day of the ceremony." Eland said, "It's so weird. Celebrating your birthday on your real birthday, there must be dozens of birthday celebrations every day. It's a feeling of cheating." "Different customs," commented Locklear. A servant dressed in true blood appeared in front of the prince and bowed slightly.He produced a scroll bound with a golden ribbon.Kefei, as the prince's guide and ceremonial officer, took the scroll.He glanced at the wax seal and said, "I think it's a personal letter." Elland asked, "Why?" "This is Princess Sharana's seal." He handed it to Eland, and the prince untied the ribbon, opened the wax seal, and slowly read the beautifully written scroll, as if he had never received such a noble gift from the royal family of Cash.Jamina started laughing as he read. James turned sharply, concerned that his wife had inadvertently exposed her powers, but Jamina said, "Why, Elland? I swear you're blushing." Eland smiled and put the scroll in his belt. "Ah... this sun is really." He explained, but it couldn't hide the smile on the corner of his mouth. "What is it?" Locklear asked jokingly. "An invitation," Elland said. "Invitation to what?" Locklear demanded. "We are attending the Queen's formal dinner tonight." Grinning, Eland said, "This is... an invitation after the dinner." James and Locklear exchanged knowing glances.Then Locklear said, "Kefy, is this the way True Blood... arranges things? I mean, like... invite each other?" Kefei shrugged, "It's not unheard of, but Princess Sarana was born noble, and she can show her... politeness better than others, if you know what I mean." "What about Princess Sujana?" Locklear then asked. James smiled, "I wonder how long you'll be able to stay with that person?" Jamina narrowed her eyes slightly, "That person?" "A general statement, my love. Loki was supposed to come here in Krondor to... oh, to meet all the beauties in sight." Kefi said, "If you ask for a meeting with the princess, you have to make some preparations but it will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity. Also, it is said that she is...with Lord Ravi these days, so your request is likely to be rejected. Politely... just ignore it." Locklear sat back, trying to be more comfortable on the stone, though beautifully cushioned. "I just wanted to find a way to see her. Talk to her one more time..." Kaffi made that gesture again - "ma'lish". James glanced at Eland, the prince was immersed in his dream.He whispered to Jamina, "Kafi didn't mention anything about Princess Sujana. Can you tell me?" "Sorry," she replied, "but I got a feeling when her name was mentioned. " "What is it?" "Extremely dangerous."