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Old 05-12-2004, 04:08 PM   #202
Estelyn Telcontar
Princess of Skwerlz
 
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles)
Posts: 7,645
Estelyn Telcontar has reached the Cracks of Doom and destroyed the Ring!Estelyn Telcontar has reached the Cracks of Doom and destroyed the Ring!Estelyn Telcontar has reached the Cracks of Doom and destroyed the Ring!Estelyn Telcontar has reached the Cracks of Doom and destroyed the Ring!Estelyn Telcontar has reached the Cracks of Doom and destroyed the Ring!Estelyn Telcontar has reached the Cracks of Doom and destroyed the Ring!Estelyn Telcontar has reached the Cracks of Doom and destroyed the Ring!Estelyn Telcontar has reached the Cracks of Doom and destroyed the Ring!Estelyn Telcontar has reached the Cracks of Doom and destroyed the Ring!Estelyn Telcontar has reached the Cracks of Doom and destroyed the Ring!
Incompetent fool! Wyrma thought derisively after her meeting with Falasmir. He does not even know that the captain and his first mate were not on the ship that escaped. She would have to find a way to use that information to her advantage.

Her mind wandered back in time, seeing Falasmir as he had been many years ago when they first met. A young and dashing prince he had appeared to her, with courage and daring, though rash and boastful at times. Yet in the past years, after the great war, he had grown idle and mindful only of his own pleasure. Too much food and drink had robbed his body of its former strength, and he spent more time with his many wives than with his warriors. No wonder even the once feared Umbarian ships had lost their threat; without control and leadership, their men lacked discipline.

Her thoughts turned again to the Northerners and the tale of a Shapechanger they had met; were they spies who could endanger her people? Was it chance that they had not travelled with the “Lonely Star” or did they have plans for more than just trading? So many questions and no satisfactory answers; well, it was good to have someone keeping on their track. If only it had been a more experienced Maenwaith, not Tinar. At least Kor and his companion will be reliable, she thought, even if Mu’sad and Nizar should fail in their task.

Her musings were interrupted by a discreet knock at the side door. Elsta entered upon receiving permission. The maid bowed her head deferentially, then asked, “Will you receive Galandor this evening?”

The very distraction I need! Wyrma thought, and answered, “Yes, he is welcome to come.” Her current favourite had been carefully chosen; as Falasmir’s right hand, he had considerable influence in Umbar. She had nurtured his secret ambitions and fostered the veiled rivalry between him and the ruler, binding him to herself with tantalizing hints of future power, as well as with her considerable skill and experience in giving a man pleasure when it served her purposes. Perhaps his time will come sooner than he thinks, she mused, and then the door opened once again…
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