Day 13 - morning
----------------

It was a chilly, fog swept morning at Autumn fast had grip and winter was 
not far round the corner.

Rhia sat at her desk talking to S'dan. Tina sat opposite wondering why the 
warren lady had summoned her. Sailyn sat next to Tina as puzzled by the 
summons as Tina was when there was a knock at the door and A'rillia stepped 
in.

"You wanted to see me?" said A'rillia to Rhia glancing at Tina.
"Yes I wanted to see you both. Please take a seat." said Rhia. "You are both 
junior queen riders from Marrid, it seems that the shifting magic round 
Marrid is still highly unpredictable and we can't make plans for the Marrid 
dragons returning to their warren. So for the time being we will have to 
work out how things are going to work here Xylian. I am going to offically 
announce to the warren that you will be offically recognised as Xylian 
junior queen riders."

Tina looked at A'rillia and then back at Rhia.
"Excuse me but Shella has turned metallic several times before but usually 
reverts back to a normal dragon. This time next week she might not be a 
queen anymore."
"I am well aware of Shellas 'problem' but it will add stability to the 
warren if she is recognised as a queen even if she reverts to a normal 
dragon, as the past has shown she might easily become a queen again. Do 
either have a problem with this?"

Both A'rillia and Tina said they did not.
"Well that was easy. The second matter is what do we do with this assassin 
we have locked up?"
"Hang him from the nearest tree." said Tina flattly.
"I agree," said A'rillia "but we still don't know who sent him."
"Well we can't let him go, he has murderde dragons and their riders." said 
Tina. "Besides Shella is ready to take matters into her own hands and rip 
him to peices for nearly destorying her eggs."

"OK then I think we will have to hold him to trial for his actions. If we 
wait a few days the Duchess and some of the nobility will be here for the 
hatching. I suggest we wait until then to hold the trial. Either of you 
against this?"

"Not me." said Tina.
"I thikns thats fine by me." said A'rillia.

"That is settled then. Now lastly the hatching. Queri says that the eggs are 
going to hatch any day now."
"So does Shella." agreed Tina.
"We need to prepare for the hatching and the nobility arriving. I have a 
feeling that some of the lord might not take to well for the tithes being 
increased to cope with the influx of dragons at the warren. I want you both 
to think about how we are going to get the to agree.

I will also want you both by my side when Lord Haedin arrives and the 
Duchess. I want you both to learn what you can from Sarilyn about courtly 
etiguette and the political turbulance here. She has a noble background and 
has some knowledge which I am sure you will both find useful.

That is everything I wanted to cover. Is there anything you wanted to 
discuss?" askde Rhia.

[Tag Jill, Betty and Jeanette.]

Day 13 - Mid morning]

Billy wandered the warren green, seemingly over night the green had come 
alive with tents and the players from Baroudis travelling group. Hopefully 
after the hatching the usual party would happen and everyone would let their 
hair down and get to know each other. Billy was starting to feel like a 
stranger in his own home!

"Oiy you!" said a gruff voice from behind several wooden barrells.
"Yes?" said Billy.
"What is all the fuss?"
"Oh the hatching is going to take place soon. We're getting ready foa  big 
party."
"Well you better help me with these!" snapped the gruff voice. Billy peered 
round to barrell to see a short bearded man with a leather apron.
"Who are you?"
"Otho, and I don't have time to speak so gimme a hand!"
"Oh right what do you want me to do?" asked Billy.
"Move these damn barrells to my bar."
"What bar?"
"the one that I will be opening soon. That is if you stop chatting and gimme 
a hand or I might have to delay the opening until the NEXT hatching." 
snapped Otho.

[Day 13 - Lunch time]

"Thanks." grunted Otho.
"Is that it? I have spent all morning helping you move these barrells about 
and all I get is thanks."
"What do you want? A medal?" snapped Otho.
"Well a drink would be nice." grinned Billy.
"Help yourself." said Otho.

Billy picked up a tankard and helpd himself to a pint of ale.
"You want one?" Billy offered.
"Yeah might as well."
"So when are you plannig on opening?" asked Billy looking round at the dirty 
walls. Otho had swept round and liberated a few tables from round the 
warren. A tempory bar had been set up but there was still a lot of work to 
do.
"Well I was hoping for tomorrow or the day after, though no-one has offered 
to help. Know of anyone wanting a job?" asked Otho.
"I can ask around." said Billy.

NRPG Not everything I want to get down, but there you go. I will have some 
of the nobles start arriving soon, and the hatching soon after if that is ok 
with everyone.

Anyone want to work ay Othos bar?
James
xxx
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