Her Rightful Place

32: The Rescuers

"I hope your rescues are complete, for though the dragon has been temporarily appeased, I have no doubt that she will soon be roaring and flaming again," Xavier calls to Jerôme in the back halls of the Torture Wing. The Duke emerges from a side passage with several servants and artisans in his wake.

"I have rescued many but not all, as you know is always the case. She would surely suspect something if everyone went missing," Jerôme replies sensibly. "Now, away with us, before she catches our scent. Whatever good you have wrought will be forfeit if our philanthropy is discovered."

"Of course, of course. Let us by all means be on our way. Down the back passage to the stairwell and through the courtyards. The artisans can leave by way of the main gate."

"My plan exactly. Come along, all. We have no time to tarry." They all move swiftly through the dark, narrow hallways, trying not to flinch at the screams and pleas for mercy that can be heard throughout the entire Torture Wing. Would that we could save all of them, Xavier wishes. God, if you exist, why do you not provide a way to end this needless suffering immediately? But no miraculous rescue is provided and the company continues on its gloomy way, which fortunately is not long in ending in a much more cheerful courtyard. Xavier marvels that the Queen has not renovated the courtyards to her taste, as she has done with the rest of the palace. He suspects that this is purely to keep up appearances of normalcy, though it is common knowledge that Her Majesty cares little to have a good reputation, whatever she may claim.

"Be on your way, good citizens, and do endeavor not to anger Her Majesty so much in the future, for we may not be able to set you free a second time. Let the screams of those we could not rescue be a reminder of that," Xavier advises the rescued servants and artisans darkly. They all nod with sombre, worried expressions and scurry off either to their duties or to the gates to return home. Both Prince and Duke sigh heavily once the last of them are out of sight.

"Back to the grind, then," Jerôme says with resignation. "What did you say to Her Majesty to get her to back down?"

"I simply employed the usual persuasive tactics, reminding her of the delicate natures and vastly different culture of our Guests of Honor for this most prestigious event and how we must be sensitive to them if we wish for this alliance to work out." They slowly begin to make their way back into the palace, dreading what new mischief the Queen might have caused for them to fix.

"And she was actually responsive to such tactics? Perhaps there is hope for the realm! A brilliant man, you are."

"No more brilliant than you are. How did you manage to rescue a dozen innocents in such a short period of time?"

"Funny you should ask. Lord Feldspar appointed the newest Torture Wing Guard and instructed him to do whatever I say. Apparently this arrangement is costing Feldspar quite a bit of money, but the Guard was all too willing to let me have the master key ring and do as I pleased. I slipped him a few extra coins when I returned the keys, told him he knew nothing of this, and went on my way, running into you shortly thereafter." Xavier shakes his head.

"Under any other circumstances I would condemn both of you as corrupt and release you from my service. However, in this case I say, 'Well done.'"

Jerôme laughs in reply as they round a corner and enter the Great Hall through a side door. A courier is shifting impatiently from foot to foot, looking around for someone.

"Can I help you?" the Duke asks, making the courier jump.

"Ah, Your Excellency. I have a message from the Vyrunian palace for you," he replies with a bow before rushing over to the noble pair. Xavier's eyes light up with interest and curiosity but he permits Jerôme to take the message with the familiar red wax seal. He does not wish to draw undue attention to himself.