The search of Monica 1

"No need for tears," said Hrobar reassuringly. "You've got us here, after all. There are plenty more people out there whose hearts have already been broken on account of what you told us today; now we'll do our best not to add to your troubles!"

Regin stared up into space as if trying to find answers in a cloudy sky full of mist; he was thinking about his sister Zara and her brother Luca both having to suffer so much misfortune within a short time of meeting, because the King had sent them off to war together, while also wondering whether the mysterious stranger might turn up sooner or later to put matters right again.

"What does any of it matter?" asked Skraffi. "I'm just glad I wasn't one of those guards standing guard outside the gates when it happened." He raised his cup high into the air. "To Queen Anirul's daughter!" he cried. "May she be blessed forever by the gods above!"

Hector joined in the toast, clapping his hands together until everyone else did likewise and began chantin